Kombu
A quiet contributor
Nestled on the sideline of the busy Aloma Avenue, Kombu Ramen doesn’t reinvent the wheel. Its not any Michelin-Starred spectacle, or an experimental fusion popup. Its just a good, dependable ramen restaurant—much similar to systems often neglected or forgotten by everyday people. Think public infrastructure (like a well maintained bridge or bus line) and essential workers.
Partially because of the fast pace of the internet, we live in a society whose culture concentrates on the big and flashy, overhyped startups and viral moments. Only the Nobu’s of the world are recognized our ever-moving day. Who would give their time to pay attention to an unassertively presented ramen joint?
Kombu is the quiet contributor. It’s the culinary equivalent of the trusty, no-nonsense screwdriver your dad has held onto for way too long. It does it’s job well—and to be frank, that’s enough. Unfortunately though, in today’s world, we overlook these dependable institutions, from food and beyond.
Kombu’s Shoyu Ramen—presented with chashu pork, menma, atjisuke tamago, and of course the restaurant’s namesake ingredient kombu (seaweed)—offers a straightforwardly umami broth that’s dependable. Tasty and simple.
Much like the simplicity of the ramen broth, the Gyudon Bowl offered a set of great ingredients whose flavors worked in perfect synergy. Beef over rice with eggs and a scallion garnish proved to be an extremely reliable combination, however commonly unappreciated at ramen restaurants. An uncelebrated dish that deserves be recognized more—comparable to Orlando’s bike lane infrastructure. A solid aspect of the city’s urban design that not many think of.
In a world that shouts for attention and the next big phenomenon, Kombu whispers competence. Its the ramen version of the barista you always see at your cafe, who you know will cook up the perfect Americano—powering you throughout your day.
We frequently undervalue the mundane and focus on the pretentious but sometimes, its all about slowing down and giving attention to the attributes of our life that we ever-too-often rush by.
Ratings:
Quality: 18/20
Experience: 15/20
Food presentation: 7/10
Atmosphere: 8/10
Staff: 8/10
Side dishes: 7/10
Selection: 7/10
Pricing: 6/10
Flavor Forum Rating: 76/100