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2012-10-11
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I have been to here quite a few times already due to convenience of LOCATION as well as the fact that I actually quite like this brand. Yes it can be inconsistent, but the taste is mostly goodish. I have to admit I have been to Ippudo HK outlets more than 10 times by now and even within this month along I am paying my 4th visit already. I think Ippudo in HK is slightly confusing for a regular customer like myself - did you know that the Tsim Sha Tsui outlet is the flagship store and carr
Here is a Summary Break Down:
.1) Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Store -
- Much more snacks than on Hong Kong's 3 outlets.
- Unique Kasane (かさね) Ramen. Chicken x Pork broth. This is very good and fragrant. ~ 8/10
- New 博多醬油拉麵 (中華そば) is a new item and quite good with a clear soy broth. Read my review there to find out. Link: http://www.openrice.com/restaurant/commentdetail.htm?commentid=2259506 ~ 7.5/10
- 辣肉味噌拉面 (からか麺) - The chili miso pork mince noodles. Only available on the Kowloon side and served with a unique thin curly noodles. ~ 7/10
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Hong Kong Island Side - Akamaru Shinaji 赤丸新味 This is the 2nd addition to the original Hakata Ippudo flavour and also available on the TST side, with a stronger ramen garlic oil, miso, with slight chili. At the beginning this was not that great and in fact the Causeway Bay store was the weakest store out of them all but nowadays it is actually one of the best ones again. Go figure, but this is after my observation after many visits. This Akamaru Shinaji noodle should be ordered SUPER HARD as is traditional Hakata tradition. It has a lot of pork back fat (背脂) which is quite Kyushu and Japan like overall, but slightly anti-Ippudo's normal style. Ramens are about personal opinions but here, this is done really well and up to Japan's standards when it comes to the Akamaru Shinaji version. ~ 9/10
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背脂 is quite Japanese like. The irony is that Ippudo isn't famous for this, but in Hong Kong context where everyone wants a strong but clear broth, not much ramen shops does this style. Again, I am just talking to myself but the Japanese chefs happen to concur when I talk to them. Sigh.... .
Akamaru Shinaji 赤丸新味 #2 -Another bowl of the famous more newer flavour. Still utterly good and apart from Nagahama No.1, one of the best ramens in Hong Kong still. The TST store's Akamaru Shinaji seems slightly less fatty. ~ 9/10
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Soy Sauce and Pork Bone Tonkotsu Ramen -Previously one of my best preferred ramens in HK, this particular bowl was a little too heavy on Fish Powder but not enough on Soy Sauce component. I used to really like this but this more recent visit in the same store was slightly too weak yet fishy. It varies ~ 6/10
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Fried Chicken - I didn't expect this to be so good but it was easily hands down one of the best ones I have had in Hong Kong. Comes with some sort of vinegar. ~ 9/10
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一口豚カツ -This was surprisingly great with a good mix of pork fat and meat flavour, also leek. At only $30 I can't rave enough about this. ~ 8/10
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野菜炒め -At the lowish price of $30, surely this cannot be faulted. Executed well enough and the portion generous, taste was balanced. ~ 8/10
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餃子 - Gyoza Dumpling There are a few versions available at different outlets, including a Pork tonkotsu soup based one and a baked Lasagna style one. This is the original made with chicken meat. It was browned better than before, but skin was still a little moist and not crispened up enough. The 大阪王将 version still remains the one to beat and so much more better. ~ 6/10
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博多一風堂辣沾麵 -The spicy minced meat Tsukemen, a new addition and only available on the Hong Kong Ippudo side. This was actually tasted at the TST Store by special arrangement at an Event, as they are all managed under Maxim's Group in Hong Kong, despite being the same name but HK stores have different items to Kowloon Store. The Kowloon TST store offers more diversity but the HK stores also offer alternative items. Hard to decide!! This version with Cheese, minced Spicy Meat, crushed Cashew Nuts, with thick noodles was nice enough. ~ 7/10
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The Akamaru Shinaji 赤丸新味 available especially at this store, was utterly addictive and on par with the Japan's version. The other items are not as diverse as the flagship TST store, but here it is much better than before and very well balanced. Despite the many new Ramen shops opening lately, this shop still remains one of my favourites in terms of composure and balance.
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