Cheap. Quick. Japanese. Those were the 3 things we wanted before flying out to interstate for a wedding just for the weekend (hence why I made the Bride & Groom cakepops). I immediately thought of Ichiban Boshi in The Galleries despite not having been in several years since the goold old uni days.
Knowing how busy this place gets (no bookings, it’s first in first serve and with a paper ticket system) I knew we had to try to be there quite early. No wait time and straight to the table we go.
Iced Green Tea Cappuccino $4.80
Every 1 in 2 tables around us had this green frothy drink. We ask our waiter what it was and he tells us that it’s a Green Tea Cappuccino. It sounds interesting so we order it. It’s a little weird tasting for me. It’s not your average cap but rather it’s frothy milk and green tea. Because of the bitter nature of the green tea, a side of sugar syrup is required and mixed in to your liking. Would I order it again? No but it was good to try. I realised I’m not a fan of asian flavoured drinks/beverages.
Deep Fried Chicken with Original Sauce $8.50
Is it deep fried chicken or is it chicken karaage? It is the same to me! This chicken is unbelievably good. The batter is thin (not floury) but yet is seasoned really well that it has it’s own flavour. We were given big and succulent pieces. Despite having their finger licking special zingy sauce drizzled all over the chicken, the chicken remained crunchy.
Tempura Salmon Roll $9.50
I love how light and crunchy tempura batter is, period. My initial thoughts were that the tempura sushi was going to be heavy and saturated in oil. Instead, it’s quite light and the batter adds texture to the dish. The salmon was still pink so kudos to the chef who cooked it perfectly. The dish didn’t wow me but it sure was tasty.
Tempura Udon $13
The boy has a soft spot for udon noodles. We were a little disappointed that there wasn’t more udon dishes on offer, but at least there were some. The broth, I feel, was lacking a bit of flavour. It was there, but it wasn’t addictive where I just wanted to pick up the bowl and drink the soup instead of using a spoon. We forgot to ask the chef if he could serve the tempura prawns on the side of the dish and as we knew it, they ended up being soggy. Nonetheless it was a decent dish.
Tantanmen Ramen $13.00
Because the boy opted for udon, I decided to select a ramen dish. There was just so many to choose from (menu here). After tossing up between the tonkotsu and tantanmen, I went for the one I hadn’t tried before – the tantanmen, which is (as per the menu), a traditional spicy ramen topped with minced pork, boiled egg and choy sum vegetables. I really enjoyed it. It was jam packed with flavour and was a lot richer than the previous udon. This was much more satisfying. I love how the sesame seeds gave both flavour and texture.
We were in and out within 45 minutes. Definitely ticked all our requirements – cheap, quick and Japanese.
Ichiban Boshi
Level 2, The Galeries
500 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000
+61 2 9262 7677
I’ve only had green tea milk as it is or with green tea Icecream!
The froth on yours looks like something id want to try.. Green tea cap :)
Me too – only. We had tea or ice cream. But never a “cappuccino” until now. I think it’s an acquired taste
You’re so lucky to not have to wait for a table – everytime I go there’s a long line.
and TEMPURA SALMON ROLL?!?!?! is this new?!?! I’ve never seen much sushi on their menu!
I think the tempura sushi has been on the menu for ages? Yeah by 6.30 most of the paper tickets are gone lol
That’s great you didn’t have to queue for a table – I hate that especially when you’re in a rush. I don’t think I like the look of the green tea drink but the food all looks great – especially the chicken! xx
That chicken was amazing! I guess different to your normal chicken karaage
The weather is just right for a warming bowl of noodle soup I think! :D
I was just thinking that. Can only imagine how many others think that too so expect lines to be long hehe
I haven’t been to Ichi for ages. Wasn’t a fan of the match latte but the tempura salmon roll won my heart.
It definitely did steal the show!
Was the cappuccino anything like those green tea frappuccinos from Starbucks?
I haven tried udon or ramen, but I look forward to finally trying them!
To be honest I Haven’t tried much from starbucks. Never been a fan of their stuff so I can’t compare on that one. WHAT?!? Youve not tried udon or ramen before?!? I hope you get to try it sooner rather than later. You’ve been missing out :p
I LOVE Ichi Bon Boshi! We live near the Bondi Junction branch and we’re always stopping in for our noodle fix. We had lunch at The Galleries branch last week and it was just as good. I always get the chashu men and my husband always gets the tantanmen. YUM!
It’s such a great place for that hit of quick Japanese food. Ahhhhhh I love it
Ahhh i havent been here in ages… I love cheap and cheerful japnaese!!!
It’s so worth it! Hope you get to go again soon :)
the salmon tempura roll looks really good!! never tried their sushi before, just their ramen
I don’t think there’s much sushi on their menu. We saw tempura and sushi and had to order it :)
I discovered the Ichi Ban Boshi in Bondi Junction on a cold Wednesday in July with a workmate, who recommended the tantanmen which broke my brain. I’ve since been back to the one in the Galleries because it’s across from Kinokuniya (so I’m there getting my comic fix). I’ve tried other dishes but always end up back at the tantanmen.