Ippudo is back in Tenjin – and it’s got a new flavor. Devotees of the brand’s trademark ramen needn’t worry: the revamped Nishi-dori branch still serves steaming bowls of Shiromaru (classic) and Akamaru (modern) ramen on the second floor. But downstairs you’ll find a different kind of liquid: sake. Try it upright in the new ground-floor standing bar, Ippudo Stand.
At a typical ramen joint, you get right down to the noodles. Not here. Once you’re inside under the festive lanterns, your first stop should be the drinks menu, where from 3pm onward sake takes pride of place. Local liquor store Sumiyoshi Sake has selected its favorite brands from across Japan to create a compact yet comprehensive menu – and with a helpful English guide too. Pair your drink with an appetizer or two, or three… at around ¥180 each, snacks like tempura sliders, squid dumplings and onion rings are hard to resist. Just try to save room for ramen at the end (smaller servings are available if you can’t manage a full bowl)! It’s a concept borrowed from Ippudo’s New York restaurant, now available to try right here in Ippudo’s hometown.
Ippudo Stand Presents – Sake Sampler Night!
Events every 4th Thursday!
At Ippudo Stand, the fourth Thursday of every month is Sake Sampler Night. Come meet our master brewer and learn about what to look for in a sake, the best way to enjoy it and standard sake etiquette. And of course, you’ll get to taste the expert’s recommendations. Look out too for sake tasting contests – with prizes! – and other fun events coming up at Ippudo Stand. No reservations required: just drop by whenever you fancy a glass of the good stuff.
Next Event!
Sake Sampler Night!
When: Thursday, May 25, 2017 19:00~22:00
How much: ¥1,500 (2 local sake with 2 paired side dishes) or ¥1,500 (4 kinds of sake tasting)
Where: Ippudo Tenjin Nishi-dori / Ippudo Stand (1-12-61 Daimyo, Chuo-ku)
Originally published in Fukuoka Now Magazine (fn221, May 2017)
