Review: Tonkotsu Bar & Ramen, Soho

Sometimes I just really fancy some noodles - warming, fun and delicious - whats not to enjoy?

I took What The Cook to Tonkotsu one Friday evening for ramen and was seated straight away. I had heard there may be queues but luckily we got in just in the nick of time, as the queuing started as we left.

I was starving, to put it lightly, so we went for sides - tofu and salt and pepper squid. The Hiya Yakko Tofu was simply served fresh and cold, with a light dressing - the chilli oil wasn't too overbearing either. It was possibly on the tad expensive side at £4 for a block of tofu that had a few spring onions laid on top but 'when in Rome', as they say.

The tofu with bits of green on top.

Then came our ramen bowls, which I was rather excited about. Tonkotsu have their own noodle machine and you can really tell that the noodles are fresh, they were the perfect elasticity.

We both went for the signature 'Tonkotsu' bowl which featured pork stock, thin noodles, pork belly, half a soft boiled egg and various veggie bits.

The Tonkotsu signature bowl

I was pleasantly surprised at how not overly salty the soup was, everything seemed genuinely homemade and fresh, the noodles were fantastically elastic (I may have mentioned that already), I'm not sure what they soak the egg in but it was appetising whatever it was. I think I could have had another bowl. 

I had high expectations as I'm a big fan of Bone Daddies ramen, but I think although Bone Daddies has a lot more excitement and flair (and bigger portions), Tonkotsu is a bit more authentic and homely - and again - the noodles were great. 

It didn't end up being as 'cheap and cheerful' as I had expected but I would definitely come here again, if anything for the noodles. 

RATING: 4 out of 5