My favourite Japanese restaurant! Originally a restaurant founded in Japan in 1985, opening their first overseas restaurant in New York in 2008, followed by other Asian destinations, and in later in Sydney in December 2012. It is located on Level 5 of Westfields Shopping Centre on Pitt St, Sydney in a very prime location. As expected, their prices are also a bit fancier than normal ramen joints.
I quite enjoy the ambiance and atmosphere of the restaurant, all of the staff being very friendly and welcoming from the moment you enter the restaurant. It is classier and more upmarket place, themed simplistically with cutlery and bowls, themed in red, black and white. Have yet to try Ryo's, of which I have heard of so much. But save that for another food adventure. :)
The waitress who served me was very helpful and polite, explaining the menu and suggesting the cheap happy hour drinks. Also warned me not to use the sesame seed grinder upsidedown! I tried a bottle of Sapporo for $5 (Normally $11), which was a light and refreshing lager. I figured a glass of soft drink would cost about the same so why not have a Japanese Beer with my ramen. There are a number of other beers, whites and reds on the list, presenting quite a variety of choices. Out of curiosity, I asked her what her opinion on which main was the best. She said the Akamaru Tonkotsu was the international favourite, where as the the more classic Shiromaru Motoaji was the more popular choice in Sydney. Comparatively, if I was after something a bit more spicy, I should try Ippudo's Karaka Men with spicy miso paste.
Had a fabulous Ippudo pork bun for the appetiser, with amazing texture and taste. The softness of the flower bun contrasted the crisp lettuce and the melt-in-your-mouth pork belly fat, which results in a very interesting composition together. The Ippudo original sauce also complements the pork bun, providing a slight spiciness to the further the completeness of the dish. $4 each, and therefore $8 for 2. Not exactly cheap but a totally worthwhile experience.
Followed by the main, the international favourite, the Akamaru Tamago ($19). I think this is the third time I have visited Ippudo and the third time I have ordered this dish.
Absolutely delicious. The tonkotsu broth is perfectly balanced every time, not too light, like Tenkomori at Regents Place, and not too heavy, like Gumshara at Eating World Food Court in Chinatown. We chose to order the noodles 'hard', similar to al dente, which juxtaposed beautifully with the slippery black mushrooms. Turned out to be extremely enjoyable, as I personally enjoy noodles with more texture rather than soft. The pork belly was soft and tender, and topped of the dish very nicely.
"IPPUDO original tonkotsu broth enhanced with special blended miso paste and fragrant garlic oil. Served with thin noodles, pork belly, black mushroom and shallots. A refined, modern-style ramen."
Well presented, satisfying tonkotsu ramen that always has me coming back for more.
Ippudo Sydney
Shop 5021, Level 5, Westfield Shopping Centre/188 Pitt St, Sydney 2000View Larger Map
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