Shoya (Auckland CBD, New Zealand)
Good ramen is hard in Auckland specially if you had tried the real thing in Japan, though I had tried several ones there are few who can deliver the real taste and texture, one of those who can deliver is this small place in Upper Queen Street in Auckland called Shoya. During lunch this place is studded with students so be early if you don’t want the hustle and bustle as it fills up fairly quickly around 12 noon.
Priced reasonable and tastes authentic hence the reason why they run out of space on peak times, they only offer ramen and some side dishes and that’s about it. I like places like this which means they can concentrate on where they are good at. They have only seven types of ramen namely Shoyu, Miso, Shio, Tonkotsu, Tonkotsu Miso, Tonkotsu Shoyu and Jigoku which they call spicy hell. Each ramen types are offered as normal, extra negi, extra pork and chicken for those who do not like pork.
For sides there are several options like Takoyaki, Takowasa, Agedashi Tofu, Salmon Sushi, Salmon Sashimi and Gyoza.
On my last visit I ordered Tonkotsu Chashu Ramen with extra pork (NZ$15.00) and to make is authentic as possible I did order some side of Prawn Gyoza 5pcs (NZ$8.00) a very typical offering in Japan only thing missing is the fried rice. Tonkotsu broth was great, you know it’s good when it starts to become jelly on your lips when it turns cold, its rich but not too salty and the texture of ramen was just right. I also like the fact that they offer extra chashu, this is what I was craving for in Japan, the meat as it is usually offered with one or two thin slices, here I got four and it’s a bit thicker than normal. Gyoza was great as well usually in Japan it is served using pork here you have the option of prawns which I prefer more.
I love it here, now I have another one added to my list if I am craving for a nice bowl of ramen. Perhaps I will try that Jigoku next time and see if it is really hot as hell.
Shoya
Address: 478 Queen St, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
Phone: +639 377 5020
