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2012-02-19
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"Butao Ramen" was long on my "to savour" list. Back when there was only the one and only in Central. The queue was discouraging. The fact that you have to queue in the open air (AND in central!... I always try to avoid central "central" when I am off work...) was even more discouraging. Now a second branch was opened in Causeway Bay. Still cannot avoid the queue in the open air (and to be honest, to an extent even worse, in an alley) (you see, there could always be a handy "excuse"/reason for ev
Now a second branch was opened in Causeway Bay. Still cannot avoid the queue in the open air (and to be honest, to an extent even worse, in an alley) (you see, there could always be a handy "excuse"/reason for everything.) BUT the queue itself appeared to be shorter (maybe because of the bigger shop and also having this extra branch)! Time to go!
First Visit
Arrived at around 5pm (after an investment forum). As I spotted the restaurant, I had a sudden surge of excitement "why is the queue so short". Then immediately, I reminded myself (time for appreciating openrice again) that the "main body" of queue would be in the alley opposite to the restaurant.
Queue in the alley. Not too bad at all. Just took us (party of 2) around 20 minutes.
Staff provided us with the "order sheet". After another careful deliberation, I decided to go for 黑王!! Was slightly disappointed that eggs were not available though (when I went) :/ After making my choices, the staff noted down what I wore to ensure that the correct ramen would be served to be without hassle (nice touch !).
Chef in action! As soon as we were seated, we were served with two glasses of water. I also ticked for a can of coke; that was promptly brought to me. We did not have to wait long; in around 3-4 minutes, my bowl
黑王!! So good! I had a taste of the soup first before tempering with the black lump in the middle; the soup was very flavourful and "full body" (it felt so much more substantial than pure liquid soup base, could feel a sense of weight as it warmed up my body..). I could still relate to the pork bone soup base although the squid ink was certainly much more dominating. Next, I went on to taste the ramen; I chose "super hard" for the ramen texture; personally, I found it good but with potential to be even "harder". The black lump (minced meat with black ink sauce) was very flavourful (but not too salty). Very nice to add a small lump to a spoonful of soup with ramen~ The pork slices were nice; not too fatty but tender. It was simply satisfying~ I know one should technically finish the entire bowl of soup (and enjoy the "thank you" sign at the bottom of each bowl for this branch lol) to show respect to the chef. Nonetheless, the soup base was too heavy for me to finish (super strong taste, in a good way, but too heavy for "bottoms up").Second Visit
Good impression that the queue was not deadly afterall. And certainly very good impression of the excellent ramen. This time I arrived at around 6 and it took me around 30 minutes to get in (again, not bad at all). I decided to order something different - something off menu - the "Sea" King (海老王) ~~
No more black soup-base. But do not be mistaken, this was not the original taste one - it was not just pure pork bone soup base. "Sea" King was pork bone soup base with prawn essence. Instead of a lump of minced meat, the Chef showered a little mountain of dried shrimps. HMMMMMM It was better than I thought and totally exceeded my expectations (I mean.. dried shrimps with pork bone?). Upon being served, my lungs were already filled with the fresh, delicious and rather innovative fragrance. The aromatic prawn taste was such a compliment to the pork bone base. Neither was too dominant, neither was a waste. This was the perfect example of "what a match!". Ramen again of good texture, and same good quality of pork slices. Once again, simply blissful, simply an enjoyment!! A superb and satisfying bowl in the winter!! When it gets too hot in Hong Kong though, I guess the queue WILL DEFINITELY be daunting. So do visit now when the weather is still kind for ramen lovers.
張貼
