Smith Street’s Wabi Sabi Salon may be familiar to some, but do you know that there is something special going on every Sunday afternoon?
It’s got something to do with an appetising aroma, energetic voices, the rising steam from the cauldron of broth and the earnestness of Chef Atsushi Kawakami.
“What is it?” you may enquire. If you think it has something to do with ramen, you are definitely on the right track!
Wabi Sabi Salon is now selling their limited tonkotsu ramen every Sunday afternoon. Here you’ll find a group of men diligently making and plating up bowls of ramen each week.
The ramen boom is still on fire in Melbourne, but the word ‘boom’ doesn't apply to the group of men working in the back. To them, making ramen symbolises their seriousness and passion. You’ll definitely feel that kind of atmosphere reflected in the restaurant and will be able to taste it too.
Wabi Sabi contains the spirit and concentration of Owner Tomoya Kawasaki and his team. They put in so much effort that surely no one can beat them. There is absolutely no artificial flavouring in the soup, but how they do that is a trade secret. However, what we do know is that their stock has been gruellingly perfected by the classic trial and error method.
Tonkotsu Chashu Ramen ($16)
Topped with slowly simmered slices of pork fillet, it gives everyone a sense of succulent satisfaction.
The star of this ramen is definitely the broth! You've got to savour it slowly until the very last drop.
Tonkotsu Tantan Noodles ($16)
The tonkotsu broth is also compatible with a simmered egg. It boasts a mild flavour with a spicy sesame taste. The flavour balance of the minced meat and bean sauce is very exquisite. It’s the bowl of ramen that’ll draw all your five senses in together.
Come to the Smith Street for your Sunday lunch. Eating a bowl of steaming hot ramen is perfect to warm up and spend comfort time with your family, friends, other half, or even by yourself.
By the way, if you come in a group of four of more and say, “I read your article JIM” you’ll receive a serve of gyoza at no charge!
Wabi Sabi’s ramen is so popular you won’t want to miss out. The restaurant will close when the last bowl of tonkotsu broth has been sold. To avoid disappointment in the evening, be sure to give them a ring to see if they have any left for you!
Wabi Sabi Salon “Salon De Ramen!”
Starts every Sunday 12pm until soup runs out!
94 Smith Street, Collingwood, VIC 3066
Tel: (03) 9417 6119
Web: http://www.wabisabi.net.au/
Normal trading hours: Mon-Sat [Lunch] 12:00pm-3:00pm [Dinner] 5:00pm-11:00pm
