Chorlton’s own Shogun Ramen and Bar is the definition of hidden gem, lowly-lit and unassuming, but unforgettable in quality. With a range of Japanese dishes on the menu, and ramen being the spotlight, Shogun are currently offering a 20% discount to students on Tuesdays, for their whole meal: a deal not to be missed for Japanese food fiends.
Priding themselves on authentic classic dishes, Shogun have set themselves apart from the countless ‘Asian fusion’ restaurants around Manchester, focusing on simplicity and getting it right. This speaks volumes, as having visited a number of times, I have never been disappointed with the quality (or quantity) of the food, with staff carefully preparing each dish in their open kitchen.
On this particular visit, we decided to really put those classics to the test, ordering the dynamite prawns to start. Paired with a couple of pints of Asahi, the prawns, cooked tempura style, came to our table hot and fresh, with a crispy golden exterior and a melt in the mouth texture inside. Dunked into a sweet chilli mayo, these made for the perfect light bite before our main courses.
Sampling two Japanese staples, we next ordered the original tonkotsu ramen, topped with barbecue pork belly, kikurage mushrooms, spring onions, and half of an ajitsuke egg, all complimenting that heavenly broth. This was alongside the classic chicken katsu curry, served with fragrant rice, half an onsen egg and refreshing Japanese salad pickles.
Shogun’s chefs have hit the nail on the head with both dishes, as the ramen’s tonkotsu broth is beautifully opaque, boasting a complex depth of flavour, featuring pork as its centerpiece. The barbequed pork belly is tender and juicy, adding the perfect level of saltiness, kept in check by the mild sweetness of spring onion. Having rarely tried kikurage mushrooms, they are surprisingly meaty in texture, and delivered an earthy, umami flavour, backed by the nitamago egg.
The chicken katsu curry matched the ramen in quality, and followed suit in its authenticity. Bathed in a liberal helping of heartwarming curry sauce, was perfectly crispy chicken, and a mountain of fragrant sticky rice. Shogun’s curry sauce was rich and aromatic, balancing sweetness and spice very well, and at the perfect consistency, making for a meal that felt like a loving hug.
With a generous helping of every component of the katsu curry, this was well worth £11.50, with the same applying to the ramen, priced at a reasonable £10. So, with Tuesday’s 20% off for students, there is no reason not to treat yourself to classic, filling dishes such as these.
As for the rest of Shogun’s menu, which failed to include a dish I didn’t want to try, other ramen’s range from £10-17.50 (not including Shogun’s notorious Sumo Challenge!), meaning you can choose to stick to a budget, or splash out. Rice bowls do not stray past £14.80, which considering the quality and freshness of ingredients, joined by the attention to detail put in by Shogun’s chefs, is not bad, particularly with the deal in mind.
For a more upmarket meal, Shogun also offer a fairly wide range of sushi, hand prepared to order, with prices matching those of most sushi restaurants. Having sampled the sashimi in particular, on a separate visit, I can confirm that portions are generous, and thus is highly recommended for fishy fanatics.
To consider Shogun’s inclusivity, there are vegan options available in each section of the menu, and notably, these dishes do not feel like afterthoughts, with each presenting as much complexity and appeal as meat-based dishes. Additionally, meat dishes, such as the chicken broth based ramen, are halal, meaning options are varied for most.
Shogun is therefore a great excuse to hop across to Chorlton, an area of Manchester perhaps overlooked by students, but very accessible by bus or tram, but get there early, as tables are generally pretty sought after. With no option to book a table, you may find yourself fighting the locals to secure a spot; it is not a rarity to be resigned to the bar, which is by no means a bad thing, as you get a first hand view of the chefs hard at work, and all the more proves a very justified popularity.
New deals are frequently announced on Instagram (@shogunramenandbar), so keep an eye out for more money saving treats.
Shogun are open 1-9pm on Mondays, 5-9pm Tue-Thu, 1-4pm, 5-10pm on Fridays, 1-10pm on Saturdays, 1-9pm on Sundays.
