The traditional Ramen has strong following that prompted many brands and independents to open outside its place of origins. Whilst famous brands have a strong backing due to their established names, the independents are not deterred from defining their own ramen. Such is the story of the Little Ramen Bar who has been serving delicious bowls of ramen from its narrow spot on 5/346 Little Bourke St.
Classic dishin’with a round of Gyoza for the table. Yes? No? Maybe? Typical.
A page long ramen selection threw me into the usual dilemma. But I came here twice so my problems were solved :)! The first round I saw me order the Hokkaido Ramen. A delicious miso broth combines mixed vegetables, minced pork, corn, butter and a slice of BBQ pork for a full Japanese Northern Island experience. Its butter melts into an aromatic whiff making the tasty broth even richer and more flavourful. But surprisingly though, my added egg was the killer of the lot. The runny brilliant orange yolk was all the rave.
In the second round, I shared a classic ramen + chashu slices with AC. EGG, PORK and RAMEN. Is there a more delightful combination? The porky - creamy goodness stems from what the place says is a result of 10 hours of cooking. Sure seems legit to me!
Sharing seems a little strange as it is something I do very infrequently. But worry not. The Little Ramen Bar is a few door Shanghai Street Dumpling on 342 Little Bourke St. Another popular place that serves quality dumplings for decent pennies. After queueing for a bit and yes, you have to queue for both the Little Ramen Bar and the Shanghai Street Dumpling, we were seated outside. At Shanghai Street Dumpling, you order before you are seated which seems like a legit way to increase a restaurants efficiency.
This was my second dumpling meal after an overkill of Xiao Long Bao at Hutong. Still scared of dumplings, I decided to call a crab and pork Xiao Long Bao in anticipation that the sweetness of the crab flesh would mellow well with the pork broth.
Did it work? Comparing the two Xiao Long Bao I had at Hutong and Shanghai Street Dumpling, the one at the latter was significantly less cloying. Thanks to the addition of the crab, there was a subtle seafood flavour through the dumpling which made it more palatable.
Shanghai Street Dumpling’s Pan Fried Pork Buns.
This dish was a reminiscence of my trip to Taiwan where the road side vendor serves these little pan fried buns at the speed of light. But remember, do not bite in so quickly! The hot juices within can burn and it will. Go slow and steady!
(Note: The Chili Oil Wantons at Hutong are heaps nicer than the ones at Shanghai Street Dumpling.)
Do you want lunch with variety? Look no further. The Little Ramen Bar and Shanghai Street Dumpling are within close proximity of each other on this strip of Little Bourke Street. Mind blowingly good? Perhaps they were not the best in the world as the ramen in NYC/KL carries more weight and even the street vendors of Taiwan makes kick ass dumpling for half the dime. But for where we are, feast your buds with their creations and enjoy with little concerns for your wallet! They were really quite good!
Check out my other Ramen posts:
Nao Ramen @ Murray Street, Perth
Ramen Lab @ Mount Lawley, Perth
Genki SET Japanese @ Den Haag, Netherlands
The Little Ramen Bar @ Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
Nao Ramen @ Murray Street, Perth
Ramen Lab @ Mount Lawley, Perth
Genki SET Japanese @ Den Haag, Netherlands
The Little Ramen Bar @ Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
WenY
