Ippudo translates to “one wind hall”. The name reflects the founder’s intention to revitalise the Kyūshū ramen scene at a time when it was perceived to be in decline.
2013
Ramen had long sat outside an otherwise strong preference for Japanese food. An earlier experience years prior had involved an overly thick broth, which shaped expectations for some time. A later attempt in Japan did little to shift that position.
A visit to the Westfield Sydney location followed a catch-up, with the decision shaped more by convenience than intent.
Shiromaru Motoaji Tamago
Classic tonkotsu ramen with egg. The broth sat at a moderate density, neither overly heavy nor thin. The pork carried a clear savoury profile, while the seasoned egg added a soft, rounded richness. The overall balance was approachable, reducing the earlier resistance to ramen, though not fully shifting preference towards heavier styles.
Pork Bun
A soft, pillowy bun with a pork filling and a layer of spicy mayonnaise. Texture was the primary point of interest, with flavour sitting within expected bounds.
Ippudo is located at Westfield Sydney, Level 5 Shop 21/5, 188 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000.
2016
Karaage ($4.00, 3 pieces)
Chicken thigh with a thin, crisp coating. The exterior fractured lightly, revealing a moist interior. The balance between crunch and juiciness held well, making it one of the stronger items.
Yamaimo Fries ($8.00)
Mountain yam cut into sticks, lightly battered and fried. Texture sat between potato and sweet potato, with a crisp exterior and a softer interior. Seasoning from seaweed salt and teriyaki mayonnaise added a savoury-sweet layer that carried across the portion.
Shrimp Katsu Bun ($5.00 each / $13.00 for 3)
Crisp-coated shrimp within a soft steamed bun, supported by lettuce and sauce. The shrimp remained moist, with the batter providing contrast. The structure held together cleanly, making it more cohesive than other bun variations.
Tori Shōyu ($15.00)
Chicken-based ramen with a clear broth and medium-wavy noodles. The broth carried a clean flavour, though aromatics from leek and spring onion remained prominent even when removed. Chicken chashu was slightly dry, and the noodles leaned firmer than expected. The absence of a seasoned egg was noticeable.
Shiromaru Motoaji ($10.00 promotional / $15.00 standard)
Tonkotsu ramen with thin noodles, pork loin, bean sprouts and black fungus. The broth carried a deeper, more developed flavour than the chicken variant. Pork loin was more tender and flavourful, while bean sprouts and fungus added textural contrast.
Ippudo is located at Central Park RB07, Lower Ground Floor, 28 Broadway, Chippendale NSW 2008.
2017
The Macquarie Centre location differed in format, with ordering and payment conducted at the counter. The menu was reduced, and the experience aligned more closely with fast-casual dining.
Akamaru Shinaji ($16.00)
Tonkotsu broth with miso paste and garlic oil, served with pork belly and thin noodles. The broth carried a mild, blended flavour profile, with garlic and miso present but not pronounced. Pork belly provided the strongest element through its texture and richness. Overall impact remained subdued.
Salmon & Avocado Rice Bowl ($10.00)
Diced salmon and avocado over rice with light seasoning. Portioning of fish was adequate relative to the rice, despite initial presentation suggesting otherwise. The flavour profile was clean and typical, though the dressing leaned slightly salty.
Karaage ($4.00, 3 pieces)
Compared to earlier visits, the coating was less crisp and the interior less juicy. The structure remained acceptable but lacked the previous level of contrast.
Overall, broth preference consistently leaned towards lighter profiles, with tonkotsu approached more favourably when balanced. Side items, particularly fried components, delivered stronger and more consistent results than ramen itself. Service and execution varied by location.
Ippudo is located at Level 3 Upper, Macquarie Shopping Centre, Cnr of Herring Rd & Waterloo Rd, Macquarie Park NSW 2113.