Ramen in Spain? Well, that's what I was seeking after I spending more than a week outside of SoCal…read more Distance makes the heart fonder, and this applies to good food too. From this experience, I started realizing how lucky I was to be living where I am, where all types of GOOD food is available and at my finger tips. In other words, I hate to admit it, but I miss ramen... even when in Spain. And so today I caved... and visited Fan Shoronpo, a recommendation from a lady (and major foodie) who worked at our hotel!
The spot was only 10 minutes away when walking and when we arrived we were seated down immediately for a very early dinner at 8pm (it seems like most Spanish eat at 9:30pm). Looking at the menu, they sold items that were Japanese and Chinese with dumplings and inari sushi being some of the appetizers and different types of ramen being highlighted. My dad and I got the Tonkotsu Ramen while my mama got the Miso one and all were about 10EU with the option of extra noodles for 1EU and eggies for another EU. The food came out relatively quick and soon we were enjoying our bowls of ramen!
This Spanish-style ramen was different in one obvious way... there was only one slice of Chasu... how interesting and kind of skimpy, compared to what I'm used to in the States. However the portion size of the ramen was just like at home and while the noodles were just as chewy and yummy, the Tonkotsu broth could have used more flavor and creaminess, because after all, it is Tonkotsu. The ramen came with cabbage, spinach, and the single chasu, though adding the egg was a good idea since it was gooey and soft boiled to perfection! While this bowl of ramen was not as amazing as what I usually have, I would say it works pretty well and it met my expectations that for a bowl of ramen found in Europe.
The space is comfortable and staff is super nice and accommodating of tourists as they spoke pretty great English and had menus that were easy to read. Though they recommend reservations, they may not be required on a weekday as when I came in around 8pm at opening time it was fairly empty. But then again, they did mention that they did have a party coming in at our table around 9:30pm so we would have to bounce by then so if you want to be safe, call ahead.
So when in Spain and craving a bowl of hot steamy noodles, come out to Fan and give them a shot (oh, and maybe their dumplings too)!