Editor’s Note: Fork & Dagger is 828newsNOW’s anonymous restaurant review series, written by our independent Grub Scout—no freebies, no press perks, no agenda. Grub Scout pays full price, visits unannounced, and takes notes on food, service, atmosphere, and value. Each review reflects a recent, honest experience rated on our 1‑to‑5 fork scale. We aim to help you discover standout dining spots—from casual diners to white‑tablecloth affairs—one bite at a time.
This last cold snap before spring had me really craving soup, and what better soup is there than a proper traditional Japanese ramen? Unfortunately, Asheville is not the best place to find great examples of this wonderful delicacy. Still, I’d heard from a chef friend of mine that this new spot, Murasaki, in South Asheville, was doing things right.
We started with spring rolls and pork gyoza, which were both par for the course. Neither of these is rocket science, or 大したことではない (Taishita koto dewa na), as it were.
She went with the chicken katsu curry ramen, a bold, comforting Japanese-style fusion dish featuring crispy panko-breaded chicken breast (katsu) served over springy noodles in a rich, savory, and aromatic curry broth. Combining creamy curry spices with savory ramen broth, it was topped with jammy eggs, scallions, shiitake mushrooms, bok choy and nori. We both loved it. I’m not usually big on fusion dishes, but this one worked very well.
I went as traditional as possible by ordering pork chashu ramen, which featured tender, slow-braised pork belly slices with a savory, sweet soy glaze, along with scallions, bok choy, bamboo shoots, jammy egg, shiitake mushrooms and nori. The wheat noodles were the exact consistency I expected, and the Tonkotsu (pork bone) broth was creamy and delightful. I loved it. It was certainly the best I’ve had in Western North Carolina.
I was also pleased with the prices. I can’t wait to try their sushi, as well as anything they have. If you’re into Japanese food and are exhausted with the general disappointment that Asheville offers in that area, this may be the place for you.
