It's branch number six for Tonkotsu, and this time, it’s Notting Hill’s turn to discover why ramen lovers can’t get enough of this mini chain. That is, if they can even get in. Tonkotsu Notting Hill is super tiny – an authentic nod to traditional Japanese izakayas, which to be fair, isn’t so bad if you’re dining for two or rolling solo. You can practically inhale the cocktails being whipped up at the bar, or get an eyeful of noodles being spun in the kitchen. It also means service is speedy, so it’s not long before a fat bowl of soup is blowing steam in your face.
Tonkotsu trades on an unusually hearty style of ramen, where thin, firm noodles, a perfect soft-boiled egg and salty chunks of pork belly are steeped in a pearly pork broth so indulgent, it feels like it should be a special treat (which it is).
Sides like the sizzling chicken kaarage are spot on too, but a bland shiitake and bamboo shoot gyoza is a bit mean to the veggies. Still, Tonkotsu Notting Hill has more hits than misses, making it a very likeable neighbourhood spot to get your next noodle fix.