Shiromaru Motoaji the OG ramen! “The very orignal recipe of IPPUDO, subtle and gentle flavors with lean slices of pork and Hakata-style ultra thin noodles”
The Lowdown
Restaurant Name: IPPUDO
Cuisine: Japanese Ramen
Average Price per Person: Realistically you can come out of here spending $10 to $15 USD but we were closer to $26 USD per head on this night.
Location: Tsim Sha Tsui (we went here), Central, and Causeway Bay, Hong Kong (please refer to the maps below for details)
Recommendations: IPPUDO Karaka, Hot Spring Egg, Gyoza, Okinawa Style Donuts with Vanilla Ice CreamRatings (out of 5)
Taste: 3.5
Creativity/Authenticity: 4.5
Atmosphere: 4.5
Service: 3
Bang for Buck: 3
Overall: 3.7Crayscale !!!
IPPUDO, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
The first time I had IPPUDO was actually in Tokyo so I was extremely excited when I found out IPPUDO made its way to Hong Kong. We now have 2 locations! One in Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) and the other in Causeway Bay (CWB). My friend and closet foodie Chris (aka Crizzarito) had mentioned the one in TST was WAYYYYY better. At that time I’d only been to the CWB location. After dining at both, I’d have to agree with Crizzarito! Here are some of the major differences I noticed between the 2 locations:
(1) The TST menu has a wider selection of appetizers whereas CWB only has a few to choose from. Click here for the TST menu (this menu isn’t 100% accurate but you’ll get the idea).
(2) You can add CHEESE to your ramen at the CWB location! YES, CHEESE IN YOUR RAMEN !!! It’s sooooo good! Try it!
(3) Theres an automated ticketing system at CWB which automatically calls you when you’re table is almost ready
(4) The dessert selection is better at TST.
(5) The TST location offers two types of eggs, the Hot Spring Egg and the Soft Boiled Egg. Personally, I prefer the Hot Spring Egg because its RUNNIER!!! But they are both good. The CWB location only offers the Soft Boiled Egg.
***If you’ve been to the CWB location recently and my notes are incorrect, please let me know as it’s been a few months since I last went there.
Regardless of which location you go to, you’re bound to get delicious ramen. IPPUDO knows its ish and has been around since 1985 with over 40 locations in Japan, New York, Hong Kong, Singapore and Seoul. I would suggest to go a bit earlier though since it can be quite difficult to get a table during the lunch and dinner rush. We waited probably 45 minutes to an hour.
I heart ramen.
IPPUDO history via comics.
Beef Tataki mmm I love raw meat!
TST Spicy Miso Tonkatsu. The broth was flavorful and something you could easily drink a few bowls of. However, the soup itself wasn’t super spicy and even if you aren’t a big ginger fan, it doesn’t overpower the noodles. Eugene took advantage of the $15 HKD extra portion in which as long as you have broth remaining, you can order extra servings of noodles.
Spicy Tofu and Minced Pork in a Hot Stone Pot
Cod Roe Rice
BBQ Pork Bun I thought the fish fillet was better.
This is how I like to eat my Hot Spring Egg !!!
Step 1: Pour the egg into your ginormous spoon.
Step 2: Separate your egg white by pouring it into your ramen to make room for the good stuff, the YOLK !!!
Step 3: Puncture your egg yolk !!!
Step 4: Use your egg yolk as a dipping sawwwsseee for your ramen.
Step 5: EAT IT.
Fried Fish Fillet Bun was marginally better than the BBQ Pork Bun but I wasn’t too crazy about either buns. It was basically a less tastier version of a Filet O’ Fish.
Lasagna Gyoza which tastes like ravioli…
Miso Egg Custard This was weird. It didn’t really taste like a dessert. Despite being a fan of salty/sweet, the saltiness at the end didn’t do it for me. I think maybe if the contrast of taste was higher (i.e. sweeter), it might have cut the saltiness to a more acceptable level.
Okinawa Style Donuts with Vanilla Ice Cream. They’re denser than Western donuts but the texture is nice. The drizzled honey was a good touch as well. NOM NOM NOM!
This was Eugene’s favorite of the night.
Shop 210, Silvercord Tower, 30 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong 28 m E
p: 852.2957.8893
8 Russell St. (2/F, Shama Causeway Bay), Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
p: 852.2892.2387