Big hot ramen bowls in PVG T2 when Sichuan feels like too much
In Shanghai Pudong T2, Ajisen Ramen sits in the mid-range $$ bracket and pulls in flyers who want Japanese-style noodles instead of another chili-heavy stir-fry. It’s airside in T2, so you’re fine staying within the secure zone between international connections. Expect standard chain décor, counter seating plus small tables, and a picture-heavy menu that makes ordering workable even if you don’t read a word of Chinese.
Portions run large: a regular tonkotsu or miso ramen comes in a full meal-sized bowl that many flyers say holds them through a 10–12 hour long-haul. Broths are on the mild side compared with Tokyo or Osaka shops, which is exactly why some Western passengers pick it over the spicier Sichuan or Hunan spots in the same terminal. Figure roughly ¥70–¥90 for a noodle bowl, which is more than downtown but standard by PVG airside pricing.
Ordering is simple: point at the laminated picture menu, confirm size, and add tea or a soft drink for another ¥10–¥20. Regulars skip most side dishes and just order basic tonkotsu or miso ramen to keep the total under about ¥100. Gyoza and karaage show up on the menu but draw lukewarm reviews, especially given that a few dumpling stalls in T2 serve better snacks for less.
Watch out for the 18:00–21:00 bank of Europe and US departures, when queues can stretch 10–15 minutes and staff look stretched. That’s when bowls may arrive out of order and toppings occasionally get mixed up; double-check your ticket when they call it. Complaints also hit on the broth being bland for anyone used to serious ramen, so temper expectations if you know your Hakata from your Sapporo.
Plan about 40–50 minutes gate to gate if you sit down here; order as soon as you’re seated and keep your boarding time in mind before adding sides.