Tonkotsu
is one of the many delicious ramen bars in Soho. I went there at noon on a
Saturday, so we were the first to arrive. I got comfortable and put my jacket
on the chair next to me, and my bag on another, but quickly realised that
wouldn’t work. Within 15 minutes all the seats around us were taken. So
although there are many ramen restaurants in the area, there’s enough of a
market for them, because they’re all usually packed. I had the pork
gyozas to start. The texture of these gyozas was absolutely amazing; soft and
juicy on one side, and deliciously crips on the other. Among the best gyozas
I’ve ever had. When looking over the menu of several pork and chicken
stock noodles soups, I decided to order the Shimeji, Shiitake & Miso
dish. This is the only vegetarian option, and I have to say I regretted
choosing it. I got a case of food-envy when I tasted my friend’s Tokyo Ramen
with soy-marinated pork belly. My vegetable-based stock just didn’t have the
same intensity of flavour, so I kept adding soy sauce and chilli to it. I also
took advantage of the self-service option to peel and crush fresh garlic into
it. My friend was in a rush and had to leave before we finished the meal, which
was a blessing in disguise for me. I took his tastier bowl and finished both of
them. The half soft-boiled egg is the most heavenly part of the ramen meal, and
I would recommend adding an extra one, which is an option given on the menu.
Because of the high density of ramen per area in Soho, I feel it necessary to
compare it to its competitors. Although I really liked Tonkotsu, I would say
that Koya’s décor is more pleasant and Bone Daddies still reigns supreme on
taste.
63 Dean Street, Soho, London W1D 4QG
