The night before the challenge…
Me: Are you sure you want to do this?
Husband: LP, I can do it!
Me: But it will be too hot for you!
Husband: (very confidently) I can do it! I can finish it in 5 minutes!
So on Sunday, we headed down to Yoshimaru Ramen Bar at Holland Village to take up their annual ramen eating challenge.
The husband looked really calm while on our way there whereas I had butterflies in the stomach as though I was going for some major examination. I was so nervous for him (not sure why, lol)!
This was the husband’s second eating competition (the first was a spicy sushi eating competition at Todai) but his first ever ramen challenge.
Upon arrival, he was given a copy of the rules and regulations to read through and he had to sign an indemnity letter as well.
We had seen the fake ramen display for the challenge at the entrance earlier and the gigantic bowl looked pretty daunting. The husband started to worry from this moment onwards. I had my fingers crossed.
After minutes of waiting, the freshly prepared ramen in tonkotsu (pork bone) broth arrived in a humongous bowl that was apparently 3 times the size and portion of the standard bowl.
The aim of the challenge was to finish this bowl of ramen within 12 minutes and the ramen would be on the house (worth $30++). Also, the top two winners could walk away with Lenovo tablets and cash vouchers but would have to break the highest record of 5 minutes 57 seconds which was what the husband was targeting to do.
Participants weren’t allowed to touch anything (not even to break apart the wooden chopsticks in advance) before the challenge started. The ice water provided was meant for drinking only and not to be used to cool down the broth. Condiments on the tray could be used freely, as much as one wanted.
So did the husband do it? Watch the (fast-forwarded) video below to find out:
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The challenge was a tough one! He didn’t manage to clock a 5-minute timing and almost couldn’t do it within the 12 minutes too (he clocked 11:01). So it was goodbye to the tablet and vouchers. The most difficult part was the soup that was too piping hot to drink fast and the noodles that required some chewing as they were quite firm and springy.
Every participant received a certificate of completion including a polaroid picture (taken before the start of the challenge) regardless of whether the ramen was finished within the 12 minutes. Another polaroid was taken after the challenge (for those who completed in time) so they could pin up on the wall of fame inside the restaurant.
The other two participants who didn’t manage to complete in time. A hefty price tag to pay for the meal!
But it was sheer fun and a hell of a good time! The Japanese lady from the restaurant was going “Gambate. Jia You!” with her hand clap cheering tools all the time throughout the challenge. While I was busy filming the husband eating his ramen, I had to join her to cheer for the boys too!
When the husband was done with the challenge, I ordered a standard bowl of the same ramen he had eaten just to try it out which I shall cover in my next post.
If you’re game for a eating competition like this, keep a lookout for the same challenge next year. Too bad I’m not a fast eater, worse with hot soupy food. I asked the husband if he’d try again next year, he said YES!
Dear Husband, well done!