Homemade Ramen Muginae, a Michelin-starred Japanese ramen restaurant, has opened its doors in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The restaurant is known for its signature Shoyu Ramen, a bowl of clear chicken broth laced with 'shoyu tare' and topped with 'char siu', beef, 'wonton', and an egg. The ramen is a sight to behold, and its natural broth has earned it accolades from both Japanese and international critics.
What makes this ramen stand out is its complex broth, which is prepared using natural ingredients and free from MSG or chemical seasonings. The broth is clear but has a depth of flavor that suggests endless sleepless nights were spent tying all those flavors together. The ramen is served with straight noodles made with Hokkaido wheat, which are smooth, slightly springy, and have a tad softer texture than the usual harder noodles cooked al dente elsewhere.
The toppings include sous vide char siu made with pork shoulder, which can be a bit chewy when you get just the meat part, rather than a combination of meat and fat. There's also sous vide beef with a pinkish center and a silky wonton filled with juicy pork that has a gentle ginger flavor. You also get a marinated whole egg, but the yolk was slightly overcooked with ragged edges, suggesting the kitchen staff needs more practice to perfect it to a jammy consistency.
The Shio Ramen is light and clear because the chicken broth is finished with a more subtle salt tare. It's a decent bowl that will suit those who enjoy lighter flavors, but the star of this place is undisputedly the Shoyu Ramen due to its complex broth using natural ingredients rather than any artificial enhancements.
The restaurant also offers a variety of small dishes, including yakitori, sashimi, sushi, and tacos with different toppings. The salmon lovers can try their Faroe Islands salmon, said to be one of the best farmed salmon compared to the typical Norwegian salmon we get everywhere. While the toppings are fresh and generous, the seaweed in the tacos had softened and needed work to become crispier for a much-needed crunch.
Overall, Homemade Ramen Muginae is a must-visit for ramen enthusiasts in Kuala Lumpur. The restaurant's Michelin-starred status and complex, natural broth make it a standout in the city's culinary scene. However, the kitchen staff needs more practice to perfect some of the toppings, such as the marinated whole egg and the seaweed in the tacos.
