Ajisen Ramen CBD

130 Bourke Street Melbourne, VIC 3000
 http://www.ajisenramenmelbourne.com.au/
 

Chii-Chan - Ajisen's Logo and Mascot

This is a Japanese international chain that has ramen and bento boxes as a staple. It operates in many parts of Asia and is a go-to place for ramen for many in the region but not necessarily in Japan itself. It has been in Melbourne for a while, before most of the other more recent arrivals in the ramen market. Although it is Japanese, it actually has Taiwanese origins.

The Place
This is a fast food joint and it is the same like most Ajisen Ramen outlets around the world. It is set up to be comfortable but not for extended dining where you can sit there and catch up for more than 30 minutes. It's a quick eat and go place. Small wooden stools make sure of that.

The one in Melbourne is really dimly lit and the photos are going to show you just how dim, even during the light of day.

Things to do Nearby; This is near Bourke Street Mall and all the shopping around the area. Parliament House and the Gardens are up the street.

The Food
They serve food of really varying quality here. Sometimes, it is good and sometimes, it's most average. Don't expect the aldente style ramen that many Japanese like with stronger lye water. This is part of a chain that is really quite successful all over East and SEAsia and so, has to cater to a wider palette. Hence, some will argue that it is not as authentic or traditional and I would agree with that. It is not and was not meant to be. I mean, they have Tom Yum Ramen on the menu - not very Japanese is it?

Tori-Karaage Ramen

Once you get past the authenticity issue, you might find that there are some surprises in terms of flavouring. They have a wide range of choices of ramen ranging from basic Chasyu ramen (which is similar to Chinese char-siew) to Volcano ramen. Ok, so I have tried the Volcano ramen, and I was really really glad I asked for the meat to be put on the side rather than heaped on the ramen because it was really really chilli ridden. One of my favourites is the Tori-Karaage ramen (pictured above) but that might be because I just like fried chicken.

Tonkatsu Bento

They don't have the best bento boxes in terms of value for money. Don't get me wrong - they are still tasty but some people who are expecting some tempura or sashimi are more likely to be disappointed. They also do really yummy Geso Karaage (Fried Octopus Tentacles) although sometimes, it is quite 'fishy'.

The Service
I have had basic service here that is polite but inflexible in terms of item variation. This is not unusual for a franchise that has had a history of some franchisees changing things and stuffing it up. So, they have become somewhat inflexible. The busier they get, the more abrupt they become because I have never seen more than 3 staff members working the floor - even during really busy times. Just don't expect 5 star service.

Overall
I will continue to go occasionally even though there are newer ramen places, especially when I am after a no frills, quick meal. The food is not bad and can be really quite tasty. However, if you are really looking for a more intimate and authentic Japanese dining experience, this is not for you.

Cultural Moment
Ok! I am going to take an unusual step and refer readers to a Bloomberg Businessweek article that talks about Ajisen's expansion into China, where it s becoming really popular and even discusses China-Japan relations. Check the article out here; Businessweek Article.I am not being lazy! I promise - I just thought it's an interesting article to share.

And while I am at it, you can't imagine my despair, when The Smarter Travel Website published an article by Caroline Morese on unhealthy foods of the world and the ONLY East Asian entry into that list was the humble Ramen! How the? What? Check out the Smarter Travel site here; Unhealthy Ramen?