Hakata Gensuke Ramen

Despite the $$$ overall I loved it! Second time back in 3 days! I was tempted to return same day for seconds after first visit already. The broth is really good! Tasty and not overpowered with salt! The egg still a bit runny inside. Perfect to bite into or mix with the thin ramen.
was told I eat like a true nippon jin desu! haha my reply was «nooooo! I just love your ramen»!! with half a mouthful of ramen.

Yeap, I’m a Ramen addict.
Ever since coming back from Japan, I have grown a soft spot for Ramen and Soba in my palate.
In my humble opinion Ramen is about the texture of the noodle and the soup, once you’ve got it, it can be as addictive as Dark Chocolate.
I love the energy in this place, although I’m not a fan of franchise restaurants. I’ve been a couple times to its sister shop in the City and this place is a better and bigger one.
Service is always pleasant, they just have to make sure that you’ve ordered the right one, 100% precision.
It is enjoyable, I would not say the best in Melbourne, but I could come back with no issues.
On the expensive side of the many Ramen shops mushrooming in Melbourne.

Ramen is average, portion sizes are too small, waiting time is long and parking is impossible

Slurrp… best ramen in Melbourne!
So, so happy to have finally gotten my ramen fix here at Hakata Gensuke. After hearing this is my brother’s favorite ramen spot, I knew I had to come and partake. Located along the many rows of restaurants in Glenferrie, the interior is hip, new, and spacious. There was also seating aplenty.
The menu is simple: featuring their signature items as well as a few ramen options including spicy and even non-​pork based ramen. Love how you can customize the toppings of your ramen, how al dente you want your noodles cooked, and soup base options of either light or heavy. I had their signature Tonkotsu Ramen ($ 13) with an added egg ($ 2 extra).
While the portion wasn’t very big, it was definitely enough to fill me up. Presentation was very basic — nothing fancy — but taste-​wise very satisfying. The broth tasted very light, not oily even when I opted to have the normal option. The noodles were perfectly cooked and the egg was heavenly — I dare say this was the best egg I’ve ever had in a bowl of ramen! The pork, however, was nothing to brag about — loved the thin slices, but it wasn’t very tender.
Service was excellent, friendly and accommodating. And I loved the variety of garnishes they have on each table — so addictive! The spicy pickles really add a ton of flavor when mixed in with the ramen. Definitely one of the best ramen experiences I’ve had and can’t wait to try more from their menu.

The broth is very important in ramen as well as the noodles. Here you have a choice of having your noodles cooked normal, hard or soft… While the variations of the Tonkotsu broth with spice or light is totally up to you. Do be aware of the spicy pickles — don’t add too much — as they are quite hot.

It was about time that famed Ramen specialist Hakata Gensuke opened another location. Realistically the Russell St restaurant was always going to be too small, although it has been perfect for spreading word of mouth amongst the Chinatown Crowd.
Just like Russell St, they serve their classic yummylicious Ramen noodles with their own amazing broth soups. If you are particularly hungry, don’t waste the soup — just get an extra serve of noodles. The Hawthorn branch also has a few extras too like the mildly spicy Aka Tonkotsu Ramen.
Just a note to the uninitiated, this is a Ramen restaurant. If you don’t want Ramen but all your friends do, your options are pretty limited. The Gyoza are pretty good, and the Chicken Karaage is perhaps a little over-​salted but crisp on the outside and tender on the inside (why doesn’t KFC seem to understand that dry stringy chicken meat is just plain wrong?). Apart from that you can fill yourself on rice, perhaps flavoured with their leftover soup.
When this place first opened it was fairly empty with no queues, but now that word is spreading it is getting busier. When we last came on a Saturday lunchtime the wait was quoted at 30 min but ended up being 15 min. If you are coming alone then you will slot in pretty quickly, just be prepared to sit next to strangers.
Most importantly, if you must queue there is a small indoor waiting area, and the outdoor area is covered. No more hiding under umbrellas in the rain!
As for the famed Soup Ramen, it is most certainly up to scratch. The Signature Pork Tonkotsu is heavy with body and flavour, assisted by the layer of bubbly fat that coats the top of the soup. If you want something lighter then have the Shio Tonkotsu. Or if you are feeling adventurous then challenge your taste buds with the spicy God Fire.
Whatever you try, don’t skimp on the egg. I don’t know how they get their soft boiled egg so perfect every time. Maybe they have a 65deg water bath for the eggs amongst all those massive vats of pork bone broth, but there is nothing like watching all that golden runny yolk spreading through your ramen noodles. Mmm…