There is a difference between how foreigners are treated vs. how locals are treated, which is to be expected. In fact, I don’t expect it over the standard serving of food or water refill. I’ve been to other ramen shops and I’ve loved my experience, despite language barriers because there is at the very least a level of respect.

We are foreigners and it would be our fault if there is a standardized practice of ordering ramen and we didn’t come to understand it. At this store, however, you enter into the store and place your order before returning back into queue. None of the ramen stores we’ve eaten at in the last 2 weeks had that. We didn’t know and assumed after an order was placed that you find a seat. The male server said harshly in English, “What are you doing? There are others in front of you.” This is valid but again, there are no signs to indicate their practice.

I understand it can be frustrating to deal with confused customers, I’ve also worked in customer service. What made it worst was the obvious difference in treatment he gave us vs. other locals. While he cheerfully greeted other customers, he said nothing to us, gesturing and making us feel as if we shouldn’t have been there. Utensils are often not obviously displayed on tables in Japan, which is fine, just let us know where they are. He aggressively opened the utensils case for us and left without any word. And when we left afterwards, as he cheerfully greeted every other guests leaving, he saw us and said nothing.

The only reason I won’t give service a 1 star was because the female waitress was kind and greeted us with respect. I’m not petty to dismiss an entire establishment over the actions of one employee but the contrast made me realize how he viewed us and it’s saddening, to say the least.

Their ramen is delicious, in particular their pork chashu topping. It’s flavourful and blends well with the bamboo shoots and noodles. It is rather oily, so it might not be ideal for all tastes but I did enjoy it.

You don’t have to be comfortable with foreigners and at the very least, be understanding we don’t know your practices, especially when they vary differently from other ramen establishments. You don’t have to serve us if you don’t want to but if you do, at least treat us like other customers.