1 review

1. Pearlie Marbury  

   on February 16, 2016
   

   I'm glad a ramen restaurant opened up in Livingston, but I'm only giving them 3/5 for now. Hakata Ramen opened a couple of weeks ago, and are currently going through their "test opening." They temporarily close between 3pm to 5pm, then open back up. There is both indoor and outdoor seating, along with plenty of parking. They only accept cash for now.

   Karaage ($6.95): The karaage was good, but expensive for six fairly small pieces. It was served fresh, so each piece was freshly fried, tender, and juicy. Each piece was lightly battered and topped with some Kewpie mayo. I prefer to have the mayo on the side.

   Takoyaki ($7.50/8pcs): Between this and the karaage, the takoyaki was the better appetizer. There was a nice chunk of squid in each piece; it was topped with mayo, chuno sauce, bonito flakes, and parsley(?). I'm not sure if they make it from scratch since the takoyaki does not have that distinct crispy exterior/texture you'd get if it were cooked on a takoyaki pan.

   Hakata Chanpon Ramen ($13.95): "Seafood and pork bone based ramen topped with vegetables." — I grew up in Okinawa, and among the dishes I ate often was chanpon from a popular Nagasaki chanpon chain near my house. Appearance wise, it's similar–the variety of seafood and vegetables are all there (unfortunately, no corn). Flavor wise, I found it to be closer to regular seafood ramen than chanpon. They use a light miso-flavored broth (in terms of flavor and thickness), but it's still good. The noodles were a bit soft for me, though.

   Hakata Ramen ($9.95): "Pork bone based ramen soup." — This is the regular pork ramen with the basics: A slice of chashu pork, fish cake, a soy egg, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and scallions in a miso base. I didn't order this but it was said to be just right in terms of flavor; the broth was not overly rich, but it was not bland either. The pork is said to be tender, while the noodles were cooked just right.

   Hakata Gekikapa Ramen ($10.95): "Pork bone based ramen soup with chili sauce." — It's essentially the same thing as the regular Hakata Ramen, but with a spicy kick. The same comments were made in regards to the pork, noodles, and broth.

   They're still working things out, so I'm not expecting five star food and service right off the bat. I overheard one of the waitresses speaking Chinese to the cook, so I think this is a Chinese-owned ramen restaurant. However, despite a few things here and there, I think Hakata Ramen is starting off pretty well. I'll be back again to try the Mapo Tofu Ramen.

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