First Glance: Hakata Ikkousha, Parkview Green

Newly opened in the basement level of Parkview Green, Fukuoka-based international chain Hakata Ikkousha specializes in Hakata style ramen (a smooth, creamy pork bone broth with thin, unrisen noodles. Read more about Japan's regional ramen styles on Lucky Peach).

Don't be put off by the queues already forming outside, even at off-peak hours – turnover is quick. Fill in your menu in the queue before taking a set at one of the low-to-the-ground benches and awaiting your noodles.
 

There are just five varieties of ramen available, including spicy, and black garlic and sesame. We suggest starting out with their classic pork bone broth (RMB 38), which comes with shredded wood ear mushrooms and a slice of tender roast pork. Decide on your salt level, oil level, degree of noodle cooking, and extra toppings (do not skip the soft-centered egg, RMB 8).

If those weren't enough options for you, prepare to be bewildered by the vast array of toppings on each bench. These, including sesame seeds, seasoning oil, fresh garlic, pink pickled ginger, and spicy mustard greens, are another of the signature components of Hakata-style ramen. 

The broth itself is unapolagetically creamy and porky, a hearty match for Beijing's inclement winter temperatures. The particularly hungry can order an extra helping of noodles to be dumped in the remaining broth, a practice known as kaedama. Sides, including gyoza (RMB 18) and fried chicken (RMB 18), are serviceable but not on a par with the ramen. 

Overall, a good addition to Beijing's ramen scene and a worthy contender to current favorite (and fellow purveyor of Hakata-style ramen), Ippudo.

Hakata Ikkousha
Daily 11am-8pm. LG2-10, Parkview Green, 9 Dongdaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (5730 6035)
朝阳区东大桥路9号侨福芳草地B2楼LG2

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Photos: Robynne Tindall