Machida Shoten at Landmark 81: A Slice of Tokyo in Saigon
Nestled in the iconic Landmark 81, Machida Shoten brings a taste of Tokyo to the heart of Saigon. This ramen joint is a part of the renowned Machida Shoten chain from Japan, promising authenticity and a delightful culinary experience.
The ambiance at Machida Shoten is a blend of contemporary design with subtle nods to traditional Japanese aesthetics. The warm wooden interiors, paired with the view of the bustling Landmark 81, create a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere perfect for both casual dining and special occasions.
The star of the show here is undoubtedly the ramen. Machida Shoten specializes in Iekei ramen, a unique style originating from Yokohama. The broth is rich and flavorful, a harmonious blend of pork bones and soy sauce that offers a comforting, umami-packed punch. The noodles, cooked to perfection, are chewy and absorb the broth beautifully, making every bite a delight.
The menu boasts a variety of ramen options, but the Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen is a must-try. Topped with tender slices of chashu pork, nori, and a perfectly soft-boiled egg, it’s a bowl that satisfies both the palate and the soul. For those seeking a bit of heat, the Spicy Miso Ramen adds a fiery kick that complements the deep flavors of the broth.
Beyond ramen, Machida Shoten offers a selection of delectable sides. The gyoza are crispy and juicy, the perfect accompaniment to the rich ramen. The karaage, Japanese fried chicken, is another highlight, crispy on the outside and succulent within, providing a delightful contrast to the soupy main dishes.
Service at Machida Shoten is attentive and efficient, with staff eager to ensure a pleasant dining experience. The prices are reasonable, especially considering the quality and authenticity of the dishes, making it a great spot for both lunch and dinner.
In a city brimming with culinary options, Machida Shoten at Landmark 81 stands out as a haven for ramen lovers. Whether you're a long-time fan of Japanese cuisine or new to the world of ramen, this restaurant offers a genuine taste of Japan right in the...
Read moreI had a the pleasure of visiting this location while on vacation. It was a hot day (obviously) and I had spent the last couple of hours walking around and exploring the city. Needless to say, I had done a lot of sweating and I was craving something salty while also replenishing fluids. Of course ramen was the answer!
I don't have any idea about the Machida Shoten chain, but I was delighted to see a ramen restaurant when I was exploring the food options at the mall. The waitress guided me to my seat, and to my surprise, she saw that I was having a tough day (HOT!!!) and got me a personal pedestal fan without me mentioning anything about the heat. Excellent service!
My favourite noodle is cold soba and tsukemen (dipping noodles) so I immediately ordered the tsukemen when I saw it on the menu. It arrived to my table quickly and I was blown away by the flavor. It was utterly delicious. The soft boiled eggs were perfect and the broth was just amazing. I inhaled meal in minutes.
Highly...
Read moreHard for me to be diplomatic with my words, especially when reviewing food, so I'll preface this by saying I'm from the States—NYC specifically—and have eaten a lot of ramen there at really good Japanese restaurants. The review below is from someone who's from NYC and has extensive experience with ramen from top-tier Japanese establishments.**
**This was not good. The essence of ramen is the broth, and this broth was "Vietnamized." I ordered the tonkotsu ramen, but the broth was sweeter, milkier, and ultimately flavorless—it's hard to describe except that it wasn't Japanese. Maybe a Japanese person can tell you whether they like it or whether this place is authentic. I'd definitely trust their opinion. I'm just here as someone from NYC who loves Japanese cuisine, and from my experience, I can tell you this isn't ramen. I've had ramen in Vietnam before, so I know Vietnam has good ramen spots—but this place isn't...
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