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Ever since I was little, I have always been an avid fan of ramen; a steamy, warm, hot bowl of soup with perfectly cooked yellow noodles (I am convinced that one reason why yellow was my favourite colour when I was little because of this beautiful creation) served on its own, or with assorted toppings has never failed to provide me with solace. Whether it be a little gourmet, or instant, it has always been a favourite of mine.
Discovering Mensousai Mugen (otherwise known as Mugen Ramen) was another well appreciated gift from the Heavens for me.
In the past four months of discovering this hidden gem, I have returned numerous times - never leaving disappointed. Its staff, ambiance and food brew the perfect broth of happiness for me. It is perfect for a casual date night or to catch up with some friends Each time, my love for this place grows and if I were to live in the city, I would undoubtedly become a regular customer.
Upon my first visit with bubba, I discovered a lane way secret that would buy me a temporary ticket to Japan. The ambience of the restaurant is contemporary, laid back with a slick of coolness. For entree, we tried the gyouzas. By serving it in the pan, the homely feel was enhanced, and highlighted that the little dumplings were hot fresh from the kitchen. The skin was lightly and crispy, while the filling was seasoned subtly. This allowed the Mugen Special sauce to give an extra layer of flavour to augment the dish.
In terms of mains, bubba ordered the large wafu tsukumen and I, the wafu ramen. As soon as the tsukumen hit the table, both of our faces lit up; as neither of us had tried this dish style before. Upon finishing his noodles, the staff gave bub a small teapot of warm water to dilute the broth so that he could drink it. These little touches in experience and authencity were what made this night really special for us.
My wafu ramen was just as delightful. The dashi really comes through both ramen; so for those who aren't into such a strong, aromatic flavour this may not be the dish for you. The spring onion garnish helped add a note of freshness to the dish, and the egg was prepared gorgeously.
We finished the night with the matcha creme brulee. Unfortunately while the flavours came through, the brulee was not properly set which was disappointing. However, the contrast between the cup of hot green tea and the cold matcha brulee made for an interesting dessert; one I thoroughly enjoyed. While I probably would not order this dish again, I was very much intrigued by this polarity.
Our second visit did not kill any of the excitement from our first visit. After enviously eye-ing off other tables who had ordered "Japas" (Japanese Tapas) the last time we came, we had both agreed to try a few more, and compromise with a smaller portion of noodles.
First up was the potato salad with toast and prosciutto. The theatrics from cherry smoke as the jar was opened left me grinning from ear to ear. Again, the dish danced alongside perfection for me. The creaminess from the potato salad helped counter act the saltiness from the prosciutto. The toast added an element of crunch to the softness of the salad.
Next - salmon foil-yaki. Wow... 'salmon' - y feels! Just like the gyouzas, the fish was served in a pan. What I perhaps love the most about Mugen, is its ability to incorporate modern yet homely plating to induce childhood memories for bubba and me. I remember the times where we would have foil grilled salmon at home and pick at the the fish meat; nice and hot and soaked in a beautiful balance of flavours. The salmon skin was lightly crispy and burnt; creating a complexity in flavour against the simpleness of the fish. The mushrooms in the dish had soaked up the miso. The chewiness of the enoki went well with the salmon!
The last Japa we tried was the scallops gratin. The Hervey Bay scallops were fresh, plump and sweet. This was highlighted through the use of bacon, and laver. The addition of the white sauce sat well on my palette, and the breadcrumbs and mushroom again, gave a nice crunchy element to the dish. This was once again, another well executed dish.
This time round, bubba got the miso ramen while I ordered the goma tuskumen. The sesame soy sauce broth latched to the noodles when they were dipped in; allowing for a strong, flavoursome kick when eating. There were no complaints on either of our ends - we both left again, feeling content with our evening consumptions.
In our most recent endeavour, we were joined with our good friend. We ordered the gyouzas and two different Japas; the aburi chashu and pipi-sake mushi.
We were a little disappointed when the chashu first came out. I guess the dish looked a little underwelming compared to the previous presentation of dishes. The Yuzu was prominent in the mash, and the chashu well cooked - helping us to quickly forget about the minor regret we originally had.
When the pippies hit the table, I was reminded why bubba and I love this place. The sake flavour soaked into the plump pippies; with the garlic and butter further elevating the aroma of the dish. The chives helped to refine and bringing a fresh nuance to the savoury taste.
This time, I tried the tori (chicken) soba. The broth tasted really clean, light and was soothing on the stomach. It was not packed with strong, powerful flavours, but was a reminder of my own mother's chicken broth. While the flavours may be simple, the ability to invoke memories from a dish, is something that comes from talent and careful thought. The meatballs were chicken breast were tenderly cooked and the bamboo shoots provided a chewy yet crunch texture against the soft, soba noodles.
I really love this place and have no question that I will be returning again, sometime soon. The staff are always so polite and lovely; making the dining experience here that little bit more special. It may not be a fine dining experience, but it brings me to the wonderful nature of the Japanese culture and authenticity in flavour to transport me to Japan, even if it just for a little while.
Mensousai Mugen
A: 11 Bligh Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000
Ph: 9620 3647