KEN HUNTS FOOD: Ippudo (一風堂) Opens @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

Friday, July 6, 2018

Ippudo (一風堂) Opens @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

With close to 200 stores in 13 countries, the name "Ippudo" is definitely not new for Ramen devotees and it's not new to Malaysia either... with 3 branches well-established in Klang Valley, the brand has garnered an appreciate following in the country. But today, Penangites need not travel far to savor a bowl of classic, authentic Ippudo Ramen as the brand is opening its 4th branch (in Malaysia) in Gurney Plaza Penang. Occupying the prominent ground floor corner lot, the shop is especially spacious and features a bar with open-space seating area. The menu brings in Ippudo's signature Ramen dishes along with some of the best-sellers under the Ippudo brand. It is noteworthy that the recipes used are standardized globally... the Ramen broth is cooked for at least 15 hours to fully accentuate the flavors. While Ippudo strives to pursue the finest food quality, the customer service is not forsaken as well; all staffs are well-trained according to the global standard.

Ippudo Gurney Plaza officially opens for business on 2 July 2018.

Many Thanks to Ippudo Malaysia for hosting us.

Akamaru Special (Rm 34.90)

Karaka Special (Rm 35.90)

Shiromaru Special (Rm 32.90)

Ippudo's signature Ramen needs no further introduction... the original goes to Shiromaru Special, served with ultra-thin noodles, salted Soft-boiled Egg, Pork Loin, Pork Belly, Bean Sprouts, Kikurage, Spring Onions and Seaweed. Akamaru Special features Ippudo's original Tonkotsu broth enhanced with special blended Miso paste and alluring Garlic Oil while spicy-lovers would be excited to find out about Karaka Special... with spicy Miso and ground Pork. There are 3 levels of spiciness to choose from. We tasted the spiciest version and thought that it was within our tolerance level... pretty peppery though.

Also note-worthy is the texture of the noodles, customers may decide on the texture... whether to be soft, normal, hard or extra hard; accordingly, 'hard' is the popular option to experience the al-denteness of the Ramen. On top of that, if you can't have enough of the Ramen, you may ask for additional noodles at the price of Rm 4.30 (no refill of broth however).

Salmon Roll (Rm 28)

Corn Sticks (Rm 10)

Satsuma Age (Rm 16)

Ippudo Pork Bun (Rm 7.70)

Bakuretsu Tofu (Rm 18)

Ika Karaage (Rm 19)

The bar carries quite an array of Japanese labels... from Malts, Cocktails to Whisky and Sake (Japanese Rice Wine) but it would be a little too monotonous to just enjoy the spirits; to up the ante, try their range of sides and bar snacks. Salmon lovers should not miss their Salmon Roll... Japanese Rice encased in a Salmon Sashimi 'case' and topped with Mentaiko-cream, Tobiko and Japanese Cucumber.... the combination speaks for itself. If you enjoy the sinful but dangerously addictive Pork Belly, try Ippudo's Pork Bun... with Mantou sandwiching a thick slab of braised Pork Belly and experience the melt-in-the-mouth sensation.