For owners Pat Breen and Lydia Wegner, the Ramen adventure began five years ago, in 2013, and within a short space of time it began to outgrow its small kitchen. The casual style of laid-back dining, and the tiny, but mouth wateringly tasty menu, drew weekly newcomers, and kept locals and returning visitors coming back time and again. After five years of performing culinary miracles in something akin to a small box room, they found a deserted shop on Plenty Street, and set about converting it. Originally, it was going to be a prep kitchen, to handle the increasing demand from the Smith Street establishment, but that idea was soon changed, and the place became a whole new eatery.
Ramen is a Chinese street food bought to Japan by soldiers returning from campaigns in China. As its popularity increased, and Japanese-style flavours replaced those of China, it became one of the country’s favourite dishes. In keeping with its basic menu, the new ‘Ramen Bun & Pie’ is decorated in a matching rustic style, similar to that of the first establishment. With wood floor, wood panelled walls, low, wooden bench style communal dining tables and wooden stools, the whole dining experience is quirky and basic, yet strangely stylish and great fun.
Pat and Lydia discovered Ramen during their many visits to Japan. To this day they regularly travel to Tokyo, looking for new flavours they can bring back to Preston and experiment with, to create their own unique flavours. Everything is prepared on site, the wheat noodles are homemade and broth flavours exclusive. The small Shop Ramen menu highlights belly-pork, barbequed chicken, brisket of beef and a vegan tofu, all in their individual broths. The team has recently introduced a light draught beer from Japan, and the Japanese rice wine Sake. If you’ve always thought Japanese cuisine consisted of rice, raw fish and chewy octopus, or you’re looking for a family fun dining experience for that special occasion, head for Shop Ramen in Preston, and enjoy some genuine Japanese street food with a British twist.
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