After several months of anticipation for Tsukemen’s return on Ramen Tatsu-ya’s menu I finally got to try the new recipe today. I have been a huge fan of the original and have ordered it at least once a month (often 2-3 times) for the past 10+ years since the first location opened. To say the least, my expectations were quite high and I was a tiny bit disappointed with the new taste. Business was dead when I went in today (5pm) and I was one of two tables so at least I got very quick service. The price for a standard bowl is now $16 which had steadily gotten pricier over the years, but it’s by far the priciest option now especially if you want any extras. As far as taste goes, I’d say it’s about 80% similar to the old recipe as far as taste. There are many elements that are similar but also some distinct differences between the new and old recipes. The broth is noticeably thinner and not quite as creamy as it used to be. I’m used to adding the chili bomb and the consistency was more along the chili bomb after adding it than broth. With the paste, it was more like Mexican Mole if you’ve ever had any. The taste wasn’t quite as strong either. I loved the condensed punch you in the face flavor you used to get with each slurp. The new recipe tastes watered down. The broth hardly dissolved the chili bomb at all and I got more of the chili bomb taste than the broth when I mixed them. There are also different flavor notes in the broth. I agree with some who’ve had it saying it’s slightly smokier. I’d add to it saying it’s a bit fishier tasting but not overwhelming so. They also now put the chashu in the broth. The scallions were also chunks instead of diced which was a bit annoying for me personally as I don’t like biting pieces that large and it took away from the broth rather than adding to it. It was nice to get something similar to what I used to get but it’s not something I see myself getting quite as often as I used to. I would definitely get it again, but maybe once every few (3-4) months. If the old recipe was a 10, I’d rate this about a 7.5. Still good, but not the greatness I was looking forward to personally.
by algeeezy
5 Comments
Thanks for the detailed review.
We are definitely getting mixed reviews on chasu in (some say out). Ultimately, most people agree it is not the same, most say not as good. But still worth trying to relive that supposed magic.
I tried it on Sunday and it’s a completely different recipe. It’s not close. Broth is thin. It’s smoky. Less umami. Less sweetness. More salty. Tiny chashu chunks. The only thing I would say is better are the noodles. Nice chew and qq.
I’ll be honest, I’m really surprised Tatsuya did this with the amount of fan fare for their original recipe. Why not keep the original and add this as a 2nd Tsukemen? If it wasn’t profitable, increase the price? I would gladly pay at least $20 for a bowl. Or at least tell us the real reason it was discontinued.
To me, it just seems like the owners got bored of the taste and weren’t happy with it themselves. Obviously an ego problem, and instead of listening to their customers, made the changes to how they like it. They discounted the hundreds of comments on Insta and Reddit begging for Tsukemen to return. It’s a slap in the face to us fans.
I’m sort of trolling with this post but also also not, I just really miss the old recipe and I’m going to be a bitch about it. Anyways, I wonder why it was so empty on Sunday at lunch…
Which location are we referring to, they are a chain
$16 and they don’t even make their own noodles or broth? Wow.
i tried it this week too and i had a good time because i’d never had it before and i know i can’t make it myself at home 🙂