Iconic ramen heads over the bridge.
The Sydney branch has been a runaway success. Now the group is spreading north. Noodlies, Sydney food blog takes a first look at Ippudo, Chatswood.
From the first restaurant in the Daimyo District of Chuo Ward in Fukuoka City, Ippudo has spread across Japan. It’s now in 10 countries, with the first overseas branch in New York City’s East Village, other overseas locations include, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Malaysia, China, the Philippines and Sydney, Australia (2013).
From this month, there’s an Ippudo in Chatswood.
The Chatswood Interchange is above the station. For newbies to the area, it might be a little hard to find, but they’re attracting some delicious tenants; Tim Ho Wan and Ippudo are two obvious food power-brands.
Ippudo, Chatswood is attractive; simple red, white and black tones repeat throughout the interior – you’ll notice it most in the bowls and soup spoons feature wall above the open kitchen, screens and the cluster of lights above the communal centre table.
READ: Round-Up of Ramen in Sydney
The eating area is compact, a large communal table occupies centre stage with eating benches and tables around it.
Ippudo Chatswood suits individuals or couples wanting a quick slurp. Don’t bother coming if you’re in a big group unless you’re willing to wait.
Of the trio of ramen on offer, noodlies can’t go past the Akamaru shinaji ramen; the recipe is 25 years old and includes miso, garlic oil, lean pork, black mushroom, bean sprouts and scallions – the tonkotsu requires slow cooking of pork bone to for extra depth of flavour.
It’s one attractive looking bowl. The brown broth seems a little light-on at first, though seconds later the depth of flavour comes through, pork, garlic, miso… Tasty, yet light, you feel like sipping all down in one breath.
The ramen is lively, substantial. But it’s the chashu; sliver-thin ovals of meat that pack an intense, winning pork burst.
My extra order of egg proves disappointing, the yolk was cold and over cooked to my taste – I miss the gooey-ness.
There’s also a decent range of sides including three types of gyozas and buns. The pork bao isn’t the most attractive looking I’ve seen; the lettuce clashes visually with the other ingredients. In the mouth it’s a moreish morsel, the freshness of the lettuce helping balance everything.
Kudos to the staff for friendly, helpful and efficient service. Ramen bowls came out fast and a mistake with our order fixed with minimal fuss within a blink of an eye.
No wonder Ippudo in Chatswood is packed. Other Sydney branches include Westfield Sydney, Central Park and Macquarie Centre.
Ippudo
Chatswood Interchange
Podium level
436 Victoria Ave, Chatswood
Aww…Julie misses Ippudo…its selection of ramens and baos…Mmmm!!
Julie & Alesah
Gourmet Getaways xx