The first time we visited the newly opened Tokyo Street in Pavilion, we took a walk after lunch and had a look at all the restaurants there. The one that stood out was Santouka Ramen which despite being on the pricey side, was packed to the brim while other places were sparsely filled. Not to mention the incredible aroma when you get within 10m of the shop.
Look at the queue! Luckily we headed there early as the line started to form from 12.30 onwards.
Turns out that Santouka Ramen is an internationally renowned ramen chain with numerous stores in different Japanese districts, various states in the USA as well as in Canada, Singapore, and Hong Kong. This outlet in Pavilion is the first one to reach Malaysian shores.
The interior of the restaurant is bustling with movement, tables packed relatively closely and waiters rushing from table to table to take customers’ orders.
Santouka Ramen’s specialty is it’s Pork Cheek Ramen but sadly because they can’t keep up with demand, the pork cheek wasn’t available separately.
First up we had a Miso Ramen (RM 25 for a medium sized bowl) which came with slices of black fungus, Japanese fishcake, 2 slices of pork and a smattering of bamboo shoots (my favourite!). The soup is the absolute bomb! You know that the soup is made of the good stuff just by looking at it’s pearl colour. Pork bones are simmered for 20 hours before adding kelp and dried fish which intensifies the flavour of the soup. The noodles are just nicely done as well, not too hard or too overcooked. It may look small but a medium-sized bowl is more than enough for average appetites.
The Kara-Miso Ramen (RM27 for a medium portion) did not disappoint either. In my opinion, this one was actually better than the Miso Ramen. Ingredients in both bowls were the same but this one had a spicy kick (I’m a lover of everything spicy) and was more savoury compared to the miso one, which was milder in comparison. Nevertheless, both bowls certainly did not disappoint!
We also got a plate of Chicken Gyoza (RM 10) to share. Sad to say that from a place that serves pork, the gyoza was actually made from chicken meat. In my opinion, the best gyoza is always made from pork (or shrimp does the job too) and chicken gyoza just does not cut it. Bottom line: average.
All the different types of ramen displayed for the curious by passer.
All in all, it was a wonderful experience and we left with our appetite fully satisfied. Although it may seem pricey for just a simple bowl of ramen, you are paying for quality ingredients and excellent food. We have yet to try the famous pork cheeks but various reviews have already been raving about them! If you’re interested in trying this place out, do come early to beat the lunch crowd as it can get extremely full during lunch time.
Address:
Tokyo Street,
Level 6 Pavilion KL 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang,
55100 Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia
Opening Hours; Mon – Sun: 10:00 am-10:00 pm
Map *here*
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7 comments:
Heard that the shio ramen here is really good. Can't wait to go try the noodles, best to be early then. :)
Wow.. your pictures are so gorgeous! :)
I have been dying to go to Santouka too.. can't wait especially after seeing your pics!!
Baby Sumo: We've heard good things about the shio ramen too but we've yet to try it ourselves. :)
Food Dreams: Thank you! Hehe the noodles are really good there.
Finally got to try the shio ramen.. its really awesome.
i've been there a couple of times, and find their ramen broth is slightly too salty compare to its singapore outlet, but needless to say, it still beats a lot of ramen places in town :D lovely photos.
The hidden gem here is their Tori Karaage...plump n juicy...served with a homemade dip made from mayo, egg white and diced zuchinni...do try it on ur next visit :D
BabySumo: Shio ramen is my favourite flavour :)
AugustDiners: Our friends also told us that Santouka's ramen is heavier in taste as well but you're right, beats a lot of the others!
ulric: We had no idea! Will try it next :)
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