“Ippudo” = “one wind hall,” supposedly referring to the founder’s hope that his restaurant would represent a fresh breeze to revitalize the ramen industry.From on-line photos, the interior decor would seem to look like this in every branch.
Ippudo is a Japanese noodle chain, famous for ramen, especially their signature tonkontsu ramen. Founded 1985. Currently over 80 locations in Japan, plus branches in 13 other countries, 3 branches in the Philippines.
Though apparently famous worldwide — not yet anywhere near as ubiquitous as Ajisen Ramen (see generally 5.154 Kakuni Ramen), I’d never heard of it until recently.
“Shiromaru” = “white ring,” presumably in reference to the white(ish) broth.
The ramen was good, objectively. Rich, creamy broth. Chewy, dense noodles. Tender, juicy cuts of pork. Nicely balanced with the seasoned seaweed and fresh scallions. Perfectly cooked egg. But subjectively, I’ve never been a huge fan of Japanese ramen, which generally I’ve found to be overly heavy in texture and flavor (see for example 5.147 Yakisoba…), perhaps in contrast to Japenese cuisine overall.
As noticeably undercooked, “very hard” = too hard.E-X-A-C-T-L-Y (see also 2.365 Perfectly Boiled Eggs).Goma Q (2.0) : “sliced cucumber with sesame dressing” — a bit oily, but the fresh cucumber provided a nice crunch.Pork Bun (3.5) : supremely tender pork, delectably seasoned and grilled to a crisp, wrapped in a heavenly delicate/fluffy bun, plus a touch of fresh lettuce, a touch of creamy mayo — best dish of the spread.By comparison, Momofuku’s pork buns would seem laughable (see generally 7.035 W T Fuku?) — now wondering if Momofuku is simply a failed rip-off of Ippudo.
