The frosty mornings are here and the winter woolies are out. So what better dish to soothe the soul than a big warm bowl of ramen. This popular Japanese dish is typically made with wheat noodles in a bowl of tasty broth, topped with tender pieces of pork. Even after hundreds of years, this Japanese dish still proves to be popular. That’s why we’ve listed some of the best ramen Canberra has to offer, enjoy!
White Chaco
This modern Asian-fusion restaurant continues to wow Canberrans with their colourful and flavoursome dishes. Choose from pork, beef, truffle or their specialty ‘red’, ‘black’ or ‘yellow’ ramen, each one focusing on separate flavours such as chilli, black sesame and corn.
White Chaco is located at 27 Lonsdale Street, Braddon and is open for lunch Thursday – Monday 12pm – 2pm, and Wednesday – Monday 5.30pm – 9pm for dinner. For reservations call 0401 509 435.
Raijin Japanese Restaurant
This hidden suburban gem is a small restaurant with a menu filled with Japanese delights. From their delicious takoyaki, black curry and fresh sushi, if you’re craving Japanese food in the suburbs you need to visit Raijin Japanese Restaurant.
They have a range of ramen bowls to choose from including an extra spicy one for those of us who like it hot. Bookings are highly recommended. Raijin Japanese Restaurant is located at Unit 3/4, 6 Bennetts Cl, McKellar and are open for lunch from 11:30am until 2pm Thursday to Saturday and for dinner from 5:30pm Tuesday to Saturday. They’re also on Deliveroo so you can check out a smaller version of their menu online or visit their restaurant to see the full menu.
Ramentic
You can find this cosy nook tucked away on Lonsdale Street, which is the perfect spot to devour one of their hearty dishes on a cold day. Choose from pork, chicken or mushroom. Don’t feel like dining in? They also offer takeaway ‘Ramen Boxes’ starting from $36, allowing you to create your own at home.
Ramentic is located at 24 Lonsdale Street, Braddon and is open for lunch Wednesday – Sunday 11.30am – 2.30pm, and 5pm – 9.30pm for dinner. You can also order online.
Tokyo Canteen
This Japanese-inspired cafe is one of the new kids on the block as part of Kingston’s Eyre Street Markets. With a large menu, including coffee and breakfast, their ramen will not disappoint. Choose from traditional tonkotsu (pork) or vegan miso ramen, with add ons such as free range eggs, noodles or pork charshu. Their ramen is only available on select nights.
Tokyo Canteen is located at 34 Eyre Street, Kingston and is open 8.30am – 3pm every day. Ramen nights are held Thursday – Saturday from 5pm. Walk-ins only.
Ramen Daddy
After years of pop-ups and markets, Ramen Daddy is now permanently situated at Verity Lane Market in the heart of Canberra’s Sydney building. The guys at Ramen Daddy pride themselves on paying their respects to hundreds of years of ramen chefs, with a twist of ‘modern day magic’, by using a creamy French chicken broth called “Tori Paitan”. They also have vegan and vegetarian ramen as well as a spicy Dan Dan Ramen. Their katsu sandos and the fries with ramen gravy are also deeeeelish.
Ramen Daddy is located at 50 Northbourne Avenue and is open for lunch Thursday – Saturday 12pm – 2pm and for dinner Tuesday – Saturday from 5pm. Walk-ins only.
Ramen O
Opening in 2020 by husband and wife duo Yuki and Shun from Kyushu Japan, Ramen O is an authentic ramen and gyoza house in the heart of Belconnen. The couple wanted to bring the taste of Japan to Canberra, especially while travel is currently restricted, and they have done just that. Choose from their signature ‘Ramen Wow’ with traditional pork, or crowd pleasers like the ‘Delux Yuzu Tonkatsu Ramen’, with a side of their classic gyoza dumplings!
It has quickly become the ‘go to’ place from ramen in Canberra with many foodies (including us) saying it’s one of the best bowls of ramen in Canberra. Be warned, you may have to line up but it’s worth the wait. They’ve recently started doing takeaway ramen too.
Ramen O is located at 54 Benjamin Way, Belconnen and is open from Tuesday – Saturday 11.30am – 2pm for lunch, 5.30pm – 8pm for dinner and on Sunday 5pm – 8.30pm. Closed Mondays.
Ohsama Ramen
A hidden gem within Manuka shops, Ohsama Ramen only recently opened its doors in April and has already stolen the hearts of Canberra ramen lovers. They offer a large range of options such as Jiro Tonkotsu (pork), Sama Tori (chicken), spicy miso, and the popular ‘dipping style’ ramen called Tsukemen, which means the soup and ramen are served separately. This authentic restaurant has a mix of traditional charm with modern finishes.
Ohsama Ramen is located at Shop 5 Palmerston Lane, Griffith and is open for lunch from 11.30am – 3pm, and 5pm – 9pm for dinner.
Check with each of the restaurants directly to see if their ramen is available for takeaway. Trading hours and menu are subject to change so check with the business for the latest menu and trading hours.
Kate Hudson
Kate Hudson is a freelance writer with a mission to prove that Canberra is a fabulous place to live. As an avid coffee drinker, breakfast connoisseur and self-confessed 'eater-outerer' she will help you decide where to go for the best experience. She loves a grungy music gig, local beer, fancy french toast, and has a soft spot for the Southside.