This Isn’t Just a Ramen Dish — It’s a Cult Classic: Trying Out Jiro Ramen at Shoryu

When Shoryu Ramen announced it was bringing Japan’s most infamous ramen bowl — the legendary Jiro Ramen — to the UK for the first time, I knew I had to go and try it. Available for a limited time across selected Shoryu locations including Manchester, this is ramen like you’ve never seen before: bigger, bolder, and unapologetically wild.

(All photos taken during my visit to Shoryu Manchester — including that mountain of garlic and melt-in-the-mouth pork belly!)

Starting Strong with Pork Gyoza

Before diving into the main event, I kicked things off with pork gyoza — crisp and golden on the outside, soft and juicy inside. It’s the kind of simple perfection that Shoryu nails every time: comforting, umami-rich, and the perfect warm-up before the flavour overload that is Jiro Ramen.

What Makes Jiro Ramen So Legendary?

First created in Tokyo in the 1960s, Jiro Ramen isn’t just a dish — it’s a movement. Fans in Japan call themselves Jirorians, proudly claiming it as “the ultimate ramen bowl.” It’s big, chaotic, and gloriously over-the-top. And yes — it’s absolutely delicious.

Each bowl (£23) comes loaded with:

Thick futomen noodles
Tender 4-hour braised kakuni pork belly
A mountain of bean sprouts and cabbage
A heap of minced garlic (the real star)
Extra seabura pork back fat for that ultra-rich broth

That garlic hit is intense — bold and unapologetic — but it completely transforms the bowl. It’s the kind of deep, savoury flavour that lingers long after you’ve finished, in the best possible way.

The Experience: Rich, Messy, and Completely Addictive

This isn’t refined or delicate ramen — it’s loud, indulgent and deliberately over the top. The broth is thick and fatty, coating each noodle perfectly, while the pork belly practically melts in your mouth. It’s a sensory overload — but one you’ll want to repeat.

We also ordered the Prawn katsu curry — perfectly crispy, golden and comforting, a solid companion if you somehow still have room left after tackling the Jiro mountain.

Think You Can Handle It? Try the Jiro to Hero Challenge

If you’re feeling competitive, Shoryu has launched the Jiro to Hero speed-eating challenge. Finish your bowl in under five minutes to earn exclusive Jiro merch and a place on the UK leaderboard. The top challenger each month even wins a year’s supply of Shoryu Ramen. (I didn’t attempt it… maybe next time.)

Available for a Limited Time

Founder and Executive Chef Kanji Furukawa calls Jiro Ramen his “guilty pleasure” — big, messy, and guaranteed to make your head sweat. Managing Director Hannah Tokumine adds that Shoryu’s version “captures the energy of this cult-favourite dish.”

You can try Jiro Ramen at Shoryu until 9th November 2025, when it’ll make way for their festive menus.

If you love bold flavours, huge portions, and a proper taste of Japanese ramen culture, don’t miss it.

📍 Shoryu Ramen Manchester

16 Piccadilly, Manchester M1 1LY
shoryuramen.com

In summary:
Jiro Ramen is rich, messy, garlicky, and full of personality — and that’s exactly why it’s brilliant. It’s not here to be polite; it’s here to take over your senses.