TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Sushi has long been the signature dish associated with Japan, consistently ranking as a top choice among foreign travelers. But a recent survey shows a shift in tourist preferences. Ramen has now surpassed sushi as the most satisfying food experience for international visitors.
According to Sora News24, Japan’s ramen industry has grown rapidly over the past decade. Analysts estimate the market is now valued at 7.9 billion yen (around Rp841 billion), reflecting a 60 percent increase.
The growing value shows ramen’s expanding appeal both domestically and internationally. Many tourists now view ramen restaurants as must-visit destinations when seeking authentic Japanese cuisine.
A comprehensive report released in March by Japan’s government tourism agency asked foreign visitors which food or drink they enjoyed most during their trip.
Ramen came out on top, with 18.9 percent of respondents choosing it, while sushi, traditionally Japan’s most famous culinary export, ranked third with 14.5 percent.
Why Tourists Are Choosing Ramen Over Sushi
Daisuke Iijima from Teikoku Databank explained that as ramen gains worldwide popularity, travelers increasingly see eating it in Japan as a badge of authenticity. They want to try the real thing at its source.
Sushi remains strong in many quality aspects, including freshness, taste, presentation, and service. However, the survey highlights two main reasons tourists gravitate toward ramen:
- Ramen’s global trend status
Among respondents, 16.7 percent said ramen’s current popularity influenced their choice. By comparison, 11.1 percent of sushi respondents mentioned popularity as a factor. Ramen has become a cultural phenomenon globally, featured in social media posts, food shows, and travel content.
- The search for authentic flavor
Many tourists feel they cannot find genuine Japanese ramen in their home countries. While instant noodles are widely available abroad and sushi restaurants might be easier to find than ramen shops, the depth and variety of true Japanese ramen remain hard to replicate.
Even though Japanese sushi offers fresher seafood and more diverse fish selections than many overseas restaurants, the most commonly ordered types, such as tuna, salmon, yellowtail, are widely available worldwide. For many visitors, that makes the sushi experience feel more familiar.
By contrast, ramen offers a richer sense of discovery. Japan offers a wide range of regional ramen styles from the thick miso broths of Hokkaido to the creamy tonkotsu ramen of Fukuoka and many other local variations. For many tourists, tasting these distinctive flavors becomes a memorable highlight of their visit.
A Bowl of Novelty
Many foreign visitors appreciate fresh Japanese sushi. Yet some say it does not feel radically different from what they can find at home. A bowl of ramen, with its unique broth, noodles, toppings, and regional identity, often delivers an entirely new experience.
The survey suggests that as ramen continues to evolve and grow in international recognition, it may increasingly become the signature comfort food that visitors most look forward to trying in Japan.
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