Ramen Jirō Yokohama-kannai — Restaurant in Yokohama

This is the native English review you're looking for!

Picture of the line was in the middle of an active Tornado Warning from the Japanese Meteorological Agency. I figure it HAD to be good.

Usually when a restaurant has a line this long, it has a "secret sauce" that makes it truly exceptional. While the noodles were fresh, broth was flavorful and the pork was tender, I regret to report that there was nothing mind-blowing about the flavors or textures of this meal. The secret sauce of this place is the MASSIVE serving size. Extremely good value, but the ramen won't change your life.

The process is different than what many foreigners may be used to. Here's a little guide:

As you approach the front of the line, people will start leaving the line and returning to it. They are pre-paying for their order.

Once it is your turn, proceed to the inside of the restaurant and immediately to the left is a machine where you will insert your cash first. This machine only takes coins and bills up to 1000 yen. If you have larger bills, give the staff a 'sumimasen' and they'll break it for you.

Once your money is loaded, you will press buttons for the options you want. If the button is red, it means that option isn't currently available.

The top line is a "small" ramen with 2, 5 or 8 pieces of pork. This is closer to what I would call a large serving.

The second line is a large ramen. I am a large American. I scoff at anything the Japanese call large. I ordered the large. This was a mistake. This was a borderline competitive eater portion of food. This WILL put you in a food coma. You have been warned.

Everything below this are options for your ramen. Gray is green onion, white is a softboiled ramen egg, green is gochujang pickled garlic chives, pink is grated cheese, brown is sub broth for sauce.

You will collect your various chips and get back to your place in line.

They do not serve you water. Get your own cup of water by the front of the door and bring it to your seat when you are seated.

Give the kitchen your chips which will tell them what you ordered.

White pepper, vinegar and hot pepper flakes are provided.

When you are done, place your bowl and any used utensils on the top shelf and give your table a...

Best tonkotsu ramen. Very cheap considering the huge serving. Great service too because if they feel like their serving is too much for you, they will offer you their "mini" size which is not shown in the vending machine (still same price with the shou).

Warning: Shop is small, I can’t remember if they can house 10 pax at a time. For the many times we go and pass by there, 90% have long queue. Although being Japanese, everyone is very much considerate when it is their turn. They don’t dawdle or stay long inside. I’ve witnessed people (including our group) literally just eat and leave immediately.

Staff: Very friendly. I cannot finish the mini serving by myself so I would request “buta niku arimasen” (no sliced pork please) since I cannot emphasize how huge their serving is. Even a slab of pork is THICK. I just eat there for the super delicious ramen and I dont want any ingredient go to waste.

They also mash fresh garlic on top. Makes a huge difference to the overall tonkotsu ramen taste!

Veggies are also crunchy good and fresh. Broth is thick and it is okay to not finish it all hahaha O think they would understand as it really is a lot. But the noodles, ah, I don’t think you can allow yourself to waste such good housemade ones.

Sharing: I dont think they allow 2 people to share 1 bowl since the place is small and 1 person occupy 1 seat. Never saw...

I'm the english review you're looking for.

I randomly joined a long queue for ramen, not knowing what to expect. Here's the procedure after trial and error.

First line up and join the main queue. You will see that there will be people leaving the main queue to order using the ramen vending machine inside, then come back to join the queue again. Do NOT take their place in the queue. People go back to their original spot after ordering. Wait for your turn to go to the vending machine.

There's only 1 menu, you guessed it right: ramen. There's small ramen vs big ramen, 2 chashu vs 5 chashu, and toppings such as more veggies, eggs, and kimchi. The portion is HUMONGOUS and I can't emphasize it enough. The owner warned us after we ordered the large portion and nicely told us we don't need to finish it.

Right before getting in, there's a drink vending machine where you can buy from if you want any, or take the water from the dispenser BEFORE getting in.

There's a time limit for you to finish your meal because the turnover rate is supposed to be high since it's a very small shop. You're supposed to clean up your own table with the provided cloth afterwards. They do not provide tissue nor...