Skip to main content

Sushi Mentai Ramen Review

Sushi Mentai Ramen Review: A Quick Noodle Fix in Taiping?

I spent last weekend in Taiping, and what a stunning town it is. It’s one of the oldest in Malaysia, and its famous Taiping Lake Gardens are genuinely breathtaking, with those ancient rain trees dipping into the water. After a long morning of walking and soaking in the heritage, I was ready for lunch. I wanted something simple, fast, and air-conditioned.

That's when I spotted a familiar, bright orange sign: Sushi Mentai. I know, I know—it's a sushi place! But my hunt for Ramen in Malaysia has taught me that you can find noodles in the most unexpected places. This felt like the perfect post for my Ramen Reviews - Others category. I was curious: what's the ramen like at a place so famous for its affordable sushi?



First Impressions: Bright, Busy, and Familiar

The Sushi Mentai in Taiping is just as bright, clean, and busy as every other branch. It’s a classic, casual, family-friendly restaurant. The conveyor belt was packed with colourful plates, and the place was buzzing. It’s a fun, high-energy vibe, but definitely not the quiet, focused atmosphere of a specialist ramen bar.

The Broth: Simple and Savoury

I scanned the menu and my eyes landed on the Tori Katsu Ramen (Chicken Cutlet Ramen). It sounded like the perfect hearty lunch.

My expectations were set for a "sushi-chain ramen," and it pretty much met them. The broth was a straightforward, savoury shoyu (soy) base. It was hot, comforting, and had a pleasant, simple flavour. It wasn't the deep, complex, 8-hour broth of a specialist shop, but it was a solid, enjoyable soup that worked well as a base for the main event: the katsu.

A close-up of the Tori Katsu Ramen, showing the shoyu broth, springy noodles, and a large, golden-fried chicken cutlet on top.


Noodles and Toppings: The Katsu Conundrum

The noodles were standard, springy ramen noodles, cooked just right. The star, of course, was the Tori Katsu. A large, golden-fried chicken cutlet was sliced and laid across the top. It was crispy, juicy, and exactly what you'd want from a good katsu.

This brings me to the classic "katsu ramen" dilemma: do you eat the katsu first while it's crispy, or let it soak in the broth and flavour the soup? I did a bit of both. The crispy bites were delicious, and the broth-soaked bites were equally tasty in a different, more comforting way. For the price, it was a very generous and satisfying topping.

The "Yes and No" Pointers

Here’s my authentic take on this quick and easy bowl:

The "Yes":

  • Amazing Value: This is one of the most affordable ramen bowls you can get. It's a full, hearty meal for a great price.

  • The Katsu is a Winner: The chicken katsu was crispy, juicy, and the clear highlight of the bowl.

  • "Something for Everyone": It's the perfect restaurant if you're craving ramen but your friends or family all want sushi.

  • Super Convenient: You can find a Sushi Mentai almost anywhere, and the Taiping branch is easy to get to, right on Google Maps.

The "No":

  • It's a "Chain" Broth: The soup is simple. It lacks thfoodie sensee depth and "wow" factor of a specialist shop, so it’s not really "worth the hype" in that foodie sense.

  • Loud, Fast-Casual Vibe: It's a busy family restaurant, not a quiet place to sit and savour your broth.

  • The Soggy Factor: If you don't eat it fast, your crispy katsu will get soggy.

Final Thoughts: A Solid, Affordable Fix

Sushi Mentai's ramen was a pleasant, satisfying, and wallet-friendly lunch. It’s not going to change your life, but it’s not trying to. It’s a perfect example of a "what you see is what you get" meal.

It's a reliable, tasty option for when you're craving a hot bowl of noodles and a crispy chicken cutlet, all while your friends are busy grabbing plates off the conveyor belt. And in a beautiful town like Taiping, it was the perfect, easy fuel-up for my next adventure.

Happy Slurping,

Emily

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Torigen Chicken Ramen - Top Pick for Bukit Bintang

A Top Pick for Ramen in Bukit Bintang When you’re wandering through Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur’s busiest district, sometimes all you want is a bowl of comfort. For me, that comfort came in the form of Torigen Chicken Ramen at Lot 10. I had heard the buzz— chicken-based ramen, affordable prices, and rich broth—and I was curious whether it could really live up to its reputation as one of the best ramen in Malaysia . Spoiler: it did, and then some. First Impressions Finding Torigen wasn’t difficult; it’s tucked away in J’s Gate Dining on the 4th floor of Lot 10 , a lively cluster of Japanese eateries that TimeOut Kuala Lumpur  often highlights as a foodie hotspot. The atmosphere was casual but welcoming, and I liked being able to peek into the open kitchen where steam rose from huge pots of broth. There’s something reassuring about seeing your ramen crafted right in front of you. What I Tried Torigen Ramen (Original) I started with the house specialty. My bowl came with milky...
Post a Comment
Read more

My Ramen Journey: A First Taste of Toripaitan at Seirock-Ya

My Ramen Journey: A First Taste of Toripaitan at Seirock-Ya Hey there, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet! As an expat who's completely fallen for the food culture here, my ramen journey in Malaysia is all about discovery. I've slurped my way through countless bowls of shoyu, miso, and even a few spicy tonkotsu varieties. But recently, a new name kept popping up: Seirock-Ya Ramen Malaysia . It’s famous for a type of broth I was less familiar with—Toripaitan—and I knew I had to go find out what it was all about. Is this a new contender for the best ramen in Malaysia ? I had to find out for myself. This is my adventure of learning about a new style of ramen, one delicious spoonful at a time. What Exactly is Toripaitan? Before this trip, my idea of ramen was mostly centered on the usual suspects. So when I heard about Toripaitan, I was intrigued. Turns out, it's a creamy, rich broth made from chicken bones boiled for what feels like an eternity. It’s like th...
Post a Comment
Read more

Ramen in Malaysia: A Deep Dive into Ramen Honolu Premier

Ramen Honolu Premier: An Authentic Taste of Japan in KL My quest to discover the best ramen in Malaysia is a delicious journey, much like my recent visit to Maruki Ramen at The LINC KL . This blog is all about ramen , from the most humble stalls to premier spots, and this time, my search has led me to one of Kuala Lumpur's newest and most vibrant hotspots: The Exchange TRX. Nestled within this bustling hub is a name generating significant buzz – Ramen Honolu Premier . Hailing from Japan, it's a haven for those seeking an authentic, soul-soothing, pork-free ramen experience. First Impressions: A Modern Oasis in TRX Finding Ramen Honolu Premier is an experience in itself. Located on the Ground Floor, the restaurant’s clean, modern Japanese aesthetic provides a calming contrast to the energy of the mall. The interior is a blend of light wood, minimalist decor, and warm lighting, creating a space that feels both contemporary and inviting. From the moment you step in, the cheerful ...
Post a Comment
Read more