This Ramen Outlet Is Perfect For Introverts Who Do Not Want To Talk To Anyone At All
Ippudo Express is their first cashless, self-service ramen bar in the world.
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Ippudo has just opened their first Ippudo Express outlet in Malaysia, which is also the first fully cashless and completely self-service outlet in the world.
Ippudo is mainly known for their drool-worthy ramen, and there are already a few outlets in Malaysia. However, the Express outlet in Damansara Uptown is a new dining experience altogether.
(Credit: Anne Dorall/TRP)
No Cash, No Service
The main thing about Ippudo Express is that there is no cashier counter and you pay first. At the entrance, there are two Kiosk stations for you to make your order. Alternatively, if you have the Ippudo mobile app, you can order from there or from the QR code menu on each table.
(Credit: Anne Dorall/TRP)
The Ippudo Express has a surprisingly extensive menu. Most of what is available in their main stores are also available here.
They even have a few ramen flavours that is exclusive to the Express outlet, such as the Shiro-Bomb flavours.
The user interface is simple and easy to understand. Noodles come with a choice of doneness, from very firm to normal to soft.
Payment is fully cashless, so have your debit/credit cards or ewallets or QR Pay ready. Once paid, take your receipt and head indoors.
An Introvert’s Dream
The restaurant is nicely lit with simple modern aesthetics. Half the shop is the open kitchen, so customers can watch the chefs prepare their ramen through the glass. Bar seats are perfect for single customers who are just here to eat.
(Credit: Ippudo Malaysia)
Your order number will flash on a screen once it’s done. Just head over to the window and pick up your ramen.
(Credit: Anne Dorall/TRP)
Since the outlet just only opened a few days ago, there are still support service staff from other outlets to greet customers. However, they will only be here temporarily. The main point of Ippudo Express is a self-service concept, after all.
Delicious Ramen, Now Cheaper
Dig in to the ramen while it’s still hot.
(Credit: Anne Dorall/TRP)
If you ordered the Shiro-Bomb, it’s basically a flavoured miso ball in your tonkotsu broth. However, the balance of flavours is impeccable, deeply savoury and rich without being overwhelming.
The tonkotsu is packed with the richness of pork bones and lard, yet light enough to make you want more.
(Credit: Anne Dorall/TRP)
The chashu slices are deceptively tender and melts in your mouth. Pair them together with springy ramen noodles and it is a satisfying bite after satisfying bite.
The additional perk of having a self-service outlet is that there is no service charge. This means your ramen is cheaper than at other Ippudo restaurants. In the near future, Ippudo Express will also have ramen offerings in a lower price range.
Currently, a single bowl of ramen will set you back around RM35, which isn’t the cheapest.
However, if you need a really good, piping hot bowl of ramen to cheer yourself up without any of the required smiling and socialisation when you eat out, why not give Ippudo Express a shot?
Location
No. 37-G (Ground Floor, Jalan SS 21/60, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating Hours
11am-10pm daily
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