First Glance: Baoli Ramen, Sanlitun

At the back end of Sanlitun’s southern area Baoli Ramen have carved out a natural aesthetic against the grimy bar infused background. Straw colored wood dominates in the form of floor to ceiling interlocked lengths with tatami mat décor. Low seating against an ‘L’ shaped block are for most of the indoor patrons to rest at, with some tabled seating found outside on the raised patio. Cute little Japanese motifs like the Manaki Neko lucky charm cat and obscure anime-inspired ceramics are dotted on the shelving. Inside definitely gives a bento box inspired vibe with a large division separating the raised kitchen from the dining area, but the sweet sizzles and scents from the hotplate are still allowed to creep over the divider and waft into your atmosphere.

Ramen comes in eight varieties (RMB 28-56) most with a pork, seafood, or combinatory infusion. The pig bone with soy sauce (RMB 46) came with healthy sections of ginger, seaweed, and cuts of melt in your mouth pork floating atop. The noodles held their shape well and gave way when bit, but the real magic was in the belly warming broth; a real flavorful treat after an icy bike ride.

Side dishes are plentiful with rice, dumplings, and grilled options available. Sampling the pork fried with kimchi (RMB 28) the assumed spicy nature was relatively tame, but to our delight they were not at all stingy on the pork to cabbage ratio. Asahi beer is the brand of choice starting at RMB 18 a glass, but a cup of Sri Lankan black tea (RMB 16) felt a bit more appropriate for a casual Tuesday lunch. 

Baoli Ramen
Daily 10am-2am. 32 Sanlitun South Building. Chaoyang District (182 1035 9287/151 1022 9981)
朝阳区三里屯南32号搂 (三里屯派出所往西150米)

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Photos: Erin Strong