This post was written in 2006. Shop details and prices may have changed since then.
Ippudo, the famous ramen shop from Fukuoka, has been opening branches all over the country. Just like Ichiran. There was one in Shinsaibashi, Osaka, so I went in.
The sign.
It was late at night, but the place was really packed.
I ordered gyoza, the classic ramen-shop side.
They come out in perfect one-bite size. Crispy outside, and juice runs out of the filling. Pan-fried dumplings should be at least this good ^_^
Japanese people usually drop by a ramen shop for some gyoza or chashu with a draft beer. It’s down-to-earth, everyday food.
And the Hakata specialty, tonkotsu ramen.
If you look closely you can see the broth is foamy. I heard it turns out like that when you stir the tonkotsu broth hard while making it. The broth feels really creamy in the mouth. A bit like drinking smooth, rich milk. I’ve hardly ever been to a place that does tonkotsu ramen this well. Considering it’s a branch, doing it this well is really impressive.
The ramen comes in two kinds, spicy and mild, so I tried the spicy one, but it wasn’t spicy at all. The thin tonkotsu noodles were cooked nicely al dente, and apart from the chashu lacking just a little punch, I was very happy with it.
Prices aren’t very high either, the service is good, and unlike most Japanese ramen shops they even give you side dishes! No way this place could be anything but popular. They seem to have opened branches here and there in Tokyo too, so if you get the chance, it’s worth a visit.