Tensai ramen — Restaurant in Rotterdam

Quite spacious place in a good lokalization. Better make a reservation during dinner/lunch time on weekends because they're always full then with a queue of people waiting outside as well. High ceiling, nice walls and designs which make you feel nice and comfortable just being there. Waitresses... Diverse. One was very nice, when my friend accidentally droped his sticks on the floor, he noticed and gave him a new ones in a blink of an eye. Second one looked guite tired, we needed to repeat our orders but hey - they were crowded, and it was soo busy at a time, I wasn't surprised he could be tired. I ordered green cold tea, instead I received match cold green tea XD but it's so small mistake that I just ordered again, the proper drink. And I'm also not a person who would make a fuss over something small. Snacks... We ordered fried chicken (bites). Only 4 pieces, but be careful - they're huge! XD One piece comes with at least 4-5 bites. I wasn't expecting that and later I was too full :P coating of bites wasn't fried too long, they were quite light in color and tasted flour. So if you compare to a bites from McDonald's for example - they will lose. So if you want - try, but personally I'm not a fan of those. My ramen (black pork ramen) was delicious, even with thin noddles (my friends said that thick noodles are their speciality). Menu isn't too big, some ramen with or without soup, snacks, drinks. No desserts, no dumplings (gyōza). If you a fan of few big portions and not many small ones, then that's your place! ;) They have a toilets as well, sad that women's doesn't have a mirror. Toilet is small and well designed - those fabric with monkeys on the walls, I love it! Probably I will go again to try octopus pancakes on a stick (apetizer) and chicken broth. Which my friend ordered and let me try a bit, it was soo delicious... I wanna the full portions for myself next time :D Strongly...

FOOD & DRINKS I had the Black Tonkotsu Ramen and here are my thoughts about it as someone who has eaten a lot of ramen around the world. The marinated ramen egg was simple perfection. The egg yolk was smooth and silky. Most ramen restaurants tend to make the egg too salty or don't marinate it at all. Soup base was ok but the noodles had a smell I disliked a lot. I know this smell from some noodles that are made in China. I would like to know the manufacturer of the noodles if they were produced in Japan so I can import them and check them out myself. Please be aware that this is a personal issue and can be very different for each person. Overall the ramen was alright.

SERVICE Very friendly and lovely staff. We felt very welcome. Thank you.

ATMOSPHERE I have seen pictures of them renovating the place. I highly suggest that you reserve a table on the left side where the kitchen is. Very cozy, modern atmosphere there. The area on the left when you enter the restaurant needs a bit more love. Looks very cold and unfinished.

RATING I gave them four stars because I hated the noodles and because I had better versions of my ramen. That said this is purely my opinion and I would suggest you give them a try and see for yourself because it can be very different for you.

NOTE Thank you very much for your friendly reply and the provided information. The noodle type was not the issue. I am very familiar with Hakata noodles. I have eaten a lot of them in my travels. The smell was the main issue which I can't adjust unless you make them especially for me. I never had that smell in any Hakata noodles I had from Japanese restaurants owned by Japanese around the world. That said, I hope to come back some day and try out something new. Again thank you for your time to reply...

Tensai Ramen in Rotterdam is a veritable paradise for ramen aficionados, offering an exquisite selection of authentic Japanese ramen dishes. The pièce de résistance is, naturally, the ramen itself, with broths simmered for hours until they reach umami-laden perfection. Whether you opt for the luxurious Tonkotsu, featuring a rich, creamy pork broth, or the spicy miso ramen to warm the cockles of your heart, each bowl is a symphony of flavours. The noodles are a dream! Delightfully chewy and cooked just so. While the toppings, from succulent pork belly to velvety soft-boiled eggs and crisp vegetables, bring each mouthful to life.

But the delights don't end there. Tensai Ramen’s side dishes are nothing short of marvellous. The gyoza, those lovely pan-fried dumplings, are a must-try. Crispy on the outside and wonderfully juicy on the inside, served with a tangy sauce that sings on the palate. The karaage, Japan’s take on fried chicken, offers perfectly marinated, crispy morsels that provide a lovely contrast to the richness of the ramen. And for those in search of something lighter, the seaweed salad and edamame are refreshing options to balance out the feast.

The ambiance at Tensai Ramen is equally charming. With its cosy yet modern interior and soft lighting, the space feels inviting and warm. An open kitchen allows patrons to marvel at the culinary craftsmanship, where each bowl is prepared with finesse and precision. Whether you're in for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, Tensai Ramen promises an authentic ramen experience that’s a cut above, right in the heart...