01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
A bowl of special wonton ramen with a jumbo shumai on the side makes for a satisfying lunch at Hōrai. The “special” ramen comes with back fat. Diners who have tried the special wonton ramen say it feels less heavy than its appearance suggests, and that the fat’s sweetness works well with the soup. They also praise the wontons’ generous meat filling and smooth wrappers. Fine noodles, chashu pork, menma, bean sprouts and wakame offer plenty of variety from one mouthful to the next. Choose the richer bowl with back fat or the regular wonton ramen; the menu also includes miso and tantan ramen, as well as noodles topped with takana pickled mustard greens, so there are several flavour profiles to choose from.
For another dish, consider the jumbo shumai. Several diners remark on its size and substantial, meat-filled bite, and some mention eating it with mustard. It can accompany a bowl of noodles, or form the centre of a meal with a small serving of rice. If you’re in the mood for something other than noodles, one diner found the seasoning and thick sauce on the gomoku yakisoba to their liking. Fried-rice fans have noted its fluffy texture and the gentle flavour of the lard.
Hōrai is described as a small restaurant with counter seating only, making it a practical choice for lunch alone or with one other person. It is open on weekdays from 11:00 to 13:30, and closed on Wednesdays and weekends. With a short lunch service, it’s worth checking the hours before setting out.
