In search of the best ramen in Melbourne
I remember just a short time ago Ramen was the best thing since sliced bread, a fad, in fact, a trend even but somehow Melbournians have really embraced it. The trend is still strong today and seems to be more and more popular as I find new shops in Melbourne all the time.
If you don’t know already, Ramen is a Japanese noodle soup with broth, typically pork or chicken with many types of flavours such as soy sauce, miso, and salt. Most regions in Japan will make their own unique variations of different broth, noodle, seasoning, and toppings. So wherever you are in Japan, they will always taste different.
Interestingly pork broth is the most popular in Melbourne whereas chicken with soy sauce flavour is most popular in Japan.
As I am from Hakata, Fukuoka, which is the best place to enjoy for pork broth ramen, I am happy to see there are many ramen shops here in Melbourne to enjoy.
So this time, I would like to recommend some ramen shops I have personally been to in Melbourne CBD, based on my fully biased opinion!
No. 1 Hakata Gensuke
Even though tonkotsu (pork broth) is popular in Melbourne, Gensuke’s soup is quite strong and some people might not like it. But I like the taste and atmosphere because it’s very ‘Hakata Style’.
To order you must first fill in your order sheet yourself. I know, but it’s very detailed, allowing you to choose the texture of noodle or strength of the soup. It’s quite fun though!
Next, you’ll find free toppings on the table such as sesame, pickled ginger, or spicy takana leaves allowing you to ‘customise’ your own ramen.
This shop is known for its long queue, so don’t go when your super hungry, you might not make it!
Address: 168 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
No. 2 Shujinko
Shujinko is your 24 hour/7 days ramen shop! As Australians eat burgers after drinking, Japanese people typically eat ramen. So it’s the best place to go after drinking as they also provide an Izakaya menu (Japanese tapas) after 9 pm.
Address: 225 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
No. 3 Little Ramen Bar
As its name may suggest, this shop is very cosy and small.
The soup itself is not too strong but very tasty. It’s a good “little” ramen joint for a quick bite, lunch or dinner.
Address: 5/346 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
No. 4 Ippudo
Finally, Ippudo has arrived in Melbourne! What took them so long! This shop is very popular in Fukuoka and throughout Japan, and across 12 other countries. They have a unique ramen called ‘shiro maru’ and ‘aka maru’. Worth a try, you can compare the tastes!
Address: QV Shopping Centre, 18/300 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
No. 5 Neko Neko
Neko Neko is a Japanese café in Fitzroy. It’s famous for its ‘Vegan Ramen’! Which is naturally full of vegetables and mushroom broth. This one I personally haven’t tried yet, but I felt it was worth a mention as my friend highly recommended it. Let me know if you’ve tried it before!
Address: 83A Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
