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Maneki Ramen Birmingham- Overhyped ramen

Got off the plane from Madrid and straight back into Brum. Today, we're tackling a new ramen spot that's been on my radar: Maneki Ramen in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter.

I've been eyeing this place since the whispers of its Jewellery Quarter opening began. Now, I understand it's a fusion concept, not traditional ramen. However, given the limited Japanese restaurant options in Birmingham, it seemed worth a try.

First impressions were positive regarding the decor. It features an industrial-chic design, which, with some Japanese elements, creates an appealing atmosphere. The place was lively and appeared to be well-received by other diners. However, this is where my experience began to turn less favourable.
Store front of Maneki Ramen
'Award' winning Ramen

Service Speed: A Test of Patience

To be frank, the service was notably slow. While the staff were friendly, the wait time for our food was approximately 30 minutes. Furthermore, a table seated 10-15 minutes after us received their main courses before ours, which was a bit frustrating.

The Food: A Mixed Bag of Flavours

Chicken karaage
Flavour is not bad but it is just too dry
Now, for the main event: the food. Overall, it was a mixed experience. We started with the chicken karaage, which unfortunately was dry, and the batter was excessively thick. This wasn't a particularly promising start.

Tokyo Shoyu Ramen
'Mushroomyu' ramen
I ordered the Tokyo Shoyu, anticipating a rich soy-based broth. Instead, the flavour was overwhelmingly mushroom-forward. While not inherently bad, it was unexpected and deviated significantly from a traditional shoyu profile. On a positive note, the chicken breast in the ramen was tender and juicy. My main critiques were the small portion of broth provided and the overall modest size of the dish.

Then there was the Tantanmen. I found this dish to be excessively fusion, pushing beyond what they considered acceptable for a ramen interpretation.

A Step Up from Casual Chains, But Not for Purists

I often find that many fusion dishes struggle to execute a cohesive blend of cuisines, frequently leaning too heavily towards one side. At Maneki, the ramen feels significantly Westernised, sacrificing many traditional Japanese elements. While some social media commentary hails it as the "best ramen in the Midlands," I can't entirely agree. If your usual go-to is a chain like Wagamama, you might find this to be an improvement. However, if you are accustomed to the authentic flavours of traditional Japanese ramen, you may find Maneki Ramen's interpretation a significant departure.

Verdict: If you are used to the traditional Japanese ramen flavour, you might want to go somewhere else; otherwise, prepare for a palate shock.


Ratings:
Food: 3/5 - Flavours were mixed, some elements disappointing.
Service: 2/5 - Notably slow, impacting the dining experience.
Decor: 4.5/5 - Visually appealing and well-designed interior.
Value: 3/5 - Portions and quality didn't quite justify the cost.
Overall: 3/5 - A decent attempt, but ultimately underwhelming.

Estimated Cost Per Person: £20-£30 (without drinks)


Restaurant Info:
Maneki Ramen Birmingham
16-24 St Paul's Square,
Birmingham, B3 1QU
Telephone: 0121 236 1234
Website: https://manekiramen.com
Labels:
Location: Birmingham, UK

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