Update: This business has ceased its operations.
Goku Raku Ramen (極楽ラーメン) at Gurney Paragon has been rebranded as Edo Ramen (江戸ラーメン). The new menu and its pricing structure have been revised to appeal to mainstream customers.
Like before, Edo Ramen also specializes in ramen noodles. The biggest difference is that the variety has been significantly reduced, presumably to improve kitchen efficiency. As a result, the pricing is also adjusted to be more affordable.
The dining area remains unchanged for most part. However, I feel that the place is hot and stuffy inside, despite requesting the staff to adjust the air-conditioning. The unpleasant atmosphere shaves crucial points off my overall dining experience. Appreciation of Japanese cuisine is very particular of the restaurant’s ambience.
My dish of choice today is the Ultimate Gyukotsu (究極の牛骨, RM19.90). As this is a new menu item, there is an introductory offer price of RM17.90. This is the large-sized serving.
According to Edo Ramen, the broth is made of beef bones which have been stewed for several hours. I admit that the broth is strong in beef flavor, but my palate somehow feels disconnected from the taste. For one, the broth is simply too salty for me. There is a big difference between saltiness and savoriness.
The ramen noodle is fine. However halfway through the large-sized serving, surfeiting sensation starts to kick in. I think the increased amount of ramen in comparison with other ingredients makes the noodle appear overwhelming.
Beef is cut into thin slices and has an appetizing appeal, much to my delight. This is perhaps the biggest highlight of this dish.
The onsen tamago (温泉玉子, hot spring egg), is not as well-prepared as it should. I prefer the egg to be less cooked, resulting in more yolky consistency.
Other ingredients are a piece of nori (海苔, seaweed), narutomaki (鳴門巻き, fish cake), sweet corn, hakusai (白菜, Chinese cabbage) and scallion.
As for condiments, beni shoga (紅生姜, pickled ginger) is too sharp in flavor. I think the sourness should be toned down. Fried onion serves to bring out pleasant aroma when the dish is hot. Finally, black pepper is ground using a pepper mill.
Apart from gari, these condiments work harmoniously with the ramen. However if the beef broth were better flavored, it is unnecessary to use these condiments.
Address: L1.05, Gurney Paragon Mall, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-226-0961
Business hours: 11:00am-10:00pm (Saturday-Thursday), 11:00am-11:00pm (Friday-Saturday)
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