Sheng Ramen
When I don’t feel like driving all the way to Wu-Ron’s, I go to Sheng Ramen. It’s a ramen shop located in a strip mall in Ballantyne. Though it’s not as authentic as Wu-Ron’s, it satisfies the craving. They have a larger menu, so if one of your friends doesn’t eat ramen (although I think anyone who doesn’t is SERIOUSLY missing out), there are other options on the menu.
If it’s not broken, no need to fix it
I’ve tried a few things on the menu, and they’re all good — these are my go-to’s:
Fried Chicken Buns: So delicious. It’s a cross between a classic pork bun and karaage. The chicken is super crunchy, flavorful, and juicy. The steam bun is fluffy and tender, and the cabbage adds a cool crunchiness to the dish. It has a bit of aioli in it too. I’m a big fan.
Pork Belly Buns: I order the Pork Belly Buns when I don’t get the fried chicken buns. The pork belly is on the leaner side, and it’s garnished with lettuce, cucumber, mayo, and a sweet brown sauce on a fluffy steam bun. The pork has a great, smokey, grilled flavor — like they cooked it on a robata grill. The lettuce and cucumber add a nice crunch. It’s tasty.
Tonkotsu Ramen: The egg is always jammy. It’s an expectation I have for ramen, yet some places (even ones with amazing broth) dry them out. Not at Sheng. The pork chashu is the same pork used for the pork belly buns. It’s smokey, delicious, and adds some nice flavor to the broth. While I like that the pork is leaner in the pork belly bun, I wish fattier pieces were used in the tonkotsu — like they do in Cali. If you get the spicy version, the spice is already mixed in with the broth rather than coming on the side. It packs some heat, so I might consider ordering it 1/2 spicy next time or ask for it on the side. Just like at Wu-Ron’s, the noodles are thin. (If you read my post on Wu-Ron’s, you know I prefer thicker noodles.) On the flipside, Sheng Ramen does give you A MASSIVE number of noodles in your bowl, and I’m here for that.
Yakisoba: A solid teriyaki stir fry noodle dish. It’s not anything to write home about, but offers a good option for anyone that doesn’t want ramen. This dish is packed with noodles, too.
Teriyaki Chicken Rice: Two chicken breasts covered in homemade teriyaki sauce and served with white rice and steamed broccoli. It’s a generous portion. The chicken is juicy, and the teriyaki is mild and sweet — like what you’d typically see with Hawaiian food. Another solid option if you don’t like or want ramen.
All in all, I give Sheng Ramen a 7/10. While a focused menu, there are still plenty of options, even for pickier eaters. It’s a bit more Americanized than what I’d normally seek out, but it still tastes great and satisfies my craving. It’s worth checking out if you’re in the area and want a casual bite.
