New Zealand Japanese Restaurants Guide » Noodle

Mentatz

go — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 10:01:59 +0000

Mentatz is located on Lorne Street, in the city. The proprietor, Mr Kudo, had racked up considerable kitchen “chops”, through years of working in restaurants such as Karin (in Parnell) – and others – prior to opening this establishment.

Mentatz specializes in tonkotsu ramen, but also provides a range of other dishes, such as donburi, salads and seafood, on the bill of fare. It is no exaggeration to say that all Japanese congregating locally would’ve visited this watering hole more than once or twice; Mentatz has served up many bowls of ramen.

Those who fancy themselves “ramen masters” can – as with steak – order their noodles done to their own liking : medium, well-cooked, etc. Note: Chef Kudo advises budding ramen aficionados not to linger over their food; the noodles have a tendency to go soggy if left too long. Lest you think this merely a way of clearing space for fresh customers, Mentatz thoughtfully provides patrons with the very Japanese custom of kaedama: if you’ve brought appetite to spare with you, finish your first lot of noodles and – leaving the broth still in your bowl – utter the magic words, “Kaedama kudasai”, and you will be provided with another serving of noodles for the reasonable price of $1.50. Mentatz make their own noodles, so you will be doing them proud.

Ramen ICHIBAN

go — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 10:00:45 +0000

Ichiban means Number One in Japanese. Given the name, this eatery’s main focus is serving ramen. Ramen noodles come served in a tasty broth, with a sliver of pork and spring onions on top. Ichiban Ramen serves at least nine different kinds of ramen, amongst which are the colourfully named sutamina (stamina) ramen, for those whose mojo is lacking in the necessary get-up-and-go, and jigoku Hell) ramen, the noodles resting in a chilli-laced soup; for those who like it hot.
Ramen isn’t the only foodstuff served on the premises, but it is the only one that Ichiban doesn’t also supply as a takeout item. All the other items you can either eat there, or takeaway.

Try the fried noodles, of which there are three kinds : yakisoba, katayakisoba deep fried noodles) and hiyashi-chuka (cold noodles − but only available in summertime). There’s also gyoza, donburi, salad and meat combos, side menu items (including fresh tofu, and a delicious chive omelette), and Japanese-style kareraisu (curry and rice). Believe it or not, but this latter dish is one of the most popular foods in Japan. Ichiban serves four kinds.

Genzui Ramen Bar

go — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 13:25:17 +0000

Located in the Atrium on Elliott shopping centre, next to the lobby of the Crowne Plaza Hotel – in the city. You may note this place in passing; sleek & modern, it is still vaguely reminiscent of the typical workaday ramen stand located at most train stations throughout Japan.
The owner was trained at Mentatz (Lorne St); he does not advertise, but relies upon word-of-mouth. Round lunch time people queue shoulder-to-shoulder to partake of the fare. The ramen here has got the thumbs up from regulars. Especially popular are dishes such as the (clay pot) Nabeyaki ramen, the Miso ramen & the eatery’s donburi dishes. If you’re unfamiliar with ramen, it’s a substantial noodle dish, and the raison d’etre here.

Originally from a Chinese noodle, la mian, it was first championed way back in the 17th century by the daimyo, Tokugawa Mitsukuni, noted gourmet and aesthete of the Edo era. Since the end of WWII, ramen has skyrocketed in popularity to become one of the most talked-about dishes throughout Japan. Genzui is open till 10pm every night, so it’s a great place for a quick supper and a glass (or two) of your favourite liquor.
Being part of the Atrium on Elliott shopping centre, parking is free – if you purchase more than $5.00. What are you waiting for ?