Ippudo - Hamamatsucho Stand

Go for the straightforward pork-bone flavour of Shiromaru, or choose a bowl with the kick of spicy miso. At Ippudo - Hamamatsucho Stand, the ramen options take distinct approaches, making it easy to pick according to your mood. Shiromaru Motoaji is described as Ippudo’s original tonkotsu ramen, with a rich, fragrant broth that draws out the savoury flavour of pork. For extra toppings, the Shiromaru Special adds seaweed, a seasoned egg and 2 slices of chashu pork. Akamaru Modern combines blended miso and aromatic oil for added depth, and its medium-thick noodles are described as springy. Those after heat can opt for Karakamen, made with spicy miso and spices. Its spice level ranges across 5 options, from standard to very hot, so diners can choose to suit their taste.

One diner who ordered Karakamen on the spicier side found that it had a touch of sweetness as well as heat. At another lunch, the bowl arrived before the diner had finished the browned Hakata bite-sized dumplings. Starting with the dumplings and moving on to spicy tonkotsu ramen makes for an easy lunch combination. Chashu rice is another way to make the meal more substantial. One diner ordered Kiwami Akamaru Modern with Hakata bite-sized dumplings and chashu rice, enjoying the broth as well as the dumplings and rice. That is one person’s order, but adding a side to make a meal around the ramen gives you room to tailor the portion to your appetite.

The menu also includes drinks and small plates. One diner mentioned having draft beer with dumplings, a combination that could work as a first drink and light bite before the ramen. Beer is joined by sake and highballs. The sake list includes bottles described as clean and crisp, as well as options said to pair well with food. The restaurant suits a solo ramen lunch, too, while beer and dumplings offer a way to linger over a little more than the bowl. In Hamamatsucho, it is an option for either a lighter stop or a meal centred on ramen.