Lucky for us, nowadays there are more ramen restaurants in London than a decade ago, as a result of the popularity of ramen among Londoners. In 2018 ramen was chosen as the hottest dish of the year, and this has resulted in many restaurants popping up in London. Thanks to the popularity of this refreshing noodle soup, although it is now a lot easier to find ramen restaurants in the city, choosing your favourite from many of your options could be challenging though entertaining.
Here is the ultimate list to slurp great bowls of ramen in London:
1. Shoryu Ramen
You can find Shoryu Ramen Restaurants at different locations across London. They have branches on Regent Street, Carnaby, Liverpool Street, Shoreditch, Soho, Covent Garden, Westfield Stratford, and Ichiba. The restaurant chain claims to offer top notch ramen, the best street food side dishes, and exciting sake cocktails. The superb taste of Shouryu’s ramen comes from a rich and meaty 12-hour slow cooked pork broth accompanied with their secret flavours, and they also have suitable ramen for vegetarians. Their outstanding Japanese noodles are made perfectly with correct hardness options for the noodles, and Shouryu has been recommended in the Michelin Guide 2014 and 2015.
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2. Monohon Ramen
Monohon is translated as the “real thing”, and all we can say that their authentic ramen hits London hard. The successful chef of the restaurant studied cooking ramen in Japan and offers rarely seen ramens in UK such as hiyashi chuka (chilled ramen) and brothless abura soba with tare. They cook all the ingredients slowly, and they frequently boil them at least for a day or two to achieve the perfect aroma. The dining room, which is small and filled with counter seats, allows for the food to be prepared in front of you. This display of cooking adheres to traditional Japanese methods. This is the place you must go if you like to try authentic Ramen.
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3. Okan Ramen
Although the owner of Okan says that they are not chefs, just passionate about home cooking; “Absolutely delicious, really tasty properly great, loved the vibe” are reviews of customers after visiting Okan’s. Ambitious, huh? Okan means mum in Osakan slang, therefore it is understandable why they want to reserve their amateur spirit. The restaurant's decor is quite simple, but their short menu is not. They have listed shoyu ramen as their signature dish. At Okan’s everything is cooked to perfection, resulting in a tender bite and chew. They also offer a vegan option.
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4. Showaken (Permanently Closed)
Showaken’s customers hands down claim that this is the most authentic Japanese brew they have visited in London. The Showaken ramen bar is decorated in the style of the Showa era - with retro signage, a striking colour scheme, and a 23-seater window counter that is sure to attract hungry passers-by with its avant-garde design. They serve authentic Shitamachi ramen with light broths, char siu BBQ pork belly, Chinese cabbage, and nitamago egg. They also have vegetarian options. This is the ideal spot for a tasty bowl of noodles, with a more relaxed and 'quick bites' vibe.
5. Tonkotsu
Tonkotsu can be found in a variety of locations throughout London. Tonkutsu noodles are cooked for 32 seconds, giving you that tender bite and chew that noodle enthusiasts seek like treasure. Tonkotsu also sells chicken broth delicacies and Japanese mushroom miso for those on a plant-based diet, in addition to their pork broth dish. They're not just obsessed with ramen, indeed Tonkotsu’s owners think nothing beats a piping hot bowl of ramen accompanied by an icy-cold beer. That's why they collaborated with Thornbridge Brewery to create our Mikan Shimoda Pale Ale – the perfect beer to pair with your ramen.
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6. Koi Ramen
According to Koi Ramen's mission statement, they strive to serve the highest quality ramen at the lowest prices. They have locations in Brixton, Tooting, and Elephant & Castle, as well as a container at Pop Brixton. The menu at Koi includes everything from classics like a pure white tonkotsu to naked ramen with soup-less tossed noodles, shredded pork, fried shallots, beansprouts, spring onions, and pickled ginger. All of these can be topped with additional ingredients, such as a marinated egg and extra pork or tofu. Pork, chicken, or vegetarian gyozas are available on the side. Matcha ice cream is also available to enjoy after your meal.
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7. Ippudo
Ippudo is a must-visit if you're looking for some good ramen. Ippudo has an international reputation as a three-time winner of the prestigious Ramen King Finals. Everything from the moment you enter the restaurant until you leave is completely authentic, including their lovely bowls of creamy soup cooked with homemade noodles and carefully picked ingredients. Especially if you want a flavor of Japan, Ippudo is the place to go.
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8. Taro
Taro restaurant offers the greatest authentic Japanese cuisine for celebrating life's special moments. They have seafood, beef and chicken noodles, as well as vegeterian menus.
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9. Kanada-Ya
Kanada-Ya is a must-try for any ramen fan – believe us the noodles don't get any better than this. To prepare their outstanding soup, the pork bones are boiled for 18 hours, and the wheat noodles are made on site with an actual Japanese machine to your specifications. The crew is described on the website as "specialists in real tonkotsu ramen."
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10. Menya Ramen House
Menya takes the prize for the longest simmering times, with a 48-hour boiled pork and chicken soup. The restaurant attracts customers with ramen meals infused with hot Korean flavours.
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11. Yamagoya
Yamagoya is a Japanese restaurant first established in 1969 in Fukuoka, on the island of Kyushu. Yamagoya is a great place to go for a quick bite in town with affordable prices. They serve their famous Yamagoya ramen, which is created with handmade noodles and topped with pork belly, seasoned bamboo shoots, kikurage mushrooms, nori, and an egg in a smoky tonkotsu broth.
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12. Ramo Ramen
Ramo ramen is a Filipino-Infused Japanese Ramen House. There's something for everyone at Ramo Ramen, which is also Halal. Omar Shah's Filipino-Japanese ramen bar exemplifies what can be accomplished when chefs break free from the constraints of "authenticity" and channel their culinary influences and inspirations into something unique.
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13. Bone Daddies
When you ask most Londoners who makes their favourite ramen, most people would say: "Bone Daddies." Bone Daddies, a New York-inspired restaurant, allows you to enjoy your meal in a lively atmosphere. Pork, chicken, and plant-based broths are on the menu. Bone Daddies serves Japanese soul food with a rock and roll twist. Bone Daddies serves high-quality Japanese-style food and drinks in a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere with a soundtrack of classic rock'n'roll.
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14. Cocoro
A space in Central London with a genuine Japanese feel, where people can experience authentic Japan. A location where they serve Japanese cuisine popular in Japan while providing warm hospitality. Despite being located in some of London's most fashionable neighbourhoods, Cocoro is very affordable. Cocoro delivers Japanese experience without hesitation. This is the place where Japanese expats go to eat Japanese in London!
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15. Seto Japanese Restaurant
Seto is a small Japanese restaurant run by a family in Camden Town. It is a rare find in London where you can enjoy a bowl of rustic and homely ramen similar to those found in Japanese diners or staff canteens. Great food, a lovely atmosphere, and super friendly staff who provide 5-star service. If you want to eat authentic Japanese food, this is the place to go!
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16. Haru Sushi and Ramen House
Ealing's best Tonkotsu Ramen, Sushi, and Hot Food. They definitely outperform the other chain high-street restaurant in town in terms of taste and price. Haru Sushi can boast a fine dining experience with warm welcoming staff. If you are a Japanese food enthusiast this is the place you must check out ASAP!
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17. Nanban
Chef Tim Anderson founded Nanban after studying Japanese food for nearly two decades before opening his first restaurant, and he is the winner of MasterChef in 2011. Although there are many casual Japanese restaurants in London, we can say for sure that Nanban is unique. Nanban specializes in Japanese soul food influenced by Caribbean, African, Latin American, Asian, and Middle Eastern touches. After Nanban was voted best restaurant in Brixton in 2016, Lazy Goat Ragu-men was named the number one must-eat dish of 2018 in Time Out's 100 best dishes in London!
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18. Yokocho Ramen
Experience retro Tokyo ramen in London. Hedon Yokocho will be your favourite place to spend a night out since it is loud, noisy, fun, and full of mouth-watering tastes and smells. The restaurant takes pride in serving a variety of ramen from across Japan, all while maintaining a retro 70s vibe. By the way don't forget to sip a David Bowie cocktail whilst you enjoy your meal.
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