Bankara Ramen

I mentioned that Tina and I had planned to go to Bankara Ramen the previous night but didn't quite make it. Tonight we decided to try again and we took a short taxi ride to Sukhumvit Soi 38 and found the restaurant. Like most places in Bangkok they have the usual cinder block temporary flood walls built about 2 foot high around the establishment. These walls are on almost every other building at various heights and don't cause too much difficulty other than negotiating them with a stroller. We had arranged the taxi through reception as we've found this is the easiest way and the staff can at least explain to the driver in Thai where we want to go. After that it's up to us. The receptionist also confirmed that Bankara is the best ramen in Bangkok. This is what I had read but it's good to have it confirmed.

On arriving we were informed there would be a 10 minute wait for a table which we were fine with. I was actually a bit worried we might need a reservation. We ordered some Iyaki Gyozai (Japanese Dumplings), Itori Karaagai (Fried Chicken) and two bowls or Ramen with Kakuni (tender braised pork), Chatshu (sliced roast pork) and half done egg. Sadly I got a bit excited taking photos of Tina and Charlie and my phone went flat before the food arrived, rookie mistake! The Gyozai and Ito Karagai were lovely and Charlie especially enjoyed the chicken. The Ramen arrived shortly after and both bowls were intimidatingly huge! We both tucked in and before I attempt to describe it I will start by saying this was one of the most decadent, gluttonous, rich and luxurious meals that I can remember eating. The broth is quite fatty and oily but extremely tasty. The braised pork is again quite fatty but melt in the mouth tender. It was very hard going and I had to stop many times to take a breather before continuing. Although it was hard to stop eating I had to call if after about half a bowl and Tina was the same. At the risk of sounding sacralicious I don't think I could eat this regularly but we have been doing a lot of eating lately so maybe that was the problem. Still it was a great experience and although it wasn't Ramen in Japan I believe it is close to the next best thing. It's such a shame I don't have any photos. Sorry about that! We rolled out and into a taxi home and were so stuffed we couldn't even eat the mango and sticky rice that Tina had bought earlier for our dessert.