Source: https://verify-veg.com/blog/is-ramen-vegetarian/
Language: en

# Is Ramen Vegetarian? (Tonkotsu, Egg & Chashu)

Ramen looks like it could go either way: noodles, broth, maybe an egg. The problem is the broth,
which is almost never vegetarian. Here is what makes ramen non-vegetarian, and how to find the
plant-based version.

> **Key Takeaways**
> - Almost all restaurant ramen is not vegetarian: the broth is pork, chicken or fish.
> - The toppings add more animal products: chashu pork and a soft-boiled egg.
> - Even "vegetable" ramen is often simmered with chicken or fish stock.
> - Ask specifically: "Is the broth vegetarian? No meat, fish or chicken stock?"

**TL;DR: Almost all restaurant ramen is not vegetarian.** The broth is usually made from pork
(tonkotsu), chicken or fish, and it's typically topped with pork (chashu) and a soft-boiled egg.
Vegetarian and vegan ramen exist, but you must ask for it specifically.

## The broth is the problem

Ramen is defined by its broth, and the most common broths are all animal-based:

| Broth | Base | Vegetarian? |
|---|---|---|
| Tonkotsu | Pork bones (creamy white) | No |
| Shoyu | Soy sauce: but usually with chicken or fish stock | Usually no |
| Miso | Miso paste: but often mixed with fish dashi | Usually no |
| Shio | Salt: often chicken or pork stock | Usually no |

Even a "vegetable" ramen can be simmered with chicken or fish stock, so the name on the menu
isn't enough.

## Toppings to watch

- **Chashu**: braised pork (the sliced meat on top)
- **Ajitama**: marinated soft-boiled egg
- **Naruto / kamaboko**: white fish cake
- **Menma**: fermented bamboo (vegetarian)
- **Nori**: seaweed (vegetarian)

The noodles themselves are usually vegan (wheat + kansui), so the broth and toppings are what
make or break it.

## How to order vegetarian ramen

Ask directly: **"Is the broth vegetarian? No meat, fish or chicken stock?"** Then request no
chashu and no egg. Vegan ramen shops and "veggie ramen" menu items are increasingly common.

## The bottom line

- **Vegetarian?** Only at shops that make a genuinely plant-based broth.
- **Vegan?** Same, minus the egg and any fish cake.

See our [Ramen dish guide](/food/japan/ramen/) for the full breakdown, and our
[Japanese food guide](/food/japan/common-ingredients/) for other hidden ingredients.

**Check before you eat.** The Verify Veg app scans a barcode or reads an ingredient list from a
photo and flags ingredients against your diet (vegan, vegetarian, halal, kosher, Jain and more).
[Download on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verifyveg-vegan-scanner/id6758276834) - 
Android is coming soon.

*Written by Samir Narain, founder of Verify Veg. Verify Veg helps people check packaged food
against their diet by scanning barcodes and reading ingredient lists from photos.*

*Note: Verify Veg provides ingredient-based compatibility checks, not certification. Recipes and
preparations vary by restaurant, region and cook, so always confirm with the restaurant, brand or vendor.*