The Ramen Jiro Defeat

Many of those seeking ramen experiences in Tokyo know of Ramen Jiro. Its sort of an institution here in Tokyo so of course we needed to go check it out. We went to the Ikebukuro Ramen Jiro, which according to the internet (which of course never lies), is one of the first Jiros to open and also one of the most renowned.

 We got there at 1:30ish and the line was already there. Paul and Rob are at the end of the line.

Without the line and knowledge that Ramen Jiro is here, most people would not give this shop a second look.

 People that come here leave their train tickets and company cards behind.

 While standing in line, we placed our orders and paid the ramen machine. If you look at the picture of this ramen machine carefully, you will see that the menu is super limited. You basically have the choice two of sizes of the same ramen: regular and big. Each of those can come with one round of extra pork, two rounds of extra pork, and/or an egg. That's all folks!

I ordered the regular size ramen with double pork and an egg.

 Ramen Jiro is tiny like most ramen shops, with a long counter full of customers slupring diligently on either side. After a ~20 minute wait, we were seated. We were so excited and hungry!

 

Then we got our ramen. To say that you get a big plate is an UNDERSTATEMENT. In fact, let me break the anatomy of a bowl of Ramen Jiro for you:

Andrea's Breakdown of Ramen Jiro

Ramen Jiro is a caloric bomb, I don't think that a breaded, deep fried "turducken" can have more calories than this ramen. Neither Paul, Rob or myself managed to finished the bowls of ramen. I did not have high hopes for myself, but I know Paul and Rob can eat their fare share. I think the most embarrassing thing was that all the Japanese guys around us finished their bowls to the last drop, in about half the time.

Despite our defeat, I still left a little piece of me in that shop. Can you see my NYU Stern card?