OK. I did not have a good experience when I came here with my brother. But I had to come back. Why? I know some of you may think I am silly.
From what I read previously, Menya Musashi@Isetan Eat Paradise used to be one of the best places for ramen. Well, at least before their renovation back in 2016. Prior to my first visit, I did another search but could not find any recent reviews.
Then I checked their Facebook page and found a few not so favorable comments. But that did not deter me because those negative elements could be due to teething problems on their reopening.
The week after my first visit, I came back.
Since I was alone, I was seated at the communal table (I don't know if this is the correct terminology) at the center. I was early and within a few minutes, the place started filling up. That was a good sign, no?
I ordered the Chasu Ramen with Chili Flavored Oil. I also added an Ajitama. For drinks, cold green tea as usual
When the ramen was served, it looked promising.
I took a sip. Hmmmm! I was very pleased because it was pretty good. A far cry from what I tasted the other day. There was none of that unpleasant strong smell.
The Ajitama however, was a let down.
No runny soft center.
Digging in, I was having a very good ramen experience. Next thing I know, my bowl is empty.
But honestly, the one at Tokyo Ramen still has an edge over this one.
Then the following week I had the same thing except with Onion Flavored Oil.
Again, I ordered one Ajitama just to see if it was still the same overcooked egg.
This time it was better but still not runny.
And yes, the broth was very good. Before tucking in, I added some fried garlic and chili oil which you can find on every table.
I was satisfied both visits (except for the Ajitama) and if they can stay consistent on the quality of the broth and improve on the Ajitama, I am happy to say that I will come back when the craving for ramen hits me again.
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I ordered the Chasu Ramen with Chili Flavored Oil. I also added an Ajitama. For drinks, cold green tea as usual
When the ramen was served, it looked promising.
I took a sip. Hmmmm! I was very pleased because it was pretty good. A far cry from what I tasted the other day. There was none of that unpleasant strong smell.
The Ajitama however, was a let down.
No runny soft center.
Digging in, I was having a very good ramen experience. Next thing I know, my bowl is empty.
But honestly, the one at Tokyo Ramen still has an edge over this one.
Then the following week I had the same thing except with Onion Flavored Oil.
Again, I ordered one Ajitama just to see if it was still the same overcooked egg.
This time it was better but still not runny.
And yes, the broth was very good. Before tucking in, I added some fried garlic and chili oil which you can find on every table.
I was satisfied both visits (except for the Ajitama) and if they can stay consistent on the quality of the broth and improve on the Ajitama, I am happy to say that I will come back when the craving for ramen hits me again.
Have u tried Marutama Ramen? They do very good ajitama.. runny centre... I used to go to the ones at Avenue K and Fahrenheit but unfortunately they both closed down. Now they have in Empire and BTS.
ReplyDeleteNot yet. I shall add that to my bucket list :)
DeleteYour first bowl of ramen looks good. Hope the next time you will get the runny yolk.
ReplyDeleteIt was very good. Yes hoping for the runny yolk next time!
Deletenow you make me crave ramen - it's been quite a few months since my last ramen fix, i think :)
ReplyDeleteGo get your fix! I only wish there was a good ramen place in Uptown Damansara.
DeleteWhoa! I trust your taste and will hint to my Japanese clients to eat there again. I will not hesitate to tell them to make eggs runny by showing your blog ok...
ReplyDeleteYa, get your clients to have meeting with you there hah..hah.. Don't show my blog lah. Nanti I kena sabotage :D
DeleteThanks for sharing, I love reading this post even though I am not a fan of Ramen
ReplyDeleteThanks, Libby :)
DeleteYou are so nice to give them a 2nd and 3rd chance. Oh dear, the egg is a hard boiled egg, total fail for ajitama. It used to have such a runny center previously. Would you try the black garlic oil broth again?
ReplyDeleteTheir reputation made me do it and I was glad I did. Yes, I shall brave the black garlic broth again.
DeleteNice of you to give them a second chance.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I did!
DeleteThe third round you went, the egg looks better than the second round you went...
ReplyDeleteYeah, I hope they improve.
DeleteI usually get to try at least 3 dishes in one visit and if all prove to be unsuccessful, then there'll probably be no second visit from me. I think they have a cooking consistency issue here which is not good. I believe Ajitama should be easy to nail down once a restaurant has found the perfect timing needed to cook the eggs and the yolks shouldn't come out sometimes hard and sometimes runny! :(
ReplyDeleteIt was their reputation that gave me some measure of hope that somehow they were better than what I experienced the other day. You are right about the egg, I don't see why they can't perfect it.
DeleteThe revamped Isetan at Lot 10? Dunno when I will get to go to KL again, used to stay at BB, sure would drop by. Will make sure I check this place out as soon as I get the chance.
ReplyDeleteNot at Lot 10. This one is at 1 Utama.
DeleteHow I wish the egg is runny and mix with the thick broth.
ReplyDeleteMe too, I hope they can improve on it.
DeleteRamen tu apa LL? Selalu jugak dengar tp tak pernah nak ambik tau hihi...Tanya u ajelah hihi...
ReplyDeleteHainom, ramen tu mee Jepun. So ni kira mee sup Jepun lah.
DeleteCian mak tak tau ramen, haha.
ReplyDeleteTapi i tak tau ajitama, whats that?
Ajitama is hard boiled egg yang kuning dia separuh masak. Then they soak the eggs in a soya sauce mixture to give it flavor.
DeletePH, you lagi pelik than me! You can visit the same restaurant though your first visit was just so-so with the food....
ReplyDeleteIf I were you, memang dah pangkah depan pintu restoran tau! I won't come back for another visit and will say 'JANGAN' loudly whenever my friends/family mention the name of the restaurant. Hehehe! Jahat juga I ni rupanya...
Ha...sedar diri pun MD hee..hee.. Actually it was the reputation of this restaurant that made me go back. Kalau 2nd visit pun tak sedap, I would have written them off. But no, turned out the food was good :)
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