Truly one of the best Japanese restaurant in Hawthorn. I regularly go to this place for dinner with some of my friends. Love their Tori Karaage Chahan and Chicken Curry that comes with rice and lemon lime bitter is to die for. This is a chain so can't really say it will be awesome everywhere else but this one in Hawthorn is definitely the best in my experience.
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4.5*/5 for ramen
3*/5 for rice dishes
The good thing with this store is it has a large menu. Many choices which is good when dining as a group. We ordered the Tonkatsu bento and Chicken Katsu Curry. Food was so so - my tiny piece of tonkatsu was plain and they don’t give you sauce on the side, so there was too little sauce. Gyoza on the side was quite nice, yakitori tasted good even though it’s just grilled chicken not what yakitori is supposed to be like. Chicken Curry is okay with the right amount of heat, but there was not enough curry and no condiment (fukujinzuke or pickled shallot, or at least the pink ginger many other stores wrongly use). It was freezing inside the restaurant.
EDIT: went back for ramen. We had Ajisen ramen and toro buta ramen. Awesome! The flavour is milder than authentic Kumamoto ramen soup, but it’s exactly what I need. Have been struggling with ramen soup being too salty for my palette for so long. Soft boiled eggs is perfect but not ajitamago. Will go back for ramen!
Always pretty good quality food. A great range and good value for money. We have always left pretty happy and full from our visits each time. The bento boxes are our fav.
Spudsburgeradventures
+3.5
Simple and quick ramen is always a winner. Great location for the uni crowd with prices to match, the food comes out quickly and is tasty. By no means the best I've had, but would happily eat this again and again.
The food here is invariably good, great ramen, bentos, and they're often adding new things.
The ambience is okay but what gets me is that this restaurant is freezing year round. Not bad in Summer, but I wear a coat in winter, that's not pleasant.
They also don't allow split bills for no good reason, which is inconvenient when eating lunch.
Today there was another big protest at work and I wanted to stay away. It was the one about making education free. Ajisen Ramen is a chain store and I heard some good things about it from Confessions of a little pigy and other bloggers about their good meal sets. This store in Hawthorn was run by the Chinese.
Ajisen Ramen was a decent feed. First of all, the location is very convenient and is situated in a high traffic location (near a university). The inside was very well designed, with a decent amount of space. I have been here twice with over 10 other friends and we had no problem fitting into one table. Customer service was also good, very helpful in organising the table and offering us with drinks. Wait time was also decent, around 10 - 15 wait for meal orders. I have tried both a ramen meal and rice meal and they were both decent. The ramen was nothing special, it lacked the excitement and richness of flavour that distinguishes other ramen that I have had. Each element of the ramen were not bad but also did not blow me away. The same thing could be applied for the rice meals. The price are also decent and reflects the standard prices for the meals. Keeping in touch with the theme of this review, this restaurant is decent, not overly disappointing but also not overly exciting.
On a Sunday night, this place was opened but was really quiet. Thought I'd order take away for a friend and I. Decided to go the sashimi as I'm a massive sashimi person. Wasn't too expensive so definitely worth a try. Ordered chicken teriyaki which was a little bit boring. My friend had a soft shell crab ramen which she loved. Came in a separate tub so the noodles weren't mixed with the soup. I'd love to come back and try the rest of the menu though. The service was awesome. People there are super friendly. Whilst I waited for my food, the staff poured me a cup of water which I thought was nice.
Came here early during the evening for a quick dinner with family. When you go to a cheap eat, you don't usually expect to have amazing customer service, but the lady who served us was polite and really gracious. Food came out really quickly; sashimi was nice and fresh, the ramen texture was just right. Takoyaki were perfectly cooked and the seasoning was just right and hit the spot for such a cheap eat.
The food here is great!! Just a quick dinner of gyoza and a chicken curry. Food was full of flavour and very reasonably priced! Will definitely be back very soon
That's a descent Japanese for someone who never had one..!! Yup, those were the words that I was mumbling inside my head while I was enjoying my ramen for an early lunch on friday. Alright, now describing all my food experience from the beginning.
You get 2P and 3P parking easily all around and the restaurant is located right next to UniLodge, that strikes one parking and locating problem. The place is not that crowded and has a cozy place to sit in. If you are a vegetarian like me, they have ample options here as well, moreover food tastes great! I have seen in most of the restaurants that you have to request spoon and fork if you are a noob in using chopsticks, where as in here they will provide it without asking to avoid any such embarrassments. Staffs are courteous and prices are appropriate. Liked the sauses and green tea. If I had to try any Japanese or Ramen, this would be my first choice. And yeah, food portions are satisfactory.
Another favorite for ramen! Normally order the chicken katsu curry, teriyaki beef or the house Ajisen ramen. Recently decided to try the ebi mayonnaise (an entree dish that consists of about 9 prawns lightly coated in a nice mayonnaise with a side serving of salad), which was absolutely delicious. Probably one of the best chicken katsu curries I've had in Melbourne by far. Curry sauce isn't too spicy or oily and the chicken is nice an crispy on the outside which I love. Comes with an assortment of potato and carrot which make the meal a lot more filling. Staff are very attentive and friendly. Usually pop in once a week for dinner with the Mrs.
If you want to have a quick and cheap Japanese Ramen dinner, here's the place. I wouldn't say this place is 10 out of 10 as there are still lots of improvement for the restaurant such as the atmosphere, service etc but The price is very good and the food is not bad. There are lots of options for ramen and the most I like is the soft shell crab one. The soup of the ramen is rich as well. I will def go back :)
Had Ajisen Ramen and chicken wings. Their ramen is nice although I like it a little bit harder, the chashu is average. I like the chicken wings flavour. Friendly staff!! Reasonable price.
Not the best Ramon noodles I've ever had but the price is good the place is fairly quiet so service and the food was quick. $25 for two people with entre and mains
That was easily the most delicious vegetarian rice dish I have ever had the pleasure of eating. Magnificent. I wish I could take the chef home with me.
Among all Ajisen franchise stores in melbourne (all run by Chinese in fact), Hawthorn one probably is the best one. Yet, it is run by Chinese and the food does not genuinely resemble Japanese food (considered the ingredients and cooking style). Food quality is alright and not particularly impressive but the service is friendly and the price is fairly cheap. Overall, it is a decent place for cheap eat.
Great food, fantastic service. Service was on point and all staff 100% efficient.
Food was delicious. Will definitely go back again
I really like this place. It's cheap, service is okay and the food is yummy. They accept the entertainment voucher now I believe, but it's not much of an issue anyway since the meals are very reasonably priced and the servings are fairly big. I agree it was a bit dodgy when they weren't accepting entertainment vouchers... But hopefully this restaurant learnt a lesson from that. Happy to come back :)
We ordered the salmon sashimi and gyoza for entree. Was a little disappointed with the gyoza and definitly not enough dipping sauce..the chargrilled ramen looks amazing but taste just isnt quite right. The meat just feels wrong in with the ramen. The paiku ramen on the other hand was Awesome! The meat was so tender and melts in your mouth yumm. Would come back just for the paiku ramen :)
Great lunch option. I really like the food here and find the service very good. My favourite item from the menu is their chicken teriyaki don, which is incredibly delicious and well presented, as well as at a good price. The place is well designed with its long wooden tables and benches, and is always immaculate. The only problem is that I often seem to crave a meal here on a Monday, the only day of the week that they're closed!
Food is fantastic. Should try. Highly recommend it
The taste of Japan. I went in for a Friday lunch, the place was busy with a few big groups, the service was pretty slow as a result. I ordered the "samurai set / combo": ramen, an entree & a drink - about $15. Both the kimchi ramen and the takoyaki I ordered were just as I remember them in Japan - right down to the sweet kewpie mayonnaise. The soft drink was plonked on the table warm in a can with a straw - even McDonalds can run to ice!
Being genuine doesn't mean exceptional, and this isn't the type of food to rave about, but it makes good on the promise. Good value, and true to type.
Wow. Did not expect how good this place was. Delicious broth and noodles that were perfectly cooked. Beware the spice ratings - 1 chilli on the menu is pretty spicy!
Attentive service. Great for families.
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Flavourful broth and reasonably priced. I was in the mood for a soup based dish but can't be bothered to travel into the city for a meal and worried about finding parking. This is the third Ajisen Ramen outlet we have tried after the main branch on Bourke st and Glen Waverly. It was the right decision because we could find ample free off street parking in front and around the restaurant on the Burwood road. We walked in and was seated immeadiately. This branch was a lot quieter and smaller than the city and Glen Waverly branch. I ordered the chargrilled beef ramen and my husband ordered the Tori Karaage Chahan (fried rice with tori karaage, chasyu, egg and vegetables). The restaurant was very clean and pleasant. We waited for less than 10 minutes before our dinner was served. We are both very happy with our choice of meal. The chargrilled beef was perfectly cooked and the ramen broth was so flavourful. The eggs that came with the Ramen was also perfectly cooked and well seasoned. The fried rice was also very flavourful and welcomed change from the Chinese fried rice. Both of us finished everything on our bowl/ plate. The bill only came up to $23 for a hearty dinner for 2 adults. We didn't hesitate to sign up for membership and definitely will return in the near future.
I agree the food isn't spectacular but it was still freshly made. the atmosphere is relaxing where staffs are nice and not attentive. if you look for a quick, quiet and inexpensive place for dinner, I do think it is a good choice.
Tasty food, good size & good for a cheap night out!
Ok - Not wonderful. There isn't that much to say about Ajisen Ramen. It's a cookie-cutter franchise that is strong enough to cross continents, and for that it deserves a certain level of respect. The food is good for quick-and-easy, and even though the prices are a little higher than the majority of the surrounding Asian-style eateries, it's still affordable and filling.
The service is above dumpling house standards, but not very far, and that's ok. The interior is basic and uninviting. The options on the drinks menu could have been provided by Henry Ford.
All that said, if you're standing in front Ajisen Ramen, considering visiting, turn around. Across the street, 50m east, is Zen. This is a much better option for the casual diner, being more affordable and closer to authentic Japanese.
Value for money meals. Food - not too bad. Service - attentive, but painful due to language barrier. Atomsphere - clean & simple. A place for a good feed. An ideal place for students and the HUNGRY ones :)
Tasty, fast, cheap, authentic.. .
Pro's:
- Good value for money, especially the Sumo combos where you get one main and one smaller meal.
- Good atmosphere, trendy new young Tokyo scene.
- Good variety of Japanese food, traditional favourites plus modern selections.
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Con's:
- Take your mobile internet to decipher what the dishes are, unless you are familiar with Japanese cuisine you won't know what half of the menu items are.
Environment n staff very friendly when I visited with my two kids! My kids love their ramen so much! And very reasonable price. Sure we will visit again after a morning play with my kids at Billy Lids!
Great food! Authentic Japanese Ramen, highly recommended. Like the atmosphere too.
Volcano ramen was great! Nice spacious restaurant and food comes out pretty fast too!
Absolutely delicious food. The spicy spare ribs ramen is my favorite with impeccable flavors. The noodles are cooked perfectly. The chicken curry is great too. Service is very quick. Great value for your money. Take note of their opening hours though! Not open on Mondays and close at 9ish every other day (yes, including weekends).
Ramen is good here, though I feel it was better when I first went here six years ago. I enjoy their huge variety of ramen options, so if you're after super traditional this may not be the place for you. I've tried a lot of them and have enjoyed them all. They bring out new ones too like jalapeno and kimchi, which I enjoyed. The egg has a nice flavour here.
Best ramen and great friendly service. I get the spicy beef every time and have never been disappointed. Have been with friends who have got other dishes and they loved them but I just can't bring myself to get anything other than the spicy beef. The nasu dengaku is also fantastic and my entree of choice if I think I'll have room. Have been to another "
Ajisen Ramen" too and they were good, but this one is the best.
Australian Animal Oral Care - Pet Dental Cleaning
+5
We love Japanese food and this place is the best yet!
Perfect for lunch and dinner during and after work. We are addicted actually to the Ramen and Ebi Prawns.
You cant go wrong with any meal and its all excellent quality.
Its getting harder to choose our favourite dishes here.
And yes the staff are very friendly and accomodating to our Chilli requests.
Unpretentious yummy ramen. Great value.
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