An outbreak of ramen restaurants in London has taken noodle broth to new heights. Jay Rayner samples some of the best
Shoryu Ramen 3 Denman St, London W1 (no booking). Meal for two £30. Sasuke 32 Great Windmill Street, London W1 (no booking). Meal for two £40. Ippudo London Central Saint Giles, London WC2 (no booking). Meal for two £30-£90.
A few weeks ago I was approached by representatives of Ippudo, a Japanese chain of ramen restaurants which was preparing its London launch. Would I, for a fee, host their opening party? Er no, taking money to promote restaurants really isnt part of the job description. Still, I could understand them examining all the PR possibilities. Ippudo may be a highly regarded brand in Japan, with 85 branches. They may be famed for serving noodles in half a dozen different textures from soft to very hard. Its founder, Shigemi Kawahara, might be the self-styled Ramen King.
Continue reading...