Shoryu Ramen, London Shoreditch: restaurant review
You may well have heard of Shoryu Ramen – a small chain with locations in London, Oxford and Manchester that’s known for serving authentic and delicious Japanese cuisine. Looking back at photos from my trip to Japan a few years ago, I was so excited to be transported back there (minus the airfare!).
The Shoreditch branch is a vibrant little spot. Cosy and quaint, adorned with whimsical Japanese-inspired decorations, the place has a playful and inviting atmosphere, and we were welcomed in with a bang of a drum which was a memorable touch. The restaurant feels laid back and casual but could make a nice date spot too as there’s enough space for the tables to feel fairly private.
To celebrate Hakata Yamakasa festival, the hometown festival of Shoryu founder Tak Tokumine and executive chef Kanji Furukawa, the chain has launched a limited-edition set menu inspired by traditional ingredients from the region. Highlights include:
Mini Mentai Char Siu Takana Don – a mini donburi bowl with BBQ pork belly, mentaiko pollock roe, nitamago egg, takana mustard, tender broccoli and nori seaweed on a bed of Japanese rice
Signature Shoryu Ganso Tonkotsu ramen with a rich 12-hour pork broth ramen topped with char siu bbq pork belly, rich orange yolk nitamago egg, kikurage mushrooms, spring onion, red ginger and nori seaweed
Strawberry Shochu Sour – sweet potato shochu (a Japanese spirit) and fresh sour mix with British strawberries
£23 gets you a starter/side, ramen main course and a drink. Of course, the star of the show has to be the ramen. Shoryu Ramen boasts an impressive selection of flavours, ensuring there's something for every palate, whether you're a fan of the rich and creamy tonkotsu or prefer a lighter shoyu broth.
Personally, I couldn't resist indulging in Shoryu’s hearty and filling signature Shoryu Ganso Tonkotsu, comprised of rich broth, perfectly cooked noodles, succulent slices of chashu pork and a deliciously gooey egg. There are some nice touches on the table too so that you can customise your meal, such as soy sauce, chilli oil, raw garlic and sesame seeds.
For those with a sweet tooth, there’s also a dessert menu and if I’d had the tiniest amount of room left I would have loved to try the mochi. Maybe next time! If you don’t fancy a set menu, the à la carte options look great, too, with a whole range of ramen, curry and my favourite karaage chicken.
The staff deserve a special mention, too. Friendly, attentive and knowledgeable, they were on hand to guide me through the menu and offer helpful suggestions.
Shoryu Ramen offers excellent value for money for its quality and portion sizes. You can savour a satisfying bowl of ramen without breaking the bank, making it a go-to spot for a comforting and affordable meal.
Lily Wilkinson was a guest of Shoryu Ramen