WHAT WE ATE
- Tori Paitan Soup Ramen – 80/100, Fukui
- Chuka Soba (Shoyu) – 70/100, Fukui
Mensho Muginosuke, a beloved local Fukui brand with multiple outlets, has earned its stripes under the discerning palate of ramen connoisseur and critic, Mr. Hideyuki Ishigami. Their star attraction? The creamy rich chicken paitan—a frothy, snowy white delight that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also captivates the eyes. It’s no wonder it’s their bestseller!
TORI PAITAN SOUP RAMEN – 80/100
Noodle: 20/35
These noodles are medium-thin with a straight rectangular cut, giving them a distinct appearance. While the kansui taste isn’t immediately evident, it gradually makes its presence known as you continue your meal. Despite their springy and chewy texture, the mouthfeel is a tad too soft, lacking the firmness expected from ramen noodles.
Broth: 35/35
Prepare to be impressed by the visual impact of this ramen—the broth is strikingly white and frothy when first served. But it’s not just about looks; the taste is equally remarkable. The broth bursts with the fragrant essence of chicken, boasting a rich, creamy, and milky texture. A perfect harmony of savory and sweet flavors leaves a lingering sweetness in your throat, making each sip a delight.
Meat: 20/20
Two types of meat take center stage here. First, there’s the thin slice of pork chashu—tender and chewy, with a light yet flavorful marination that brings out the sweetness of the meat. Then, we have the chicken fillet, which is tender, juicy, and slightly salty, despite its clean appearance. Its marination adds a delightful tangy sourness that tantalizes the taste buds.
Topping: 5/10
The toppings add another layer of flavor to the dish. The bamboo shoots are soft, tender, and subtly sweet, while the spiciness from the shiranegi complements the overall taste profile nicely. However, the egg leans towards being too salty, with a slightly strong marination that may overpower other flavors, although it thankfully lacks any unpleasant mirin taste.
CHUKA SOBA (SHOYU)
Noodle: 20/35
Here, we find the same noodles—medium-thin with a straight rectangular cut, offering a unique visual appeal. While the kansui taste takes its time to reveal itself, it gradually emerges as you delve into your meal. Despite their springy and chewy texture, the noodles have a slightly soft mouthfeel, missing the firmness typically associated with ramen.
Broth: 25/35
The soup greets you with a robust shoyu aroma, reminiscent of mayu but milder. Its sweetness is evident yet well-balanced in the clean and refreshing broth. Subtle undertones of black pepper add depth to the flavor profile, enhancing the overall experience.
Meat: 20/20
The meat selection remains consistent here, showcasing two stars of the show. Firstly, the thin slices of pork chashu offer a delightful blend of tenderness and chewiness, with a gentle yet flavorful marination that accentuates the meat’s natural sweetness. Secondly, the chicken fillet boasts tender juiciness with a hint of saltiness, complemented by a tangy sourness in its marination, adding an extra layer of flavor complexity.
Topping: 5/10
While the toppings vary slightly, they still contribute to the dish’s overall appeal. Soft and subtly sweet bamboo shoots accompany a generous pile of green negi, adding a spicy kick that complements the broth’s flavors nicely. However, the egg leans towards a saltier side, potentially overpowering other flavors with its strong marination, although it thankfully avoids any unpleasant mirin taste.
DISCLAIMER
One man’s meat is another man’s poison.
Find out more about our palettes and how we evaluate our ramen here. 😉
