u/YouWillYouWont

Location Kent Street, Sydney CBD

Wait 10 mins for a table of 3

Atmosphere A small place with a lively atmosphere. The service was efficient and friendly for what looked like a busy lunch

Ordered Miso Tantan Ramen - $26

A hearty looking bowl was delivered with a fiery streak of chilli on the side that immediately caught my eye. The toppings included peppery mince, fresh raw onion, sprouts, choy sum, and a jammy ajitama egg.

I grabbed the spoon for a taste of the broth which had a mild miso base and that tantan nuttiness which gave it great depth - It was well seasoned, and the spice built gradually, leaving a heat that lingered at the back of my throat. I sliced through one half of the egg, grabbing some yolk, mince and a stack of noodles. The noodles were chewy and perfect, the mince was savoury, the yolk like butter and that heat just kept building. The onion, sprouts and choy sum added some bite and texture along with some much needed relief from that fiery streak.

Final thoughts Spicy and delicious - The chilli was slightly overpowering by the end of the bowl but I'd absolutely visit again as this left me feeling warm and very satisfied! 4.2⭐

Location Victoria Ave, Chatswood

Wait No wait

Atmosphere I arrived early evening and as a result, it was pretty quiet so I parked myself at the bar table.

Ordered Tan Tan Delux - $21.80

A delicious looking bowl turned up with everything sitting neatly on a bed of noodles. Before mixing I had a taste of the sauce - The sesame smacked me right in the face.

After the initial taste, I grabbed my chopsticks and popped the onsen egg, mixing everything through, slowly coating the noodles with a shimmery glaze. The second bite was a mix of perfectly chewy noods, spicy pork mince and soft bamboo shoots. It was a deep savoury flavour followed by a lingering heat which I couldn't get enough of. Next up was the chashu pork which was soft and tender with a slight smokiness from the char. The other add-ons were corn and spring onions which added some colour and bite with each mouthful. Honestly, there was no savoring this one, I smashed that bowl in minutes!

Final thoughts Delicious soupless ramen! The noodles are handmade in store and it shows - They're perfect. The flavours were on point and well worth the price. 4.5⭐

Location Temperance Lane, CBD

Wait 5 mins (solo diner)

Atmosphere: Even at midday on a Sunday when I arrived the place was packed and buzzing! The servers were attentive, dropped off some water and explained the ordering

Ordered Classic Toripaitan - $26

A very unassuming bowl turned up in front of me. I grabbed the spoon, dove in for a taste and DAAAAMN! It was rich, creamy and thick. Going in for the second slurp it was meaty, salted just so and had a deep umami flavour that I haven't come across before - I was hooked.

Next up were the noodles, which were plentiful and perfectly chewy. The add ons were what you'd usually find; Spring onion, bamboo shoots and pork slices. The pork itself was soft, tender and a loin cut which is different to the the chashui style I'm used to. There was also some chopped raw red onion which didn't do too much for me.

Final thoughts

All in all, a delicious bowl of ramen that left me satisfied and with a craving for more. Get in early to skip the queues. It's on the pricey side but absolutely worth it! 4.8⭐

Route: Osaka (+Himeji)>Kyoto>Nagoya>Osaka

I recently spent 8 days on a small round trip leaving me genuinely happy with a satisfied soul.

It's my second visit (first solo) so I had some loose plans which included a few sites to tick off, a bunch of other Google map markers to see or visit (mostly food) and 4 trains to experience.

The sites: Himeji Castle, Osaka Castle, Nagoya Castle, the Nintendo Museum and some shrines.

I ate some delicious Ramen, Tonkatsu, gyukatsu, okonomoyaki, burgers and pizzas. Plus a huge range of pasties, desserts and chocolates. New babe, 27°C desserts and 400°C pizza being the standouts for food with the Voco Osaka Central being the standout hotel.

The trains were the Nankai Rapi:t, Kyo-train Garaku, a Nazomi bullet train and the Hinotori express - All great in their own way and offered a glimpse into rural Japan.

All up I covered 165,522 steps through the likes of Dontonbori, Umeda, Gion, Shoseien Garden, Sakea, Hisayaodori and so many more places.

5⭐ trip and I can't wait to return!

Staying in Osaka so visited Glitch again.

This time I went with a fruity option that made a delicious iced latte (It's hot, gimmie a break!). Also went to a fancy bakery a few blocks away for a raspberry pistachio mousse cake.