Spicy to the max！A super-sized “Hell Pork Chop Ramen” with 180 grams of noodles

Text and photos by /Viviyu

Ramen Bar. South]
Branch
Address: No. 129, Taoyuan Street, Luzhu District, Taoyuan City
Phone: 03 312 9000
Business hours: 11:00–14:00 / 17:00–20:00 (Closed on Sundays)

We went to the ramen shop she wanted to try to celebrate a friend landing a new job. We made a last-minute plan and arrived just before the lunch rush. On weekdays, there are quite a few office workers around during lunchtime, so to avoid the queue, it’s best to get there before 12 PM.

This was my first visit to the South]
Ramen Bar after it relocated. The original branch was also nearby, but parking here seems more convenient — there’s a parking lot right across the street, and there are also many paid parking spaces nearby.

The menu offerings are similar to before, with the addition of Thai-style cold pork tenderloin slices. Most of the ramen portions are standard, but if you have a bigger appetite, you can opt for the large bowl, which comes with 180g of noodles for a more filling meal.

You order by marking your choices on the sheet and then submitting it at the counter. Although the food is made to order, the serving speed is pretty fast.

It seems like there are more seats after the move, so they can accommodate more diners.

You can help yourself to the tea and seasonings.

Chicken Thigh Skewer Tonkotsu Ramen $170

If you like the rich flavor of tonkotsu broth, you should try this one. I think this soup suits the Taiwanese preference for hearty, brothy ramen.

Japanese Pork Chop Hell Ramen $170

I took a sip of the hell broth — wow, it’s spicy. I don’t usually eat very spicy food, but every now and then I crave that spicy kick, and it was so satisfying…

When I saw the portion of pork chops, I was a little shocked — that’s way too much. Luckily, the main dish can be shared with a friend. There were four big pieces in total; eating it all alone would be a bit much.

The crispy batter and freshly fried pork chop really stand out — juicy and full of flavor. If you want a different twist, soaking it in the broth is also a good option.

The noodles were a bit of a letdown. I wish they were a bit more chewy, like the Japanese style, but overall they were still pretty good…

Actually, I liked the chicken thigh skewers more — the meat was more tender, perfectly grilled, soft and juicy when hot, and the portion was just right.

The marinated egg could have been more flavorful if it were braised, but it was still decent. The yolk had a nice soft texture.

Thai-Style Pork Tenderloin $60
This was the disappointment of the day. The spicy sauce on top had a mushy texture and didn’t taste great. It’s limited daily, and according to my friend, it used to taste better before — not sure what went wrong that day.
For an affordable ramen spot, Ramen Bar offers a simple, filling meal without breaking the bank. It’s very popular with nearby office workers and residents. Be prepared to wait in line on holidays, though. Up
 

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