Ramen has firmly established itself as a culinary staple in the UK, loved for its rich broths, chewy noddles and vibrant toppings. Originating in Japan, this beloved dish made its way to the UK in the early 2000s and has exploded in popularity since. First arriving in London and gradually expanding to other cities and towns, today ramen bowl restaurants are not only popular in major cities but can be found across the UK. Here’s a breakdown of some of the top ramen bowl restaurants across the UK, as well as a recommended dish that is sure to tantalise your tastebuds.
London
London is often the first stop for many international cuisines in the UK, and ramen is no exception. The capital boasts some of the best ramen bowls you will find in the UK, including:
Tonkotsu (Soho)
Known for its signature tonkotsu pork bone broth, this ramen bowl restaurant specialises in rich, creamy ramen bowl. You have to try to the tonkotsu ramen, a slow-cooked, velvety broth served with tender pork belly and soft-boiled eggs.
Shoryu Ramen (Covent Garden)
Shoryu is famous for its Hakata-style ramen, which originates from Fukuoka, Japan. Try the house special Shoryu Ganso Tonkutsu, made with 12 hour pork broth, garlic and soy based tare.
Bone Daddies (Soho)
Bone Daddies offer a playful, contemporary twist on ramen, focusing on bold flavours. You won’t go wrong with their Tantanmen, a spicy sesame-based broth with minced pork, perfect for lovers of spice.
Manchester
The Manchester food scene is known for its thriving diversity, with ramen playing a big part of it.
Ramen Miso
Ramen Miso offers both a traditional and a modern take on ramen, focusing on bold miso-based broths. Try the Spicy Miso Broth – a hot, savoury dish with minced pork and spicy miso paste.
Tokyo Ramen
What Tokyo Ramen lacks in size, it more than makes up in character and flavour. It is a street food style atmospher with an open kitchen, so you can see your ramen being made. We recommend the Shoyu Ramen, a soy-based broth with thin, straight noodles and chashu pork.
Yuzu
Yuzu offers ‘Japanese Tapas’, although don’t expect a Spanish fusion. Instead, Yuzu offer authentic Japanese cuisine whipped up with fresh ingredients. The Japense restaurant featured in the Michelin Restaurant Guide 2014 – 2018 and the Good Food Guide 2014 – 2020. You should try the Chicken Shio Ramen, a lighter, salt-based broth with a more delicate flavour.
West Midlands
The Midlands are quickly catching up with London in terms of the quality and quantity of ramen offerings, with several standout options.
Ramen Dayo (Coventry)
An up-and-coming ramen spot known for its relaxed vibe and hearty portions. You’ll enjoy the chilli chicken ramen, a fiery chicken broth topped with pickled ginger and fresh chilli.
Yakinori (Selly Oak)
Yakinori offer an authentic Japenese restuarant experience, with a twist, specialising in bento boxes and ramen bowls. The original ramen is a chicken and beef soup stock, with pak choi, mushrooms and spring onion, served with a soy-stained egg.
West Yorkshire
Leeds and the surrounding areas have embraced ramen culture, with plenty of options for lovers of noodles.
House of Fu (Leeds)
House of Fu is a trendy spot serving ramen dishes along with izakaya-style dishes. Make sure to try the ‘Funky’ chicken ramen.
Ippuku Tea House (Leeds)
This tea house is a serene spot, offering Japanese tea and ramen, ideal for those seeking close to a traditional atmosphere. Try the Miso Ramen, a savoury, slightly sweet broth.
Hampshire
Ramen is growing in popularity across Hampshire, with a few key spots leading the charge.
Yoku (Winchester)
Offering a mix of Japanese and Southeast Asian dishes, Yoku’s ramen is a must-try for any noodle fan. The Prawn and Pork Ramen is a unique blend of surf and turf flavours in one delicious, broth filled bowl.
Zen Japanese Restaurant (Southampton)
Zen is known for its sushi predominately, but also excels in ramen, offering a few special bowls on its menu. Try the Shoyu Chicken Ramen, a classic, light soy broth with tender chicken slices.
Edinburgh
Scotland’s capital is home to a number of ramen bars, each with their own twist on the classic dish.
Maki & Ramen
A favourite amongst locals, this spot offers a variety of ramen dishes inspired by traditional Japanese recipes. Try the Dragon Ramen, a spicy pork-based broth that brings a serious kick.
Harajuku Kitchen
Harajuku offers a fusion of Japanese street food and contemporary dining, popular for its Miso Butter Ramen, a buttery, umami-rich miso broth with sweetcorn and pork belly.
Bristol
Bristol’s vibrant food scene has embraced ramen bowl restaurants with open arms, with several spots becoming local favourites.
Woky Ko
Woky Ko is a trendy Asian fusion restaurant known for its creative twists on traditional dishes. Try the Kimchi Ramen, a spicy, tangry broth topped with kimchi and grilled pork.
Ramen Kuro
A ramen specialist focusing on big authentic flavours and fresh ingredients. You won’t go wrong with the pork tonkotsu, a thick, rich broth with melt-in-the-mouth pork.
The rise of ramen bowl restaurants across the UK
The rise of ramen in the UK began in London in the early 2000’s. The first wave of ramen largely targeted the Japanophiles and adventurous eaters, before later evolutions of the offerings became fused into British dining. The British ramen scene truly exploded in popularity in the 2010s, introducing British diners to rich, complex flavours of tonkotsu, miso and shoyu ramen, which quickly gained popularity for being both affordable and deeply satisfying. As ramen culture expanded beyond London, more regional restaurants began to pop up, each adding their own local twist to the traditional recipes. Whether you’re in London, Edinburgh or anywhere else in between, there will be a ramen bowl waiting for you somewhere.