I waited over 2 hours to try $11 Michelin-starred ramen. It was one of the best dishes I've had in Tokyo, but I'm never going back.

David McElhinneyMar 28, 2023, 22:37 IST

The Chashu Chuka Soba I ordered cost about 1,500 yen, which is about $11.David McElhinney

I ate at Chukasoba Ginza Hachigou, one of the three Michelin-starred ramen restaurants in Tokyo.
I waited two-and-a-half hours for an $11 bowl of ramen, which fused Eastern and Western flavors.

I dined at Chukasoba Ginza Hachigou, one of Tokyo's three Michelin-star ramen restaurants.

Chukasoba Ginza Hachigou is located in a multistory building in Tokyo's Ginza neighborhood.David McElhinney

There were about 40 people in line when I arrived, and many had their heads buried in their phones.David McElhinney

These general rules were written in Japanese and English by the shop door.David McElhinney

After paying for my ticket, I had to retreat back into the line.David McElhinney

The noren, or curtains, have the restaurant's name written on them.David McElhinney

The restaurant was surprisingly quiet throughout my meal.David McElhinney

The Chashu Chuka Soba has sliced pork and a soft-boiled egg on top.David McElhinney

My bowl came out of the kitchen very quickly.David McElhinney

The Chashu Chuka Soba was delicious, but in my opinion, no bowl of ramen is worth such a long wait.David McElhinney