Hokkaido Ramen SANTOUKA isn’t not exactly new news to foodies out there. Well, ever since the first outlet opening in Jakarta, which precisely located in Plaza Indonesia, there has been a lot of buzz about the ramen. Well, it’s coming from Japan though.
I, myself, is a big fan of Ramen and I seriously love Hakata Style Ramen (Yes, I love that thick fatty oily tonkotsu broth, and yes, I absolutely understand the consequences of consuming it :D). So since I heard lots of positive reviews about the ramen, I went to Plaza Indonesia with some of my best foodies and headed to the place of interest. To sum up, for that experience alone, I did not like it. It’s way overpriced, overrated, and fell short than expected. Well, that’s just me and my preference.
Then, months ago, with their expansion in other mall, Mall Kelapa Gading, they made a promotion in one promotion website. I was curious and decided to give another chance for a second visit, so I purchased the voucher (which is not cheap at all).
A few weeks ago, I went to Santouka at Mall Kelapa Gading and used my voucher to have two small portions of some Ramen selections, and two drinks (Futami). This time, we ordered one Shio Ramen and one Kara Miso Ramen. Both came with a small size.
The service here, I should say was impeccable. The waitresses were very kind, polite and welcoming (in a typical loud Japanese manner :)) The serving time was fast as well. But the thing is, at the end of the day, the food vitally determines the satisfaction of the patrons. So, let’s see the verdict.
# Shio Ramen (IDR 73 k/Small)
This is the signature Ramen in Santouka. This type of ramen is serving creamy salt-flavoured broth. You can find slices of bamboo shoots, jelly ear, one (yes, just one!) slice of Chasu, and one small pickled plum.
The Ramen was hotly appetising, teasing our sense of smell. It sure looked delicious. However after the first sip, we simply changed our minds and thought that the broth was lacking something, the x-factor. It tended to be bland, and kinda one dimensional. It lacked the sophisticated taste in comparison to the Hakata-style Ramen. The noodles itself seemed wrong. Though the texture was great, and it was perfectly cooked to a bouncy nature, it was like instant egg noodles. I understand that it is Hokkaido-style Ramen, but I just didn’t like it. Oh, the only best thing in the bowl was the Chasu, which was real tender and juicy. But then again, they served only one slice for a small bowl. 🙁
# Kara Miso Ramen (IDR 83 k/Small)
Kara Miso Ramen is a type of Ramen with Miso-flavoured broth and additional hot spices to boost up the level of hotness.
The small bowl of Ramen came to our table, looked intimidating with evil-like red-ish colour. I was a bit happy I chose this since it actually tasted better than the Shio Ramen. It was spicier (obviously), with more daring taste to challenge our taste bud. I could taste the hint of the miso paste and hot pork broth. But still, if you ask me, I will say that it’s good, but not outstanding. The slice of Chasu was just great!
All for all, Santouka didn’t really impress me. I still love the Hakata Ramen and think the Hokkaido style ramen (as far as I’ve tasted) does not appeal me. The lack of kick is the problem. But I could make some highlights for the good things from Santouka’s Ramen. The bouncy noodles, the spicy kara miso broth and the juicy Chasu will capture the heart of some Ramen lovers. And for the broth, I guess ramen lovers who prefer a lighter version of broth will just find it great.
So, it’s up to your preference then. If you love a light fragrant broth and bouncy type of noodles, Santouka might be a good choice.
HOKKAIDO RAMEN SANTOUKA
Mal Kelapa Gading 3, Unit # G – 51, Lantai Dasar
Jl. Bulevar Kelapa Gading Blok M, Jakarta 14240
Phone: (021) 29923832
Website: http://www.santouka.co.jp
