Mapo Tofu Shoyu @ Baka Umai

Friends, let me introduce you to a culinary symphony of flavors and textures, right here in the heart of Portland’s pulsating Hawthorne Boulevard. You’ve got Mapo Tofu, an audacious fusion of Ota tofu, an enigmatic house black bean sauce, a soul-igniting Sichuan spice blend, chili paste with an attitude, and an unpretentious sprinkle of green onions. It’s all swaggering atop a shoyu-based ramen, a harmonious blend of chicken and shiitake mushrooms that’s as comforting as an old blues record on a rainy afternoon.

If your eyes haven’t already betrayed you, this bowl is a celebration of the primal: SPICY and NUMBING. A dance of dragons, courtesy of those tenacious Sichuan spices. And yet, amidst this explosive symphony, you can detect the poignant strains of every single note, every layer of flavor as they make their play.

This isn’t just a bowl. This, my friends, is a serenade for your senses, a waltz between pleasure and pain. An adventure that requires your immediate attention.

And if that’s not compelling enough, here are a couple more reasons why you should consider Baka Umai as your next gastronomic destination:

1) The variety. Baka Umai is a tribute to the transformative power of ramen, offering a myriad of styles to suit any culinary craving you may be harboring. Whatever your mood or preference, Baka Umai is likely to have a bowl with your name on it.

2) The location. Nestled in the heart of bustling Hawthorne Boulevard in East Portland, Baka Umai is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Savor your ramen, then take a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood. Grab a coffee or beer, let the city’s vibe seep into your bones.

So, pack your love for the unexpected, your thirst for the audacious, and head on down to Baka Umai. Get a taste of this special, before the last note fades into the Portland night.

Fusion of Ota tofu, an enigmatic house black bean sauce, a soul-igniting Sichuan spice blend, chili paste with an attitude, and an unpretentious sprinkle of green onions. It’s all swaggering atop a shoyu-based ramen, a harmonious blend of chicken and shiitake mushrooms
Noodle Pull
 

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