the only reason why the colleagues and i ended up at nanten for lunch is because the queue at men-tei (robinson center) was too long. we called about 5 minutes ahead and strolled over to nanten.

the atmosphere in the nanten is more relaxed, but the two restaurants do have very different set-ups. we were also fortunate enough to have a room at nanten. we had to share with a couple, but there was sufficient space between the tables so that it was not awkward.

i had the ramen (of course. or there would not be a need to compare with men-tei would there). the soup was less tasty. the japanese char siew did not melt in one's mouth. the egg (i forget what it's called) is not prepared as delicately - it was three-quarters way to being one-half of a hard boiled egg. the corn in the ramen was not as sweet and crunchy.

if i want to have a relaxing meal, i may choose nanten. but if it's quality ramen that i'm looking for, men-tei is my choice. colleagues who have tried men-tei agree that they prefer men-tei too.

i need to find out if men-tei takes reservations.