I finally tried Ippudo Ramen. The brand, is, of course, not new in Malaysia – they opened their first outlet in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur in 2013, so I’m about 10 years late to the party. But as the saying goes, better late than never – and I’ve heard so many good things about their ramen over the years, I had high expectations going in to their Sunway Pyramid branch.

History

Originally from Fukuoka in Japan, Ippudo Ramen has over 37 years of history, having opened its first store in 1985. It has since expanded all across the world, with branches in Asia, Europe, and the United States. The brand is well known for its tonkotsu ramen, which features a rich soup broth made from pork bones that has been simmered for hours.

Understandably, the outlet in Sunway Pyramid is super popular. I’ve passed by the shop a couple of times and they’re always busy during peak hours. I was lucky to land a seat at the counter, which caters to solo diners. You can watch the chefs in action through a glass partition, so I would call these the best seats in the house.

Decor wise, the restaurant looks like your typical ramen joint, with all the trimmings – red and white lanterns, as well as lots of wood contrasted against dark walls and accents, giving the space a clean, elegant feel.

Service was efficient and the food was served promptly.

Being a first timer, I wanted to try the original that has made them a household name for Japanese tonkotsu ramen across the world: the Shiromaru Special, featuring bouncy, ultra-thin cut noodles in a pork bone-based broth simmered for over 15 hours to achieve full-flavoured umami.

The bowl also came with a perfectly cooked half boiled egg, crisp sheets of seaweed, spring onions, kikurage (wood-ear fungus) for extra crunch, and succulent chashu (roast pork).

Ippudo’s ramen definitely lives up to its reputation. The broth is creamy and sweet, but not overly so, and the richness is not cloying. Some ramen places with rich soups will leave you feeling bloated and overwhelmed after a few sips, but Ippudo’s version is well balanced.

The noodles are excellent as well; bouncy and al-dente, with just the right amount of bite, while the chashu is tender and juicy, with just a hint of smokiness and char imparted onto its surface from the grilling process.

Ippudo Ramen is worth a little splurging at RM37 per bowl. The only con I can think of: because the outlet has such high traffic, you do feel a little harried to finish up your food ASAP to make way for other diners – they cleared my bowl almost immediately after I finished up my soup, and I felt compelled to gulp down my green tea because customers waiting outside were staring at me balefully like vacate your seat lol.

IPPUDO RAMEN (SUNWAY PYRAMID)

G1.45, Sunway Pyramid Shopping Centre, No. 3, Jalan PJS 11/15, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor

Opening hours: 10.30AM – 10PM (daily)

*Ippudo ramen also has other branches around the Klang Valley. For more info, visit ippudo.com.my

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