Exploring Shoryu Ramen: Signature Ganso Tonkotsu (October 14th, 2024)

I’ve recently set myself a mission to try all the ramen spots in Oxford, and the latest on my list was Shoryu Ramen. The name "Shoryu" (昇龍) comes from the Japanese reading of the kanji for "ascending dragon," which I found to be a fascinating choice for a ramen shop. Located on the ground level of Westgate Shopping Mall, it wasn’t too crowded when I visited, so I was seated right away.

As I entered, I was greeted by a fun and unexpected experience—the staff banged a drum and shouted 「いらっしゃいませ」 (Irasshai Mase, meaning "Welcome!"). I had seen them do this for the customer in front of me and thought it was interesting, but when it was my turn, I was caught off guard by the loud sound!

Once seated, I received the menu and decided to go with their signature dish, the Shoryu Ganso Tonkotsu Ramen. While the menu didn’t explain it, I guessed that "Ganso" likely comes from the kanji 元祖, meaning "original" or "founder," so it felt like the perfect choice to try.

One unique aspect of Shoryu is that they let you choose the firmness of your noodles, and the options come with interesting origins:

• Futsuu, meaning "normal," is the standard firmness that most people are familiar with.
• Katamen, which translates to "firm noodles," is slightly harder than normal and gives a satisfying chew. This is a popular choice for those who enjoy a bit more bite to their ramen.
• Then there’s Barikata, literally meaning "extra hard," where the thin noodles are cooked very briefly to maintain a firm texture. It's a favorite among hardcore ramen enthusiasts.
• Finally, for the truly adventurous, there’s Konaotoshi, which means "dust removed." This level of firmness is achieved by barely dipping the noodles in boiling water, resulting in an almost raw texture—an option for those who appreciate their noodles ultra-firm.

I went with Katamen, as I prefer a firmer bite. The ramen itself was excellent—the tonkotsu broth was rich and deeply flavorful, and the chashu pork was tender and delicious. Another highlight was that, just like in Japan, you can order extra noodles, ensuring a full and satisfying meal.