Hey Ramen (Wellington CBD, New Zealand)

During my short business trip, one lunchtime, I found myself craving the comforting embrace of a steaming bowl of ramen. However, there were no ramen places near my workplace, so I decided to take a 15-minute stroll to Hey Ramen, a place that had caught my eye.

At first glance, Hey Ramen seemed inviting. The restaurant was filled with light, giving it a clean and pleasant atmosphere. With a growling stomach and high hopes, I eagerly ordered the Tonkotsu Black Ramen, one of my all-time favourites. But as I took my first sip, disappointment washed over me.

Yes, the noodles were decent, but the broth left much to be desired, especially for someone who knows what authentic ramen should taste like. It lacked that signature punch and depth that make a good bowl of ramen unforgettable. In all honesty, I’ve had better experiences with instant ramen, like the Nissin Black Garlic Oil Tonkotsu Ramen.

Despite my disappointment in the ramen, I have to give credit where it’s due. Hey Ramen’s service is incredibly fast, perfect for those on a tight lunch break schedule. The menu boasts a wide variety of options, with at least 15 types of ramen, 11 types of donburi, 6 types of fried rice, 3 types of fried noodles, and an array of sides to choose from.

One peculiar note about my visit was the seating arrangement. I opted for a high table, but the seats were unusual. It appeared as though the stools were stacked together. So, thinking they were meant to be unstacked, I did just that. However, when I sat down, I realized that the table height was practically at my neck level. It seems that they had combined the wrong stools to achieve the right height. A word of advice to future diners: don’t unstack the stools like I did!

One thing I noticed from reading Google reviews was that Hey Ramen had received positive feedback on its food and service in the past. However, things seemed to have taken a downturn recently under new management. Previously, the restaurant was run by Japanese staff, and many regular patrons had praised the quality and Flavors of the dishes. It’s apparent that there was a lack of proper handover training when the business changed hands. If the new owners are not Japanese, it might explain the shift in quality, as the Japanese take immense pride in perfecting their ramen broths.

Hey Ramen may have a convenient location and a diverse menu, but it falls short when it comes to delivering an authentic and memorable ramen experience. For those who truly appreciate the art of ramen-making, this might not be the place to satisfy your cravings.

Hey Ramen
Address: The Majestic Centre, Ground Floor/100 Willis Street, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Phone: +644 947 3656