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I rarely come across budget-friendly Japanese food in KL, especially by the roadside. While strolling along Pasar Seni with my 2 friends, we stumbled upon Two Old Man Ramen at Kasturi Walk.
The yatai-inspired stall filled the air with the enticing scent of ramen and yakitori, prompting us to pause in our stroll. Given the rainy day, we opted to experience what this stall had to offer (nothing like hot soup in cold weather, is there?). The decorations surrounding the booth immediately caught my attention, giving the delightful impression of being in Japan. How charming!
During the wait for an available table, I engaged in conversation with the chef, an experienced uncle handling the ramen preparation. He shared that he had devoted over 4 decades to his role as a Japanese chef before deciding to take a break from the bustling restaurant scene. Eventually, Yatai Chinatown underwent a curated transformation and was rebranded as Two Old Man Ramen.
He also disclosed that all the recipes for his ramen and accompanying side dishes are crafted in-house. This heightened my desire to savour the ramen even further! The majority of the ramen I’ve sampled in Malaysia hails from well-known establishments, and to be honest, they all seem to taste alike.
What I tried at Two Old Man Ramen
The restaurant offers 3 distinct ramen varieties, and as there were 3 people in our group, we opted to order 1 of each. We also ordered some side dishes to share.
The Shoyu Ramen (RM15.80) arrived first. The freshly prepared bowl consisted of shoyu broth, ramen noodles, kamaboko naruto, bak choy, seaweed, kakiage and ajitama egg.
The traditional shoyu broth boasted a luxurious umami essence, complemented by a nuanced sweet aftertaste. As we savoured each spoonful, the intricate layers of flavours became more prominent. The noodles exhibited a resilient bounce and skillfully soaked up the savoury broth. With each flavorful slurp, the noodles contributed to the overall harmony of the dish.
Condiments significantly influenced the overall flavour profile. The kamaboko naruto contributed a subtle flavour, also introducing a textural contrast. I would say it’s the Japanese equivalent of taugeh. The crunchy kakiage and the seaweed both elevated the umami notes of the broth, adding depth to the ramen.
We then shifted our focus to the Miso Ramen (RM15.80). The balance between the chicken broth and miso paste in the steaming bowl of ramen was impeccably harmonised.Naturally, it boasted the quintessential umami flavour characteristic of most ramen broths. The contrast between the shoyu and miso broths was subtle yet equally delightful.
Adorned with toppings akin to the Shoyu Ramen, it elevated the entire dish, showcasing why it remains a favourite amongst many.
Next, we tried the Spicy Miso Ramen (RM15.80). Personally, I’m not a fan of spicy broths, but I decided to have a taste anyway.
It bore a resemblance to the miso broth but with a subtle spiciness. While not overwhelming, it introduced a delightful contrast to the savoury-sweet profiles of the shoyu and miso broths. The presence of the ajitama egg significantly influenced this bowl of ramen, imparting a creamy texture to the broth — a feature I particularly enjoy in broths that are both creamy and spicy.
As we savoured the 3 bowls of ramen, we also indulged in some bites of the side dishes. The Fried Wonton (RM8 for 5 pieces) delivered a satisfying crunch from the shell, and the delightful minced chicken filling added to the experience. We recommend pairing the wontons with the ramen broth, as they tend to leave a slightly dry sensation in your mouth.
Next, we sampled the Yakitori (RM8 per piece). Translated from Japanese, yaki means grilled, and tori means chicken. The skewer featured succulent pieces of grilled chicken drizzled with teriyaki sauce. The tender chicken leaned towards the sweeter side, courtesy of the teriyaki sauce. Frankly, it was disappointing. I would point it down to the fact that it had gone cold.
However, our culinary journey experienced a positive shift with the Salmon Belly Skewer (RM12 per piece). Showcasing 3 slices of salmon belly on a stick, generously coated with teriyaki sauce, this dish left all of us pleasantly surprised. With each bite, our eyes widened in sheer delight.
The salmon’s silky yet rich texture melted in our mouths, a testament to the skilled hands of the cook grilling the fatty meat. The natural sweetness of it was elevated by the teriyaki sauce, resulting in a vibrant array of flavours that truly packed a punch.
Final thoughts
Two Old Man Ramen stands as a genuine representation of authentic Japanese flavours. Indulging in their steaming bowls of ramen and delectable side dishes proved to be the ideal hearty meal, offering a source of warmth and comfort on a rainy day.
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