In Japan, ordering ramen (as well as some other noodle varieties and fast-food) is often done through a ticket machine. When there’s limited English signage, the process can be a little daunting for first-timers, so here are some helpful tips.
Navigating a ramen ticket machine
Most ramen shops will have customers place their order through a ticket machine, often found just inside the entrance. The ticket machine — often satisfyingly tactile rather than a touchscreen — will have a different menu item corresponding to each button. These items will typically include bowls of ramen (obviously) as well as toppings and side dishes (often gyoza or mini rice bowls). Some may also offer a few simple drinks.
The basic flow is: decide what you want from the menu, insert your money (many machines are cash-only), and press the button for the corresponding dish(es). A ticket will pop out in the tray at the bottom — take it and hand it to the waiter or place it on the counter for the chef/kitchen staff to see. If you wait a beat, the machine will spit out your change too, but you can also press the change button to speed up the process.
Sometimes, even after buying a ticket, the staff may ask you questions about potential customization, such as “Are you ok with garlic as a topping?” or “Thick or thin noodles?” This just depends on the shop and its menu.
Tips from a semi-pro
The above is all well and good, but the tricky part is timing. Ramen is a kind of fast food: Popular shops will expect a quick customer turnaround, and the people behind you in line may expect you to order quickly. But what do I even want to order? And the ticket machine is in Japanese! Maybe with no pictures! Ahh, pressure!
If you don’t want to limit yourself to chains — trust me, the independent ramen shops are so worth it — and don’t want to stress before a delicious meal, you’re going to need a ticket machine game plan. Even after dozens, if not hundreds, of ramen adventures, I always make sure I’ve done my research before stepping into the shop.
Basically, Google Maps is my go-to, although platforms like Tabelog could work just as well: For most shops, ramen fanatics people will upload photos of not only the dishes but also the menu and the ticket machine (sometimes these are one and the same). I usually look through the photos and/or reviews to decide what I want to order, then check the ticket machine photo to see what it’s called and where it is on the machine. For popular shops, this is a good way to pass the time while waiting in line. When you step into the shop and face the ticket machine, you’re cool as chilled summer ramen.
By the way, a minority of ramen shops don’t use ticket machines. In these cases, staff will take your order from the menu. Just don’t forget to pay when you leave! In addition, some ramen shops, especially major chains, may have a menu with photos, making it easy for international visitors to simply point to what they want.
FAQ
- How can I order in a ramen shop?
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Most ramen shops will have customers order at a ticket machine when they come in. These are often cash-only. As you are expected to order almost immediately, it’s good to do some research beforehand and face the ticket machine with a game plan in mind.
- How can I tell what’s in the ramen? How can I know if it’s vegan?
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Ramen menus are usually very simple (although the dishes themselves may not be), and ramen typically contains either fish or meat (often both), including in the broth. To avoid stress, search online to find ramen shops that specifically can meet your dietary needs (vegan, halal, etc.).
- What should I do if the menu/ticket machine is only in Japanese?
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Ramen shops are fast-paced. Rather than whipping out Google Translate on the spot and spending minutes deciphering the ticket machine, do some translating of photos online prior to entering the store to come prepared with an idea of what you want to order.