Relishing Ramen in Ipoh

        Avidly reading some local food blogs and joining a Ipoh community group on Facebook keep me in the loop when new and tasty eateries sprout up. I was excited to know that a ramen establishment had opened in Ipoh's Old Town and had generated good reviews. And so, after our gym workout this evening, Derrick and I headed to Mad Ramen Bar for dinner.

Face of glee 

Situated at 3, Jalan Panglima (just opposite Plan B)

        The place was packed although it was still fairly early in the evening. The friendly staff ushered us to seats at the bar, and later offered us a table after it had been vacated. In addition to ramen, diners can choose to have donburi (ricebowls), yakitori (grilled skewered meat), desserts, non-alcoholic drinks, mocktails and cocktails. 

Observing the bartender as the samurai on the wall observe us

        I decided to try their Black Tonkotsu Ramen (RM19.80), which has really springy ramen in a flavourful black garlic and black sesame tonkotsu pork broth that had been simmered for over 8 hours. It is served with tender pork chasu, braised tamago, black fungus and spring onions. Biting into the braised tamago (egg) really brought back all the sweet memories of last year's Japan trip.

My Black Tonkotsu Ramen

        Derrick was in porky heaven with his Pork Rib Black Shoyu Ramen (RM21.80). He was given a glove to devour his pork rib with ease. In addition, we shared a plate of Chicken Teriyaki Bites (RM9.80), which was just as yummy.

Derrick's Pork Rib Black Shoyu Ramen

Chicken Teriyaki Bites

        Our ramen selections this evening were from the Tonkotsu spread, which originates from Fukuoka, Kyushu. I made a mental note to try one of the Hokkaido ramen offerings on our next visit, which I suspect would be in the near future, judging from the way Derrick was raving about the food long after dinner was over. I was told that the Hokkaido ramen broth is lighter but just as tasty.
        We resisted the urge to order the goma (black sesame) and matcha (green tea) ice cream as we had a tub of Haagen-Dazs Hojicha Latte ice cream awaiting us in our freezer. And I was thrilled to spot hojicha (roasted green tea) latte on the menu. That's for our next visit!