A 5.0 Google-rated ramen shop, but I smelled rats?
qponx
2026-03-05
A ramen shop with a perfect 5.0 Google rating sounds like a dream, but what's the real story behind Shem Ramen? This popular spot in Duta Mall wins praise for its incredible Beef Cheese Ramen and cool, photo-worthy Japanese atmosphere. However, the review also uncovers serious potential dealbreakers, like questionable hygiene and disappointing side dishes. Get the full scoop on what to order and whether the hype is worth the risk before you visit this controversial spot.
Friends, who gets it? I'm in Banjarmasin, and my friends have been crazily recommending this place, Shem Ramen, at Duta Mall, saying it's a paradise for ramen lovers. I took a look at the Google rating, and wow, nearly 400 reviews and a solid 5.0 full score. I just had to go check it out!
The result... how should I put it? My feelings were like a rollercoaster, there were good parts and bad parts, so today I'm going to break it all down for you.
The Broth and Vibe are truly Mantap!
Let's start with the good stuff. The vibe in this place is totally on point. As soon as you walk in, you're hit with a strong Japanese style. Even the BGM is the City Pop classic "Plastic Love" by Mariya Takeuchi[1], instantly transporting you to the streets of Tokyo. It's perfect for coming to Nongkrong with friends. The photos turn out amazing!
I ordered their much-hyped Beef Cheese Ramen[2], and I was truly amazed by the first sip of the broth! The creamy cheese flavor and the rich beef broth blend together perfectly. It's creamy but not at all heavy. Paired with the springy noodles, it's truly addictive. My friend who came with me ordered the basic Signature Original Ramen[3], which was also a safe bet. The broth was delicious, you definitely can't go wrong with it.
But! I really have to get these complaints off my chest
Okay, praise is over, time for some real talk, girls! The biggest, and most fatal, problem with this place is the hygiene. When I was there, I faintly smelled a strange odor coming from a corner, but I didn't think much of it at the time. But when I got back and read the reviews, I was speechless. Someone actually said they smelled mouse urine and saw unhygienic practices by the staff[4]! Anjay! Although I didn't see it with my own eyes, based on my own experience, germaphobes should really think twice.
Also, some of the other dishes were... hard to describe. My friend barely touched their Miso Ramen, complaining, "Where's the miso flavor?"[5]. We also added an order of chicken popcorn, and the portion size that came out... you can't call it chicken popcorn, more like chicken "rice grains." It was pathetically small[6].
How to Avoid the Pitfalls & Money-Saving Tips
So, is it worth going? Here's my advice:
Overall, it's a place with extremely prominent pros and cons. Have you guys been there? What was your experience like? Let's chat in the comments! 🤔
- 1. Go if you want to try something new, but lower your expectations: If you go for the Beef Cheese Ramen[7], you probably won't be disappointed. But if you're extremely sensitive about hygiene, I'd advise you to steer clear.
- 2. Money-saving hacks: Go on a weekday (Monday to Friday)! They have a special menu promo for IDR 40,000++[8], which makes it an amazing value for money. If it's your birthday, you can also get a free gift if you visit within 7 days before or after your birthday[9]!
- 3. How to find it? The restaurant is on the second floor of the front building of Duta Mall, right above Starbucks; you'll see it as soon as you go up the escalator. Alternatively, you can take the escalator down from the fourth floor of the main building, near Amazone[10].
- Beef Cheese Ramen: Creamy cheese & rich beef broth fuse perfectly. Rich but not heavy, with addictive, chewy noodles [1].
- Pure Japanese vibes with City Pop like Mariya Takeuchi's Plastic Love[2]. Transports you to Tokyo. Super photogenic!
- Weekday deal! Select items for just 40,000 Indonesian Rupiah++[3]. Plus, a free birthday gift. Unbeatable value! [4]
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