As voracious, and ever so slightly fatty-fatty-boom consumers of Japanese cuisine, an invitation to dine and drink many a cocktail at the fabulous IKIGAI RAMEN can mean only one possible response: ARIGATO BITCHES!!

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Which is how we find ourselves less than sober on Southbridge, contemplating a seductive menu of gyoza, ramen and MANY an exciting variation on the absolute joy that is deep-fried karaage chicken
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While we peruse, and ultimately order enough for a family of eight, we’re already on our third cocktail – a Shinrinyoku, an utterly refreshing mix of Cointreau, lime, cranberry and apple which promises to “clear the head.”⁣
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Heads soon positively empty, it’s on to – ding ding – round two, an exhilarating and wonderfully sour Togarashi Margarita – which endeavours to spice things up by coating one’s rim in chilli. Mmmm, my goodness, oh yes, that’s better …

We’re also loving the decor btw, lots of black and hints of neon – suggesting downtown Tokyo without trying too hard. So while bright lighting is usually NOT one’s friend, in this instance it not only makes the menu easy to read, it’s gorgeous darling.

But enough of the jibber-jabber, time to let the gluttony begin …
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Our first dish, Spicy Teriyaki Karaage Chicken: Crisp but oh so very moist, and bursting with a flavour that’s both savoury and sweet, it’s one of the best we’ve tried. So it’s immediately decided to have seconds, then … well, you get the picture.
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Next, we’re diving into sensational Sweet Potato Croquettes topped with creamy mayonnaise – hmm, we’ll require more of this baby also – and a mountain of Pork Gyoza lightly fried and utterly lush.

Several servings of Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Wings most definitely meet with our approval, though even better is our joyous introduction to Salt & Togarashi Karaage Chicken – which boasts a dazzling mix of seaweed, citrus, sesame and chilli.
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We’re also rather addicted to the Crispy Nori – seaweed lightly battered, fried and sprinkled with chilli powder. It’s an experience we want to NEVER end, and in fairness we’re giving this goal a pretty decent bash. Though several bowls later … ⁣
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We’re finally indulging in the gorgeous Tonkotsu Ramen – with a super creamy pork bone broth as its base – and another must-devour: Squid Balls with Bonita flakes & spring onion, a dish with SO much flavour, we’re bordering on sensory overload.

But despite being seconds away from a diabetic coma, we’re still desperate to try a few espresso martinis, perhaps a splash of warm saki, and a shedload of mochi. Though naturally, our insatiable appetite is the highest compliment.

For this TRULY FABULOUS meal we once again say a heartfelt: ARIGATO BITCHES!