In Porto, there are more and more new restaurants, from exquisite spaces like XXL By Olivier to others that invite you for quick meals like Imanol Barra Basca. However, the offer is vast, so there is room for themed spots, full of references to Japanese pop culture. In fact, since January 15, anime fans (and others) have had another place on their list: Ramen Shifu.
After Lisbon and Funchal (in Madeira), the Ayala Japan Group’s specialized ramen and Japanese street food brand arrives in Invicta, with the same promise as always: to bring fans of Japanese culture and gastronomy together in one place. With this opening, the Ramen Shifu group now has a total of five spots in Portugal, where the brand is run by Lucy (30) and Alexandre Wu (32).
A (very) instagrammable decor
We recently had the opportunity to visit this new ramen spot, located on Rua do Almada, near Avenida dos Aliados. As soon as we entered, we were surprised by the many well-known figures scattered around. From Sailor Moon to Pokemon, not forgetting Naruto and Dragon Ball, anime dominates the atmosphere.
Although the giant soft toys and images of pop culture figures attract attention, there are other inviting decorative details. For example, the paper lanterns, the neons and the mythical cotton curtains, making you feel somewhere between a traditional tavern and a modern place.
Our experience at Ramen Shifu Porto
The decor was the pretext for several photos, especially the giant Pokémon figures, which make you want to bring them home. However, we didn’t go there to ‘steal’ Squirtle, but to try the main attraction: the ramen.
The menu offers different types of the popular Japanese dish, including the typical Tonkotsu Ramen (€12.90) and Miso Ramen (€12.90), but also new creations such as Fried Chicked Ramen (€13.90) or Ebi Tempura Ramen. There are also vegan and spicy options.
However, before starting with the main dish, we opted to try some appetizers that invite sharing, such as:
- Takoyaki (€5.50), 4 pieces – Japanese croquettes with octopus, accompanied by mayonnaise, okonomiyaki sauce and tuna flakes
- Kimchi (4€) – Korean salad with sautéed vegetables and spicy seasoning, not recommended for those who don’t like to be ‘on fire’.
- Age Gyozas (5,60€), 6 pieces – fried with a filling of pork and vegetables, served with sweet and sour sauce
- Chicken Bao Bun (€4.95) – stuffed with crispy fried chicken, peanuts and canonigos, served with sauce
During the meal, we couldn’t resist trying the Ocean Bomb (refreshing sparkling, €4.50). Why? Once again, we wanted to catch all the Pokémon there were, as you can see from the photo accompanying this article.
When it came to the ramen itself, it was not easy to choose, given the quantity and variety on offer. However, we chose the Ebi Ramen (€14.50) with crispy pak choi prawns, soybean sprouts, marinated egg and spring onions, served in a homemade broth with shoyu. Another ramen spot to add to your list.
📍Rua do Almada 383, Porto
📅Every day from 12pm to 3.30pm and from 7pm to 11pm