Tonkotsu Bar and Ramen, to give it its full title, launched in Birmingham back in September 2015. Already a success in London, the restaurant declares its mission is to bring Japanese ramen to the nation. Tonkotsu is also the name of the venue’s signature dish (£11). This is prepared by slowly simmering pork bones to create salty, creamy stock, then adding sliced pork, boiled egg, vegetables and the all important noodles.
Other ramen options include Tokyo Ramen, which features soy marinated pork belly and chicken, or a meat-free option Shimeji, Shitake and Miso Ramen. The menu also features a range of other Asian dishes, including Chinese dumplings filled with prawn, pork, shitake mushroom or bamboo shoot.
As you would expect, a range of Oriental teas including green, jasmine and lemongrass are on the drinks list. There’s also Japanese lager, sake and some Japanese whiskies on offer.