Ramen @ Hakata Issei Ichidai, Higashi Hie, Fukuoka

 

Sometimes the best things in life comes when you least expected. And at times, those things are so close that you do not even realise it to be there. This is one of those instances where I have been passing by this establishment for so many years but only entered it only recently. 

Oh what do we have here?

Hakata Issei Ichidai is the ramen place that is located next to the Higashi Hie station which is close to my house. And whenever you leave the station, you can always get that strong stench of porky tonkotsu broth just permeating the atmosphere around you. Sure, sometimes it is not the most pleasant of aromas, but it does stand out. So after so many years just ignoring this smell from the nearby ramen joint, I finally decided to let my curiosity take me in. 

Oh boy!

A standard bowl with egg and charshu stood at a modest 1200 yen. I remember a time that it would have been much cheaper in general but you cant fight father time and inflation I guess. Well, despite the price, this place was really worth it. The bowl that came before me had all the bells and whistles. In fact, it had a cappuccino sort of look to it, which is a testament of good tonkotsu. Some friends even said that this shop was started by the legendary Issou ramen which has super long lines. With such potential pedigree, then it is not surprised. 

Actually frothy like a cappuccino

The broth itself was strong yet quite pleasant. It has a rich and creamy texture, hence the resemblance to your favourite coffee beverage. It has a fatty property to it, and has a hint of sweetness from the bones the broth is made from. It is definitely milder than other tonkotsu places I have been in terms of flavour, but texture-wise, it was smooth and decadent.

Slurpy time

But a bowl of noodles is not just based on soup alone. All the other elements were spot on too. Speaking of noodles, you can choose the thickness of the noodles. I picked the regular thickness which is cooked at the perfect timing. The bite of the noodles were great. They had a snappy texture to it, similar to angel hair pasta that is cooked al dente. And the slurping was such a breeze. The strands were smooth but yet has enough give to let the powerful broth to stick on it like an oil slick. I mean that the best way possible. 

Like a sunset

The other elements were also powerful forces to reckon with too. The egg was well seasoned and was cooked perfectly as well. The salty and sweet shoyu based marinade was on point and the yolk still ha a runny texture. With the hues of a setting sun, that was a beautiful egg and was something I did not have for a long time. The charshu was good too, it added an element of texture and had a nice tenderness to it. However, it is not as memorable as the other parts of the bowl. A nice walloping of spring onions and wood ear mushrooms completed the meal. 

Another glimpse of the front. 

It is no secret that I liked this a lot. However, as tonkotsu tends to be very heavy and I had not had a bowl for a long time, I was not able to finish all the broth. Sad I know. But I will come back with a more determined stomach to ensure that will be done eventually. So if you would like to give it a go before my intestinal fortitude is ready to undertake such a challenge, or just like a nice bowl of steamy noodles, the address is as follows:

〒812-0007 Fukuoka, Hakata Ward, Higashihie, 2 Chome−17−23 Ro-Zu Mansion No 1 Hakata