The ultimate form of Japanese comfort food, ramen is a delicious bowl of slippery noodles in a flavourful broth and several accompaniments.
Ramen restaurants are trending right now, and as the weather cools down, here are our picks for the best places to grab a bowl in Joburg, Durban and Cape Town.
Durban
Mooki Noodle Bar
This simple Glenwood restaurant serves up absolutely spectacular noodle soups. The atmosphere and staff are lovely, and the ramen is delicious.
We recommend the chicken yakatori ramen for a real taste of Japan.
Where: 190 Brand Road, Glenwood, Durban
When: Monday to Saturday 11:00 am to 9:00pm
Cost: Approximately R200 for two people
Contact: 031 811 9199
Daruma
Located in Durban’s northern suburbs, Daruma is one of the city’s best Japanese restaurants. Alongside the highly-rated sushi, teppanyaki and other Japanese delicacies are some amazing ramen options.
Try out the miso ramen for a bowl of umami goodness.
Where: Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani, 63 Snell Parade, North Beach, Durban
When: Monday to Saturday 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm and 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm; Sunday 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Cost: Approximately R500 for two people
Contact: 031 337 0423
Johannesburg
Warm & Glad
This lovely spot located in Craighall Park serves some of the best ramen Joburg has to offer.
The service and ambiance are truly warm and glad, and the food is delectable. Try the duck ramen for a unique combination of flavours and textures.
Head there on a Thursday night if you want their extended menu – it’s Ramen Night!
Where: 357 Jan Smuts Avenue, Corner St. Alban’s Road, Craighall Park, Craighall, Johannesburg
When: Monday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm; Tuesday to Friday 8:00 am to 11:00 pm; Saturday 8:30 am to 11:00 pm; and Sunday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Cost: Approximately R340 for two people
Contact: 011 326 0786
Momo Baohaus
You can find Momo Baohaus in Greenside’s bustling restaurant strip. They serve up stunning Asian cuisine, with great tapas and bao dumplings featuring on the menu alongside bowls of rich noodle soup.
Give the yaki soba a try, the combination of prawns and chicken in a yaki soba sauce is delightful.
Where: 139 Greenway, Greenside, Johannesburg
When: Tuesday to Friday 11:00 am to 10:00 pm; Saturday 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm; and Sunday 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Cost: Approximately R300 for two people
Contact: 010 900 4889
Cape Town
Three Wise Monkeys
Three Wise Monkeys serves up some of the best Japanese food in the Mother City.
The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so make sure to get their nice and early to secure your seat.
They offer three awesome varieties of ramen, chicken or beef in a delectable chicken broth, or a delicious vegetarian option in a shitake-miso broth. Definitely worth giving a try if you’re in Sea Point.
Where: 77 Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
When: Monday 3:00pm to 10:00 pm; Tuesday to Saturday 12:00pm to 10:00pm
Cost: Approximately R300 for two people
Contact: 021 433 1837
OBI Restaurant, Cape Town
During their lunchtime service OBI Restaurant serves some of the best ramen in the country.
Their shoyu ramen combines pork cheek, a 6-minute egg, nori, and spring onion in a warm soy sauce broth. It’s a truly awesome meal worth enjoying.
Where: 14 Long Street, CBD, Cape Town
When: Their lunch service is Tuesday to Saturday 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Cost: Approximately R200 for two people
Contact: 021 418 4040
