Edo Ramen @ Gurney Paragon Mall, Penang.

*Edo Ramen has since ceased its business operation.*

Goku Raku Ramen has always been my favorite place to satiate my craving for a bowl of authentic Japanese Ramen ever since their opening few years back. The restaurant has garnered an appreciate following, where the place will be throng with patrons during the weekends. Stepping into the brand new year of 2014, Goku Raku Ramen is looking for a change, the restaurant will roll out their new menu starting on this 7th of April 2014, where some items will be replaced with more affordable options. Customers can now appease their cravings without putting a dent on the wallet where prices start from Rm 8.90 for a bowl of hearty Ramen. The only drawback is, the portion is fixed and customers are not allowed to "upsize" the orders (you may, of course, order for two bowls if you wish). Nevertheless, its location at Gurney Paragon Mall provides a good place for tired shoppers to enjoy a meal and stretch the shopping legs. My partner in crime has also written a review which can be found here.

This blog post is brought to you by Gurney Paragon Mall. 

Goku Raku Ramen is keeping their signature dish- Ultimate Tonkotsu Ramen (Original, Rm 14.90). It comes with braised Pork, Japanese Char Siew, Ajitsuke Tamago/ Lava Egg, Sweet Corns and a thin sheet of Nori Seaweed. The Pork and Char Siew were braised till fork tender, little effort was necessary to chew them down, as though they melt in your mouth in a glimpse of an eye! The noodles, on the other hand, were perfectly cooked with the "al-dente" texture. Many find Goku Raku's Ramen Broth salty but to my surprise, this was perfectly salted, I wonder if they have made some refinements to their recipes?  

If you are looking for something easy and light on the palate, try their Ultimate Tokyo Ramen (Shoyu, Rm 8.90), unlike the other two, the broth was flavorful with a mild hint of Shoyu flavor. The complementing ingredients were simple and straight forward- Sweet Corns, Japanese Char Siew and speckled with chopped Scallions. A pleasingly comfort dish that you can eat on a regular basis. 

For those who prefer bold flavors, you may want to try their Black Ramen (Rm 15.90)- an additional spoonful of "dark" sauce was added, in which my untrained taste buds could not discerned. It does add a pleasingly burnt aroma to the thick and rich broth. The highlight of the dish should be the Ajitsuke Tamago/ Molten Egg, which was perfectly cooked till perfection, the Egg Yolk oozes out immediately at the slightest prick at the Egg. The braised Pork, on the other hand, were equally toothsome. Do note that the broth of this Black Ramen could be slightly thicker and saltier, hence, you may want to go for other options if you would prefer something light on the palate. 

Gyoza is a typical fare at Japanese restaurants. Goku Raku's Utsunomiya Sui Gyoza (3 for Rm 5.90) is just perfect for the health-conscious in you. Blanched and dressed with Dou Ban Jiang/ Fermented Bean Paste and completed with a dash of Chili Oil and sprinkled with chopped Scallions and toasted Sesame Seeds. The well-executed Gyoza has the perfect texture, beautifully complemented with the dressing, it was smooth and easy on the palate, albeit Chili Oil was added but it was not spicy at all. Truly a taste bud charmer. 

If you are game for something new and funky, go for their Utsunomiya Yaki Gyoza (3 for Rm 5.90). Kids will have fun cracking the Gyoza up and be thrilled with the crunchy bottom and juicy tender meat filling; even better with a dip of their vinegar to further enhance the flavor. However, I thought the flavor from Sesame Oil was slightly overpowering for the filling, nevertheless, I did find myself enjoying the soft and crunchy textures of the Gyoza. 

Additional Information:

Read my review few years back here*
Service Charge: Yes 10%
Government Tax: Yes 6%
Non-Halal
Address: Lot 163D-1-05, Gurney Paragon Mall, Pesiaran Gurney, 10250 Penang. (walk straight until you have passed Pacific Coffee, you should be able to locate Goku Raku Ramen right after that).

Business Hour: 10am to 10pm, Daily.

Contact Number: 604- 226 0961

Website: www.gokuraku-ramen.com

Goku Raku Ramen Facebook Page