Shujinko Russell — Restaurant in Melbourne

Let’s talk about the most transcendent experience you can have in Melbourne: eating ramen at Shujinko Ramen House on Russell Street. Now, this isn’t just any ramen joint. Oh no. This is the place where the mundane world of noodles fades away, and you are lifted into a new reality of gastronomic enlightenment. It's like stepping into Japan without booking a flight. I don’t know what kind of magic is happening in their kitchen, but I swear I left Shujinko feeling at least 30% more Japanese. No joke.

First things first: the broth. If there was ever a liquid that could be bottled and sold as liquid gold, this would be it. Rich, silky, and packed with layers of flavor that hit you like a spiritual epiphany. It’s savory, savory, and did I mention savory? One spoonful, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a ramen shop tucked away in the alleys of Kyoto. Your soul will instantly feel more refined, your taste buds more discerning. I’m pretty sure I started pondering Zen philosophy the moment I tasted it.

The noodles? Perfectly chewy with just the right amount of bite. These aren’t the sad, soggy noodles you’re used to. No, these are noodles that feel like they’ve been lovingly handcrafted by ramen artisans who’ve spent decades perfecting the art. You know, noodles with a purpose. And as you slurp them up, the sounds of the broth swirling around the bowl somehow begin to sound like a symphony of ancient traditions.

And the toppings... oh, the toppings. The pork belly melts in your mouth like a buttery dream. The eggs? Soft-boiled perfection, with that glossy, golden yolk that practically glows like a precious jewel.

Now, let’s talk atmosphere. Shujinko isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a journey. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with a warm, inviting ambiance that feels both modern and traditional. The lighting is cozy yet sleek, and the intimate setting makes you feel like you’re not just a customer, but a guest on a sacred pilgrimage. If Japan had a secret ramen temple, this would be it.

But here's the kicker: after one bowl of ramen at Shujinko, you’ll find yourself inexplicably doing things you never thought possible. I started casually tossing out random Japanese phrases in conversation. I swear, my inner anime character came to life! I also found myself looking at my reflection in the window and realizing—I had become effortlessly cool, without even trying. Maybe it was the ramen, maybe it was the fact that I had just experienced nirvana in a bowl. Either way, my newfound appreciation for all things Japanese had officially elevated me to the next level of ramen enlightenment.

Shujinko Ramen House isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a full-body, mind-expanding experience. It’s where your taste buds do a happy dance, your spirit does a little shimmy, and you walk away feeling like you’ve unlocked the secrets of the universe. So, if you want to truly feel like you’ve just stepped off the plane in Japan and into a ramen shop that’s nothing short of magical, head to Shujinko. You’ll leave not just full, but spiritually nourished, and maybe even speaking a little Japanese (whether you intended to or not).

Best ramen in Melbourne? Absolutely. And I can’t...

Shujinko on Russell Street does its best work in the small hours when most of the CBD is yawning closed. Neon signage glows through the front window, steam rolls off vats of pork bone broth and the tight dining room hums with late‑night conversations in half a dozen languages. You join the short queue, scribble your name on the clipboard, and within ten minutes you are perched at the counter listening to the cooks shout abbreviated orders over the hiss of the noodle boiler.

The tonkotsu ramen is what keeps regulars returning. Broth simmers for a reported twelve hours and arrives opaque, creamy and deeply savoury without tipping into salt overload. Thin noodles hold just enough bite, slices of chashu relax into the heat and the half‑set ajitama egg reveals a molten orange centre the moment your chopsticks tap it. Spice‑chasing friends swear by the karakuchi version which levels up with house chilli oil but still lets the pork shine. If you want a richer hit, the deluxe bowl adds an extra sheet of nori and a knob of garlic butter that melts slowly across the surface.

Sides are worth squeezing in. Gyoza land with crisp bottoms and juicy pork filling, while karaage chicken stays light, crunchy and pairs neatly with the tang of yuzu mayo. Service moves at a clip yet feels welcoming; staff refill water without prompting, suggest add‑ons based on appetite and remember to ask if you prefer your noodles firm or soft. Prices hover at the sensible end of specialty ramen and the portion size leaves no one hunting for a second dinner.

Whether you stagger in after a gig, break for a midnight study session or crave a warming bowl on a cold afternoon, Shujinko Russell delivers comfort in a way only...

As soon as you walk in it’s clear that you’ve found a little piece of Japan right here in Melbourne. From the decor to the welcoming “Irasshaimase!” the moment you step through the door, its clear the intention is to make a little Izakaya spot in australia. With anime figures surrounding the kitchen/bar area, and the chef’s cooking your food behind a glass screen above the bar, you’d be forgiven for not realising this is actually a chain restaurant. Little touches like that prevent the place from feeling too mass produced like other chain restaurants and add a lovely little personal touch to the space.

While we were there we tried the Black Ramen, Tonkatsu and rice combo and a side of Takoyaki. The Takoyaki was hot and fresh, with ample helpings of the bonito shavings and sauce/kewpie. The octopus pieces found in the center were tender and flavourful - no chewy over cooked pieces here! The Tonkatsu was fantastically crunchy and golden - crisp on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. Honestly ideal. My partner had the Black Ramen - I was told the noodles had their signature slight chewiness, and the broth was rich with a decent punch. A special point was made to mention that the Chashu in the ramen was fantastic - something so easily underwhelming when it comes to ramen, and frankly, quality such as this is unheard of in chain restaurants otherwise!

The food and drinks came out fast, while not at all making us feel rushed.

As fair as chain restaurants go, you’d be excused for not realising it was one. Fantastic for a quick authentic (and affordable!) meal, and one I would happily...