about this ramen: we always balked at the idea that a vegan 'tonkotsu'-style ramen could come close to matching the decadence of a proper, long-simmered pork bone soup, but this substitute blew our minds when we first tried it.
Jay Rayner, The Observer: "the revelation is the vegan version of the tonkotsu that, given its analogue’s origins in the boiling of bones, sounds like a contradiction in terms. Here, though, is the richest of savoury broths, given its creamy, slightly sweet edge by the addition of oat “milk”. It’s topped with paving slabs of tofu that have first been marinated then deep fried to give a crisp shell. It’s a big old bowl of deep care and thoughtfulness."
contents: rich kombu + shiitake dashi with oat milk + shio tare; ginger + garlic aroma oil; handmade thin hakata noodles; organic tofu chashu; kikurage mushrooms; beni-shoga; + spring onion. seasoned ajitama egg not included but available seperately. view the images to see more.
allergens: GLUTEN, WHEAT, SOYA, LUPIN
Let customers speak for us
Good for meat eaters, veggies & vegans!
I just had the vegan tantanmen ramen whilst my wife had the ‘ordinary’ version (and neither are ordinary). I’m not a vegan, and my first tantanmen was the meat one, but I like to try things so have had this (and other vegan Matsudai ramen dishes) a few times. They’re good.
Tantanmen is s ‘different’ ramen, topped with seasoned, saucy, spicy minced pork. Think ‘spag bol’! Ouch, I’ll be vilified for that, but hey, it’s noodles & a minced meat sauce, you know what I mean! For the vegan one minced mushrooms replace minced meat (I think, I don’t memorise the details, I just enjoy). I really don’t think you’d know the difference.
This trying vegan Matsudai started with Tonkotsu, which is all about long slow cooking of meat bones and ‘tendony bits’ to make a madly rich broth that’s more like jelly if left to go cold. How can anyone seek to replicate that? I had to try it. The secret is is oat milk to add richness. That led me on to Tantanmen and some others. Tantanmen is my favourite Matsudai vegan. Why do it? Why try it? Why not. I’m not a ‘preacher’, I’d scoff down bowls of last years Christmas special (Turkey Paitan Ramen) in a second, but I love firm tofu, crispy tofu, and all sorts of mushrooms, and we all eat meat free meals without noticing (pizza margharita?) so why not try!
Important notes:
Matsudai kits arrive perfectly, on time & cleverly chill packed.
They’re VERY easy to ‘assemble’
All the hard work by Matsudai, and all the trimmings make the end result look Tokyo restaurant quality (and make me look like a real chef).
Over order: You can freeze the kits,
Ramen so good, I would eat it everyday!
Second we’ve ordered from you guys and we’ve recommended to so many people! Love your noodles. Thankyou
When I was seeking this out, I knew deep down what I need is a supply of good creamy pork bone broth. This did not disappoint. The extras were also great especially the nice and fatty cha shu and tasty noodles. The toppings I find more something I can arrange myself but the broth is the star of the show and what will bring me back.
So easy to serve because Matsui do all the hard work. All the little trimmings make it look great, Japanese artistry, so I look like a masterchef.
It’s great to try various specials (like the Christmas turkey Paitan ramen or Korean brisket ramen) and the Shurunashi Mazesoba did not disappoint. Ramen can be light, heavy, rich, spicy, delicate, it’s a world of discovery. Subscribing to mails is a must, this is how you learn of specials, new adventures. These kits ALWAYS arrive on time, chilled because of clever packing, and complete, good to go. Matsui make me sad I live hundreds of mikes away, so cannot visit the restaurant, but the kits let me experience seriously good ramen.
Great Ramen dishes, easy to put together because Matsudai have done all the hard work. With the little toppings etc, the dishes look like Japanese artistry. Ships on time, packed cleverly so it arrives chilled.
DO subscribe, the regular selection is great but the specials and collaborations that you learn about through the mails are an exciting adventure, we ‘jump on them’. It’s educational too! The ‘assembly instructions’ are on the web (saves paper) but once you’ve served a few you won’t need them, unless ordering something particularly ‘exotic’.
Absolutely delicious and something I literally dream about.
Their customer service is on point the ramen kits easy to follow and make
P. S buy a ramen bowl to make your ramen look pretty
We really love the Matsudai Ramen offerings. It's great that they have a variety of meat and vegan options - the vegan sunset red ramen is a particular favourite (I'm veggie so always add an egg!) with just the right amount of kick. Easy to heat and ensemble for a delicious dinner.
Honestly the most authentic delicious and warming bowl of joy true masterpiece