May 16, 2017
Tempura Brussel Sprouts. Jinya Ramen Bar, Bellevue, WA
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Tempura Brussel Sprouts. Jinya Ramen Bar, Bellevue, WA
Miso Ramen. Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya, Tukwila, WA
606 5th Ave South, Seattle WA, 98104 - (206) 547 - 9321
Samurai Noodle is a small ramen-ya in Seattle’s International District, and the OG stop for the Ramen Warriors. This quaint ramen shop is small, but consistently busy. Music varies, but I prefer when they play classic rap or hip-hop to match the pace of the joint. The wait staff is pretty friendly, but the itamae really makes the place. He is a transplant from their now defunct location on Broadway in Capitol Hill. The itamae remembers the Ramen Warriors, and is out front to greet us every time he recognizes our ticket. A Ramen Warrior in his own right.
Samurai has 15 varieties of ramen to conquer. They specialize in Hakata-style tonkotsu from Japan’s Fukuoka region. In addition, they offer Tokyo-style shoyu and Hakkaido inspired miso ramen along with original spicy recipes.
The cost is on par with the average ramen joint, at around $12 a bowl. Samurai Noodle does have a punch card, where every 13th bowl is free.
Gyoza. Impeccable, super crispy gyoza. Excess crispy parts can be broken off and dipped into the gyoza sauce. Really fucking good. They sell out of these often.
Spicy Miso Ramen with pork broth. This is my typical order at Samurai Noodle. I choose the Hakata tonkotsu (pork broth) religiously, as it is the house specialty. This is my estus.
This koterri (rich) ramen marries Hakata tonkotsu with miso for a Sapporo-style bowl. The tonkotsu is smooth and flavorful, complimented by the creaminess of miso and a roundhouse kick of heat from Samurai’s hell fire chili paste.
The noodles are fresh and home-made! I sub for the egg noodles (when they are available), but both egg and wheat varieties are superb. They are cooked properly, with a slightly firm and chewy texture.
True to Hokkaido province, this miso ramen comes topped with chashu pork belly, bean sprouts, scallions, corn and a pat of butter.
The pork belly/chicken is tasty but lacks a final sear, which could have added some smokiness. Add bacon to remedy this, though note it is microwaved. Garlic chips ARE A MUST. Use very liberally!
Note - You can never have enough garlic chips! Seriously.
Samurai Noodle - 4 stars
The itamae makes each experience welcoming as the ramen, though the tiny kitchen forces shortcuts that could elevate an otherwise awesome bowl. Their gyoza are the best around. The Spicy Miso Ramen is good to the last drop, making me want to battle a second bowl each time…. but the quest for the perfect bowl continues. Itamae beware, we come for you!