(32/1 Sukhumvit Soi 39, Bangkok 10110) After waxing lyrical about Bankara Ramen for years now to every Tom, Dick and Harry I met with a passing interest in Japanese noodle soup, I decided to forgo the natural tendency of opting for the Tonkotsu and decided instead to test the waters with a new bowl. The Banzai Tonkotsu Soy Sauce ramen.
It looked divine when it arrived at the table, and I stared over at my cousin who ordered the regular Tonkotsu with a .wry smile. However, on tasting it... it wasn't up to scratch. There was some severe lack of flavour, of depth. It just didn't hold a candle to the original. Lesson learnt. Don't change a winning formula. 5/10
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(900-0013 Okinawa Prefecture, Naha, Makishi, 2−16−10) On a rare night alone, I wandered the streets of Okinawa and stumbled upon Danbo. I had read some articles about it but wasn't expecting the huge line outside (predominantly Chinese tourists) but it moved pretty fast. I sat at the far corner of the bar and ordered a Tonkotsu Ramen, Chashu, Tamago.
The broth was excellent, not quite on the level of Kouryu but pretty damn close. The egg wasn't amazing, but the pork was great and the nice hit of spice just set it up perfectly. 8.5/10 (2 Chome-12-1 Kume, Naha, Okinawa Prefecture) In the hallyways of Hell, stands a chef serving up this inane mess to every sinner and every saint.
You don't have to be a genius to know that I abhor sweetcorn in Ramen. Yes its traditional in some Ramen in Japan. Yes some people like it, but to me its like pineapple on pizza or cream in your Carbonara. NO GO. IT WILL ALWAYS BE BETTER WITHOUT IT. This was petrifyingly awful. Tasteless yet fatty broth, fairly alright eggs but not marinated, the pork was a throw-away and the sight of a sea of little yellow corn bastards floating around the surface like survivors from a capsized ship was a constant downer. Drown the bastards. 2/10 (900-0031 2-10-20 Matsuo, Naha city, Okinawa) Situated inside the alleyways of the Makishi Market in Naha, Okinawa is this amazing Soba restaurant.
It's been around for over 30 years and still costs less than 400 yen for a bowl of steaming, perfectly cooked noodles. The old lady serving has a great personality and lots of locals cram in here at dinner and lunch time to enjoy this traditional spot. Definitely worth tracking down. 7/10 |
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