Shop Ramen

Shop Ramen (formerly Shophouse Ramen) first popped up on Smith Street early this year, sating hoards of hungry hipsters with their colourful bowls of handmade noodles. In just 10 days, they managed to pump out 1500 bowls of ramen and 200kg of noodles — no easy feat considering everything’s made from scratch.

Now these young makers of ramen are back for a second helping, only this time they’ve applied for permanent residency.

The menu is new, but has retained the simplicity and clean flavours that made Shophouse Ramen so popular last time round. There’s tonkotsu (pork), spicy red miso and chicken, or vegetarian ‘cashew-milk’ ramen ($12-13.50 each), with buns ($3.50) on the side.

Seeking refuge from Melbourne’s icy winter winds, a warm bowl of Shop Ramen’s noodle soup feels like herbal tonic, pouring colour back into the cheeks with each mouthful. But it’s the salted caramel and coconut shake ($7) that really steals the show — made with coconut yoghurt, ice cream and a subtle dash of salted caramel, it’s a menu standout.

The venue’s fit-out is functional and unpretentious, taking a minimalist approach to decor. It’s a little rough around the edges, but give them time to settle in — it’s all part of the charm.

SHOP RAMEN
329 Smith Street, Collingwood
Tues - Sun, lunch from 12-2:30pm and dinner 5:30-10pm
facebook.com/SHOPRAMEN