Ramen Takahashi — Restaurant in Tokyo

THIS IS VERY BAD EXPERIENCE! Thursday, 1st Feb 2024 around 8pm.

The queue was quite long, my husband and my 2.5-year-old daughter (3 people) almost waited for 1 hour in line. Behind us, there were 4 groups also queuing. Everything was going smoothly until one of the restaurant staff asked if it was okay to sit separately. I agreed because today's weather was quite cold, around 5 degrees Celsius. Then, the female staff said only one person could enter first, so I asked my husband to go in first because he was already feeling cold, and I told him to bring our daughter in too because the weather was really cold. My husband had to hold our daughter in a single chair.

Then I continued to wait outside. Later, I asked the group behind me, "If they get a spot next to my husband and daughter, are they willing to switch positions?" and they agreed.

When it was my turn to enter, I was given a seat quite far away (in a different row) from my husband and daughter. Meanwhile, the chair next to my husband was empty. So, I asked if I could move to the empty seat next to my husband and daughter, but I was told I couldn't.

Then, the 4 people from the group behind me also entered. They were given seats right next to my husband who was holding our daughter.

Since I had already gotten permission from that group to switch positions, I informed the female staff that I wanted to move. Still, she didn't allow it.

Later, the person next to me (different from the previous group) finished eating. I asked again if my daughter could sit next to me. I was very annoyed. They discussed it and finally allowed it.

Didn't that female staff consider that my husband had to hold our 2.5-year-old daughter on a single chair while eating? Even though I had reserved for 3 people.

Did that female staff think that a 2.5-year-old child could eat alone without being accompanied by their parents on an adult single chair?

In my opinion, this is absurd. I am truly upset by the actions of that female staff.

Please improve your queue management.

I don't mind if I have to eat separately from my husband. But I am carrying a 2.5-year-old toddler who is being held by my husband throughout the meal on a single chair.

Please use your brain, your emotions, and your humanity.

I will never ever come back to this restaurant!

Screw you, female staff. I hope when you have children, they will be treated worse than how...

I arrived at this restaurant between 4-5pm and there was no line. I quickly bought a ticket (food order) from the vending machine outside. There’s English on the vending machine which was very helpful.

I ordered #2 which was the Yakiago Shio Ramen with special toppings.

It was quite a cold day, and was pleasantly surprised that as soon as I took my seat, one of the chefs brought over a tiny cup of warm dashi liquid - it was surprisingly delicious.

Not long after, my bowl of ramen arrived. As soon as I took my first sip of soup - I already knew it would be amazing.

The broth was light but flavourful and had depth of flavour. Egg wasn’t runny but yolk was soft. Most amazing was the slices of meat (I’m assuming they were pork, but could have been chicken). Normally I don’t care for the meat in ramen (I can do without them) but these were beautiful. They were so soft and without porky/chickeny flavour. It’s difficult to explain - but they tasted clean.

Halfway through eating I was already regretful that I didn’t order extra noodles, and was too embarrassed to order more in person. In my mind, I was already planning to return another day. I finished every spoonful of broth and walked out feeling content and happy.

I returned a few days later (day before having to leave japan). It was around 9-10pm and there was a long queue of people in line. Unfortunately I could not wait and had to leave.

It’s been weeks since I’ve had this ramen and I still think about it often. I’ve had a lot of ramen in my life and this is now the best ramen I’ve had in my life.

Everyone’s taste is different - but you won’t know till you’ve tried it for yourself. If you’re wondering - let me just say, it’s definitely worth the wait and worth a try. I’m so glad that I tried this and I cannot wait to eat it again. It’s the first thing I’ll do when I...

Friends we traveled with recommended Ramen Takahashi.

ATMOSPHERE: Tight 10 seat counter, open view kitchen with a small fan that tried to help the weak air conditioner. By the time you’re halfway through your bowl, especially in August, you’ll be sweaty.

MENU: Ramen in three broths (niboshi soy, crab flavor served cold, shio), rice bowls.

FOOD: Special Niboshi Soy Sauce Ramen - $9.00 The broth had a dirty color with a medium intensity bonito flavor and slight fishiness. Bits of tempura, whole gooey egg, nori, raw onion, bamboo & chashu topped the bowl. Noodles were good; thicker, wavy and al dente. I spooned in some of the rice cracker balls from the condiments which gave the bowl some crunch, but I wouldn’t do it again.

SERVICE: Don’t be deterred if there’s a line of people waiting to get in as it moves quick. There were 6 people ahead of us with a wait of about 10 minutes.

Order on the kiosk outside. Insert your yen (enough or more to cover your meal), select all of your choices and tickets will be dispensed after every click. When you’re done ordering, press “change” to complete your order.

Wait in the queue outside the shop as a worker will come out to retrieve your tickets and invite you in when seats are available. There are courtesy umbrellas by the entrance for guests to use which was a nice touch, especially since it was blazing hot.

Food came out in five minutes. Service was good.

OVERALL: I always enjoy a unique broth when given the...