BBC news article

I don’t know whether or not to laugh… One of my students worried I might have bird flu the other day when I said I’d come down with the flu… Seeing as how I don’t get paid for sick days, I do hope I don’t.

Popularity: 3%

written by Laurent

I think I’ve had a taste of heaven, and it tastes like Soy Ramen…

Ramen is, depending on where you look, a typical Japanese dish that originated in Japan or was imported from China a few centuries ago. Regardless, it’s now as Japanase as sushi in many ways and for many people. Since being in Japan I’ve tasted a few, but then I stumbled upon this little place next to Hibarigaoka school and discovered something much more serious…

This ramen shop is only open about 5 hours a day, and no matter what time you walk past there is alway a queue of at least ten people waiting to get in. The place itself is tiny, and probably sits about ten people max. The noodles are hand made during the day, and the ramen is out of this world. Like a lot of traditional, and good, spots in Tokyo it is devoid of the superflous service warmth you find in most Japanese stores and restaurants.

There is no paying counter, just a coin machine in the corner which you use to place your order. There is no overbearing shouts of Hirashaimasse when you come in… just good, honest and damn tasty food. The only sounds you can hear at most times are the slurps from the customers hungrily munching their bowl of ramen and the occasional ‘Do you want garlic with this?’ and ‘Thanks!’ from the cook.

Continue reading »

Popularity: 2%

written by Laurent