【Foodholic Niko @ Taipei】

#Open during the New Year
However, they are only open on the eve of the Lunar New Year (1/27), and will be closed from New Year's Eve to the third day of the new year (1/28-31)!

To state my conclusion first: I still prefer the Kirin Ramen across the street.

"Wood Kirin Ramen" is located near Zhongshan Station, about a 2-minute walk from Exit 2. This alley has many restaurants, and directly opposite is my recent favorite ramen shop in Taipei, "Kirin Creative Ramen," which is part of the same brand.

"Wood Kirin Ramen" emphasizes a broth smoked with binchotan charcoal, and I personally find the Japanese ambiance of this place even more so than "Kirin Creative Ramen." Besides a massive peacock decoration, the interior is filled with Japanese paintings (which I later discovered were actually puzzles).

Although, like "Kirin Creative Ramen," there is also a queue, perhaps because it is newly opened, the popularity is not that high yet. We arrived at 5:30 PM on Saturday and only waited about 15 minutes to be seated.

P.S. The queuing method is the same; you first go to the ordering machine to pay and get your meal ticket, and then wait for the staff to call your number.

Binchotan Roasted Dashi Salt Ramen $270
I could only understand "binchotan" and "salt flavor" from this item name. Although it's called salt flavor, I personally feel it's not very salty. The first sip of the broth tasted like a seafood sweet kombu soup, refreshing and not burdensome even after finishing the whole bowl.
The noodles are thin and cooked to a proper firmness, with a nice chewiness.
My favorite part of this ramen is the two slices of smoked pork belly, which are super tender!

You can get a free addition of one ball of noodles and unsalted chicken broth.

Overall, the ramen is delicious, but it felt a bit monotonous because there are few toppings. Personally, I think it’s not as impressive as my experience at "Kirin Creative Ramen."

Maybe next time opting for the "premium" items would be more plentiful, and I also want to try the "Kirin Dry Mixed Soba," which happened to be sold out today—what a pity!

The new product from L木麒麟 Ramen makes a stunning debut: the Kirin Sa - Chicken, Pork, Fish, and Shellfish Feast.

With much anticipation from the numerous ramen enthusiasts, L木麒麟 Ramen has launched the long-awaited new dish, "Kirin Sa - Chicken, Pork, Fish, and Shellfish." This creatively crafted ramen not only breaks through traditional ramen frameworks but also brings an unforgettable feast for the taste buds.

A Gorgeous Symphony of Triple Broths

What is most astonishing about this bowl of ramen is its unique triple broth. The chef skillfully blends chicken white broth, pork bone white broth, and fish clear broth, creating a richly layered soup base:

• The chicken white broth delivers a rich and sweet foundation, allowing the essence of the ingredients to bloom in every sip.
• The pork bone white broth infuses a rich and creamy milky tone, adding a rounded and fulfilling texture to the overall dish.
• The fish clear broth, like a finishing touch, adds clarity and freshness, perfectly concluding this delicious symphony.

Even more surprisingly, the broth incorporates a unique aroma of charred wood, adding a deep and intriguing smoky flavor to the overall experience.

• Grilled Scallops: The fire-roasted scallops emit a rich maritime flavor, with a firm yet tender texture.
• Salmon Roe: Each pearl is plump and translucent, bursting with savory goodness with a light bite, adding vibrant layers to the broth.
• Thinly Sliced Grilled Beef Chuck: Perfectly cooked beef slices with slightly charred edges, tender and juicy inside.

The ingenuity of L木麒麟 is reflected not only in the main ingredients but also in the thoughtfully curated side garnishes:

The slight spiciness of the red onion adds a touch of surprise, while the fresh aroma of celery leaves subtly lingers in the broth. The splashes of water lily and nori provide perfect finishing touches, enhancing the overall depth and fullness of the ramen's flavor.

It is recommended to pair with the following items to enhance the dining experience:

• A la carte smoked beef chuck: A delicious side dish that complements the ramen perfectly.
• Jin Xu Oolong Tea: Fragrant with a sweet aftertaste, ideally balancing the richness of the broth.

As a ramen enthusiast, I can say without hesitation that L木麒麟's "Kirin Sa - Chicken, Pork, Fish, and Shellfish" is definitely one of the most impressive new dishes of the year. Whether you're a seeker of exquisite ramen or a food lover wanting to try innovative flavors, this is a must-try ramen worth making a special trip for.