Tampopo
A savory 'Noodle Western' simmering with playful eroticism and communal joy, metaphorically seasoning a widow's journey toward culinary perfection with the rich, complex broth of life's most primal human desires.
Tampopo
Tampopo

タンポポ

"The first Japanese Noodle Western."

23 November 1985 Japan 115 min ⭐ 7.8 (404)
Director: Jūzō Itami
Cast: Tsutomu Yamazaki, Nobuko Miyamoto, Ken Watanabe, Koji Yakusho, Rikiya Yasuoka
Comedy
The Pursuit of Perfection Food as Sensuality Satire of Social Etiquette The Noodle Western (Genre Parody)
Budget: $1,500,000

Tampopo - Movie Quotes

Memorable Quotes

First, observe the whole bowl. Appreciate its gestalt.

— The Ramen Master

Context:

The Master teaches a student the ritualistic way to approach a bowl of ramen.

Meaning:

Emphasizes that ramen is not just food, but a cohesive work of art that requires mindfulness.

It's sincere, but it lacks character.

— Goro

Context:

Goro's blunt first assessment of Tampopo's ramen, which prompts her to seek his help.

Meaning:

Highlights the difference between mere effort and true mastery.

Eat your mother's last meal! Eat it while it's still hot!

— The Husband

Context:

A housewife dies immediately after cooking one last meal for her grieving family.

Meaning:

A heart-wrenching expression of food as a final legacy and act of love.