Hakata Gensuke Carnegie — Restaurant in Melbourne

I remember going to Hakata Gensuke for the first time when they opened their first restaurant in the cbd. I remember the feeling I got at the time… the broth, the ramen noodles, the meat, the portion size; it was all comparable to experiences I had had up to that point in Japan.

Since this experience, there has been many new ramen authentic ramen restaurants that have opened in Melbourne; each with their own unique flare, flavours and atmosphere, but they all deliver a level of quality and experience that I can somewhat compare to my experiences in japan.

I was saddened by my most recent and most likely last visit to Hakata Gensuke in Carnegie.

For $63, we got 2 bowls ($20 each) of ramen each with only one slice of charsiu, a few strands of black fungus and a sprinkle of spring onions (plus broth)… I honestly don’t remember the last time I ordered ramen that didn’t come with the pickles, an egg, three slices of charsiu and the broth, there was an option available with all these “extras” for $30.50 - I think this is outrageous.

We also ordered 10 Gyoza ($14) which tasted similar to store bought frozen ones I’ve had before and the chicken karaage ($9) that didn’t come with kewpie Mayo (have to pay extra for this).

I think it’s time Hakata Gensuke really have a look at their competitors and how they compare. There’s still time to turn it around, but there’s a fine line between quality food and ingredients and ripping customers off with an existing brand and subpar...

I have recently been to both Shyun and Hakata.

The soup at Hakata for both vegetable and signature broth is very tasty. The Plus option for bowls of ramen seems best value to get seaweed and egg and extra chasu slice for $3 dollars bringing the signature bowl to $23. I think it's comparable value to shyun. Both restaurants have different and good flavour broth.

I found the service the same expectation of self ordering but the politeness was better at Hakata as they informed me how to order with good personality.

There is much more and comfortable seating at Hakata. Shyun is more cramped, but perhaps more authentic feel?

Where Hakata shone for me was the noodle style (shyun was maggi noodle style with other style costing extra). Hakata were long and large amount and also offered extra noodle ball restock for $2.50 which I recommend adding after eating all the existing noodle and ingredients. The extra noodles will reheat the broth and make almost another meal. This greatly improved the value for me.

Shyun I remember years back the cheerful Japanese sounding greetings and farewells from the staff as you arrive and leave, but they did not do this my last visit.

Hakata do have this personality still and it was a nice...

This is not a restaurant that you’d come for a date, family gatherings, or other particular occasion, but a daily simple meal that you can continue to revisit a couple of times a week.

The restaurant is bright and clean, and the staff members are very polite and friendly. They do not necessarily engage with you as you order through a QR code, but they surely give you a big smile to greet you upon your arrival.

The taste is above average, but with an affordable price, it becomes a very good deal. Ramen wise, the portion is somewhat pathetic, but the broth/ soup tastes like one of those small canteens in Japan, where you pop in to have a low key quick fix and take off. It is pretty delicious, just not very filling.

A special thanks to the girl who served me the other day, as I asked for a bit more rice after a day of sports training, feeling hungry. They did not charge me although I insisted, and made it more like their problem for not putting enough rice for the curry. Although they do not engage with you much, but when needed, they put effort to make you feel like...