I’m a big fan of noodles. Well, any kind of noodles! From chinese noodles to ramen and even spaghetti (it’s a member of the noodle species right?). It’s something that I often crave, almost every single day.
Well, in this post, I’m going to review about a ramen joint. Tsurukamedou. Tsurukamedou is not a new ramen joint. It has stayed in the business for a couple of years, and in foodies world, it has captured enough attention and some might even call it the best tonkotsu ramen. I’m one of those foodies!
A piece of the history, it actually was opened a few years ago. One thing in the food and beverage business, is that not every good restaurant is destined to have a happy ending. Tsurukamedou almost suffered the same fate. In fact, it was almost closed down for good. Luckily, things changed and they eventually found the support from people and the new shareholders, and here they are. They stay open and in fact, in a better shape than they were. With a touch of a simple face-lift and additional signboard, they are serving more choices of ramen and rice bowls to people. There are delicious new menus that you can enjoy in your visit(s).
Well, one thing for the heads up though, I’m not a fair judge if you ask me about the authenticity. I’ve never been to Japan and never have tasted the original tonkotsu, so I might not be the person you can ask regarding that question. I will give my two-cents based on my wallet. Well, that’s a bad metaphor. Forget it.
Let’s dig in.
# Tonkotsu Shisen Chasiu Men (IDR 74,5 k)
This is definitely my fav of all time. I remember vividly that I was not very into it during my first visit. I even complained that the taste wasn’t bold enough, thus it lacked the kick I was looking for. But not long after that complaint, karma slap me in the face, and I was truly craving for it and I realized that the tonkotsu broth was the perfect broth that left you wanting for more, sort of like an addiction of its own. This visit, the awesomeness of the noodle and the gorgeous tonkotsu didn’t change a bit. It was exactly as I remembered and the generous slices of chasiu were truly tender as they effortlessly melted in my mouth. I WANT MORE!
# Tonkotsu Karashi Takana Men (IDR 57,5k)
This is actually a bowl of original tonkotsu ramen with delicious chasiu, deeply flavoured tamago, mushroom and nori. And to boost some serious flavour, spicy takana is put on top. Spicy takana is a traditional japanese topping for ramen, made of pickled mustard greens, and mixed with japanese sauce and spices. However, this spicy takana is not for everyone. Some people might find it a wee bit too pungent, but I personally loved it. The extra spicy takana upgraded the original ramen by adding more depth of flavour.
# Grilled Chasiu (IDR 28k for 3 slices; IDR 45k for 5 slices)
These grilled chasiu(s) were no doubt very fine slices of pork. The slices were rather thick here and the texture was very tender. The fatty part was the best, where it could just melt effortlessly in the mouth! Definitely not for everybody as some people do not like the fatty part, but people like me will definitely find a little heaven in these chasiu(s)!
# Buta Gyoza with Minced Pork (IDR 35k)
Japanese dumpling at its best. The gyoza here was certainly normal-looking but once you get to know the core, you will know what I meant. The minced pork inside was terrific, with all the appropriate ingredients. I could really taste the hint of acidity and garlicky aroma. But those complementing seasonings were never overwhelming. Afterall, the star of the gyoza is always the meat.
Tsurukamedou, with its upgraded ambiance and menu is certainly one to pay attention to. There will be countless ramen joints around jakarta, but Tsurukamedou will stays on the top list of my most favourite ramen joints. Well, the thing is, when I sipped the thick tonkotsu broth, I tasted passion. I could actually feel how much love they put into their ramen and easily note all the goodness in my mouth.
Price-wise, they’re offering a pretty standard pricing. They even have weekdays promotion for some lunch packages that will definitely satisfy your hunger.
Do check this ramen joint, peeps!
TSURUKAMEDOU RAMEN | JAKARTA
Green Ville
Jl. Ratu Kemuning Raya Blok A2 No. 8A, Green Ville, Jakarta
Phone: +6221-56940712