Two testimonials from Japanese friends and a quick Google search— were the only things I needed to zero in on my next food adventure. Penang, Malaysia and Tainan, the former Dutch colony of Taiwan, were in the running. Still, the moving image and call of Fukuoka’s sweater weather tempered with a balmy bowl of bold-flavoured Hakata ramen, where it originated from, was just too hard to ignore.
As if the image were not enough of an appeal, we were welcomed by a cloud cover and the unique aroma of the ramen broth (which to some reeks of wet socks, but to me smells of a very potent bone soup) as we hit the streets armed with our luggage, looking for our hotel. The photos that hung outside the restaurant’s walls didn’t help either.
And so, we quickly dropped off our bags upon check-in and headed to the city’s most recognised shopping complex, Canal City, where one can find a whole floor featuring the most iconic ramen brands from all over Japan. Aptly called the Ramen Stadium, the food court gathers eight stalls serving distinctive noodle bowls from Hakata, Kurume, Tokyo, Kyoto and Sapporo.
It was only appropriate for us to sample ramen from the region, so we got one of the prefecture’s most beloved dishes, renowned for its flavourful tonkatsu (pork bone) broth and thin noodles. Shodai Hide-chan’s version came with tender chashu slices, corn kernels and a generous amount of chopped green onions. As expected, The standout feature was the broth with a sweet flavour akin to chicharon or fried pork rinds. It was precisely how I imagined it—a warm noodle soup providing comfort on a chilly day. And it kept me wanting more.
Bu hikaye Tatler Philippines dergisinin August 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Tatler Philippines dergisinin August 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
LAST WORD
We ask the people we feature a round of quickfire questions to give us more insight into their personality. This month: Georgina Wilson-Burnand
LIFE'S A BEACH
Tatler Asia gets an exclusive first look at Rosewood Phuket's new Houses, which include a colossal 21,000 square foot beachfront mansion
DIFFERENT BY DESIGN
Design Hotels Managing Director Stijn Oyen on why its portfolio of properties is truly one of a kind—and what, ultimately, makes a great hotel
HEROES ON A MISSION
Cape, an NGO that champions Asian American and Pacific Islander artists and leaders, has been shaking up Hollywood's storytelling for three decades. But the team feels there's still work to be done on making representation more nuanced and global
BEHIND THE SEAMS
These bright, young sartorial talents are making a mark on the Philippine fashion industry one stitch at a time
GARY
As he reaches a turning point in his life, Gary Valenciano, one of the country's most renowned musical artists, relies on divine guidance to choose the right path
BOLDER & BEAUTIFUL
Georgina Wilson-Burnand, makes a graceful return after many years, embodying the best version of herself yet
IF WALLS COULD TALK
Unfolding like a page in Philippine history, the historic Laperal Mansion serves as a symbol of Filipino hospitality, artistry and craftsmanship
Legacy Reimagined
Delight in Tiffany & Co’s newest campaign, With Love, Since 1837, inspired by its legendary window designer, Gene Moore
Test Of Time
Rolex watches represent a dedication to excellence and sophistication, with precision engineering and lasting durability