This cosy ramen shop does soups in a way Torquay has never seen before.
A good bowl of ramen is a marriage of a few very special things: belly-warming broth, tare (seasoning), soft noodles and delicious toppings.
The classic Japanese dish has become a winter warmer of choice across the region with restaurants across town serving up quality renditions ranging from the traditional to the inventive ensuring that anyone vaguely interested in food has a favourite bowl. Debates about who makes the best, thickest and cheapest bowls around town are almost unavoidable.
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While Japan may lay claim to inventing the world’s most sumptuous and exotic noodle soup, Geelong-based Shinya Ramen has become a heavyweight champion of ramen in regional Victoria.
Since opening in July 2019 just off Geelong’s waterfront, Shiny Ramen has earned itself a reputation as the best ramen outside of Japan, with a massive nod to the soul-warming ramen served with the flair and integrity that only a real ramen chef can provide.
What started as an under-the-radar ramen joint is now a fully-fledged ramen chain, with the Shinya Ramen Group opening three other stores under the Shinya Ramen umbrella – one in the Geelong CBD, one in Waurn Ponds, and now, one in Torquay.
Opening on Gilbert Street in Torquay, the coastal family-friendly venue is focused on bringing the creative Japanese cuisine (with every item cooked fresh to order) and quality customer service that they’ve become renowned for in Geelong to the new customers on the Surf Coast.
Unsurprisingly, this buzzing spot is known for its signature tonkotsu ramen. Translating to ‘pork bone’, the tonkotsu broth is thick and cloudy white in colour, coming from the boiling of pork bones and their chef’s authentic ingredients on high heat for over 10 hours. With a rich pork broth, fresh egg-free noodles, soft yolk eggs and tender pork chashu, this dish alone will transport you to Japan.
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Of course, the menu goes well beyond just this. There’s a range of other ramen dishes to try, including chicken ramen, Hokkaido Miso Butter Corn Ramen, Miso Ramen and vegan ramen. If you’re about the heat, you can turn your dinner up by selecting the spicy option, like the supa spicy chicken ramen, or the Tantan spicy ramen.
Regardless of what combination you choose, the soup is always hot and silky, and the noodles are perfectly cooked. Just remember, in Japan, no one waits for their friend’s ramen to arrive so dig in the second your bowl hits the table – appreciative slurping and all.
Here, you’ll also find all your favourites beyond ramen, including the Veggie Tempura, karaage (fried chicken), Agedashi Tofu, and freshly-made Gyoza, as well as beef Tataki, soft shell crab, spicy squid skewers, wafu oysters, finger-licking edamame, or even the crab claws.
There’s also a range of Donburi dishes sporting flavours like beef curry, chicken Katsu, Teriyaki chicken and Karaage; as well as Ramen salads and Bento boxes. Plus there are kids’ meals and a bunch of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options.
For dessert, you’ll find Japanese classics like green tea ice cream, black sesame ice cream, matcha cheesecake and mini Mochi.
The fit-out itself reflects Japanese simplicity – made up of bright walls, handwritten specials menus, Lantern-inspired pendant lights, black stools and timber tables. There’s even a robot server that can act as a sort of de facto server, guiding guests to their tables, carrying food and bussing which is incredibly 2022. And while the authentic Japanese taste is enough to get excited about, you’ll also find a traditional Sake Bar inside the venue, boasting great sake selections, cocktails and Japanese beer on tap.
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You won’t taste everything in one sitting, so be prepared to make a return trip time and time again, or order takeaway and cosy up on the couch with the timeless pairing of noodles and broth.
Shinya Ramen is perfect all year round, literally.
Shinya Ramen & Bar is located at Shop10 4-6 Gilbert street, Torquay. Open 7 days a week from 11am-3pm, 5pm-9pm, choose to dine in or order takeaway.
Visit the website for more info and to book your table.
