Shop Ramen

"There are more first-rate ramen shops in Melbourne than you can chuck a wheat noodle at, but for something left-of-center look for the glowing neon-red sign promising “ramen, bun & pie” in Fitzroy. Once inside, dig into generous bowls of shoyu broth topped with pork belly and oyster mushrooms, or miso with barbecue chicken and sweet corn. The promised pies are frozen desserts in flavors like raspberry-yuzu, banana cream, or chocolate, marshmallow, and jam. Like most ramen joints, this is a goodie for solo diners." - ellen fraser

"There are more first-rate ramen shops in Melbourne than you can chuck a wheat noodle at, but for something left-of-center, look for Shop Ramen’s noodle-shaped neon sign advertising “ramen, bun & pie” (or “biru”, or “sake”, depending on which location you choose). Slurping is encouraged as you delve into generous bowls of miso broth with barbecue chicken, burnt cabbage, and buttered corn, or tan tan men with beef brisket and melted American cheese. The promised pies have a cookie crumb base and twin layers of ice-cream in flavors like chocolate-peanut or matcha and black sesame. True to its ramen roots, this is a goodie for solo diners." - Ellen Fraser