Ramen… from another Galaxy

On a recent bike tour of northern Tokyo with Darin, we stopped for lunch at a peculiar ramen store for a late lunch. The blackboard menu out front instantly caught our eye because the way the servings were portioned up:

Translation:

• Small: 1 serving
• Medium: 1.5 servings
• Large: 2 servings
• Earth: 3 servings
• Galaxy: 4 servings
• Universe: 5 servings
• Big Bang: 7 servings
• Black Hole: 10 servings

Yet the even more peculiar item was the cost: all were tagged the same price at JPY700 (US$6). Darin and I were going to get a portion each, but it was then that I realized I had forgotten my wallet. Darin had just a few coins—but it was enough to purchase one portion, which we felt we could split a bowl. We purchased one “Earth” (three servings) to share between us and entered the cramped stall, which can only seat perhaps eight persons at floor tables and three at the counter (picture here).

Only then did we read the “rules” plastered on the wall, which stated: “No sharing of portions,” and “Any leftovers results in penalty of JPY700.” Yikes, what gives? And this is what the Earth looked like. Heaven help us if we ordered the “Black Hole,” no irony intended.

Anyway, we finished safely by sharing the portion when our waitress wasn’t looking. Those of you Tokyoites feeling adventurous can read more of the restaurant in Japanese here and here.