WHAT WE ATE
- Shio Ramen – 85/100, Sano
- Miso Ramen – 90/100, Sano
Nestled behind an unassuming entrance that gives off a speakeasy vibe, “Menya Iori” surprises visitors with its quirky and captivating interior. Once inside, the atmosphere is anything but ordinary, boasting a comfortable space with high ceilings and an array of whimsical touches. From a washroom cleverly designed to resemble a tree-trunk with Totoro peering down to magic books concealed beneath dining tables, every corner of Menya Iori is filled with delightful surprises.
The ramen served at Menya Iori is a testament to culinary craftsmanship, featuring a delicate blend of light chicken, pork broth, and three types of seafood that harmonize seamlessly. With a commitment to quality, they meticulously select the finest Higeta soybeans for their soy sauce, resulting in a mellow yet deeply rich flavor profile that tantalizes the taste buds.
Shio Ramen – 85/100
Noodle: 30/35
Featuring the classic handmade Sano noodles, this iteration boasts medium thickness with a slightly flat profile. The noodles impress with their silky-smooth texture and springy bite, offering a satisfying chewiness and a notably snappy mouthfeel. Exhibiting a delightful earthy wheat taste, these noodles are devoid of any unpleasant kansui aftertaste, contributing to a well-rounded noodle experience.
Soup: 30/35
The broth presents a delicate balance of flavors, beginning with a gentle umami essence reminiscent of the sea, followed by lingering notes of sweetness. Despite its classification as Shio ramen, hints of Shoyu are discernible both in appearance and taste, adding subtle undertones to the overall flavor profile. Refreshing and comforting, the soup encapsulates the essence of Sano ramen, offering a heartwarming sensation that resonates within.
Meat: 20/20
The chashu, lean in appearance with a fatty rim, exudes tenderness and succulence. Expertly cut diagonally across the grain, the meat achieves a perfect balance of brittleness and softness, elevating the overall texture. Marinated to perfection, the chashu boasts a thin yet well-balanced seasoning that accentuates its inherent meatiness, complemented by subtle sour undertones, resulting in a harmonious flavor profile.
Topping: 5/10
Complementing the ramen are crunchy, sweet, and savory bamboo shoots, along with green onions and shallots that add layers of subtle flavor to the ensemble. Additional toppings, such as mixed pepper and Shichime powder, inject a delightful kick into the meal, enhancing its overall appeal.
An optional topping of marinated egg, unfortunately, falls short of expectations, with a slightly dry yolk texture and an overly heavy mirin marinade that feels out of place amidst the otherwise well-balanced flavors.
Miso Ramen – 90/100
Noodle: 30/35
Utilizing the same classic handmade Sano noodles as its counterpart, this rendition maintains medium thickness with a slightly flat profile. The noodles impress with their silky-smooth texture, providing a satisfying chewiness and a notably snappy mouthfeel. With a delightful earthy wheat taste and devoid of any unpleasant kansui aftertaste, these noodles contribute to a well-rounded noodle experience.
Soup: 35/35
Diverging significantly from its Shio counterpart, the Miso ramen at Menya Iori boasts an impressive brix level of 11.5, resulting in a rich, thick, and gravy-like soup. Bursting with creamy texture and a delightful nutty flavor, the broth is sweet yet earthy, with a subtle lingering spiciness that sets it apart from conventional ramen offerings in Sano. This departure from the traditional light and crisp broth delivers a unique and indulgent dining experience.
Meat: 20/20
Featuring the same succulent chashu as its Shio sibling, the meat remains lean with a fatty rim, exuding tenderness and flavor. Expertly cut diagonally across the grain, the chashu achieves a perfect balance of brittleness and softness, further enhanced by its well-marinated seasoning, which complements its inherent meatiness with subtle sour undertones, resulting in a harmonious flavor profile.
Topping: 5/10
Complementing the ramen are crunchy, sweet, and savory bamboo shoots, along with green onions and bean sprouts that add depth to the ensemble. Additional toppings, such as mixed pepper and Shichime powder, provide a delightful kick, further enhancing the overall appeal of the dish.
An optional topping of marinated egg, unfortunately, falls short of expectations, with a slightly dry yolk texture and an overly heavy mirin marinade that feels out of place amidst the otherwise well-balanced flavors.
DISCLAIMER
One man’s meat is another man’s poison.
Find out more about our palettes and how we evaluate our ramen here. 😉
