After nearly two decades serving slurp-worthy ramen to Adelaide locals, Ajisen Ramen has opened a new flagship store in Rundle Place, bringing with it a new fit-out, and an extended menu.
What began in Adelaide as a modest shopfront on Leigh Street back in the mid-2000s, has now evolved into a city favourite, with its loyal university-aged customers now returning with families in tow.
“I arrived in Adelaide almost 18 years ago,” says owner Feng Wang, who first discovered the city’s potential back in 2008 while travelling from Melbourne, where he and his business partner Alex Zhao had worked part-time at the country’s first Ajisen Ramen.
“At the time, there wasn’t much Asian or Japanese food around Adelaide. We saw an opportunity to bring something we loved here.”
Their journey began with the Leigh Street location followed by a tiny spot in Regent Arcade in 2011, then Gouger Street. But following the quiet post-lockdown period in Regent Arcade, the team was approached by Rundle Place with a new opportunity.
“They found me and asked if I’d consider relocating here. It just felt right, and it’s such a big and beautiful space.”
Ajisen is one of several new venues opening on Level 1 of Rundle Place, joining Doughballs Pizza and Hijinx Hotel in what’s shaping up to be a food and fun lover’s destination. With whispers of up to eight restaurants joining the fold – including a Korean BBQ – the revamped level is set to be open until late most nights, ideal for those after a quick bite after work or late night shopping.
This latest Ajisen feels more like a standalone restaurant than a mall eatery.
Designed in collaboration with the Ajisen head office in Japan, the fit-out blends traditional timber accents with modern additions like high mirrored ceilings, LED lighting and a bright open space that glows from the mall below. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlook the bustling mall, offering the perfect people-watching perch.
The seating is versatile, too. “We have three types of seating – tables, cushioned chairs and bars seats – to suit all kinds of customers,” explains Feng.
“We focused on the business crowds and students in our other smaller stores, whereas here in Rundle Place we want to attract a wider range of customers who have made the trip into the city to shop.”
The new Rundle Place venue also boasts an expanded menu, which will soon roll out across all Adelaide Ajisen stores. New dishes include beef tataki, salmon dishes, and more noodle options, alongside their famed tonkatsu pork broth and popular vegetarian mushroom ramen.
“We were the first Japanese ramen shop in Adelaide to serve vegetarian ramen,” he says. “And we still have so many regular vegetarian customers coming in for it.”
From humble beginnings to serving hundreds a day, Ajisen’s latest chapter proves ramen is as hot as ever in Adelaide. With the winter chill hitting hard, this new spot is serving the heartwarming soul food we’re all craving.
Just one word of advice if you’re planning a lunchtime visit – expect a short wait.
“We boil everything fresh, and when you’ve got 60 people ordering noodles at once… it takes time,” Feng laughs.
“We have 60 seats, but last Friday it was so busy that people were taking their meals to the public area. We had over 300 customers – we had to close early at 8pm!”
Ajisen Ramen Rundle Place is now open daily from 11:30am for lunch and dinner. Just follow the scent of simmering broth.
WHAT: Ajisen Ramen Rundle Place
WHERE: L1 Rundle Place, 77-91 Rundle Mall
WHEN: 11:30am – 8:30pm weekdays (9:30pm weekends)
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