Ajisen Ramen (Botany) Restaurant — Restaurant in Howick

Conveniently located near Ocean, I had the opportunity to sample their Kumamoto-style tonkotsu ramen. The restaurant was quiet, with only myself as the sole customer, which allowed for attentive and personalized service—a small but appreciated detail.

The star of the dish, the Kumamoto-style tonkotsu broth, was executed with precision. The broth struck a delicate balance, showcasing a rich pork base with a subtle yet distinct garlic infusion. This was a refreshing departure from the heavier, more intense broths found in other regional styles.

That said, the chashu (braised pork belly) left room for improvement. While tender and flavourful, it lacked the smoky char that a quick blowtorch finish could have provided. A touch more caramelization would have elevated the dish, adding a layer of complexity to the meat. On the other hand, the tamago (soft-boiled egg) was a standout—perfectly marinated with a custard-like yolk that oozed richness. I would have preferred it served as a whole egg, halved for presentation, as good things often come in pairs.

For those accustomed to the bold, marrow-heavy intensity of Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen, this Kumamoto rendition may feel comparatively restrained. However, its balanced and aromatic profile is a testament to the regional style, offering a more approachable yet equally satisfying experience.

In summary, this Kumamoto-style tonkotsu ramen is a solid choice for those seeking a lighter, garlic-infused broth with a refined flavour profile. With a few tweaks to the chashu and egg presentation, it has the potential to be truly...

The Ramen came out so fast it was still so hot and the broth is so delicious. The Takoyaki and Yakitori were on point and the Beef Don were delicious in fact between the 4 of us we were pretty spoiled for choice. The flavours, the presentation and the and the efficiency in service were on point. This was my first time here and my family's regular eating spot. I totally recommend their Ramen, best I have had in a long time! Try fried Octopus was addictive! Loved the atmosphere which is totally relaxing. The staff are friendly and helpful. The restaurant was also very clean. Lovely place, lovely people, gorgeous food!!! Can't wait to come back and next time I will update with pictures! Be aware that parking may be limited. We came just after midday and were lucky to...

The restaurant looks so friendly and inviting. It gives it the Japan feel! You can order directly at the table using the QR code. There was not much of a wait time which was appreciated. The aesthetic of the food when they came out was amazing! The food is aesthetically pleasing! However, that’s where it ends. The flavours were not there. We ordered the chicken ramen, octopus balls and seaweed. Octopus balls were way too fishy smelling and tasting which was weird. The seaweed tasted like the St Pierre’s seaweed. Chicken was not spicy and was lacking that flavour! We were not satisfied with the meal that we had to eat something else afterwards. Overall...