Ramen Etiquette and Customer Service

Around two weeks ago, a ramen restaurant in Japan took to social media to post a message, that was translated and shared in a SoraNews24 report, with added context.  To quote:

Menya Kiryu, whose main branch is located in Kawaguchi, Saitama Prefecture, specializes in what’s commonly called “Jiro-style” ramen. Pioneered and popularized by Tokyo-based chain Ramen Jiro, Jiro-style ramen is heavy on the oil and garlic, and the topping often includes extra-fatty cuts of chashu pork and huge piles of vegetables. In short, Jiro-style ramen isn’t for the faint of heart or the slight of appetite, but for fans, the unabashed, unmitigated assault on diners’ taste buds and stomach capacity represents the pinnacle of pleasure when it comes to ramen.

Just because Menya Kiryu specializes in extra-filling ramen, though, doesn’t mean that it’s OK for two people to go halves on a bowl together. That’s exactly what a couple tried to do last Wednesday at the Kawaguchi branch, prompting the following reaction by the restaurant.

To the 30-something couple who just came to our restaurant at 1:41 p.m.,

We ask that each adult in a party order a bowl of ramen.

You were unable to abide with such an obvious request and got worked up. We do not normally offer refunds, but because you would not abide by the request, we refunded your money and you left.

It’s fine by us if you don’t ever come to our restaurant again.

We’re wondering if you’re acquaintances of one of our former employees? You mentioned the name of someone who used to work here, and forcefully insisted ‘We were allowed to share a bowl when we came here before,’ but we have never allowed that.

We believe that you can understand our position on this matter. It seems like you had eaten here many times in the past, but it’s fine by us if you don’t come anymore. We have you recorded on our security cameras and know who you are.

To our other customers who were present at the time, we apologize for any discomfort that was caused.