Nagoya's 1.5-Kilogram Noodle Challenge

Nagoya's Men-dokoro Yoshinoya has gained fame for its colossal noodle servings, such as the Pitcher Koro, a 1.5-kilogram dish that blends kishimen, soba, and udon within a large pitcher. This restaurant, located in Nagoya's Naka Ward, is renowned for its generous portions at reasonable prices, with regular-sized noodle dishes weighing about 500 grams, twice the amount typically served at a conventional udon restaurant.

A popular item is cold koro curry, which incorporates noodles in a chilled curry broth filled with vegetables. Another peculiar offering is carbonated koro udon, where ice-cold carbonated water is poured over the noodles, which are then mixed with a sauce underneath, providing a refreshing sensation while retaining the noodles' chewy texture.

For those seeking an even larger serving, Men-dokoro Yoshinoya offers oversized bowls containing up to 3 kilograms of noodles alone, served in a massive container that becomes very heavy once filled. However, the restaurant's signature dish remains Pitcher Koro, which comprises kishimen at the base, followed by soba and udon, all submerged in broth, resulting in a total weight of approximately 1.5 kilograms.

The deep pitcher often deceives customers into thinking the amount has dwindled despite eating for an extended period. One customer managed to finish the Pitcher Koro alone in about 45 minutes, praising the smooth texture that makes the generous portion easier to consume than it appears. Some patrons even order multiple servings, with one man consuming two pitchers in 30 minutes and then ordering sushi, estimating he was still only 70% to 80% full.

The owner aims to maintain Nagoya's reputation for generous portion sizes and has no intention of reducing serving sizes, instead preferring to increase them, a philosophy that has solidified the restaurant's status as a hotspot for customers seeking both value and a very full stomach.