Bario Half Ramen ($7.00) with additional boiled egg ($1.00). Cut to the chase, this Jiro style ramen hailing from Tokyo is good by all measures. But it fails to wow me. And I will not cry if Bario doesn't win the Ramen Championship. 7/10
Noodles made from bread flour is thick and chewy (which I enjoy). Soup is flavourful from pork broth. Cha Shu is not as salty as others I have tasted in both Singapore and in Japan. Garlic and chilli flakes are available for customer to add at their discretion.
Now for those who are interested, Bario Ramen was recently touted as the "50 best things to eat in the world" by Guardian UK. This brings to mind heapful of beansprouts and cabbage on top of thick noodles. The noodles are made from bread flour, which yields a chewy texture.
Well, read somewhere that Bario means big strong man in Japanese. Which probably explains the chinese character on the bowl.
Very Rich Special Paitan Tsukeman ($12.50) According to the menu, the thick broth is prepared with pork leg, bones, chicken head, pork, fish and vegetables. But my tongue tells me that bonito is another key ingredient. The broth bears strong smell and taste of bonito.
A dip at the broth made my eyes twinkle! This is something different! This is something which appeals to me... Made me a happy girl instantly! The noodle was great, dipping broth was great, char siew is better. Tetsu won this round. I like this because this is something different, something unique. And I am always game for trying good unconventional food. 8/10
But having said that, BSW prefers Bario... perhaps she likes her big strong man?
No service charge, only 7% GST.
