The old name of Tampopo's restaurant, when she first meets Gorô and Gan, is Rai Rai Ken. Years later, when the first authentic râmen-ya opened in New York City, it took its name from this scene.
When Goro is washing his truck he dumps a bucketful of water on it but uses no soap. This is actually a washing ritual that is part of the Shinto religion.
Many elements of the film closely parallel a classic Western. Goro is the mysterious stranger who rides into town; he saves the pretty girl from harassing bad men, and even has a brawl with another man at the edge of town.
The gangster dressed all in white seems comedic, but many young Yakuza (Japanese Mafia) do dress in flashy clothes. Older Yakuza bosses prefer dark, conservative suits.