Maru Kyou (麵屋丸京) has been on my radar for a while now. A tonkotsu specialist with a growing footprint across Hong Kong, it’s carved out a loyal following. The small lineup in front of their Tsuen Wan branch is enough to pique my curiosity every time I walk by.
This afternoon, I happened to be in the area for a late lunch — and for once, no queue. A rare quiet moment, so I slipped in for a quick solo bowl.
The shop offers three versions of its tonkotsu broth — the classic rich and flavorful one, a spicy rendition, and a 'clear broth' version that looks more like a consommé than your usual pork bone soup.
Clear Broth Tonkotsu Soy Sauce Ramen (清湯豚骨醬油拉麵) ($78) — The name alone had me intrigued and slightly puzzled. Tonkotsu is usually synonymous with thick, creamy, collagen-rich soup, while shoyu ramen is known for its clear, umami-laced broth. So what happens when you combine the two?
As usual, I took a quick sip of the broth before enjoying the noodles. Light, yes. But also deeply savory, with a sweetness that hints at hours of slow-simmered pork bones. It had that layered, lingering flavor of a good dashi, while keeping things clean and refined. A subtle kind of indulgence.
The noodles were on the thinner side, with just the right amount of bite. They soaked up the broth like a sponge, making every slurp count.
The marinated soft-boiled egg was textbook perfect.
I loved the bamboo shoots — thick-cut, sweet, and meaty.
The only blemish was perhaps the charsiu. While decent, it could’ve used a bit more fat to soften the texture and better melt into the soup.
Still, I walked away impressed. This bowl was everything I didn’t know I needed — flavorful yet restrained, rich in essence but light on the palate. Definitely one to come back for.
Food Rating: 6/10
Price: $$
Address: G/F, 9 Chong Tai Street, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong
Closest Metro Station: Tsuen Wan
Opening Hours: 12:00pm - 3:30pm, 6:00pm - 9:30pm daily
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