Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata Ramen

Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata Ramen Restaurant Review:

Named for an historical Samurai group, Shin-Sen-Gumi is a Japanese chain; however, no two are necessarily alike, as the house specialty depends on the branch. This pub-like location focuses on Hakata-style ramen. The tonkotsu (pork) broth is enriched with Berkshire pork bones and cooked for more than 15 hours, then loaded with delicate noodles, chopped scallions, red strands of pickled ginger and slices of chashu pork. At dinner, the menu expands tenfold, with loads of skewer options such as chicken livers, pork belly or sausage, beef tongue and shrimp. Handwritten specials are taped to the walls, but most people still opt for ramen, which cooks in two steaming metal cauldrons behind the counter. Ordering prompts numerous options: hard or soft noodles; mild or spicy; and light or heavy oil, salt, scallions and ginger. Add-ons include pork wontons, hard-boiled egg, cod roe and a pickled Japanese cabbage called tanaka. We recommend going for extra noodles. Notable side dishes include bite-size gyoza and takana fried rice.