An Early Taste of Golden Pork Ton-Kontsu Ramen Bar (Opens March 29)

I had the pleasure of attending a media preview of IKKA Dining International's Golden Pork Ton-Kotsu Ramen Bar.

The cozy ambience and decor is very inviting, with elements of Japan's natural beauty all throughout the restaurant.

The kinbyoubu (adorned folding screen) was transformed into a lantern-styled lighting fixture that hangs over the central counter

Mount Fuji created from tiles

Taro Takenaga, the 37-year old president of IKKA Dining Project in Chiba, is passionate about providing customers with only the best food and becoming the number one ramen spot on the island, and every dish exemplified his and his staff's dedication in fulfilling this mission.

Golden Pork offers 3 varieties of tonkotsu ramen, along with 3 varieties of tsukemen, with the ability to add a number of toppings to customize your dish.  A selection of izakaya-style dishes, as well as a variety of beer, wine, shochu and sake, is also available.

Freshly Ground Cheese Caesar Salad

Cream Cheese Miso Paste

Golden Pork Buns

House-Made Gyoza

Golden Pork Classic

Black Garlic Original

The Ceasar Salad, which included bacon and cheese grated with a special grater, was a nice way to start a meal.  The bacon and cheese gave the salad a nice saltiness, which went well with the tangy dressing.

The crackers and Cream Cheese Miso Paste was a surprising dish.  The miso flavor was very subtle, but together with the crackers, the Cream Cheese Miso Paste made for a delightful starter.

The Golden Pork Buns, which consists of 5-hour slow-cooked pork, were served with mustard, mayonnaise, and teriyaki sauce, and they were absolutely delicious - the pork was so flavorful and tender.

The House-Made Gyoza is made fresh daily with a filling of ground pork, cabbage, Chinese chives, garlic, ginger, seabura, scallions, and onions.  The gyoza was the best I can ever remember tasting.

I had the Black Garlic Original Ramen, which included thin noodles in a thick broth, along with char siu, green onions, fried garlic, original black garlic oil, wood ear mushrooms, sesame, and nori.  The garlic was very fragrant, but it did not overpower the taste of the collagen-rich broth and other ingredients.  The ramen was slurp-worthy and so filling!

Golden Pork Ton-Kotsu Ramen Bar will be open seven days a week, from 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m beginning March 29, so whether the ramen craving hits at lunch or late-night, you can get your fix at Golden Pork.

Golden Pork Ton-Kotsu Ramen Bar
1279 South King Street
Honolulu, HI  96814
(808) 888-5358