So I liked Tonkotsu, Hakata ramen from Kyushu prefecture
sat very well its thick, porky soup. And the immediate question from most
friends was: Tonkotsu or Ittenbari? Well, here we go.
This noodle bar is much more
simplistic, bare walls and wooden furniture; it’s basic, almost canteen-like.
The energy and enthusiasm of the staff lighted up the place though. It was
early evening when I visited and saw head chef briefing the rest of the team
for evening service. Menu is more expansive here, it offers sushi & sashimi
and a few set lunches.
Mini Char-shu don
This was actually bigger than I
anticipated, and very generous with the meat. The cubes of pork were heavenly,
succulent meat with a small lump of lard, with teriyaki sauce drizzled, not
drowned. The fat burst to release nutty grease that fuses with the warm rice...
hmmm... The sauce was pretty spot-on too, not overly sugary or viscous, just savoury
with an addictive sweetness.
Ittenbari
The regular size version has
one slice of pork belly and half an egg, probably a bit meagre for an adult,
but given I got my share of pork from the mini-don, this was okay. The soup
base was made with chicken and vegetable stock with seafood extracts, much
thinner, clearer and lighter. But I prefer the rich soup at Tonkotsu, this by
comparison felt somewhat lacking in substance and texture.
I did, however, prefer was the
noodles here. I am a die-hard fan for the eggy ramen. This was the kind of
ramen I was first introduced to in my childhood; they kick a tone of alkali
into the soup. It may sound weird, but I love that gentle nose-prickling
alkali, just a subtle hint of it would do, it brings a certain roundness to the
flavours.
My first impression tells me
Tonkotsu beats Ittenbari. However I need to come back for their miso soup base
ramen to know better...
84 Brewer Street
London
W1F 9UB
Tel: 0207 287 1318
Everything looks too yummy and delicious!!
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