If you haven’t been to Samurai Noodle, Seattle’s first ramen-only restaurant, you need to turn off your computer, grab your coat, and get on the bus to the ID. Now. This attractive, five-table joint in the Uwajimaya complex has become a cult institution in only three months of existence, and for one reason: the pork. While the chicken broth is good, and there is a veggie ramen, the reason to go is the Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen with slices of slooooow-roasted pork, black mushrooms, and green onions in a milky, rich pork stock (the menu claims that it’s rich in collagen, which has beneficial effects for the skin). A basic bowl of noodles costs $5.95, so you won’t be splurging if you order more pork slices for an extra $2, and you should.The thing about Samurai that college students, one-meal-a-day underemployed gourmets, and bottomless-stomach types should know is that you can get noodle refills, called kae-dama. As long as you’ve left some broth in the bowl, bring it up to the counter and ferret out $1.38 from your pockets, and the cooks will add another portion of steaming-hot noodles. I just talked to someone who toured Japan with his band, and he said that he once watched a bone-thin Japanese musician eat four bowls’ worth. With no obvious swelling or discomfort afterward.Samurai Noodle, 606 Fifth Ave S., Seattle, (206) 624-9321.
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