A friend of mine ‘checks in’ to Taro’s Ramen & Cafe every Thursday night and just raves about the quality of food. Can ramen really be that good? I eventaully managed to wangle myself an invitation (after some not so gentle persuasion) to see what all the fuss was about.
The four of us kicked things off with a round of Asahi for the girls and plum wine for the boys (go figure…). Accompanying the drinks was a bowl of edamame ($5.00) and Charsiu Rice with chilli and takana ($4.00) to share.
Taro’s lovely little alfresco dining area was warm and friendly, with heaters and blankets for keeping cold legs toasty. At a quick glance around the room, it was clear to see Taro’s was a regular haunt for Japanese business men and students, which was a good sign.
My companions and Thursday night regulars, DJ Tashywash and Simmo, recommended the tonkotsu ramen ($14.80) with extra Charsiu (sliced pork, from Bangalow). Not being able to make much sense of the menu (the 5 years of Japanese lessons in high school clearly paid off…) I went with their recommendation and it didn’t disappoint.
The bottom of the bowl was packed with fresh, doughy, thin noodles and on top was a gooey, soft boiled egg. The sliced pork was tender and the hot soup broth was full of flavour and totally drinkable all on its own.
The marketing guff boasts that owner and head chef Taro has a mission to serve the most delicious bowl of ramen ever to Australia. Now, I haven’t had a lot of ramen in my time, but it’s not new to me either. I can say with certainty, Taro’s ramen is in fact the best bowl of ramen I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating and slurping. Taro’s ramen noodles are hand-made on the premises and don’t contain any MSG or preservatives; his dry ingredients are sourced from Japan and his fresh produce is found locally.
Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, Taro’s menu also boasts a selection of Japanese tapas items such as gyoza, mini curry, chicken karaage and takoyaki at a reasonable price, with pleasant and speedy service. It’s simple food, but flavoursome and filling. As we get further into the cooler winter months I think Taro’s might be a regular for me too.
- Taro’s Ramen & Cafe – Ground Floor, 363 Adelaide St, Brisbane CBD +61 7 3832 6358
