From my hometown in America, Häagen-Dazs is an afterthought in a mall attached to a cookie vendor storefront. Order a scoop in a cup or cone and go. Here it is a dinning experience.

The restaurant was packed, but few were eating. Most people were sitting and chatting or talking on their cell phones. We stood in line and were assigned a number. For our patience, we were give small cups of free coffee (probably from the Starbucks just next door).

Once seated, we were given full menus of ice cream dishes, drinks and seasonal favorites.

My wife chose the mixed berries with ice cream, sorbet and waffles.

 

I, of course, chose the chocolate dish, with chocolate ice cream, chocolate lava muffin, and chocolate sticks:

We were seated outside next to a large plate glass window and another younger couple sitting inside just next to us. I had the almost overwhelming urge to slap my hand up against the glass in the Vulcan greeting and with my best dying impression say “You have been and always shall be…my friend”. But I doubt they would have understood.

Somehow we managed to power it all down, probably due to its sheer tastiness, and waddle out of there.

Altogether, our dining experience set us back about 160¥, or 20$. Not too bad by American standards, but given you can get a good meal for two for 20¥, its definitely a luxury here.