北海道のふづき
"Dinner was at 'Ippudo KAY.' I was excited when I heard they opened in Chitose, even though I had been aiming for Stella Place but couldn't make it work. The interior has completely transformed, and you wouldn't believe it used to be a McDonald's. There was no wait time to be seated, and there were various groups of people dining, including couples, office workers, and students. I hope it continues to be popular!
Although they don't offer Sapporo-style ramen here, it's my first time at Ippudo, and I wanted to savor the essence of Hakata ramen. So, I ordered the 'Tonkotsu Chashu (¥1080)' with 'Harigane' through the tablet! It's the most popular and cheapest menu item in the restaurant, yet adding chashu toppings makes it even better! You can also order verbally if you're not comfortable with the tablet. It's convenient that you can self-serve toppings like takana, red pickled ginger, and spicy bean sprouts. The only downside is that they don't have these toppings at each table, so you have to get them yourself. But if you think of it like a buffet, it's no big deal!
You might also consider ordering rice and adding various toppings, which is also a good idea. Don't forget to add the spicy bean sprouts to the soup; it adds depth to the flavor as it spreads heat throughout. The bowl may be a bit small, as mentioned in some reviews, but the clear soup looks beautiful. It's rich without being too fatty and has a refreshing taste that fills your throat. Maybe it's this gentle flavor that has made it so popular. I also want to try their Sino-Japanese ramen!
The portion of noodles is generous, so you'll get quite full! Even though it's called 'Harigane,' it doesn't have a super crunchy texture, but it's pleasantly firm, and the sensation as the noodles go down your throat is delightful. They have three types of chashu: boiled, grilled, and slow-cooked. I personally like the boiled chashu the most. You get three slices of chashu by default, each with a different texture and flavor, and at 860 yen, it doesn't feel too expensive. With the old-fashioned, modern, and something in between (if that's the right way to describe it) textures, it's an enjoyable ramen experience.
It's great that you can enjoy Hakata ramen nearby without having to travel to Sapporo. Next time, I'll try the Sino-Japanese ramen! Thank you for the meal."