No geishas, no gimmicks. That’s one way that New Wave Ramen has described itself on social media, and walking into its newly-opened venue down Tib Lane with a lunch menu of just four items, they’re sticking to that ethos by keeping things firmly straight to the point.
Having been a popular ramen spot in the city thanks to its previous appearance at Mackie Mayor, New Wave have just opened their very own permanent site off Cross Street and Princess Street. Their tried and tested menu features four types of ramen featuring pork belly, vegan miso and lamb shoulder, all with noodles freshly made in-house.
The Miso ramen (£14) is a vegan miso tare and dashi broth served with kuri squash, red kale, an ajitama seasoned egg, and the soon-to-be famous noodles. It’s those noodles that really set New Wave apart from the rest, made with ingredients from local suppliers and artisan Japanese products.
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With a seafood allergy already well documented at this point, my server informed me that the Miso ramen would be the one for me. I added in some pork belly for a bit of added measure. Packed to the punch with flavours and the warming salty-sweet taste of miso, it's a fulfilling lunch that just feels so good for the soul.
It’s the perfect mid-way treat as we inch closer towards those Autumn and Winter months. I just wish my lack of co-ordination wouldn't get in the way of me being a chopstick-using expert. Instead, I politely ask for a fork with my tail between my legs accepting defeat on this occasion. Maybe next time.
Also on the menu is the Paitan (also £14) which is a creamy ramen broth served with, shoyu tara, pork belly, smoked collar, an ajitama egg and the noodles. It’s fresh and flavoursome, with each of the seasonable ingredients perfectly complementing one another.
The other two dishes on the menu are the Tanttanmen (£16), with lamb shoulder in a spicy sesame broth and chilli oil, and a shoyu (£14), which is your classic clear ramen broth with pork belly.
There’s also the option to upgrade each ramen to a special with chicken and meatballs, which are aromatic and feature a perfect blend of herbs. If you want to expand your lunch even further, there’s a specially curated wine and sake list, as well as highballs and local beers on offer too.
When New Wave say there are no gimmicks, they truly mean it - in the best possible way. It does what it does really well and they let the food do the talking.
Joining the likes of Bold Street Coffee and 10 Tib Lane, the area is really is becoming a beacon of Manchester’s thriving food scene and New Wave is right there at the centre of it. With no geishas and certainly no gimmicks in sight.
New Wave Ramen, 16 Tib Lane, Manchester, M2 4JB.
