Christoff.ai

Monohon Ramen

restaurants•
London
London

Monohon Ramen

102 Old Street, London EC1V 9AY, United Kingdom

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away in a Shoreditch basement, Monohon Ramen has earned its stripes as London's first abura soba specialist, serving up 20-hour tonkotsu broth that's garnered TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice recognition. With just 20 counter seats and notorious queues, this no-reservations ramen-ya delivers an authentic Japanese experience that justifies both the wait and the hype.

Monohon Ramen: London's First Abura Soba Specialist Worth the Queue

A proper basement ramen-ya that doesn't compromise on authenticity

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Step down into this cozy basement and you'll find yourself in London's most authentic ramen-ya experience. The minimalist decor, punctuated by traditional red lanterns, creates an intimate counter-dining setup where all 20 seats face the open kitchen. The bustling energy is palpable – this isn't a place for lingering conversations, but rather for immersing yourself in the theatre of ramen preparation. The wooden counter and no-frills approach transport you straight to a Tokyo side street, complete with the sounds and aromas of a proper Japanese kitchen. The atmosphere scores a solid 7.5/10 for energy, and you'll feel it the moment you descend those stairs. It's cozy without being cramped, lively without being overwhelming, and maintains that authentic Japanese efficiency that makes every visit feel purposeful.

Food & Drink

Monohon's claim to fame as London's first abura soba specialist isn't just marketing speak – the 20-hour pork bone broth and house-made noodles crafted daily with Japanese flour and softened London water demonstrate serious commitment to authenticity. The menu spans tonkotsu and shoyu ramen, mentaiko cream mazemen, vegan tan tan men, hiyashi chuka, and ja ja men, offering impressive variety for such a compact operation. Sides include gyoza and karaage, rounding out the traditional ramen-ya experience. The quality justifies the price point, with ramen bowls averaging £10-13 – reasonable for central London standards. The daily noodle preparation using Japanese flour shows the kind of attention to detail that separates authentic operations from pretenders, while the 20-hour broth development speaks to proper Japanese technique.

Service & Experience

Service follows the efficient Japanese model you'd expect from authentic staff in this type of establishment. The team maintains the bustling, no-nonsense approach that keeps the queues moving while preserving the quality experience. Fast service is clearly a priority, which makes sense given the walk-in only policy and limited seating. The staff's Japanese background adds to the authenticity, though specific details about service nuances aren't available. What's clear is that this isn't a place for extended dining – the counter setup and efficient turnover create an experience focused on the food rather than leisurely service.

Value for Money

At £10-13 for ramen bowls with total meals under £30, Monohon delivers solid value for central London, particularly given the authenticity and quality on offer. The pricing sits comfortably in the moderate range (2/4 price level), making it accessible for what the venue tags describe as a 'student splurge' while remaining reasonable for the location and quality. The TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice 2024 recognition and 4.3/5 rating, with praise as 'best ramen in London' and 'authentic as Japan', suggest the pricing aligns well with the experience delivered. Takeaway is available, adding flexibility for those unwilling to brave the queues.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Based on the AI insider advice, queue early at 11:45am for lunch service (12:00-14:15) or 4:30pm for dinner (17:00-21:30). The venue operates Monday through Saturday with these split sessions, plus Sunday 5-9pm. Avoid bank holidays, Easter, and the 2-week Christmas/New Year closure period when they're completely shut.

What to Focus On

Given their specialty status, the abura soba is the must-try dish that sets them apart from other London ramen shops. The tonkotsu ramen showcases their 20-hour broth expertise, while adventurous diners should consider the mentaiko cream mazemen. Vegans aren't forgotten with the tan tan men option.

Christoff's Insider Tips

No reservations are accepted, so embrace the queue culture – it's part of the authentic experience. The 20-seat counter setup means you'll be dining shoulder-to-shoulder facing the kitchen action. Takeaway is available if you want to skip the wait but still want the authentic flavours.

The Final Verdict

Monohon Ramen succeeds where many London Japanese restaurants fail – delivering genuine authenticity without compromise. The basement location, counter-only dining, and no-reservations policy might seem restrictive, but they're integral to the authentic ramen-ya experience. The 20-hour broth, daily house-made noodles, and London's first abura soba offering justify both the queues and the accolades. While the 8.5/10 uniqueness score reflects its distinctive position in London's dining scene, the 3.5/10 flexibility score reminds you this isn't a casual drop-in spot. It's a destination that rewards commitment with an experience that's as close to Tokyo as you'll find in Shoreditch.

Christoff's Rating:
8.2/10

Perfect For:

ramen enthusiasts seeking authentic Japanese experiencefood adventurers willing to queue for London's first abura sobastudents looking for a worthwhile splurge under £30

Quick Details

1

Monohon Ramen

⭐️ Authentic ramen
⭐️ Counter dining
⭐️ No reservations
⭐️ Abura soba specialist

London's first abura soba specialist operates from a tiny Shoreditch basement with just 20 counter seats facing the open kitchen. The house-made noodles crafted daily with Japanese flour and softened London water pair with 20-hour pork bone broth that achieves genuine Tokyo-level depth. This walk-in only spot creates notorious queues, but the authentic atmosphere and TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice recognition prove the wait worthwhile. The minimalist red lantern decor and bustling energy from Japanese staff create the kind of focused ramen experience that Tokyo masters would recognize. Fast service keeps things moving, with most bowls under £15 making this exceptional value for the quality.

What's Great

✓ London's first abura soba specialist with 20-hour tonkotsu broth

✓ House-made noodles using authentic Japanese techniques

Keep in Mind

× Tiny 20-seat basement creates notorious queues with no reservations

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Queue early at 11:45am for lunch or 4:30pm dinner to avoid the worst waits

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
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Venue details

🕐"Mon-Sat: 12pm-3pm & 5pm-9pm, Sun: Closed"
📍102 Old Street, London EC1V 9AY, United Kingdom
💷£££
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

Monohon Ramen has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

Tokyo Flavors in London: Authentic Japanese Dining Guide 2025 reference image

Tokyo Flavors in London: Authentic Japanese Dining Guide 2025

restaurants in london•
Aug 21, 2025
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