Shop Ramen Preston (MELB NORTH WEST)

Came at the right time 530pm this place was absolutely booming with people lining up outside. Really unique buns and ramen, not your conventional flavours. Really tasty and fragrant. And a great little cozy vibe inside. Will be back

Didn't have a booking and was able to get a seat after a 10 minute wait. Service was quick and efficient. Venue is busy and can feel cramped, especially if you are seated with others (which we were). Food is very tasty, comforting and decently priced. There are a range of vegetarian and vegan options available on the menu. I tried the Veg Miso w Organic Tofu which was nice, as well as a Smoked Tofu Bun, which was very tasty (would recommend). Ramen bowls were large in portion size and very filling.

We tried two ramen dishes: the Shio Pork Belly and the Miso BBQ Chicken. For me, the Shio Pork Belly didn’t quite hit the mark — the pork was dry and served in just two small, triangle-cut pieces, which gave off more of a “leftover” feel than a proper portion. The odd shape and overcooked texture made it feel more like an afterthought than a thoughtfully prepared topping. Flavor-wise, the ramen was just okay — decent enough to eat, but not particularly satisfying or memorable. I’d describe it more as a Japanese-Australian fusion take on ramen rather than something traditionally Japanese. So if you’re seeking a truly authentic ramen experience, this might not be the spot. Still, the cozy and relaxed atmosphere makes it a nice place to catch up with friends or enjoy a casual meal with family. Overall, I’d give it 3.5 stars — the soup and noodles were decent, and while the Shio Pork Belly missed the mark, it’s still an okay option for those open to a more fusion-style ramen experience.