Hakataya Ramen

DolceBunnie 1/11/2012 2 Comments Edit

Hmmm… let me think, how should I start?

Hakataya serves the best tonkotsu ramen ever! I've been going to the one located on the Gold Coast for a long time, but I was thrilled to see that they have opened their third shop! The trick to get the best tonkotsu ramen in town is to get there early, the old 'first in, best served'. Trust me on this one because once the very last bits of their ramen broth finishes for the day, that's it. No ramen for you. And yes, I am speaking from my past experience, an experience so devastating that you don't even want to think about it and that's how good Hakataya's ramen broth taste.

So the other travel bunny and I ~~pushed and shoved our way~~ visited the ramen shop one night after work. We were (*drums please*) lucky enough to get a table. As I have mentioned before Hakataya Ramen is best known for their tonkotsu ramen thanks to their 'almost-legendary' broth. I'm not sure how to begin with the description of their tonkotsu ramen other than… it's AMAZING. Indeed, the broth is rich and creamy, none of that msg, tonkotsu powder stuff that you can get on the market. (yep, try google 'tonkotsu powder' and you will most likely be drowned in the sea of various flavouring providers on the internet).

We were the last ones to leave that night and luckily enough, the chef shared the one of the secret ingredients to make the perfect broth: pork bones simmered for at least 39 hours straight. He particularly mentioned that due to the extremely long cooking time, the marrows from the bones would slowly come out and therefore create a very flavoursome broth.

My favourite is the Char Siu Men, seasoned pork slices placed on top of your ramen that would melt in your month. At $13.00 each, you’d be silly not to try it out and the best thing is, say 'kaedama' and you'll get an additional serve of noodles for free.

Enjoy!