Ever bitten into perfectly cooked udon? That firm, slightly springy resistance?
That’s exactly what the Japanese onomatopoeia “Shiko Shiko” (しこしこ) captures — the sound-feel of a chewy and resilient texture, often used for noodles and mochi.
Before we dive in, hear what it sounds like!
What is “Shiko Shiko” (しこしこ)?
“Shiko Shiko” describes:
- Noodles that have firmness and bounce
- A pleasant elasticity when chewed
- Something that’s not mushy — but not rubbery either
It often appears on ramen or udon restaurant menus to describe ideal texture.
Nuance:
Firm, chewy, springy — in a satisfying way.
Pronunciation
shi-ko shi-ko
(bouncy and gentle, like stepping on a soft mat)
Category
Texture
What Does “Shiko Shiko” Look Like?
- Chewy udon or soba
- Firm bamboo shoots
- A kind of toothsome texture that fights back slightly — but pleasantly!
It’s different from “mochi mochi,” which is more soft and sticky.
“Shiko shiko” has a cleaner, firmer bite.
How Do You Say It?
Say it like a foodie:
Example in Daily Life
Perfect udon noodles
She lifted the noodles and took a bite —
they had that ideal, chewy texture:
Shiko Shiko!
Cultural Note
In English, it’s hard to describe textures this precisely.
You might say:
- “Firm but chewy”
- “Toothsome”
- “Al dente” (for pasta)
But “Shiko Shiko” does it all in just two syllables — and with a sound effect you can feel in your teeth!
Watch & Feel the “Shiko Shiko!” World
Feel the “Shiko Shiko” — Ramen
Try Using It!
The next time you eat chewy udon,
or describe your favorite noodle shop to a friend,
say it like a local:
Shiko Shiko!
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