The name alone, Ichi go ichi e – Isshin Ya, doesn’t tell you anything what the restaurant is about. Except that it is Japanese. Usually you would expect sushi, since most Japanese restaurants serve that. But I noticed Ichi go ichi e – Isshin Ya while sitting next door and was immediately intrigued. I had just come back from Japan and loved its curry, which has nothing to do with the Indian version of it. So when I saw the menu, which concentrates on katsu and ramen, I knew it needed to try it.
menu @Ichi go ichi e – Isshin Ya
The restaurant is small, with an open kitchen in front, and the charm of a waiting room. Next to the entrance stands a vending machine, where you order and pay. Once that is done you sit down and wait for your number to be called. I felt transported back to Japan.
kitchen and front area @Ichi go ichi e – Isshin Ya
I ordered Tonkatsu curry, which is basically a Wiener Schnitzel with curry sauce. Coming from a Japanese though, it is so much more. Usually the pork cutlet is thick and the coating is super crunchy. As mentioned before, the curry sauce is different as well. Think less color and different flavor. Ichi go ichi e – Isshin Ya it looked exactly like I remembered it. Except for the kimchi and the portion size is more European.
Tonkatsu curry @Ichi go ichi e – Isshin Ya
The flavor was all there, the pork nicely coated in panko and fried crispy. The curry sauce brought a lot of umph to the plate without loosing the meat taste in an overpowering sauce. I was certainly impressed with the dish. This was how it should taste!
My friend was less interested in anything fried after a week of vacation in Vienna. There are only so many schnitzel variations one is willing to eat while visiting this city. Instead he got himself Gyokai Ramen, which gets its flavor from pork and fish broth. I am not sure how much of that was still noticeable, because at Ichi go ichi e – Isshin Ya this ramen comes with a lot of pickled chili.
Gyokai Ramen @Ichi go ichi e – Isshin Ya
It looked perfect with its small fat droplets, jammy egg, and two slices of pork. I was allowed to taste it and I loved the flavor. The spice level was just right and on this winter day exactly what was needed. The ramen had a rich flavor and a creamy consistency. A very lovely bowl of goodness.
Ichi go ichi e – Isshin Ya might not be the cozy restaurant you are looking for, but it’s food has definitely comfort level. I love that they only offer two things, katsu and ramen. Sometimes less is more, because both dishes were great. If you are looking for authentic Japanese food, look no further. Yours, Pollybert
Ichi go ichi e – Isshin Ya
1040 Wien, Schleifmühlgasse 8
Tel: +43 677 61947289
Tue-Sun: 11:20-21:30
https://www.instagram.com/ichigoichie_ramen/
