Anything in Japanese culture is proper and organized. No stepping out of line and winging it. It’s easy to get along with Japanese people – Just follow the rules and regulations.
So, it’s quite a surprise to see drunk men urinating at street corners in Tokyo or frequenting elegant, well-established Japanese restaurants and hearing obnoxious slurping noises at every other table, canceling out the soft, soothing background music.
The reason for the slurp fest is cold (or hot) soba. The buckwheat flour noodles with a slightly grainy texture, topped with nori seaweed, have been some of the most popular foods in Japan since the Edo period. Originally, buckwheat was cultivated during drought and famine as food for the lower classes, but soon became a great addition as casual meals for samurais and noblemen. Today, cold soba on zaru bamboo trays and hot soba in a soup can be found in fast food and specialty high-class establishments everywhere.
Even Bangkok’s Japanese population and Japanese food lovers don’t have to deprive themselves of the noodle experience. While the weather is always hot, guests can always choose between hot and cold noodles, although they are usually eaten according to the season.
Mitsumori in Sukhumvit Soi 23 is famed for their quality soba with extra, seasonal toppings and their tsuyu dipping sauce made from dashi, sweetened soy sauce, and mirin. Reservations, eating with chopsticks (unlike Thai food), and slurping are encouraged.
The slurping shows appreciation for the food, enhances the flavors, and aerates the food. However, you don’t have to slurp if you feel it’s bad manners. You may as well order one of the delicious desserts to let the cook know you appreciate his craft.
More into delicious chicken skewers, check out Toritama Yakitori.
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chao phraya princess 
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