Muso Ramen Noodle and Gyoza Bar

Cuisine: Japanese 
Shop 2B/2484 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach 
Mermaid Beach, QLD 4218

When waiting for our ride home after dinner from Itoshin, we saw that next door was a ramen place that was fully packed. In our quest to search for the best ramen (outside Japan) we decided to should go to the place, Muso, the next day. 

Inside, we were impressed how clean the place was and a peek into the kitchen you can eye their noodle-making machine that makes their fresh store-made noodles. They have few selection of ramen and 2 rice dishes and gyoza (dumplings). All ramen have a choice of miso/soy for soup base, thin/thick noodles, extra topping (eg minced garlic, pork fat belly are free while others come at an extra cost). You order and pay at the counter then receive a table number with self-serviced lemon water. . 

Muso tonkatsu spicy miso ($14) with extra garlic, thin noodles

When our food arrived we were impressed with the portioning. There were lots of toppings of seaweed and spring onions. The texture of the noodles were on the softer side but that may also be because we ordered thin noodles and I eat very slow allowing more it to absorb the soup base. The soup was exceptionally thick and mildly spicy. Halfway through my bowl we realised we could adjust the thickness of the soup with dashi stock available in a flask on the counter. This made it much more enjoyable without the thick gunky feeling going down my throat. 

Tonkatsu black ($14) miso soup, thin noodles

As was with the tonkatsu spicy miso, the soup was very thick and flavourful. We recommend if you want chewier ramen ask for thick noodles instead of thin. The normal sized bowls were already generous serves but if you extra famished you have the option to upsize to large and order extra noodles.

We ordered the Mini braised pork rice bowl ($4) as it looked interesting on the table next to us. We were told to add their "ramen punch sauce" for extra flavour and mix it in. After mixing in the egg into the rice, it gives an overall wet sticky consistency. The braised pork has a light Chinese char siu flavour and with the small portioning it is a good entree dish. 

Pan fried pork gyoza ($6) was juicy and full of filling with thin skin. Skin was not crispy enough for our preference however the light humble dumpling flavour is delicious. 

Overall 

A laidback atmosphere with friendly staff, you will be enjoy this place even more if you are a fan of rock music as it appears the owner has an appreciation for this genre with Pink Floyd and ACDC posters decorating the walls and rock music playing. It is the richest soup base we've ever and can nearly taste the hours it must have taken to get that flavour intensity. 

Food: 6/10

Service: 6/10 

Cost: Reasonable

Overall dining experience: 7/10

Itoshin

Cuisine: Japanese
2484 Gold Coast Highway 
Mermaid Beach, QLD 4218

Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10 
Cost: Reasonable
Overall dining experience: 10/10

Named after the owner, this family run business seems to be in the middle of nowhere. This place was definitely worth the hike. 

The Japanese paper lanterns hanging down adds to the atmosphere. They also have a private area with floor seating separated by a bamboo screen giving some privacy. Rolled up bamboo screens section the long restaurant probably allowing for functions or to cater for larger groups when required. 

Boasting an assortment of sakes, they even describe the different types of sakes and how its brewed. If undecided on a specific one, you can also give their sampling menu a try where you choose 3 types out of a selection for an affordable price. We just opted for some simple tea.

Pot of green tea for 2 ($4)

Small roast beef  ($14) 

Thick slices of beef freshly seared on its edges, coupled with the perfect combination of onion washed of its strong spicy nature and generous amount of spring onion and sauce - MOUTHWATERING! 

Assorted nigiri 8 pcs ($28) 

Sea urchin is only available between March and October on limited days, so were very happy to have been able to try this delicacy! The sea urchin was so sweet and fresh! It literally melted in my mouth with no linger of fishiness. Each nigiri had a small ball of rice with long thick slices of fish. The prawn was not the standard packet prawns most Japanese restaurants seems to favour. This was thick and meaty leaving us wanting for more. 

Sashimi mixed small ($24) 6 pcs salmon, 5 pieces of tuna, 2 octopi, 2 scallops, small amount of sea urchin

Every single ingredient was fresh and thickly sliced giving a sinful texture in your mouth. Behind the fish laid beds of seaweed which was a surprising addition. We wished there would have been some whitefish in the mix, but can't really complain when the tuna was exceptionally delicious. For the size, quality and variety, this was definitely a dish of great value. Not many places will give sea urchin, scallops and octopus!

 Aburi ocean trout belly ($4.50/piece) and Aburi Japanese Scallop ($4.50/piece)

Both were kept simple. The Ocean Trout belly was even more meltable than the normal slices seared with a bit of salt to add flavour. On the other hand, the scallop was not seared to the same degree, finding one side much colder than the other which mildly warm at most. We were slightly disappointed in the latter. 

Complementary side salad of sliced cabbage, carrots, spring onions and 1 brocolli piece with a sweet sauce 

This was an unexpected side that was given after having served a few dishes. A great palette cleanser that was cold and refreshing. 

 Terriyaki half and half ($30) with beef and prawns with a side of vegetable tempura

We went for medium rare beef and it came out AMAZING! The beef was so juicy and tender, lightly seared on all sides. We couldn't get enough of it! The large prawns were charcoaled and bursting with flavour. Tempura vegetables consisted of zucchini, beans. carrot, cauliflower, pumpkin and celery. It was lightly battered, hot and crunchy and did not feel oily at all. 

Tempura Ice cream ($9) with your choice of ice cream - we chose vanilla 

We saw other tables ordering this and we just had to get it! Unlike the Chinese version of fried ice cream with the heavy, oily exterior, this one was presented in a light and fluffy, thin tempura eggshell softly dusted with icing which gives it a subtle sweetness. The shell has a wafer-like crispiness that makes us feel less guilty devouring this dessert.  

Black sesame and green tea ice cream ($8) 

Their home made green tea ice cream had the perfect palette of bitter green tea and sweetness. Black sesame seemed bland at first taste which then later kicked in the stronger aroma of black sesame. What we particular liked was the bits of roasted sesame making it more aromatic with texture. 

Overall

The only downside that we can point out is the slow service between dishes. Other than that, it is a must try on the Gold Coast. Authentic Japanese fare that would make a great date night. It whisks you away to Japan and doesn't disappoint. We will definitely come here again and recommend it to all our friends.