Do you love Japanese Ramen as much as I do? Last week I tried them at Mochi Ramen Bar at the Vorgartenmarkt in Vienna’s 2nd district. Are you curious? Look forward to a magical tale of delicious noodle-ness. (Ok, I made that word up.)
As you might already know, I love Asian food. Last time I tested a new Thai place here in Vienna and was thrilled. This time I asked my friend to try out a Japanese place on the opposite side of town. Once again I got hooked instantly.
Cosy but windy shop inside a small market
Welcome to ramen wonderland.
We arrived at the restaurant around 5pm. At first, we were the only customers, but it got really crowded later and almost all places where taken. But do not panic: they do not take reservations. First come, first serve. Even if the place is very busy, just wait a little and a spot will open soon. Or just arrive soon enough for being able to choose any seat available.
It’s 5pm and the store isn’t busy yet, but the dinner costumers are soon to come. Another person arrived soon after us. They also could decide on their favorite spot before it became super busy.
First things first, so start with drinks and starters
The staff was really nice, helpful and brought us the menu instantly. I really like the illustration design.
The menu is really cool. They also offer many different Sake.
For drinks we ordered a cup of their own tea mix as well as their home made lemonade. Both were delicious and, luckily, the lemonde was strong in taste and not too sweet.
As for a starter we decided on Edamame. Although they are just green beans we were surprised how tasty they were. Let me tell you, I have eaten soggy, overcooked and overly salted ones before, but these were boiled on point, not too soft and not too hard, and they were served with a dash of sea salt to bring out their slightly sweet flavour. The portion was big enough to make a nice appetizer for two people and a small panda and perfectly prepared our stomach for the main dish.
My drinks and a mountain of Edamame. I love them.
Finally it’s Ramen time!
We decided on Tonkotsu Ramen and Wan Tan Ramen. The Tonkotsu Ramen come with a salt and pork-based broth, grilled pork belly, a with soy sauce marinated cooked egg, mushrooms, corn, bonito flakes and spring onion. The ingredients worked perfectly together, there were enough veggies and the pork belly wasn’t chewy at all.
Which should I try first? Tonkotsu Ramen or Wan Tan Ramen? Both smell delicious!
The Wan Tan Ramen soup was a soy sauce and chicken broth and lighter than the tonkotsu soup but still rich in flavour. It also came with grilled pork, two shrimp filled dumplings, bamboo sprouts and red onions.
I’ll just go with these here. 很好，很好。
No space left for dessert
I am still waiting to try their desserts, but as I was too stuffed after my serving of noodle soup, I couldn’t get down even one more little bite. So sad I need to go back again… not. I am definitely looking forward to try their other starters and broths.
The Daruma design on their napkins. Will they realize if a whole box is missing?
Delicious “noodle-ness” conclusion
Since I ate their delicious Ramen I am suffering from wanderlust. It made me want to go back to Japan again and try all the different tasty noodle soups. Until I can make it back to the other side of the globe again, I will resort to visit Mochi Ramen bar here in Vienna. Above all because I need to try their other two available as well as a dessert.
Mister Wong’s tips for a tasty ramen meal:
- First come, first serve. No need to be sad if you forgot the reserve a table. Just go there and grab a seat.
- They don’t offer take-away, so take your time, sit down and enjoy your meal.
- Try their homemade lemondes. Good taste and not too sweet.
- The Ramen Bar is the owner’s third location after Mochi and O.M.K.
- Keep your eyes open and find lots of cute details around the store.
- As the restaurant is open, dress appropriately as it might get a little cold when the weather is bad.
- Check out their website for more infos.
A very inviting entrance at Mochi Ramen Bar.
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