Question
I’m travelling alone in Osaka and stopped at a ramen shop for lunch. The ramen on the menu looked amazing, but I noticed that the broth is described as pork-bone based. I don’t eat pork for dietary reasons and was wondering if there is a chicken or soy-based option instead. How do I ask “Do you have a broth that is not pork?” in Japanese?
Japango Editor Team
豚（ぶた）を使（つか）っていないスープはありますか。
Buta o tsukatte inai suupu wa arimasuka?
Do you have a broth that does not use pork?
This is a very handy phrase for anyone with dietary restrictions who wants to enjoy Japanese ramen without the guesswork. Let’s break it down: “buta” means “pork”; “tsukatte inai” is the negative te-form of the verb “tsukau” (to use), so it means “not using” or “that does not use”; and “suupu wa arimasuka” means “do you have a broth/soup?”
Put together, the phrase literally asks “Do you have a soup that does not use pork?” — which is both polite and clear for the restaurant staff.
You can swap out “buta” for other ingredients depending on your needs. For example, “niku o tsukatte inai suupu” means “a broth that does not use meat” in general, while “gyuuniku” means “beef” if that is what you need to avoid.
A memorable tip: the pattern “ingredient o tsukatte inai dish wa arimasuka?” works in many food situations, not just ramen. Try it at soba restaurants, izakayas, or even convenience store counters when checking on allergens!
If the staff confirms they have an alternative, you might hear “toriniku no suupu” (chicken broth) or “shooyu suupu” (soy sauce broth) offered as options. Both are common in Japanese ramen shops and are well worth trying.
