Sydney is food heaven for foodies, with its multicultural character offering a kaleidoscope of cuisines. Among the city’s various cuisines, Japanese ramen has become a crowd-pleaser among locals and tourists alike. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top spots for authentic and innovative ramen, highlight what makes each restaurant special, and share tips on how to enjoy ramen like a pro.
Why is ramen so popular in Sydney?
Ramen has captured the hearts of the Sydney folk for a variety of reasons. Whether it’s for lunch or catching up with friends, ramen is fast, affordable, and satisfying. Third, Sydney’s large Japanese population has ensured authenticity, but local cooks have also created their own versions, which give a ramen culture that is traditional as well as modern.
The best ramen in Sydney you should try
Sydney is filled with so many ramen joints, but some of them are outstanding in terms of quality, taste, and popularity. Some of the finest choices always on every food enthusiast’s list are discussed below:
1. Gumshara Ramen, Haymarket
In the heart of Chinatown, Gumshara is famous for its creamy, dense tonkotsu broth. Boiled for hours with pork bones, the broth is rich, almost creamy, and full of flavour. Not for the timid, but for the serious ramen fan, Gumshara is a holy place.
2. Ryo’s Noodles, Crows Nest
Ryo’s has been serving authentic Japanese ramen for years and remains a neighbourhood favourite. Renowned for its miso ramen and shoyu broths, this small, popular restaurant attracts both Japanese expatriates and Sydney locals in search of the authentic article. Be prepared to queue, as the queue usually spills onto the street.
3. Ippudo, Sydney CBD
A global ramen brand, Ippudo, offers upscale eating within the city centre. Shiromaru and Akamaru bowls are bestsellers, well-balanced with silky tonkotsu broth, perfectly cooked noodles, and quality toppings. Ippudo is ideal for those looking for consistency and international quality.
4. Rising Sun Workshop, Newtown
Combining a motorcycle workshop with a café, Rising Sun Workshop offers some of Sydney’s most creative ramen. Their breakfast ramen is a light broth base topped with eggs and bacon, and is creative and perfect for a breakfast twist on the classic.
5. Gogyo, Surry Hills
If you’re in the mood for something different, Gogyo has a signature burnt miso ramen that’s smoky, layered, and unique. The hip restaurant vibe also makes it a great option for date night or a night out with friends.
What makes great ramen?
Not all bowls of ramen are created equal, and having an understanding of what goes into making a bowl truly exceptional will allow you to appreciate the craftsmanship behind it.
- The Broth: The essence of ramen. Whether it be broth made from pork based tonkotsu, soy based shoyu, or miso, it’s really the depth of flavour that sets apart good ramen.
- The noodles: They have to be springy, fresh, and able to provide that perfect amount of chew. A good number of restaurants even manufacture their own noodles.
- The topping: Soft boiled eggs, slices of chashu pork, bamboo shoots, and nori add texture and balance. The vegetarian and vegan versions have tofu or mushrooms.
- Consistency: Holds at the top ramen restaurants to guarantee every bowl of ramen served is up to standard.
Sydney vegan and vegetarian ramen
Ramen in Sydney has adapted to the city’s multicultural and health-conscious dining culture. Many venues now cater to vegans and vegetarians with bold, flavourful alternatives.
Rising Sun Workshop, for example, often experiments with seasonal vegetarian ramens, proving that a satisfying bowl doesn’t need pork or chicken to shine.
Tips for eating ramen like a local
Whether you are a ramen novice or just want to up the ante on your experience, here are some suggestions:
- Eat it hot and fast: Ramen is most enjoyable fresh out of the steaming pot, with the noodles still firm and the broth hot.
- Slurp away: Slurping is the mark of respect in Japan and also has the added benefit of cooling the noodles.
- Make it your own bowl: Sydney ramen restaurants generally let you choose noodle firmness, broth richness, and topping.
- Have sides with it: Karaage chicken or gyoza (dumplings) are excellent sides to accompany ramen.
Ramen as part of Sydney’s food culture
Sydney’s culinary landscape is constantly evolving, but ramen is now an institution. It is a testament to how much the city loves authenticity yet is also welcoming to fusion and innovation. Similar to Australians’ love for coffee culture, ramen has won over a similar number of fans.
Conclusion
Finding what is best ramen in Sydney is different from the personal taste to what searching for that gem-can also mean secret ones around the city. From Gumshara’s sinful tonkotsu to Gogyo’s smoky miso and inventive breakfast ramen from Rising Sun Workshop, all these can be found in Sydney.
