満腹六郎
Sapporo City, Higashi-ku, Sakaedori area. This restaurant is famous for its rich boiled fish broth. This is my second visit since they moved. Last time, I had their boiled fish broth dipping noodles. There are 3 parking spaces available, but it can be difficult to park, so be careful. While taking photos of the exterior, I noticed that I was being watched from inside the restaurant. I quickly took a few photos, but it seemed like my presence was not well received until I left. I still can't stop thinking about it. Compared to when they were in Chuo-ku, the interior of the restaurant is now more spacious with table seating available. I ordered the Rich Karani-bo (930 yen) which is a rich boiled fish broth, commonly known as "cement-style". It can be classified into three main characteristics: 1) The clear broth is not too thick. 2) It lacks bitterness, astringency, off-flavors, sourness, and any fishy taste. 3) Only the umami is extracted with very little fishiness. I personally consider bitterness as umami, but most likely they use a large amount of boiled fish with the heads and guts removed. I have never eaten or made ramen with this level of richness and lack of bitterness. There are many places with richer broths, but the balance of the base clear broth here is divine. The boiled fish broth does not linger on the palate. Perhaps they have leveled up even more. The spiciness adds a nice accent to the rich boiled fish broth. The medium spiciness should be fine for those who can handle it. The noodles have never been my favorite, especially the dipping noodles. This time, they used slightly more water to make the medium-thin noodles. They are loosely curled and almost straight, with a firm texture that bounces back when bitten. Quite impressive. The more you chew, the more you can taste the flavor of the noodles. Today, my aversion to the noodles at this restaurant has disappeared. The thick and tender slices of chashu provide a satisfying chew with just the right amount of flavor. The bamboo shoots, which are a common feature in popular dipping noodle shops, are also unique here. I posted a close-up photo showing that they come in two pieces. It must be very difficult to serve them at this thickness. As expected, they have a perfect texture with a satisfying bite and no tough fibers. The green onions come in two varieties, cut in a way that I personally like, similar to how I cut them when cooking at home. The slight dryness adds a nice touch. The seaweed is unnecessary for me personally because the broth is already so good. Overall, I recommend this soup to those who love rich boiled fish broth, as well as those who are not fans of the unique bitterness of boiled fish broth. The restaurant provides paper aprons, making it a female-friendly place. It was delicious! Thank you for the meal.