Jiro Ramen Garlic: What the Question Means
At many shops serving Jiro-style ramen, you choose your own toppings, and the staff ask just before the bowl arrives, often with “Ninniku iremasu ka?” (Add garlic?). It's not a test: they are asking what you would like added. Not sure? Guides suggest one word for beginners: sonomama, which means as is, with nothing extra.
Video out Nov 1The 24-second video, with Hako. Follow on YouTube to catch it.
The 4 things to know
Listen for the garlic question
Just before the bowl comes your way, the staff ask “Ninniku iremasu ka?” (Add garlic?). It is also your moment to ask for toppings. Some shops ask “Toppingu wa?” (Toppings?) instead.
It is not a test
The question is really asking which toppings you want, such as garlic, vegetables, back fat or a stronger soy sauce flavor (karame).
First visit? Say sonomama
For beginners, guides suggest “sonomama” (just as is): nothing extra added, and no garlic.
Shops differ
The wording and timing of the call differ by shop, so follow the staff’s lead.
Quick answers
What do the staff ask at Jiro-style ramen shops?
Just before the bowl arrives, they ask “Ninniku iremasu ka?” (Add garlic?), which is also when you call your toppings.
What should I say if I am not sure?
Guides suggest “sonomama” (just as is): nothing extra added.
Is the garlic question a test?
No. The staff are just asking what you would like added.
Read the video transcript
Garlic? The line is waiting for your answer.
At many shops serving Jiro-style ramen, you choose your toppings. The staff ask just before the bowl arrives.
It's not a test. They're just asking what you'd like added.
Not sure? Guides suggest one word: sonomama. It means as is, nothing extra.
Say it calmly. More Ramen Rules on the way.
Sources & how we checked
The tips on this page were checked against these official pages:
- ramenbeast.substack.comRamen Beast - Ramen Jiro: Japan’s most infamous food
- byfood.combyFood - How to Order at Ramen Jiro: A Crash Course
- Updated
- Video
- 24 seconds, made by Ready in Japan
- Good to know
- Rules can vary by place. Follow local signs and staff.
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