日記77 : Ramen Shop

I had ramen for the first time in a while the other day.
I like ramen, but I use cafes and lounges much more often than ramen shops. I had heard some people say that it’s hard to get into modern cafes in the city and that the ordering system is difficult. That is why the internet meme saying “I’m now in Starbucks” and uploading a photo of ramen was seen as funny a while ago. But I think it’s the opposite. Ramen shops have a greater sense of tension and more complicated ordering systems and rules than fancy cafes and restaurants.

Many ramen shops adopt meal ticket systems. This is the first and largest challenge. If there is a wait line, you have to decide whether you should buy your meal ticket first and then stand in line, or wait in line before buying your meal. There are usually not many staff members in a ramen shop, and sometimes they are so busy and the atmosphere is so strict that you cannot always ask the staff for help.

It’s also difficult when you’re standing in front of a ticket vending machine. You have to immediately catch up on all the options and decide your menu before the person behind you gets annoyed, as there are usually no menu photos. Typically, you can only use cash, and sometimes certain bills are not accepted.

If you get past the first choice, of course you hand over the meal ticket to the staff. At that time, you may be forced to make a second choice that is not clearly stated, such as how firm you want your noodles. If you answer without thinking too much and the answer turns out to be different from your taste, you’ll end up regretting it and blaming yourself as you wait for your ramen.

Even after you’ve managed to finish your order, don’t relax and look around you carefully. You may have to bump into other customers and get nasty looks while you go to get your water.
After you’ve finished eating, it’s safe to return your ramen bowl to the counter, clean the table, and say thank you, but in some cases, the staff may tell you this is not necessary.

Of course, hardworking people who can do all the previous research perfectly and sophisticated people who can behave appropriately right away will be able to enjoy ramen without any problems. I’m a rough person, so I get nervous when I go to a ramen shop.