Start the week with a slurp at Shochu Lounge’s Ramen Mondays

For the past few weeks, Roka have been quietly experimenting with serving ramen in their basement bar, Shochu Lounge. A makeshift noodle station has been set up in the bar, with a small team of chefs diligently crafting each bowl to order. At present, there are only two options available – shoyu (soy sauce) and miso bases – though there may be plans to branch out into other classic variations, such as tonkotsu (pork bone broth). The Time Out food team have already slurped their way through several bowls (at £8.60 each, excluding service), and give the ramen a tentative thumbs up – we prefer a more al dente noodle, but the slices of cha siu pork are magnificently tender and spot on. The shoyu version trumps the miso one, as it’s loaded with extra goodies such as bamboo shoots, seaweed and half a soft-boiled egg. At present, they’re only serving ramen on Mondays between noon and 2pm, so plan your meal (and possibly your sales shopping) accordingly. Our top tip? Sit at the bar – the lounge tables are too low and make for awkward bent-over noodle slurping. Charmaine Mok

For info, see Shochu Lounge listing.

Tags: charlotte street, charmaine mok, miso, noodle, ramen, restaurant, roka, shochu lounge, shoyu, soup, soy sauce