*Me calling Kiki at 9.30pm* Hey, I'm hungry. Let's go eat.
Kiki: Yeah ok, what do you feel like.
Me: Ramen?
Kiki: Oohhh, yeah! What's open?
Me *checks internet for best ramen places*: Ippudo closes at 11pm! Can we make it?
Kiki: I'll be there in 10!

In a time of desperate ramen cravings, it's good to know that you will always have a bff that will race with you from your home in the western suburbs into town. And that's what we did come Saturday night, cause obviously we have such hip and happening social calendars. 

Ever since its opening in Sydney in December 2012, Ippudo Ramen is really one of those places on every foodies list. Starting in 1985 in the Japan city of Hakata, Ippudo (meaning "one wind shrine") made Hakata style ramen which is a thinner style of ramen. Having thinner ramen allow the cooking processed to be quicker to feed lots more mouths of the fisherman patrons in the city. The thick tonkotsu broth is made by boiling pork bones for twelve hours to extract all the flavour and goodness.

Ippudo's tonkotsu broth changes every few months to suit the customer palate through feedback. There is a difference in broths between different cities, for example, Sydney's tonkotsu broth is said to be saliter, creamier and richer than that of its American counterpart. However the American New York branch has something Australia doesn't, like regulars including Anne Hathaway, Martha Steward and Jessica Alba (according to Sydney branch manager Andrew), though I would be a bit fussed about 3 hour long waits! 

Surprisingly we were not the last patrons dining (hurray, other people rather eat ramen on a Saturday night as well!). But as it was the end of the night, most of the broth varieties have been sold out and there was absolutely no chance of trying the infamous pork buns either (cry). At least I know there must be another visit now ;)

Because we were 1/2 tables there, the service was quick and efficient. Our cute little Japanese waitress was also super friendly and helpful - although we didn't have many questions since there was only ramen on offer and only 2 different broths.

Asahi Beer on tap $9

Aka Maru Tamago $18

We ordered the original tonkotsu broth ramen that is slightly enhanced with special blended miso paste and fragrant garlic oil. The ramen is served with pork belly slices, black mushroom and shallots, and the tamago version is served with a flavoured egg also. Having been a while since having my last bowl, it was just a big bowl of deliciousness really. The ramen was firm with a nice spring to it, and at first mouthful it is a distinct garlic taste - not good, nor bad (perhaps I sipped too much of the black garlic oil). The red ball in the centre is a ball of miso and paprika and gives the soup a much more enjoyable taste once thoroughly swirled through. 

Accompanied by an Asahi beer, it brought back dear memories of me wearing 3 layers of pants during Winter in Japan while eating a big bowl of ramen (sometimes getting noodles topped up) and going for casual eats and drinks after. Whilst I highly rate Ippudo for their ability to bring back those memories, not to mentioned the taste being so on point with my taste buds, I can not justify the price of one bowl :-(  I will def come back to try more of the menu though, until I get my hands on that pork bun and green tea lamington.

Food: 4/5