Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

layinfalls86 · Joined: 25 Dec 2006 Posts: 1

One thing that confuses me a lot is the way Chinese people eat their noodles, you know, even if it's a formal dinner, they'd suck in the noodles with tremendous sound! Isn't that kind of impolite? Later I found a Chinese learning site www.activechinese.com, it says:
"Though in western culture, it�s considered impolite to make any sort of noise while eating, it�s very acceptable in China to �slurp� your noodles. This is the case not only in casual settings with friends, but even in formal settings or business meetings. So when you order noodles, don�t be shy! Slurp away!"
Is this true? I also heard the same habit in Japan. Anyway,I like it,cause now I can throw away all that "pretend-to-be-a-lady"thing and enjoy my favorite noodles!

ad-miral · Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Posts: 1488

yeah, very true
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beancurdturtle · Posted: Mon Dec 25, 2006 9:32 am Post subject:

In Japan as well.
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Bob S. · Joined: 29 Apr 2004 Posts: 1767 Location: So. Cal

Ramen and soba shops in Japan are very noisy places (slurp slurp slurp). The reason is simple: the noodles and soup are hot. So sucking in air helps cool the food so you don't burn your mouth, much the same way you blow on a spoonful of soup or a cup of hot coffee or tea.
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