Can ramen be vegetarian?

Yes, many shops do a veggie broth with miso or kombu, but most classic ramen uses pork or chicken stock. Ask, since sauces and toppings can hide meat.

What is kitsune udon?

Udon topped with sweet, simmered fried tofu. Kitsune means fox, and the story goes that foxes love fried tofu.

Ramen vs udon: what's the difference?

Ramen is thin, springy wheat noodles in a rich, salty broth, while udon is thick, soft, chewy wheat noodles usually served in a lighter dashi broth.

Ramen

Very light

Indulgent

Subtle

Big punch

Mellow

Zingy

Springy noodles in a big, savory broth, loaded with toppings.

Udon

Very light

Indulgent

Subtle

Big punch

Mellow

Zingy

Thick, soft, bouncy noodles in a gentle, clean broth.

The real difference

Ramen noodles get their bounce and yellow color from kansui, an alkaline water. Udon is just flour, water and salt, rolled thick. Ramen broths are often pork, chicken or miso and heavy on fat. Udon usually comes in a clear dashi and soy broth, cold with a dipping sauce, or in curry.

Side by side

RamenUdon

NoodlesThin, springy, yellowThick, soft, white

BrothRich pork, chicken, miso or soyLight dashi and soy, or curry

TastesSavory, salty, richMild, comforting, clean

Which to order

Order ramen if you want a rich, intense bowl.
Order udon if you want something mild, slurpy and comforting.

Quick questions

Can ramen be vegetarian?: Yes, many shops do a veggie broth with miso or kombu, but most classic ramen uses pork or chicken stock. Ask, since sauces and toppings can hide meat.
What is kitsune udon?: Udon topped with sweet, simmered fried tofu. Kitsune means fox, and the story goes that foxes love fried tofu.