Despite cropping up at every other shopping centre (you’ll find Ippudo’s at Central Park, Macquarie Centre, Chatswood and Sydney Westfield), this Japanese chain has managed to maintain a high quality of service and consistency (which hasn’t been a trend for many international chains trying their luck in Sydney). These guys specialise only in the tonkotsu broth base, which then comes with either blended miso paste, garlic oil and pork belly (akaramu shinaji) or in the traditional Hakata style with pork loin, bean sprouts and black fungus. You can choose your noodle firmness and get extra toppings.
Usually ‘specials’ are anything but, but Ippudo manage to pull off some seriously tasty seasonal dishes. In summer, it might be a cold ramen with a light chicken shoyu broth, topped with folds of prosciutto and rocket. In winter you’ll find their tonkotsu topped with an extra round of fatty pork, coriander, garlic and parmesan.
