Ajisen Ramen at Chadstone Shopping Centre – Malvern East – serving size and portions on the smaller end

Located in the Lower Ground floor of Chadstone Shopping Centre, Ajisen Ramen stands as a shadow of its former self, offering little more than its famous soup in a premier food court.

On a quest to satisfy my ramen craving, I stumbled upon Ajisen Ramen one afternoon, recalling its previous glory with multiple locations across Melbourne. However, having witnessed the demise of several branches, including those in the Melbourne CBD, Glen Waverley, and Box Hill, I approached with cautious optimism.

Ajisen Ramen, a Japanese chain originating from Kumamoto, is renowned for its tonkotsu soup, boasting a rich broth packed with collagen, purportedly offering health benefits and anti-ageing properties. According to their website, their noodles are crafted from wheat flour and cooked to al dente perfection, accompanied by their secret Senmiyu sauce to enhance the flavour profile.

However, my experience at Ajisen Ramen left much to be desired. The menu, primarily featuring ramen with a smattering of donburi options, looked normal and expected. So I decided to go for their signature Ajisen Ramen priced at $15.80, however I was presented with a disappointingly half-filled cardboard bowl, scantily adorned with meagre portions of meat—a far cry from the generous servings of my previous experiences (which generally have less topping than other restaurants, but this experience was quite telling in how little the toppings were).

While the soup retained its familiar flavour, it seemed lacking, perhaps a casualty of cost-cutting measures. The overall presentation and portion size left me feeling underwhelmed, highlighting the stark decline of a once-prominent ramen chain.

Despite their purported commitment to providing the best quality food at affordable prices, Ajisen Ramen at Chadstone Shopping Centre falls short of expectations. The lacklustre offering and diminished dining experience serve as a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of culinary excellence. As I departed, I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of sadness for what once was—that nostalgia of a hearty, tasty bowl of ramen with their signature, delicious tonkotsu soup.

Please support the website by liking the article or subscribing to the mailing list. The review and the experience above are based on my own views. No commission, freebies or payments have been received.

Here are some of my recent articles:

• 
  Little Bad Wolf – Noble Park – Mediterranean restaurant with gyros and grilled meats
• 
  El Jannah Charcoal Chicken – Dandenong – Lebanese charcoal and fried chicken outlet
• 
  ChimNutz – Melbourne – try their Chimney Cone Series
• 
  One Noodle Friendship – Preston – the best hand pulled noodles and dumplings in the area
• 
  TGI Fridays Bar & Grill at Chadstone – Malvern East – American dining experience