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  • Writer's pictureAvi Sen
    • Nov 13, 2020
    • 2 min read

Tonkotsu (Stratford) (London)

Updated: Dec 25, 2023

Ramen is a Japanese noodle soup usually in a meat-based broth filled with meat (typically pork), vegetables and 2 halves of a hard-boiled egg. Simple yet difficult to master. Tonkotsu is a ramen specialist so was it any good? Time to find out…

ramen

Ideal for:

  • Those looking for a quality meal on a budget

  • Those counting calories

  • Those with an appetite

 

Ambience & Décor


Tonkotsu’s décor was lovely both inside and out. It was the typical mantra of Japanese design. Minimalist yet great colour contrasts that gave a classier vibe than your average restaurant. The theme of this Tonkotsu was nature – the big glass windows let in natural light; trees placed both inside and outside; and a comfortable outdoor seating area for those beautiful Summer evenings. Even the black frontage with “Tonkotsu” lit up looked striking and vibrant.


The ambience was quite relaxed and you could feel all diners were here for a relaxed, chilled evening with their friends, families or partners. Very mellow vibe that was pleasant to be in.


Service


Due to COVID-19, there was not really much to judge on the service aspect.


Food

ramen

Famished, my dining companion and I ordered the big bowl of Ramen plus a side to share between us. I went for the Chilli Chicken (see right) ramen bowl without the egg, whilst my dining companion went for the Tokyo (braised pork belly) without egg. Overall, the entire dish was flavoursome, wholesome and the chilli chicken was very tasty. For me, the dish lacked some spice so added a generous helping of chilli oil that really livened up the dish. The Tokyo looked delicious and I tried some of the pork, and it was delicious. One to select next time.


The side dish we went for was the Chicken Kara-Age (fried chicken). The crispy, floury, coating had a great taste and texture. One could tell the batter was infused with a generous helping of garlic, soy and ginger; a winning trifecta. Despite a crispy exterior, the chicken was succulent inside, and the accompanying mayo really elevated the dish.


I love ramen but appreciate a noodle soup is not everyone’s cup of tea. I think Tonkotsu have got it right with the pricing, the venue and the menu. They do offer dishes outside of just ramen to cater for all types of diners. Given that a portion of this will last you a long time, it presents great value for money too. I would have liked more spice and heat in mine but a minor point. Solid A rating.


Photos of Tonkotsu and more can be found on Instagram here.

 

Final grade: A

Final comment: Great quality food at a reasonable price that will make diners want more.


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