Ippudo Ginza was close to our hotel, but that isn’t the reason why I wanted to come here. After visiting their New York Lower East Side shop (full review here) I was really intrigued as to how one of their Tokyo offerings was going to taste. Well law of probability would tell you that it should be better where it originates from? I found out on three occasions.
Both times I went for the Akamuru Modern.
Why so? Because it had everything I wanted from a bowl of ramen – piping hot, viscous, umami laden broth with textually perfect noodles soaking it all up. Wood ear mushrooms gave crunch, soft boiled egg richness, spring onions freshness with fermented side pickles for savoury spiciness. The flavours were all there so an empty bowl was left each time as well as a very happy camper. 
Noodles were on point, al dente every time with all the sponge-like qualities to mop up the flavour. 
The gyoza’s crisp overcoat had pork filling that was all savoury, moist and came with a whack of flavour.
Fresh, juicy cucumbers dressed in sesame, sugar, salt and chilli were sublime.
The verdict:
When did I go? April 2014
The damage: Expect to pay ¥1200-¥16000 (£8-£13) per head
The good: The ramen stock was pure gold and easily differentiated to some of the stuff I’ve had in the UK. So good I’ve could have easily gone through another bowl like a hot knife through butter. The noodles, tender yet with a bite in the middle, just the vehicle perfect for soaking up. The sides were the good stuff too and were perfect accompaniments. It was so good I went 3 times and I’d happily come back again.
The bad: It’s not as good in London!
Rating: 4/5
Would I go again? Yes
Address: 4-10-3 Ginza | 1F Central Bldg., Chuo 104-0061, Tokyo Prefecture
Phone: +81 3-3547-1010
http://http://www.ippudo.com
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