IPPUDO

Famous Japanese restaurant chain now open at Central Embassy

FOUNDED in 1985 in Japan’s ramen capital of Hakata, Fukuoka, ramen king Shigemi Kawahara’s popular restaurant chain, Ippudo, is feted for the quality of its pork-broth noodles. After earning praise outside of Japan in cities such as New York, Hong Kong and Singapore, the restaurant has now finally arrived in Bangkok, bringing fine ingredients, well-honed recipes, considerate cooking, and heaps of flavour – as well as some unique, signature dishes.

Following the same concept as the very first Ippudo branch in Fukuoka, a carefully crafted noodle-slurping den, Bangkok’s iteration of the restaurant – a 96-seater – is modern and stylish with clean-lines and no clutter. And, like the debut diner, there’s invariably a queue – such is the quality of what’s on offer.  The Shiromaru Motoaji (B200), one of Ippudo’s classics, is a delicious creamy combination of Hakata-style ultra-thin noodles topped with tender pork loin, bean sprouts, kikurage and spring onions. Slow simmered for 15 hours, the pork broth is rich with flavour and utterly irresistible. Not surprising, then, that diners are encouraged to zuzutto – slurp their noodles vigorously so they receive a mouthful of soup, too. While Ippudo is renowned for its ramen, it also offers a good selection of side dishes like Ippudo shrimp bun (a crunchy, deep-fried shrimp in a moist bun. B80 per piece), a flavourful Spicy boiled gyoza (B110), plus new teppan rice creations such as Ippudo teppan tonkotsu spicy rice with nikumiso (B180), a subtly spicy treat served in a portion big enough to share. Well worth a try.

When it comes to washing down your food, from juices and smoothies to cocktails and sake, Ippudo has an array of drinks to suit every taste (the refreshing Shochu night, which blends shochu, grapefruit juice and triple sec liqueur, is a must try. B165). Factor in efficient and genuinely friendly staff, and Ippudo is perfect for any occasion.

Central Embassy (3rd floor), Ploenchit Rd. Tel: 02 160 5672 
www.ippudo.co.th :facebook.com/ippudothailand :
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