ZUZUTTO?

Ippudo .. a famous Ramen chain in Japan whose branch in Roppongi I blogged earlier, produced this cute 'everything-you-need-to-know-but-are-afraid-to-ask' brochure which introduced this fantastic word ... Zuzutto!

' ... The key to enjoy Ramen is sound. One should slurp the noodles, creating the distinct noise the Japanese describe as Zuzutto, which signifies maximum enjoyment of the Ramen, because it is created by simultaneously consuming the noodles and the soup, which allows the complexity of the flavors to spread throughout the mouth, eventually leading to the ultimate experience of Nodogoshi ... the silky sensation or food slipping through one's throat. But do be careful with the hot soup ...' There you have it, the Karma Sutra of Ramen Slurping.

Do you know?  '... the history of Ramen dates back to 1665 when Mitsukuni Mito, a Vice Shogun (did not know this title existed - thought a Shogun reigns supreme - ever heard of a Vice Emperor) in the Edo era treated a Confucian Chinese scholar to Udon, who reciprocated with a bowl of Chinese noodles in soup ...' He was my man, I am no fan of Udon, and if you like Trivial Pursuit, this one has your name on it.

Ipputo has 4 shops in Hong Kong (Central - CWB - TST - Kowloon Bay) so check them out.