I dropped by Nomiya and picked up a little something to take out for lunch recently.
Having never had authentic Ramen noodles, I was excited to try them. I was chapped to find out that Nomiya will not make up an order to go. Am I missing something here? Why couldn’t you do it to go? It’s essentially noodles and broth, no?
Whatever. I guess I’ll take the teriyaki chicken rice bowl then.
Now, I must tell you that I often stop at Banzai for quick work lunches, so I would be judging this in comparison to my usual spicy chicken or sesame beef bowls.
The chicken was glazed in teriyaki sauce, and set upon a bed of plain white rice. A piece of broccoli garnished the bowl.
The chicken was just ok. Alright, maybe it was even a bit blah. And by blah, I mean boring.
Picture a fancy cocktail reception. You look to the entrance to see your date entering the room. The whole room focuses on this stunning, eye catching beauty in her slinky fire red dress. All eyes are on her, and all the men are envious of your good fortune that she is with you. Everything is perfect. This is what I wish this chicken had been.
Instead, this chicken was the plain looking girl with a pony tail and large round glasses… dressed in an oversized beige cardigan and penny loafers. Not entirely undesirable,but lacking the looks and personality to warrant a second date.
It really had no memorable qualities to it. Nothing to make me want it again. The chicken was not crispy; more like spongy. Also, there was not enough sauce on the chicken to flavour the rice at all, so some soya sauce is needed for sure.
In the end I just don’t think it’s as good as Banzai. Plus it’s quite a bit more expensive at $10.99. (Banzai’s rice bowls are $6.95.)
I would like to return to try the authentic ramen noodles, but likely won’t be back for take- out.
It kinda looks like something from Edo in a food court or do my eyes deceive me?
Some ramen-ya won’t do take out. According to Kintaro (one of the first ramen shops in Vancouver), the reason is that, depending on how far you go (as one of the many factors), the hot broth will keep on cooking the noodles and, by the time you are ready to eat, it might be mushy or might have absorbed the broth. So, your complains about them might be even worst than what you wrote above.
As for what you did order, it does not do justice as to what they have to offer. I mean, granted, it is in the menu; however, it is not necessarily representative. Probably if you re-visit them for some ramen.