Ask almost any Japanese person to name a well known Ramen chain, and at least one of the names that may be given would be Ippudo Ramen. From what I read online, it’s one of the more famous and well known Tonkotsu Ramen chain in Japan, now with branches in many countries around the world, including the US and where I live here in Malaysia.
Photo below: What I had, the Akamaru Shinaji with an extra serving of noodles. (Hard)
Ippudo Ramen opened in Malaysia since not too long ago, and whilst I have seen many food enthusiasts queuing to eat in the few branches here, I have been reluctant thus long to spend to much money on a bowl of noodles, whatever elixir it may contain. I have been to Japan before and neither have I tried this there. So after thus long and feeling overly peckish, I finally gave in and went to try it. To figure out why people will queue to spend that much money on this.
The branch I visited was the newest branch of Ippudo in Sunway Pyramid Mall (Location here: https://goo.gl/maps/krb6bMkv7UT5QVcW8 )
The restaurant is very well decorated and brought reminiscence of time in Japan, with the white and red lanterns welcoming patrons. When one steps inside, the whole bamboo wood motive brings an ambiance of peace and simplicity. From what I have seen in videos online, many Ramen restaurants have set cubicles with bamboo blinds for privacy, but those are not present here. This restaurant is a more modern take with open spaces and modern design. They do have a chef’s counter when one can sit, eat and watch the chef make ramen.
Photo below: some shots inside and outside of Ippudo in Sunway Pyramid.
I took a bit of time to read through the small menu, as I wasn’t too well versed in all the Ramen terminology, although here in Malaysia, it should have been simpler than say in Japan where there could be more options. So, I just picked the broth, which I chose the Akamaru Tonkotsu which is the stronger flavored one, with garlic oil and to make sure I don’t spend too much money and still go hungry, I ordered an extra side order or ramen noodles, cooked to hard texture, as I like chewy noodles.
So the order was put in and I was spending time looking around and one stark thing I noticed is that many of the patrons are very young people, I would even say many are students from local colleges around the area. Most seemed to be quite well verse in the menu as they didn’t nearly as much time as I did to order. Interesting indeed.
And in the next few minutes, my Akamaru Tonkotsu Ramen was served to me, then came the extra side order of Ramen. The bowl seemed large, but the actual quantity was moderate. Then my first taste of Ippudo Tonkotsu broth. In short it was amazing, thick, luscious, incredibly flavorful broth which used meat bones boiled over many many hours to extract all the flavor. The Akamaru is flavored with miso paste as well as black garlic oil which gave it more smoky rich flavor. The broth itself is really thick and easily clung onto the thin springy chewy noodles. And served with woods ear mushrooms, green onions and slices of chasu meat. For condiments there was pepper, red chilly powder and sesame seeds. The noodles were chewy and had good springy feel, went deliciously well with the strong broth, and all the condiments completed the dish to give accents of flavors.
Photo below: My bowl of Akamaru Shinaji with extra serving of noodles by the side
It didn’t take me too long to finish the bowl with the extra serving of noodles. Luckily I had ordered that extra serving of noodles, if not the actual quantity would be too small for me. I would suspect it would be too little for most except for the smallest eaters.
So, now it comes to the question of at about RM 38 for a fairly simple bowl of Ramen with an extra serving of noodles, was it worth it? Mind myself that RM 38 one could go for a fairly good all-you-can-eat buffet hotpot with good quality meat and vegetables here in Malaysia with change to spare. It’s hard to say. For taste it’s quite unique especially the very thick flavorful broth. But for value, maybe not so much, as far as the local Malaysia food prices are concerned.
I would still suggest one give it a try though, without which one needs to travel all the way to Japan to partake authentic Japanese Ramen.
Share your own experiences eating authentic Japanese Tonkotsu Ramen. Glad to hear your take.
Note that prices could get much higher that what I have spent with more condiments or side dishes. I had only the basic Ramen with an extra serving of plain noodles.
*Ippudo Ramen is not Halal
