Rising Sun Workshop

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Fixing bikes and making killer ramen - not two skill sets that often meet, but somehow, at Rising Sun Workshop, you simply do not question their ability to do both.

If you are picturing some grimey little place with engine oil on the ground and a sorry little diner at the back of the workshop, fear not - every part of Rising Sun Workshop looks vintage-y, charming, and, (the ramen joint portion of it at least) food safe.



The name of the game is ramen - though the menu is certainly not limited to ramen alone. Having said that, the menu is not extensive by any means - it is in fact a very select, short menu, focusing on only a few items. That fills me with confidence - if you only focus on a couple things, you do them well.

We begin with a little gyoza to whet the appetite.

Pork and Ginger gyoza, $9.5
The flavour is good - satisfyingly salty, however I do feel that the skin is a little bit too soft, as though overcooked - it breaks with the slightest touch. The test for a great gyoza skin is that it is soft but slightly chewy, so there is little danger of the soup escaping before making its way to your mouth. I was happy enough with them, but I wouldn't call the gyoza at RSW a highlight.

"Porky" Burger, $16
The panko-crumbed pork katsu is golden and crunchy, its oiliness cut by the addition of crisp lettuce and sliced pickles. The milk bun is soft and gently toasted. A strong burger.

Eggplant Burger, $16
If yo uare vegetarian, fear not, for there is also a burger for you - instead of crumbed pork katsu, how about some perfectly grilled, panko-crumbed eggplant?

The Darkness, $20
Now, the main game. There are only 4 ramens at RSW - the darkness being the ramen with a base of chicken, pork bone, shiitake mushroom and smoked hock, giving it a dark colour and a slightly bitter-smokey flavour. The toppings are fenominal - jurobuta belly, beautifully cooked black fungus, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, blackened onion, nori and a gently poached egg. Though my usual preference is the super-rich tonkatsu broth, The Darkness is sufficiently satisfying and complex in flavour to keep me  very happy and I would certainly recommend it as one of Sydney's best ramens.

The most charming part? The etchings on the bowl.


Score: 4/5
Price: Approx $30pp including a non-alcoholic beverage - though RSW does have a strong cocktail game too!
Address: 1c Whateley Street, Newtow
Website: https://www.risingsunworkshop.com/cafe

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