Mochi Ramen Bar — Restaurant in Vienna

This review is long overdue, and the delay stems from mixed feelings about the vibe of the place. There’s a hippy-snobby air that I don’t particularly care for. I’ve been here twice, and the atmosphere was nearly the same each time. That said, I did notice they’re more relaxed during early lunch hours. Also, I don’t understand the netizens' fussing about needing reservations; I’ve walked in twice. Now, let’s talk ramen. I can confidently say this is the best ramen in Vienna, so far. And I say that as someone who knows their noodles, growing up with noodle soups, and having lived in Osaka and San Francisco. What sets this place apart is their deep understanding that the noodles are the star. Nobody wants soggy noodles (just like no one wants stale bread). Here, the noodles are crafted to suit each dish perfectly, slick or firm as needed. The real star of my second visit, though, was the Hainan chicken ramen. This ramen is a symphony of contrasts: the mild sweetness of the chicken counters the rich sweetness of the dipping sauce, while the savory broth offers a gentle balance, all against a slight bitterness from the mustard greens. The textures are equally captivating. The tender chicken contrasts beautifully with the firm noodles, crisp greens, and the springiness of the rice. And the temperature play is comforting and exciting, when the cold chicken juxtaposes the warm noodles and rice. (Kudos to them for understanding the love of rice in Japanese cuisine, even pairing it with noodles.)

With my whole heart, I sincerely hope they make this a staple dish because it’s a...

Easily the best ramen in Vienna (and maybe in Austria). I'm not vegan but they had an enticing yuzu vegan ramen on the seasonal menu so I got it. It was so good I nearly cried. Definitely beats at least half the vegan ramen I've had in Japan. The vegan broth was complex in flavor and wasn't offensively mushroomy like other vegan broths I've had. The pumpkin was sliced paper-thin and just barely blanched (I think they may have been pickled) and were very crisp and flavorful. I usually hate red onion but these were also sliced so thinly that the typical harshness of raw onion didn't bother me at all. The leaf spinach was perfectly cooked (it's easy to overboil, so restaurants with less skilled chefs often serve baby spinach raw in top as a garnish). And the noodles were also flawless, of course. I hope this seasonal item will stay on the menu a while longer so I can get it again.

Good service. The staff members speak good English too.

My only complaint is that the restaurant is loud like a gastropub, not quiet like in Japan. Also, the music they were playing was really weeby, but I guess most people aren't bothered by that. 4 out of 5 stars on atmosphere. 5 stars in...

ITEMS ORDERED & PICTURE SHOWING: TONKOTSU RAMEN SHIO & SHOCHU SOUR

Let me start with something a little less obvious: this place actually has awesome cocktails! You are not able to reserve in advance, so get ready to queue. While in the queue though, the fantastic and very attentive gal from the service handed us an (english) menu and asked us if we wanted to have drinks while we are waiting. Absolutely go for those - they are great. Highly recommend.

Once you do sit down, get ready to actually have authentic, tasty ramen. Nope, not the europeanised version, but the closest to the authentic Japanese stuff that I personally had outside of Japan and the States. A tad more flavourful would not hurt for my own taste, but considering how much work goes into a proper Tonkotsu, and the fact that they are serving you a product made with love, time and care - that deserves the five starts here. The portions are big and comforting and all of that for a price that absolutely is reasonable given for what you get - so what are you waiting for? Get in that queue, get ready for some amazing ramen, and get yourself a cocktail while you...