Ikinokoru: Batam’s New Plant-Based Vegan Japanese Restaurant

I found my new favourite bowl of truffle ramen.

Ikinokoru (生き残る) is the up-and-coming plant-based vegan Japanese restaurant in Batam, Indonesia. Step through the door and you’re transported into a mini Japan, all zen decor and minimalism vibes. It’s a much smaller space in comparison to Towzen, but the cosy interior provided a homely ambience. 

A Treat for My Belly

The truffle ramen is the star of the meal. The broth is rich and umami-deep, clinging to every strand of the chewy, springy noodles, while the toppings round out each mouthful with a delectable bite.

According to the restaurant, their poster touted that their noodles are crafted through a 22-hour natural fermentation process and free from preservatives. The artisanal method created a springy texture that is light to digest (that I can attest to) with a pure taste that makes everything bite worth it (and so, I agree).

My only request: I wanted a bigger portion. 

To wash it down, the butterfly ginger tea (a fragrant blend of butterfly pea flower, ginger, and lemongrass) arrived freshly brewed, the warm ginger resetting my palate for the next dish. 

The aburi mushroom melt (right), topped in thick, melted cheese, was indulgent in the best way, a sinful little detour from the main meal. The nasu sushi roll (made of premium Japanese sushi rice, eggplant, avocado, carrot, cucumber, mushroom) was a creative and savoury companion dish, no less in taste than an actual seafood sushi roll.  

For dessert, Ikinokoru features gluten-free vegan tarts from Cherie’s Patisserie.

My Review

If you’re looking to eat clean without sacrificing flavour, Ikinokoru is the place to go. 

Prices are range from 50k rupiah per ramen bowl, with the full menu posted on their Instagram. Every dish is as photogenic as it is flavourful, which makes Ikinokoru a great recommendation for anyone looking for vegan Japanese cuisine in Batam.

For similar dining preferences, read my review of Towzen, the Kyoto-born restaurant now in Batam.

 

Not a sponsored post.