Ichi Ban Boshi

I had the day off today and was really craving ramen, so I treated myself to lunch in the city at Ichi Ban Boshi . I wanted to try the Tonkotsu Ramen of which they only make 15 bowls per day. Tonkotsu means pork bone and is a super rich and thick pork broth made by boiling pork bones, fat, and collagen for many hours. The result is ultra creamy and like melted butter and milk.

I arrived about midday taking a chance that they would have made the ramen early, but chose another menu item just in case they hadn't: Shio Butter Corn Ramen.

I was all ready to order but I waited...and waited...and waited...about ten minutes. The restaurant was starting to get busy but not at all manic just yet. There were about six waitresses all with their headsets on, buzzing around, and a couple of times they even walked past me to usher in new customers but they never looked at me looking at them earnestly. I had become invisible. And I was getting frustrated. I may have been more frustrated because I was worried I was going to miss out on a bowl of tasty Tonkotsu. As it turned out, I didn't have to worry. When I finally did get to order after standing up to get someone's attention, I was informed that it wouldn't be ready until 1:30pm. So, Shio Butter Corn Ramen it would be! I also ordered an extra of a fried dumpling on top.

As it turned out, I LOVED my pork and corn ramen. The broth was rich but not too salty, it was filled with loads of crunchy bean sprouts and corn. The pork was delectable, I could have done with another slice. It was tender and just the right amount of fattiness. And the butter...OH, the butter! I let mine melt right were it was and only mixed it in the slightest bit, rather than dilute it, so I would get globules of buttery goodness bursting in my mouth every few mouthfuls. And the noodles were so moreish, slippy with a little bite. I could feel myself filling up but not finishing it was not an option.

Delicious toasted rice green tea



The arrival!


So beautiful.


Love the nifty spoon


Mmmmm, dumpling

Ichi-ban Boshi
Level 2, The Galeries Victoria Bldg
500 George Street
Sydney, NSW 2000

Phone +61 2 9262 7677

If you're curious about the Tonkotsu experience and flavour, it's well documented here.