Marukin Ramen

Marukin, a Tokyo-based ramen noodle chain, is the latest addition to the growing number of restaurants in the China View complex on Gongti Dong Lu, and is already a popular dining spot for Japanese residents in the city.

True to form, the house Marukin ramen (35RMB) is one of their best dishes. Accompanied by miso soup and a small dish of pickled cabbage, the thin noodle is boiled to a perfectal al dente texture and the pork-bone stock is rich and tasty.

The rice and tempura (40RMB), meanwhile, come with two hefty shrimps, green pepper and eggplant. Unfortunately the shrimp tempura is not as crisp as the vegetable, but it’s still a tasty dish.

The same can’t quite be said for the chicken-and-egg rice (35RMB), which, despite its delicate flavour, is disappointingly dull.

It’s worth pointing out that the menu appears in Chinese and Japanese only, but the listings are straightforward, mainly offering ramen, a rice set, side dishes and beverages, including Japanese beers, sake and shochu – a popular Japanese distilled spirit.

The interior of this ramen joint is impressively simple and pleasant, putting the diner at ease the moment they walk in.

The walls are rough and painted a soft yellow, and white paper lanterns hang about the place. There’s even an open-style kitchen on the ground floor.

Given the accessible location, fair price and cosy environment, Marukin is an ideal place for a quick meal in the Sanlitun area. EWM