Katsu Hama in NYC, New York
I have been to Katsu Hama few times, but never tried their hot ramen, going more for the cold noodles as well as the Torikara Nanban lunch special that is composed of fried chicken, a good deal for lunch, or the chicken katsu. We went there on a Saturday and the place was not that crowded. If you have never been to Katsu Hama, know that it is on the second floor of a building. They have several areas for dining: next to the bar, back dining room as well as a small area with two tables separate from the rest.
Entrance at Katsu Hama in NYC, New York
Dining room at Katsu Hama in NYC, New York
Stairs at Katsu Hama in NYC, New York
Dining room at Katsu Hama in NYC, New York
Menu wise, they serve Japanese cuisine and, besides ramen, you can get sashimi, sushi or donburi. We decided to try first some pork gyoza that were deliciously fried and very tasty.
Pork gyoza at Katsu Hama in NYC, New York
Pork gyoza at Katsu Hama in NYC, New York
Instead of ordering a ramen, Jodi went for agedashi tofu (aka age tofu) that is deep fried tofu served with bonito flakes, soy broth and grated radish. A classic dish that was also very good.
Agedashi tofu at Katsu Hama in NYC, New York
Agedashi tofu at Katsu Hama in NYC, New York
On my side, I went for the tonkotsu ramen, their original pork soup noodle, where the broth is made with vegetables and pork bone. I decided to add fried chicken to it, as I thought that it would probably be an interesting combination. the tonkotsu ramen is supposed to come with a pork slice, an egg, bamboo shoot, pickled ginger and scallion. As you can see on the photo below, the ramen came with just the fried chicken and I had to ask for the other toppings, that came in a plate.
Tonkotsu ramen with fried chicken at Katsu Hama in NYC, New York
Tonkotsu ramen at Katsu Hama in NYC, New York
Fried chicken in tonkotsu ramen at Katsu Hama in NYC, New York
Toppings for the tonkotsu ramen at Katsu Hama in NYC, New York
Toppings for the tonkotsu ramen at Katsu Hama in NYC, New York
I admit that I was a bit disappointed because these toppings were really cold and took time to warm up in the broth. The pork was tough, the egg overcooked and the noodles tasted like the ones you would buy at the supermarket. This was unfortunate as the fried chicken was fantastic.
This was disappointing and I was expecting more from Katsu Hama. But, considering the other dishes I tried there that were good, I am ready to give it another try...
Enjoy (I did)!
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