Dragon Bowl

Overview

In line with many of the restaurants down Dominion Rd, Dragon Bowl has been given a fresh lick of paint to match the pristine menu. While you’d probably associate the oriental stretch with dumplings, Dragon Bowl offer fresh Japanese cuisine that won’t leave you asking for a pile of napkins to clean the oil slick off the table.

You’ll also be given a warm welcome upon arrival into the restaurant, and if the timing is right, will be seated instantly. The menu still includes gyoza, though they come out in the default option of fried and in entree portion sizes rather than an over loaded plate. The ramen options are where you’ll get your doughy, noodle fix. As you’d expect with ramen, portion sizes are big, and the picture book menu gives a good idea of what to expect with each variation. The bowls are chock full of noodles and the topping ratio is top of the class. As I discovered on a return visit, the dine in version is actually a bit more generous in comparison to taking away.

The broth in the Yokohama Pork was a touch on the bland side though the combination of chashu and minced tantan pork mince make up for it, and there’s always condiments on the table. The bowl is also topped with a large bok choy stem, half a perfectly cooked boiled egg and bean sprouts. In addition to the piping hot broth, there’s a good kick of chilli to leave you walking out the door a like glowing ember. Variations include your classic tonkotsu ramen from $11, combinations of both pork and chicken, and a series of $18 specials for the big spender, which typically include every topping under the sun. I’ll definitely be back again to try the Hokkaido Special, a combination of scallops, crab meat, prawn, seaweed, sprouts, leek, corn and butter.

For those not on the ramen buzz, the tofu donburi and its homemade teriyaki sauce is a favourite and colourful option, plus there’s great karaage for between $3.8 - 9. Sitting in also has its perks with bottomless green tea and a complementary scoop of French vanilla ice cream to finish.

It now also boasts an A rating in the kitchen and a new liquor license.