Ramen Kan

There are a heap of Jap noodle houses offering Ramen and other Jap food at very reasonable prices around Chinatown, so we set out to try some. How to choose between the dozens that are out there? Word of mouth of course! We've heard great things about this place and were very eager to visit, and on this particular Saturday lunch, it seemed so did everyone else. They had a great system though, you sign up on a sheet at the front, and they call you once a table is available. The turnover is quick, and before we knew it, we were called to our table.

Food

A menu offering favourites like tonkatsu, noodles, sushi, fried rice and soba, we stuck to the basics. Considering their name has the word "Ramen" in it, I opted for the Unatama Udon (eel & egg) ($10.50) while Slokky chose the Ramen (miso) & Gyoza Set ($12.90).

Mine arrived in an average sized bowl, the clear soup had a complex flavour. The udon was a bit overcooked. The eel had a very fresh eel taste and the egg completed the picture. I was very impressed by the side salad, the dressing of soy, miso, and possibly mirin lifted it out of the ordinary.

The 3 gyoza on Slokky's tray were small and charred, but the filling was very tasty. Quality over quantity I say. The miso base was great, the noodles has more bite than at other places. The meat and egg tasted very similar to other joints. His salad had added pickles, which was just like the ones we tasted at all those department stores, and helped sooth the palate from the slightly spicy soup stock.

Rating - 7.5

Atmosphere

You've gotta know where this place is to go there, as it's tucked away on the first floor of a building next to Oportos. Inside, there's a semi nautical/Japanese theme going. For the prices, this place is decorated very nicely. The most striking thing is the ropes hung from the ceiling, making the space distinguished. A Japanese screens separates the entrance to the small dining room of about 15 tables, of dark wood. There's a bar with interesting Japanese decorations.

The crowd is a mix of young Asians, Caucasians and their parents it seem. A place for everyone!

Surprisingly, they play music that sound very much like Canto pop, except the lyrics are all in English!

Rating - 2.5

Service

From what we can make out, the 4 to 5 waitstaff are all Japanese, very trendy, young and skinny. Hey, but that's not the most important thing right? I am happy to report they juggled the demands very well, bringing drinks, taking orders, delivering good, settling the bill with great efficiency. I was amazed that they gave everyone just the right time to pursue the menu and that the food arrived at a very good time. This is a well-oiled machine.

Rating - 3.5

C-factor

Not exactly the cheapest place to eat ramen. Not exactly the tastiest place to eat ramen, but with the great service, the great space, I will def be coming back.

Rating - 1

Brownie Points - 14.5

Info

Level 1, 90 Hay St
Haymarket
NSW 2000
Phone (02) 9211 6677