When you sit down at a ramen shop, your first thought is probably about the noodles and broth (maybe a couple of side dishes ;))—but what about your drink? Ramen is a comforting and flavorful dish, and it deserves the perfect drink to complement its rich broth, chewy noodles, and savory toppings. So, how do you decide what to order?
Whether you’re at a traditional ramen shop, a trendy noodle bar, or making a bowl at home, picking the perfect beverage can make your meal even more satisfying. So, let’s see what options there are out there and the best drinks to order with your ramen, depending on the experience you want.
1. Refreshing and Palate-Cleansing Options
If you want something light and refreshing, opt for a drink that won’t overpower the flavors of your ramen.
A classic choice is green tea, either hot or iced, which provides a slightly bitter contrast to the umami-rich broth.
Another great option is iced barley tea (mugicha), a toasty, nutty Japanese tea that’s naturally caffeine-free and perfect for balancing heavier broths. And of course, you can always go for a simple glass of cold water, which is a safe and neutral choice for any ramen style.
Picking the Perfect Green Tea For Your Ramen:
Green tea has a slightly bitter, earthy flavor that helps cleanse the palate between bites, making it a good match for rich, umami-packed ramen.
However, some people prefer roasted green teas like hojicha or genmaicha (which contains roasted rice) because they have a milder, toasty flavor that pairs well with heavier broths like tonkotsu or miso ramen. If you’re at a ramen shop and want tea, you can simply ask for ocha (Japanese for “tea”), and they’ll usually serve a house green tea, which works just fine.
2. Classic Alcoholic Pairings
For those who enjoy an alcoholic beverage with their meal, ramen pairs surprisingly well with beer and traditional Japanese spirits. A crisp Japanese beer, like Asahi, Sapporo, or Kirin, cuts through the richness of the broth and complements fried sides like gyoza or tempura.
If you prefer something stronger, sake (Japanese rice wine) offers a smooth, umami-rich pairing—go for a dry sake with tonkotsu or miso ramen, or a slightly sweeter sake with lighter broths like shoyu or shio. Shochu, a distilled Japanese spirit, is another excellent option, especially when served on the rocks or with cold water for a more subtle flavor.
How to Order Sake in Japanese
To order sake in Japanese, you can say “日本酒 (nihon-shu)” (meaning “Japanese sake”) or “お酒 (o-sake)” (meaning “alcohol/drink”). If you want a specific type, you can add the sake style before it, like “純米酒 (junmai-shu)” (Junmai sake) or “吟醸酒 (ginjo-shu)” (Ginjo sake).
3. Sweet & Citrusy Non-Alcoholic Options
If you like a little sweetness in your drink, a yuzu soda or citrusy lemonade can provide a refreshing contrast to the saltiness of the broth. Yuzu, a Japanese citrus fruit, has a bright, tangy flavor that works especially well with soy-based or spicy ramen.
Ramune soda, a popular Japanese soft drink, is another fun and slightly sweet option, though it’s best suited for lighter broths.
4. Cooling Drinks for Spicy Ramen
If you’ve ordered a bowl of fiery, spice-packed ramen, you’ll want a drink that can cool down the heat.
Milk or soy milk is a great choice, as the creamy texture helps neutralize spice. A sweetened iced tea or a mild fruit juice, like apple or pear, can also help balance the heat without clashing with the broth’s flavor.
Drinking and Ramen
No matter what type of ramen you’re enjoying, there’s a perfect drink to complement it. Whether you prefer a traditional tea, a crisp beer, or a refreshing citrus soda, choosing the right beverage can enhance your dining experience and bring out the best flavors in your bowl.
So next time you’re at a ramen shop, don’t just focus on the noodles—take a moment to pick the perfect drink and make your meal even better! 🍜🥂
