I thought about keeping that one for myself, but I think there are a lot of people who like a good Tonkotsu Ramen, so I’ll introduce this place to you !
A talented chef who can make anything without owning a restaurant
Do you know Albert Cuyp Market ? It is the most famous outdoor market in Amsterdam. If you go there, you can find a Japanese chef who runs a food stall that sells a delicious Tonkotsu Ramen. Its name is “Japaken diner” and, besides Ramens, they also offers other Japanese dishes such as omelet rice (Omurice) and so on.
He usually had a food stall in the market, but they are closed for good. (12.2023) You can see all needed information on his Instagram!
He is a very charming guy, and he loves chatting with the customers while cooking. His food is popular not only because it’s delicious, but also because the guy is cool.
Tonkotsu Ramen made by Japaken
Many Ramen restaurants in Amsterdam often claim to make their Tonkotsu the authentic way. But they usually serve a creamy Tonkotsu broth that lacks the distinctive flavour every Tonkotsu Ramen should have. If you don’t know, Tonkotsu Ramen originates from Hakata and is super common in Japan. It is made by simmering pork bones at high heat for a long time, so that the umami flavours from the bone marrow transpire into the broth. I personally think that European Tonkotsu places probably don’t stew their broth long enough, which results in a lack of umami flavour.
But his Ramen tastes like an authentic Japanese Tonkotsu, which is hard to find in Europe. The soup is made of only pork bones and no vegetables. In the past, I have eaten Ramen in Hakata several times over and his Ramens can really compare to what can be found there.
Traditionally, Tonkotsu Ramens are served with hard thin noodles. Even though the noodles are thin, they keep a good texture and are delicious. The chef always keeps an eye on the noodles and every time I ate there, the noodles were hard and nicely cooked.
I went to his POP UP at Shilla 【Update】
On Friday (August 11th) there was his pop-up event at Shilla for lunch. I wanted to eat Tonkotsu Ramen, so I went there.
Shilla is an Asian supermarket in Amsterdam-Zuid, but it has a little eating place and a kitchen.
I went there at 12:00 and it got crowded pretty quickly.
The next POPUP will be held on Friday the 18th Aug, so if you like Tonkotsu Ramens, please try it.
【UPdate】04.12.2023
From December 2023, it will be a pop-up every Thursday and Sunday! Please try it!
Check Instagram for informations
He is looking for a place where he can do his pop up events, so if you know someone or know a good place, please contact him!
