3 ms·

You're basically talking about fast food places though not "restaurants". Yes, Ramen is considered fast food in Japan even if some of it is amazing. Also curry

You're basically talking about fast food places though not "restaurants". Yes, Ramen is considered fast food in Japan even if some of it is amazing. Also curry rice and most other things that are served in places that use those machines. Sure, a few places that have those machines have tables but it's still a different vibe from a restaurant. The bigger issue with those particular machines is they aren't compatible with western or in particular USA culture. Japanese generally don't ask for exceptions. Westerners often ask for tons of exceptions and substitutions either for medical reasons, religion reasons, personal convictions, or preference.

taurath 8y ago
I think in the tech capital, sitting around waiting for someone to seat you, come by and take your drink order, come by and take your food order, bring your food, and check on it (if lucky) is sort of... antiquated. It feels Victorian or something - good food is good food, regardless of who serves it. You’re paying to be pampered, but if the economics of being pampered don’t work then maybe it’s something people can give up? Go sit down, order from kiosk at table (or from kiosk up front). Panera for instance pretty much does this now.
- general8bitso 8y ago
  Sheetz and McDonald’s also have food ordering kiosks, although neither serve upscale mediterannean food.
kenneth 8y ago
I think we would be a bit better off if US restaurants felt more comfortable telling customers to take a hike. I'm entirely ok with restaurants that have no vegan/gluten free/whatever options and refuse substitutions.
gamma-male 8y ago
No. These are restaurants i JApan. Not fast food places.
damon_c 8y ago
We have a lot of this sort of thing in LA (yes, in Japanese restaurants). You order by iPad, pay, and then when you get a table after waiting 3-15 minutes, your food comes pretty quickly. When you're done, you leave. It seems to work. We Americans can adapt!

taurath 8y ago

I think in the tech capital, sitting around waiting for someone to seat you, come by and take your drink order, come by and take your food order, bring your food, and check on it (if lucky) is sort of... antiquated. It feels Victorian or something - good food is good food, regardless of who serves it. You’re paying to be pampered, but if the economics of being pampered don’t work then maybe it’s something people can give up? Go sit down, order from kiosk at table (or from kiosk up front). Panera for instance pretty much does this now.

general8bitso 8y ago
Sheetz and McDonald’s also have food ordering kiosks, although neither serve upscale mediterannean food.

kenneth 8y ago

I think we would be a bit better off if US restaurants felt more comfortable telling customers to take a hike. I'm entirely ok with restaurants that have no vegan/gluten free/whatever options and refuse substitutions.

gamma-male 8y ago

No. These are restaurants i JApan. Not fast food places.

damon_c 8y ago

We have a lot of this sort of thing in LA (yes, in Japanese restaurants). You order by iPad, pay, and then when you get a table after waiting 3-15 minutes, your food comes pretty quickly. When you're done, you leave. It seems to work. We Americans can adapt!