Review: Genzui Ramen Bar

Whenever we are at a loss as to what to eat for lunch, we always seem to end up at the same place: a sleek little eatery called Genzui, tucked away off the street.  The food is good, the prices are reasonable, and there is something for everyone, from vegetarians to those avoiding carbs.

Genzui is a popular lunch venue

Despite calling itself a ramen bar, there is actually plenty on offer other than these wheat noodles. You can order dishes on rice, as well as purely meat-based ones, or salads (with or without meat) for those looking for a vegetable fix.

Apart from the broth in the ramen bowls sometimes being a little too salty, the only disadvantage of choosing this place for a meal is that it is always full at lunchtime! Turnover is quick, however, and we have never had to wait more than a few minutes before finding a seat (though we do also try to avoid the peak hour).

As with most Asian restaurants, don't expect all the dishes to arrive at the same time.  Tuck in as soon as a dish is brought out, and enjoy!

Autumn special: Miso Butter Corn Ramen

Spicy Chicken Don

[Added 4 August 2011:

We had dinner at Genzui tonight, as we were rushing to get to the lecture on carbohydrates at the university.  I asked what the meaning of Genzui was, and was told that it is the name of the owner's son.  This owner is also the the owner of Mentatz, that Japanese eatery on Lorne Street that is hugely popular with students.  The waitress pointed to a chef in the kitchen as she mentioned him.  This guy knows how to get his hands dirty!

Oh, and you can indulge your inner health freak by ordering extra vegetables.  The mini salad only costs $2 and comes with a dob of Japanese mayonnaise and a light vinaigrette.   I don't know how they chop the cabbage so thinly... I have never managed it at home.  I guess I am easily impressed.  :)

Mini salad, with salmon sashimi in the background

]

Panda Recommends

Mains: Chicken Miso Katsu Don ($9.50), though most other dishes are good too, so just order whatever takes your fancy.  I prefer the don dishes here, while the ramen seem to be better at Genzui's sister restaurant Mentatz.

Vegie Pandas
The Vege Ramen is probably not for you, unless you are happy with chicken stock in your soup.  There are some tofu dishes (e.g. Curry Tofu Don, Tofu Steak) and suitable side dishes and salads, though.

Menu - page 1

Menu - page 2

Restaurant Details

Genzui Ramen Bar
128 Albert Street, Auckland Central (foyer of the Crowne Plaza Hotel)
(09) 358 0240

Opening hours:
Mondays to Fridays 11:30am - 10pm
Saturdays to Sundays 6pm - 10pm

Genzui is situated in the foyer of the Crowne Plaza Hotel.  Go down the escalators, right to the bottom, and you will reach the Atrium on Elliott foodcourt.

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