Unknown to me was a tiny little restaurant tucked away on George St, amidst the glaring signs of 80C Cafe and Pepper Lunch. It had been there for a few months now, but I never paid much attention to it because I would either walk past outside, or headed straight for Pepper Lunch and never cast another glance anywhere else.
It wasn't until it was directly pointed out to me that I first noticed it. Nicely decorated, and nostalgically reminiscent of streets and alleyways in China, Japan and Korea filled with hawker (street) food.
Had a long look at the menu (because I am always indecisive). They sold typical Japanese food that you would find everywhere in the cities. What I found cool was that it was fast and self-serve, where you grab a tray and line up to get bowls and dishes of your choosing. Very American-cafeteria!
Sparkling juice of a Fuji apple? I love Fuji apples!
Side view of their kitchen, open for all to see. I'm standing near the noodle table.
Your order of noodles is made on the spot, right in front of you.
Typical beef don. The beef is marinated in regular mirin and soy sauce, tossed with browned onions on rice.
I've forgotten what this was, but it was a snack size...
Tempura sweet potato (and other tempura stuff).
I miss eating this. If this was freshly made out of the pan, it would've been GORGEOUS. Unfortunately I didn't know what it was (mum got it) and waited until the end of my meal to tuck into this. EAT THIS FIRST! It was also good dipped in my leftover soup.
Beef with soba noodles and a very soft-boiled egg, grated radish, seaweed salad and mochi.
Honestly, the meal wasn't really great or anything. I mean, it was okay. Don't get the grated radish, it's just...grated radish. I think the only highlight of the meal was the tempura sweet potato. Seems harsh to say, but it's decent for the price (though, the same price can get you really good pho).
Or perhaps I've just been spoilt by my homemade zaru soba and fantastic food in Japan. Need to remind myself to buy soba and blog the recipe.
Feel free to try it for yourself. As for me, I might give it another go to see if I just had an off day. The process is pretty cool to watch. Make sure you get some tempura, and see which is fresh!
Address:
Menya Mappen
11/537-551 George St
Sydney (behind 85C cake store and Pepper Lunch)
3 comments:
a couple of years? i thought mappen only opened in september?? when did they have all you can eat ramen? ive been eating there at least once every 2 weeks since oct and didnt see that! gah i missed out! i love their ontama bukkake udon- simple but delish.
I could've sworn my brother said his friend had all-you-can-eat ramen here, or maybe it was some other place similar to it. Hmm.
the menya at haymarket has been there a while and used to have a godzilla ramen challenge maybe he meant that?
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