Kikanbo
5/260 La Trobe St, Melbourne VIC 3000
0433 430 493
Ramen
$$
Food
- Karashibi Miso Ramen (No Spice)
- Coriander Lover Ramen (Medium Chill, Medium Spice)
The Good
Karashibi Miso Ramen (No Spice): This bowl felt much more like authentic Japanese ramen compared to the spiced versions, allowing the base miso flavors to come through clearly.
Slow-cooked BBQ Pork: Incredibly tender and juicy; the flavour was deep and pleasant without the BBQ notes becoming overpowering.
Ramen Noodles: Well-made with a great bite and texture that complemented the broth perfectly.
Coriander (Coriander Lover Ramen): Fresh and served in a very generous portion that lived up to its name.
Portion Size: Very decent and filling, offering good value for a CBD lunch or dinner
The Mediocre
The Broth (Coriander Lover): While it had a pleasant aroma, the combination of spices made it feel “off” for a Japanese ramen. It leaned more toward a Chinese-style noodle soup.
Medium Chilli & Numbing Spice: Disappointingly weak for a “medium” setting. While fragrant, the chilli lacked punch and there was almost no perceptible numbing sensation on the tongue.
The Bad
Nothing.
The Verdict
Kikambo is a delicious destination, provided you know what to order.
If you are looking for a Japanese ramen, then the Karashibi Miso Ramen (No Spice) actually hits the mark.
On the other hand, the “Coriander Lover” with medium spice feels more like a fusion noodle bowlโstill tasty and well-portioned, but lacking the traditional ramen profile and the “kick” we were hoping for.
Would Penguin Eat Again?
Maybe.