Chef Stephen Seckold of Flying Fish has just entered the world of ramen noodles, opening up a grungy, modern-day experimental noodle bar dubbed Salaryman in Surry Hills. The new restaurant seems to veer from the traditional bowl of ramen and offer up something a almost completely different, with a daily-changing menu that maintains a clear focus on quality, rare ingredients, seasonal broths, and misos fermented in-house.
Stock made from quail bones, rare-breed pork, and robata calamari are just some of what Seckold has planned for the menu. Seckold’s experience in fine-dining and lack of experience with traditional ramen has given the Chef a new perspective on the ubiquitous Japanese classic, bringing to Sydney something it has never seen before. And he is definitely not taking this new venture lightly, with a commitment to butcher on site and aim to use the whole animal where possible to maximise flavours and sustainability. For example, a single pig Tantanmen ramen would be using broth made from the bones in-house, and then the meat in both chashu-style and spicy minded pork, with chilli garnish.
Aside from the bowls of noodles, smaller plates will include Chicken Wings stuffed with sea plant butter, Smoked Albacore with gooseberries, and sweet Taiyaki.
Once the liquor licence is confirmed, Salaryman will start with a list of cocktail, curated by former Pastry Chef Marzio Lanzini, which sticks to Japanese influences and aims for being different, like the Melon & Saffron Smash (saffron-infused cachaca, agave, cantaloupe melon, and lemon).
Much to Seckold’s work ethic is the symbolism behind the name; ‘work hard, play hard’, which with over 18 years of experience in the fine-dining restaurant industry speaks volumes. The atmosphere he has helped created is about immersing oneself into the Japanese culture as both cuisine and architecture combine to bring to light a compelling dining experience. With a daily changing menu, you can pop in for a speedy lunch, or perhaps an indulgent dinner with friends, as you take in the industrial and contemporary fit-outs designed by Paul Kelly.
Salaryman
Address: 52-54 Albion Street, Surry Hills NSW
Contact: (02) 9188 2985
Website: salaryman.com.au
Opening hours:Monday – Saturday, 11.30am – 10.00pm
Fine dining chef opens experimental ramen bar in Surry Hills (Sydney)
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