What Is Tsukemen?

Ramen, as most people know it, arrives ready to go. Noodles, broth, toppings, all in one bowl. Comforting, generous, and deeply satisfying.

Tsukemen does things a little differently.

If you've never tried it before - let us explain! Tsukemen is a dipping style of ramen where the noodles and broth are served separately. The noodles are typically thicker, chewier, and served slightly cooled, while the broth is more concentrated, designed to cling to each bite. It's a different kind of ramen experience, and one we absolutely LOVE here at Shoryu. 

Instead of everything being combined for you, you build each mouthful yourself. A dip, a lift, a pause. Then again.

It is a small shift, but it changes the entire experience. The flavour becomes something you control. Light or rich, quick dip or full soak. Every bite can be adjusted to suit your mood.

There is also a practical side to it. Cooler noodles and a separate broth make tsukemen especially appealing in warmer months. It is still ramen, but with a little more space to breathe.

At its core, tsukemen is about contrast. Temperature, texture, intensity. It invites you to slow down slightly and pay attention.

A Closer Look at Our Nibo-Goma Tsukemen

On our brand new Takumi menu, you'll find our new tsukemen offering. And it's something a little more layered than the classic version - because it offers a bit more choice and a bit more flavour. The Nibo-Goma Tsukemen is built around contrast, but also balance. Two broths, two personalities, but all found in one dish.

Two broths, two taste experiences!

This dish invites you to move between two distinct flavour profiles.

Earth
A chilled sesame broth. Toasted, creamy, and quietly rich. It brings a gentle nuttiness that feels smooth and refreshing, especially on warmer days. There is a calmness to it. Something grounding.

Sea
A warm broth built from niboshi sardines and our signature tonkotsu. Deeper, louder, more intense. The savoury depth from the pork base meets the sharp, umami edge of dried fish, creating something that lingers.

Switching between the two changes the rhythm of the meal. One bite cool and rounded, the next warm and complex.

Why It Works

The interplay and contrast of the different flavour profiles is what makes it interesting.

The chilled sesame broth softens and refreshes. The niboshi tonkotsu brings weight and depth. Together, they create a full spectrum of flavour, giving you a ramen experience unlike anything else you will have tried! 

We haven't seen many other UK ramen restaurants offering a two-sided tsukemen, and we hope this gives our customers a real insight into Japan, and a really authentically Japanese ramen experience. It's basically double the fun. 

We hope you come along and give us a visit! And try it for yourself sometime soon!