Shi Ten Noh

Mmmm, delicious ramen. My apologies for not writing any more reviews sooner, but I`ve not been searching the ramen world as much as I had been before. I also suffered a computer disaster, followed by a computer replacement, and well... things have been working out a little differently to how I had expected. Please see my other blog for further details.




When I first came across Shi Ten Noh, I was impressed. Nestled by the Dotomobori River, amongst the many tourist feeding vendors, was an unassuming ramen place. Although there is a vending machine for you to place your order, the staff were extremely affable. The music was an excellent assortment of 50`s rock and roll, and 60`s modern rock. Just sitting in this place was a pleasure.



I ordered the Shio (salt) ramen with egg, and my partner in crime ordered the Miso ramen with egg. It didn't take very long before our piping hot, delicious soups were delivered to us. Steam poured off the top of the bowls, and the first slurp nearly scalded the roof of my mouth. It was flavoursome, with a hint of garlic. The toppings included pork, long onions, bean shoots, and a little black oil, which I'm not sure exactly what it was...



The soup was full bodied, and almost creamy in texture, but not oily or sickly. The pork was exquisitely sweet, and the noodles were excellent. The noodles were nigh on perfect, they were firm to the tooth, with a bright springiness when bitten or slurped. Delicious. The sides included chili paste, garlic chips, gyoza sauce, salt and pepper. The serves were a generous meal. I was very satisfied, and have returned several times. Only once have I been a little disappointed, but that was only a noodle related disappointment, and well, I'm picky about noodles.

Broth - 4.5/5
Toppings - 4/5
Noodles - 4/5
Atmosphere - 4/5
Service - 3.5/5

Sisen Ramen

On the road that runs up the left hand side of the Namba City building, on the left hand side of the street, under the expressway, you may come across this lovely little Chinese style ramen joint. The sign says Sisen Ramen in English, so you shouldn't have too much trouble finding it.

The atmosphere is relaxing, with wooden panels, soft lighting, and what appears to be Chinese film score music being softly piped through the place. The service is loud, but not particularly friendly - though it has varied from visit to visit, this being my third visit, or maybe fourth. We are handed an oshibori (moistened towelette) and a glass of water.



We order the number one recommendation on the menu, the Tenten-men. This is not technically a ramen, but I'm not here to split hairs. I'm here to eat noodles in broth. The sides include chili oil, pickled gourd strips, roast garlic chips, soy sauce, salad oil, shichimi (Japanese 7 spice mix), salt, pepper, crushed fresh chili, crushed garlic, and S+B brand season all.

The broth in today's noodles is slightly oily compared to other visits, but it is still richly flavoured. It is a little spicy, but the dominant flavour is sesame. The sesame nuttiness is extremely appetising. The toppings include bok-choy, bean shoots, green onion tops, sesame seeds, and the all important roast pork, which comes in moist, sweet chunks, rather than the usual slices. This is some of the best pork that has ever passed my lips. Beautiful, tender stuff. It begs description. The vegetables match well with the flavour of the broth, and the entire flavour sensation dances between sweet, hot, spicy, and richness in a very pleasing way.

The broth is very hot, even for a ramen, and almost scalds me when I am slurping my noodles. The noodles are pretty good, but nothing much to write home about. On the side sits a little frosty lychee, which refreshes me greatly afterwards, and I dab my fingers and mouth with a knapkin. It was just a little too oily today. Pity, I've had it on other days and it's been magnificent, but today is the day we do the write up, so unfortunately I won't be rating it as highly as I would have on other visits.



A very Chinese styled ramen place, but well worth visiting. I left full and satisfied.

Broth - 3.5/5
Toppings - 4/5
Noodles - 3/5
Atmosphere - 4/5
Service - 2.5/5