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Big in Japan: Zen and the art of ramen appreciation
I love ramen...
For some, it's the marbled fat and delicate color of farm-raised Kobe beef. For others, it's the delicate flesh and buttery taste of wild salmon.
For me however, it's got to be ramen, Nature's most perfect food.
Although I've spent several years living in Tokyo, for some strange reason I never had the privilege of dining at Ippudo (???), a world famous chain of ramen noodle shops.
Originating in the city of Hakata (??) on the island of Kyushu, Ippudo pays homage to its roots by serving up some of the best damn Hakata-style ramen on the planet.
Hakata ramen is distinguished by its rich and milky pork-bone broth, thin noodles and unique toppings such as pickled ginger, crushed sesame and pickled greens.
So how good is Ippudo you ask?
Put it this way - one doesn't merely jump right into a bowl of Ippudo's signature Hakata ramen.
On the contrary, it must first appreciated and respected before even a single slurp of soup and noodle can be savored.
So, without further adieu, I present to you today Zen and the art of ramen appreciation.
Upon arriving at the table, don't lose face in front of the chef by diving into the bowl like an uncouth barbarian.
Instead, take a moment to appreciate the immaculate presentation, the intoxicating aroma and th
e beauty of the meal before you.
Ippudo ramen is best served up with a dollop of fiery red miso paste and a squirt of black sesame oil.
However, don't let these culinary flourishes distract you from the heart and soul of the meal, namely the honorable pig that gave up its life for your dining pleasure.
Indeed, the fat from the humble pig comprises much of the bulk of the broth, while cuts of tenderloin float delicately on the surface like sakura petals on a still pond.
Next, use your chopsticks in a precise and exacting manner to explore the delicate coil of noodles that lie in waiting beneath the surface of the broth.
At Ippudo, these handmade noodles are thin yet resilient, and are expertly crafted to capture globu
les of rich fat and flavorful broth.
By this point, your mouth is salivating and your stomach is growling, so give a polite bow to the chef and say a small prayer for the pig.
Now that the appropriate amount of respect has been given, dive right into what will most likely be the most heavenly bowl of ramen you've ever tasted.
And of course, don't forget to slurp your noodles - not only is it polite, but it also enhances the flavor!
Ippudo has several locations in Tokyo, though I tend to frequent the one on Meiji-dori in Hiroo-go-chome. If you happen to see a fellow gaijin noodle lover there, be sure to say hi.
** Special thanks to my fellow diner and all-around partner in crime, Will-san, who understands whole-heartedly that no two bowls of ramen are ever created equal **
Filed under: Food and Drink, Asia, Japan, Big in Japan
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
wel Mar 11th 2008 11:48PM
Boy, I love your blog! I check it everyday though :) And yes the ramen you are eating really looks tasty. Im from the Philippines and never tried an authentic ramen. I am only able to eat wanton though. I tried eating ramen in a fastfood/japanese resto but not sure if that counts. Hopefully soon I will be able to eat one as well...and in Japan!
~Wel
http://mysungit.blogspot.com
Ippudo Mar 15th 2008 9:10PM
Ippudo is coming to NYC. I can't wait! MMMmmmm. More at Ippudo NYC
Janie May 2nd 2008 2:56AM
Is there an Ippudo in Shinjuku, Minato-ku, Tsukiji, or anywhere close to the JR Yamanote line?
Also, can anyone recommend a Ryokan near Shinjuku Station or in Nishi-Shinjuku? I heard of Tama, but as they have cats on premises and we have allergies, I was wondering if anyone has any other hot tips on Ryokans.
Matthew Firestone May 2nd 2008 2:57AM
There is an Ippudo in Ebisu (on the JR Yamanote Line), as well as one in Roppongi (on the Hibeya Subway line). Not sure about ryokans near Shinjuku as that area is famous for luxury hotels, especially the Park Hyatt, any of which are certainly worth the splurge.