If you’re a ramen lover planning a trip to Shanghai or just someone always on the hunt for your next great bowl, do add Shanghai Ajisen Ramen to your list. On my recent visit, I experienced firsthand a collaboration that genuinely surprised me, elevating my expectations of what a casual chain can deliver. And even though that collab has since wrapped up, the restaurant itself continues to be well worth a visit.
The collaboration: Konjiki Hototogisu meets Shanghai Ajisen Ramen
Located at Changfeng Joy City on Daduhe Road, this Shanghai Ajisen Ramen outlet looks like a typical fast-casual spot at first glance. Don’t be fooled. For 2024–2025, Shanghai Ajisen Ramen has partnered with a Michelin-recognized chef from Konjiki Hototogisu (金色不如归), producing a limited-time creation that truly stands out.
For those unfamiliar, Konjiki Hototogisu is a celebrated Tokyo ramen shop with Michelin recognition to its name who known for intricate, multi-layered broths that blend Japanese tradition with unexpected depth. Bringing that culinary philosophy into an accessible chain setting is no small feat, and yet that is exactly what this collaboration achieved. He has been crowned as the “No.1 Ramen in Japan” in 2017.
Note: The Konjiki Hototogisu collaboration has now concluded. While the limited-time collab bowl is no longer available, Shanghai Ajisen Ramen at Changfeng Joy City remains open and their menu is still very much worth exploring.
During the collab period, from the moment the bowl arrived, I knew this wasn’t ordinary ramen. The presentation was refined yet hearty. The broth was the real star which is rich and deeply layered. What impressed me most was how it felt both elevated and comforting: Michelin-level complexity and finesse, without losing the soul of what makes ramen satisfying. The noodles were springy, cooked just right, and held onto the broth beautifully.
The classic tonkotsu still holds its own
Collab or no collab, I couldn’t leave without revisiting Ajisen’s classic tonkotsu ramen and it still holds up beautifully. The pork bone broth is creamy, rich, and comforting in the most familiar, unpretentious way. There’s something reassuring about a bowl that doesn’t try to be anything other than what it is. It’s the kind of ramen you return to on a rainy evening or during winter days in Shanghai when all you want is warmth and a full stomach.
In many ways, the tonkotsu is the reason to keep coming back even now that the collab has ended. It delivers consistency and warmth in every visit — a reliable constant that anchors the menu and reminds you why Ajisen built the following it has across Asia over the decades.
Verdict: The collab may be over, but the tonkotsu alone is reason enough to visit.
Casual, welcoming
The atmosphere at the Changfeng Joy City outlet is casual and welcoming. Whether you’re dropping in after a shopping run or making a dedicated trip, the space puts you at ease immediately. There’s no pressure, no formality — just good ramen in a setting that invites you to slow down and actually enjoy your meal.
Even without the Michelin-inspired collab dish on the menu, Shanghai Ajisen Ramen at Changfeng Joy City is a spot that rewards a visit.
Disclaimer: This review is based on my personal dining experience and taste preferences, so opinions may vary. 😊 If you’ve tried Shanghai Ajisen Ramen, you might also enjoy our review of Marutama Ramen in Singapore. You may also share which one you prefer in the comments below — I would love to hear from you! And if you have other favourite ramen spots to recommend, let me know too. I’m always excited to discover and try new places!
Location:
No.178, Daduhe Road Underground F1 No.01-39 Store, Putuo
Shanghai China
You can find directions on here.
Operating Hours:
Mon - Sun 10:00AM – 10:00PM
