While comfort foods are loved in all shapes and forms, there’s something about a good brothy bowl of ramen that feels exactly like being smothered in a bear-hug from your best friend on the days you need it most.
Boasting a variety of nutrient-filled flavours and loaded with arguably any foodie’s favourite carb, ramen is a definite go-to when searching for an idyllic pick-me-up or when a cheat-day simply cannot be resisted.
To help you on your ramen journey, check out these ramen spots in Cape Town:
Three Wise Monkeys
Three Wise Monkey is a halaal-friendly Asian gem serving a range of dishes from baos and sushi to yakimos. The star of the show, however, is undoubtedly its wholesome ramen bowls packed with all the necessary ingredients to put your soul at ease.
And if your soul needs a bit more than just noodle soup, the Dragon Ball Z mural will take you right back to childhood memories of waiting patiently in front of the TV for Goku, Vegeta and the rest of the gang to appear on SABC 2.
- Location: La Rhone Building, 77 Regent Road, Sea Point
- Operating Times: Monday to Sunday 12pm to 10pm
Tomo Japanese Restaurant
Another halaal-friendly gem that will take you to Asia without having to step foot on a plane. The setting is warm and welcoming, sprinkled with greenery and wooden finishes—perfect for a cosy night out.
Food with robust flavours and an emphasis on hand-made ingredients, the beef ramen is undoubtedly a first-pick dish on the menu alongside a decadent selection of sushi, dumplings and Japanese curries.
- Location: 86 Loop Street, City Centre
- Operating Times: Monday to Sunday 12pm to 10pm
Ramenhead
The latest creation of renowned Peter Tempelhoff and Ashley Moss after a ten-day ramen-tasting tour in Japan. But these are not just any old noodles and broth. Unapologetically bold flavours and textures that were carefully crafted using authentic ramen styles and techniques will have you melting into your seat and flagging down the waiters for more.
In addition to several different ramen offerings such as pork-free chicken broth, classic pork broth and vegetarian broth, as well as seasonal variations and frequent specials, Ramenhead offers both traditional and gluten-free noodles making it an inclusive gem for all foodies.
READ MORE: Authentic ramen comes to Cape Town with the launch of Ramenhead
- Location: 37 Parliament Street, City Centre
- Operating Times: Tuesday to Saturday 12-3pm | Tuesday to Thursday 6-9pm | Friday and Saturday 6-10pm
Downtown Ramen
Harrington Street’s own hidden gem – Downtown Ramen has stood as a firm local favourite of city locals for a few years. With an atmosphere perfect for the cool and edgy local or traveller, Downtown Ramen is praised for serving up generous bowls of comfort.
As your bowl steams and your broth brews, breathe in the flavours of wholesome happiness. According to the foodies, a top recommendation is the shoyu pork-belly ramen. Don’t forget to add buttermilk chicken baos to your serving and enjoy the quaint atmosphere of the bustling city.
- Location: 103 Harrington Street, District Six, City Centre
- Operating Times: Monday to Saturday 12pm to 10pm
Obi Restaurant
Obi Restaurant dishes out authentic Japanese cuisine from their atmospheric store on bustling Long Street operated by Ben Bettendorf and Papa San whose been making sushi in Cape Town for over 30 years now.
So authentically prepared, eating their classic Shoyu Ramen served with Pork Cheeks, spring onion, nori, soy sauce broth, and eggs with your eyes closed will have you finding yourself in the heart of downtown Yokohama, or perhaps in Tokyo?
- Location: Shop 2, 14 Long Street, City Centre
- Operating Times: Tuesday to Saturday 12pm to 2pm and 6pm to 9:30pm
Tjing Tjing House
Easily one of the most aesthetic restaurant houses in Cape Town, Tjing Tjing offers layers of experiences including its renowned rooftop bar. Going to Tjing Tjing is like teleporting to Japan in all its modern and traditional design adorations – and the food only secures your illusion of being in the breathtaking beyond.
For ramen thrills, the street level is where to be, at Tjing Tjing House’s Torii. Torii offers a less really is more culinary experience found typically in yokocho comes to ramen. Pork Tonkotsu, Chicken Paitan or Miso Mushroom. are all on the menu.
- Location: 165 Longmarket Street, City Centre
- Operating Times: Tuesday to Saturday 12pm till late (Kitchen closes at 1opm)
ALSO SEE: 5 Asian restaurants in Cape Town to add to your “must-try” list
5 Asian restaurants in Cape Town to add to your “must-try” list
Written by Tauhira Ajam for Cape {town} Etc.
Feature image: Unsplash
