Although we chose 1pm we arrived early at 12.30pm and found that there was already people lining up for the same timeslot. The ticket only reserves you a spot in the line at that timeslot however you still might have to wait when you arrive just depending on how fast people are dining before you (but better than waiting hours!)


The wonton was not soggy at all and added a great texture to the ramen. When we bit into the soft boiled egg the yolk oozed out perfectly (see video below).


If you ever visit Tokyo I would highly recommend making some time to visit Tsuta. Although you might have to make two trips to collect your reserved ticket I definitely would not regret it (and essentially saves you time!)



蔦 | Tsuta Japanese Soba Noodles
Address: 1 Chome-14-1 Sugamo, 豊島区 Tokyo 170-0002,  Japan
Hours: Open today · 11am–4pm, 6pm-9pm
Phone: +81 3-3943-1007

Located in Otsuka, Tokyo is the second ramen shop in the world to receive a Michelin Star - Nakiryu.  It is only a 5min walk from Shin-Otsuka station (Tokyo Metro line) and about 7min walk from Otsuka station (JR line). Coincidentally enough, it's quite close to Tsuta - the first ramen shop in the world to receive a Michelin Star.


Nakiryu is renowned for it's signature dish - Tantanmen. However, if you want to taste their awesome ramen, you'd better arrive early.


We arrived 45min before opening (opening time - 11.30am) and there was already a line which steadily grew. It grew to the extent that the line had to separate on BOTH SIDES of the road. As the restaurant holds about 9 patrons at a time, we just made the first cut. As news of it's Michelin Star status spreads, it will only get busier so best to come a bit earlier to avoid disappointment.

Let’s get straight into it! Once we were called in, similarly to other ramen shops, we had to order via a vending machine. Thankfully, there were english menus so all we had to do was to match the corresponding Kanji from the pamphlet to the vending machine. Easy enough? Thankfully, I was Ok at recognising Japanese characters.

Watching the chef whip up the piping hot bowls of ramen was like watching a show. Oddly enough, I found the draining of the noodles to be the highlight. Who would have thought I'd be so fascinated by such cool noodle, draining techniques.


I was salivating as the bowl hit my table. Spicy, nutty, sesame broth with ground pork and topped with green onions. I’m no ramen expert, but that broth was absolutely delicious. Slightly spicy and peanutty but highly addictive. I couldn’t stop slurping.
The handmade noodles were awesome , with a firm texture and it held the broth really well. Still, at ¥800, what an absolute bargain!

Tantanmen - ¥800 (~$9AU)

We also got to try the Shoyu Ramen. Again, another awesome bowl of ramen. The broth was flavourful, the slices of chashu were nice and slightly chewy, although I prefer mine more fatty and tender. The noodles were a bit softer than the tantanmen noodles, but this worked well for the dish. The broth was sticking onto the noodles like glue. Now, to the egg. Wow that soft boiled egg was AMAZINGGGGG. The soft gooey yolk was so damn good.

Shoyu Ramen (with chashu and soft-boiled egg) - ¥950 (~$11AU)

Next time, I'll make sure I order an egg and extra chashu with my tantanmen. With extra noodles. Perhaps 2 bowls. Yes, it's that good.


Watch the video here 
Press play to see the ramen in all it's glory!


If it doesn't work, you can watch it on Youtube here.

NAKIRYU (鳴龍)
Address: Tokyo, Toshima-ku, Minami Otsuka 2-34-2
Phone number: 03-6304-1811
Opening Times: Wed to Mon, 11:30am to 3pm & 5pm to 9pm (Mon is only day time). Closed Tuesday
Website: www12.plala.or.jp (Japanese only)

Attention ramen lovers: Ippudo in Central Park Sydney is officially opening this week on Thursday October 2nd! I was lucky enough to be invited to dine there last week before their Grand Opening to taste what they had to offer. I was told that the menu at Central Park would include both their famous signature dishes as well as some new specials.

For entrees,  we shared both the "Ippudo Gyozas w/ chilli oil" and the "Japanese style Fish and Chips ($14)".The battered salmon fillet was cooked perfectly and had a nice pink tinge. The dish was also served with two signature sauces. I found the spicy chilli sauce was best with the deep fried salmon whereas we mopped up the Japanese Mayo with the crispy seasoned chips. The dish was also served with a deep fried battered flavoured egg to add to the Japanese influence of the dish. Mhmm yolk porn...


We delightfully devoured the lightly pan-fried "Ippudo Gyozas" dipping them in the accompanying fragrant chilli sauce.


Although we are big fans of their signature Akamaru ramen dish we both decided to  try other ramen dishes on offer. I opted with the "Tori Shoyu Special ($23)" which is their original chicken broth ramen topped with chashu chicken,  menma, leeks, naruto and nori and with the "special" it is served with a side plate of flavoured egg, simmered pork belly, roasted seaweed, flavoured black mushrooms, flavoured bamboo shoots and spring onions. I felt like this dish had it all; I had the best of both worlds with the chashu chicken and the melt-in-your mouth pork belly and the chicken broth (blended with special bonito extract) was a lot lighter which allowed me to down the entire dish with no problem (that and because I am a fatty).

Left: Tori Shoyu Special Ramen with all the toppings 
Right: Side plate of flavoured egg, simmered pork belly, roasted seaweed, flavoured black mushrooms, flavoured bamboo shoots and spring onions

J ordered the Ippudo Miso Tonkotsu Special ($25) which is a pork broth ramen flavoured with miso and topped with pork belly chashu, menma, shallots, corn kernels, bean sprouts, and also served with the extra plate of toppings. The miso blended well with their flavoursome signature pork broth and their noodles were on point (we always choose the option of hard noodles whenever we dine at Ippudo; so much better!)


Special thanks to Sana Motoyama and the team at SD marketing for the opportunity to dine at Ippudo Central Park. Ippudo is an excellent addition to other well known eating establishments at the very new Central Park district and the location is perfect for students attending the surrounding universities and colleges near by. The restaurant was very spacious in comparison to the Westfield Sydney branch and the staff were extremely friendly and helpful. I would definitely recommend dropping by after October 2nd to try both their old and new dishes they have to offer.





Ippudo Sydney  Central Park
Address: Level 1 RB07 (lower ground), 28 Broadway, Chippendale
Opening times: Mon - Wed: 11:00am-10:00pm,  Thurs - Sat:11:00am-11:00pm,   Sun: 11:00am-9:00pm
Website: http://www.ippudo.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ippudo.syd


Disclaimer: I was invited to dine at Ippudo Sydney courtesy of Ippudo Sydney and SD Marketing. This in no way affected my option, all opinions are my own. Please read my disclosure policy for further information.