Butao Ramen 豚王 - Central, Hong Kong

This place always has a line up in all there locations in Hong Kong.  I wanted to try a few times but I just don't want to line up.  So, I came here one day when I got off work early.  Sure enough, there were no one waiting in line when I arrived a little bit before 6pm.  However, after I sat down, people started flowing in and by the time I finish my ramen, a line has formed outside.  I left at around 6:30pm. 

Anyways, I order their original ramen.  I was hoping this bowl of ramen would forever change my perception of what "ramen" should be like.  To my disappointment, the appear of it wasn't very appetizing at all.  But I think it's my fault.  I chose the cabbage topping.  I guess you can't make it look any better when cabbage is the topping?  I took a sip of the soup, hoping it was going to be something extraordinary.  To my dismay, it was just like many other ramen soup.  I mean, it's good, but not good enough for me to wait 2 or 3 hours in line for it, which is what some of my friends did.  I feel like I can easily find something comparable a couple blocks down the street where the line shorter.  I can't remember the other place's name but I think the other place has better tasting soup.

In my opinion, I think they just had good marketing and created buzz about their brand.  People flock over to eat at this place not really because it's extraordinarily good, but because "people say it's good".  Or maybe I have no taste and don't know what's good.  Either way, I don't think I am ever coming back again.  I mean, I would come here if I happen to walk pass this place when no one is waiting in line and I suddenly have a craving for ramen and I am unwilling to walk any further for a bowl of noodle.

Address: 89 Wellington Street, Central

Butao Ramen is at point u in the list "Places Part 1" on the map below:

Chi