If you’re in need of some hearty food, there’s only one thing we’d recommend —ramen. It’s hard to beat: fresh wheat noodles, typically served with flavoursome soup and a mix of toppings. But, if you’re a ramen-lover like we are, then you know that only the best will do.
From Sydney to Melbourne and Perth, here’s our pick of the very best spots to eat ramen across Australia in 2021.
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Gogyo
Gogyo is especially well-known for its Kogashi ramen, featuring a charred broth that carries a heavenly fragrance and hits the perfect level of bitterness. The modern-chic restaurant also has counter seats for customers who want to watch the cooking process. Otherwise, cheers your way throughout the visit over at the bar that features an extensive selection of beer and cocktails.
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Manpuku
There couldn’t be a more apt restaurant name; Manpuku translating to ‘millions of happiness/luck’ – and that’s exactly what Manpuku’s customers feel after a bowl of ramen (or two). One of the best places to get ramen in Sydney, Manupuku is managed by a group of passionate ramen eaters and chefs, and serves ramen in three noodle types and in both meat and vegetarian styles. You might also want to get a VIP card—you can earn points with every dollar spent and save on your next purchase!
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Ryo's Noodles
With two locations, this may in fact be Australia’s best ramen. Ryo’s Noodles is a small bustling ramen restaurant that often has a queue spilling onto the street, and it’s not hard to see why. The menu offers a variety of chicken and pork soup ramen, with toppings like roast pork, egg, bamboo shoots and fried prawn balls. We recommend trying the Karaage Chicken ($9) with a side of Kimchee ($4) while you’re at it.
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Ramen Ichiraku
Ramen Ichiraku’s menu has the quote “Ramen is the best pleasure”, and if you haven’t already, you’ll live by those words too after trying their selection. Whether you want your ramen vegan-style, in tonkotsu (pork bones-flavoured) broth cooked over 12 hours, or with rich house-made sauces, Ramen Ichiraku has got you covered.
Photographed by David Hunter. Image via Unsplash.
Bar Wa Izakaya
Found in the heart of Hobart is Bar Wa Izakaya, a buzzing Japanese eatery that is home to some of Australia’s must-eat ramen bowls. This ramen restaurant features a wide range of izakaya-inspired dishes with a sake-specialising bar too. If you’re more of a shaken or stirred drinker, Bar Wa Izakaya also has a lengthy list of Japanese-inspired cocktails and beer ready to serve. The hardest part? Deciding on just one thing to order…
Photographed by Hari Panicker. Image via Unsplash.
Komatsu Japanese Cuisine
Titled as one of the best places to get a bowl of ramen in Tasmania, Komatsu Japanese Cuisine isn’t your standard fare. On top of their ever-changing weekly specials that’s available to be devoured in-store or delivered to your home, unlike others Komatsu Japanese Cuisine also caters to all dietary needs thanks to their gluten-free and vegan menu. Be sure to try the Kimchi Pork Udon ($18.50) that is best accompanied by the Sayuri Nigori ($25) sake.
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Hakata Gensuke
Founded by a multi award-winning chef, Hakata Gensuke will bring you to the Hakata district in Fukuoka, where tonkotsu was first invented in Japan. This ramen restaurant specialises in tonkotsu ramen and tsukemen (dipping noodles into the soup), and allows customers to choose their noodles’ level of firmness and request extra servings. You simply can’t go wrong. With locations across Victoria and Western Australia, Hakata Gensuke is one of the best places to get ramen in 2021.
Photographed by Julian Kingma. Image supplied via Visit Victoria.
Shujinko
Australia meet Shujinko, one of the best places to get ramen in Melbourne. Here at Shujinko, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious ramen and Japanese beverages within a lively atmosphere of fast and friendly service. Start your visit to Shujinko with some Shujinko Gyoza ($8.50); try the Black Ramen ($16.50) as your main; and if you’re still peckish, finish with a Seaweed Salad ($6.70) or some Baby Tako ($8.90).
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Genkotsu Ramen
Don’t let the small exterior fool you—Genkotsu Ramen has a lot of character and will take you right to the heart of Japan. Home to one of Australia’s must-eat ramen bowls, its doors welcome customers into a small and cosy ambience where they can get comfortable trying mouth-watering ramen, rice and side-dish menus. To top it all off, these great tastes come at great prices. A must-visit ramen restaurant.
Image by Jan Nyguen via Pexels.
Shinobi Ramen
Brisbane, you’re up – we’ve found one of the best to get ramen in Queensland! Shinobi Ramen may have a relatively small ramen menu, but it’s at the top of the game when it comes to flavour. Their ramen master has over 20 years of specialist experience and holds the title as the top tonkotsu ramen chef of Japan’s leading tonkotsu ramen school. You know you’ll be getting the real deal here.
Looking to discover more of Australia’s hidden gems? Browse our lists of our favourite Japanese bars and restaurants in every Australian state. Alternatively, if you want to stay in, why not try making this Winter One-Pot Seafood Soondubu Jjigae Noodles Recipe by Reynold Poernomo?
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