Hakata Ippudo Ramen (一風堂) @ Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

A newly introduced eatery now adds into the family of ramen in Malaysia. Menya Musashi, Gantetshu Ramen and Santouka are the few that tops my list. And recently we have the latest Ippudo Ramen brought from Hakata, a district located in Fukuoka City in Kyushu, Japan.

Hakata Ippudo Ramen, one of the latest Japanese ramen houses in KL is a colorful addition to a quiet corner in the alfresco dining area in Pavilion. Tucked at one floor below GSC Cinemas, the ambience there is vibrant, casual and inviting, reflected in the bright red and white decors and wooden furniture in the restaurant. 

During IPPUDO official launch, the menu promises to be a showcase of well-loved Hakata Japanese soul food - from the finely-made noodles to the wide variety of tummy fillers. For the highly-prized homemade ramen, the delicate balance of ingredients, broth and thin springy noodles is an art form in itself. 

The last call for ramen is 10.30pm, while for appetizers you should order by 10pm.

#1 Shiromaru Motoaji @ RM26 

Made from pork bones and simmered for many hours, IPPUDO's original Tonkotsu broth is slightly white in colour and gives a deep yet light flavours of pork. Besides the ultra-thin noodles, bean sprouts, kikurage and spring onions, I loved the generous portion of belly chashu that melted in the mouth without feeling heavy in the stomach. This classic Hakata-style ramen is best ordered for first timers in IPPUDO.

Although the soup was not as creamy as I thought, but the ultra-thin noodles were very well-prepared, giving a springy texture. If you were looking for something not too rich, the original clear pork broth would be your choice.

#2 Akamaru Shinaji @ RM28 

We gave the thumbs up to the chef's recommendation of Akamaru Shinaji for the well-flavoured ramen. The broth made from original pork broth enhanced with special blended miso paste and fragrant garlic oil, gave a slightly spicy warmth that glided smoothly down the throat as I gently chewed on chunks of thin noodles, belly chashu, kikurage and spring onions.

#3 Karaka-men @ RM28

For the spicy version of tonkotsu broth, I found it surprisingly light despite of it being concocted from a mixture of spicy miso and ground pork. For spicy goers like me, I certainly loved to add more spicy miso paste and chilli flakes into the broth. 

Another thing I loved about ramen was the flavoured egg that accompanied the soul food.

Just add on RM2 and the egg would certainly heighten the senses when taken with the noodles earlier.

Hot Appetizers

#4 Hakata-style Soup Gyoza

 Among the hot appetizers, the Japanese-styled dumplings in a thick tonkotsu broth made from pork bones with 5 pieces of homemade dumplings and further enhanced by some ginger and spring onions, was my favourite of the day. 

Simple, savoury pleasures were found in the broth and dumplings, 

both lightly seasoned yet incredibly tasty. 

#5 Crispy Corn @ RM8 

For lighter bite, you may try on the smoky flavoured deep-fried young corn with seaweed seasoning. Crisp and addictive, it was an excellent pick-me-up if you were looking for something tasty and healthy to nibble on.

#6 Curry Cheese Haru Maki @ RM10 

At the first thought, I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy cheese with curry because I hadn't tried such combination before. It was a pleasant surprise to find that the melting cheese had beautifully reined in the rich curry filling of the deep fried spring rolls. And I ended each bite with a delightful crunch.

#7 Pork Bun @ RM7 

Of course we left some stomach for the signature steamed bun with braised pork. I loved how well the aromatic blend of soft fluffy bun and the sauce's caramelized sweetness enhanced the tender pork's inherent taste. Our meaty portion was a tad gristly but scrumptious nonetheless with a nice sweet, smoky tinge.

Cold Appetizer

#8 Goma Q @ RM9 

For the healthy goers, there were some dainty treats like fresh Japanese cucumber with sesame to tickle your taste buds with enhanced flavours of subtle sesame zing and spicy sprinkles.

#9 Souvenirs from IPPUDO 

The service was prompt and friendly, giving a merrier note especially when the waiters and waitresses welcomed us with a big smile and gave us a bag of IPPUDO merchandise upon leaving.

Verdict:

1. Ippudo Ramen has done the best so far on its broth, very light and full of real porky goodness.

2. The noodles. I was surprised how it remained springy despite me taking some time to finish. Remember to opt for "slightly hard" noodle upon ordering.
3. Recommended: Akamaru Shinaji and Spicy Karaka-men

Ippudo Ramen Malaysia (一風堂)
Lot C4.07.00, Connection Level 4
(Same floor as Chatime and Dome Cafe)
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
168, Jalan Bukit Bintang,
55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Contact: 603-2110 6233
Facebook: fb.com/IppudoMalaysia
GPS Coordinates: N 3° 8' 59.9316", E 101° 42' 46.2996"