MINIMONO "Noodle Bar" — Restaurant in Adelaide

Went again updated - better but still there are places with better value TLDR save your money and go to hajime. Where to start, nice decor, good location. Started with the sides, the gyoza was really tasty, interesting flavour and nice combo with the sauce that came with it. The karaage was good but tasted like home made karaage I.e. Soft mild taste (not that I have an issue with the sides but isn't it too expensive for $10). The first thing that went wrong was the table water, I don't mind getting table water and glasses myself, but I do care about what I'm drinking from, paper cups is ridiculous. Not only is this wasteful, but is low quality and not enhancing the experience. The other issue I have is that they didn't even bring out side plates for my partner and I to share the sides, the gyoza is oily, either you are going to get it on yourself or spill it on the table. Their solution, have a napkin, which is your plate, the utensil you will use to clean the table as your going to make a mess, and the thing you are going to use to clean your mouth later, I don't think that is very sanitary. If I am spending $10 dollars per side and $20+ on mains, I expect a bit more than paper cups and napkins as plates. Then came the mains, these were a good size, however the bases were watery and oily, the noodles were rubbery, and the chashu was lacklustre. The ajitama was nice but could've been more raw (personal preference). You would think a ramen bar that has a limited menu should do what they have on the menu really well... However this is not the case. Still edible but would I come here again out of choice, probably not. There are better ramen bars in town at a better price point. If you want something that breaks tradition, come here as it has truffle ramen and...

Our first time coming here was quite good; the food was really tasty and it was a nice spot to eat. The broth was so flavourful and the noodles were a good chewy texture. However on our second visit, it wasn’t as perfect. Upon walking into the place, it was so sticky and humid and we were instantly sweating and uncomfortable. Even the drinks we ordered were covered in condensation and warmed up fairly quickly. I ordered a ramen, which came almost instantly, however my partners donburi took almost half an hour to come out. To put in perspective: my food would have well and truly been eaten by the time his arrived. We weren’t too pleased about this, and my food ended up going warm due to waiting so long for his. The ramen this time too was very bland and unflavoured, almost a watery, chewy mess and I can’t say I was a fan. The karaage chicken was powdery and lacked flavour, with the kewpie not saving it at all. My parents donburi was also very lacklustre and bland, so not worth the wait. Unfortunately, inconsistency with food is never a good sign for me. Especially not with the price you’re paying for this food. Might give this place a go again in the future, but not for...

The Korean radio playing really detracts from what I think this place is going for. Japanese food, japanese drinks, katakana on the menu…… and then Korean music.

I had chicken katsu curry, but it seems they neglected to tell me that the curry is made with a beef base. The curry did taste fine, but the amount of curry to rice is somewhat absurd. As are the size of the “side” dishes. I was a little wary considering how expensive they are, but honestly most people would be fine just ordering a side dish and be content with the amount of food received.

Service was fine, nothing to get annoyed about, but also not exactly to be happy about even though it wasn’t busy.

The place itself, nice and clean, and well lit.

Overall, way too expensive for what you get, but if you don’t mind paying for style over substance, then you’ll be fine. I will be coming back to try their ramen though, although for what’s being charged, it would have to either be enormous or absolutely gourmet, neither of which I...