Slurp Society Ramen Shop, Mobile

Linda and I enjoy discovering new places to eat. It's even better with friends who are knowledgeable about different cuisines and are able to recommend various restaurants. In this case, we were at an event in downtown Mobile and took the opportunity to all meet at Slurp Society Ramen Shop where Von’s Restaurant used to be at 69 St. Michael Street. 

The restaurant is small and reservations are recommended. There is a bar along the right side, tables down the left, and a dining area in the front for larger parties. The five of us sat at adjoining tables toward the rear, and our server was kind and patient as we got our minds around the menu. It’s not as daunting as it first appeared.

Each menu item has a detailed description of the dish, which helped to bring things into focus. Appetizers are called munchies, and our experienced friends, foodies if you will, were eating here for the fifth time and ordered the Beet Kaarage for a starter. We had chopsticks ready for when it was served. It was crunchy with a nice flavor. 

As we nursed our cocktails (I’m being kind), we decided to share several dishes beginning with Slurp O.G. This was a large bowl of noodles served with Society Broth with roasted kale, pickled onions, scallion, black garlic oil, and a soft egg. A bowl of cubed Roasted Pork Belly accompanied the dish. We passed around the serving bowl and added spoonfuls of pork belly to the mix. It was delicious.

There are several different flavors of Society Broth from which to choose, but this one was perfect for sharing. When it was all eaten, I could have had it again. It’s kind of a two-fisted meal which we figured out quickly: chopsticks for eating the noodles and soup spoons to savor the broth.

Next, our experienced friends ordered several Bao Down options like Sesame Crab Cake, Tempura Green Tomato, and Chicken Kaarage. These come wrapped in a light, tasty dough bun, sort of like a taco but steamed. These are considered a snack or light meal. Slurp society offers a mix-and-match assortment to share, which we took full advantage of.

We didn’t try the Banh Mi Smashburger made with Wagyu Beef, American Cheese, Carrot and Daikon Slaw, Cukes, Pickled Chilis, Cilantro Lime Aioli, All the Herbs, on a Pretzel Bun, but I think there is one in my future! For dessert, they have Togarashi Cheesecake with Miso Caramel and Candied Peanuts. 

It was a great evening with friends and a very pleasant and interesting dining experience. It took me a second to comprehend the menu, but with good guidance, I feel like I have mastered it. Also, the service was attentive, and the prices were more than reasonable. I’m looking forward to going back. 

I think for the next visit to Slurp Society Ramen Shop I’ll bring some new faces and show off my new-found knowledge of third-century Chinese cuisine. Or, is Bao originally from Fuji, or perhaps it’s Korean, maybe Japan, or from the Philippians, Malaysia, or Singapore? Maybe I’ll keep my mouth shut until the food comes.