Calling all ramen lovers! A visit to Peter Tempelhoff and Ashley Moss’s inner-city Ramenhead is a must if you have a hankering for a bowl of slurpy noodles in a trendy spot. Located in the heart of the Mother city’s bustling CBD, the restaurant has fast become a must-visit destination for those who enjoy elevated Asian street food infused with a South African flair.

 

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Food

The menu is concise and focused, with four or five options of ramen – each is thoughtfully prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients, resulting in a depth of flavour with every bite. If you don’t want to dive straight into the brothy business, start your meal with one of the “before ramen” nibbles. A highlight is the karaage – crispy fried pieces of chicken with a kosho aioli for dipping. Some would say it’s “KFC on steroids” – and the perfect accompaniment to a chilled Japanese Kirin lager.

 

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For the main attraction – choose from the rich and creamy spicy miso ramen made with tender pork and yuzu chilli purée or for something a little lighter, the Goma Abura Soba comes with fried tofu and pickled shiitake.

The Ramenhead team has invested in a Yamato noodle machine which produces some of the finest ramen noodles in the world. Portions are generous so if you tend to fill up fast, sharing is advisable. For those who enjoy a soft-boiled egg in their bowl of ramen, there’s the option to add one to your order.

 

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The restaurant has recently launched a ‘salaryman lunch’ special which takes its inspiration from the Japanese mid-week lunch culture, where businessmen and -women flood local restaurants for a quick and easy meal. The special includes a “bowl of the week” ramen and a Pocari Sweat electrolyte drink for R160.

Drinks

Despite the food menu being rather small, the drinks menu is something to write home about! With FYN’s beverage director Jennifer Hugé at the helm, expect to be wowed by the variety and meticulously curated offering. There’s an extensive wine list, with a nod to interesting small-scale local producers, many of which can’t be found on “mainstream” wine lists.

The cocktails are equally impressive, with creative and flavourful concoctions like the ‘dirty nori martini’ and the deliciously delicate and refreshing jasmine high ball on tap – a drink made with Koh-Kun whiskey, jasmine soda and grapefruit. For the braver among us, there’s the option of ordering a ‘sukoshi shot’ – flavours range from vodka with kimchi and yuzu powder to tequila, pineapple and togarashi cricket salt! Love sake? There’s that too – and a decent variety of brands and serves. Japanese whiskies are also plentiful as are other spirits like rum, gin, tequila and mezcal.

Service

Ramenhead’s service is top-notch, from the moment you walk through the door. The staff are friendly, attentive and knowledgeable about the menu, making you feel welcomed and comfortable. They are also quick to offer recommendations and make suggestions based on your preferences.

Ambience

Ramen’s history as a “workman’s dish” has prevented it from being associated with pretentiousness or elitism. Its simple yet delicious taste also makes it perfect for enjoying in more casual environments. Ramenhead embraces this laid-back attitude and adds its own unique twist. The ambience is cool, relaxed and upbeat, making it a great place to grab a quick bite with a hungry family or settle in for a few hours with a group of friends. The space was designed by Tristan du Plessis of Studio A, who also worked on FYN, Ramenhead’s sister restaurant. He has taken traditional elements of Japanese design and combined them with a fun and eclectic feel.

 

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Go for the ramen, stay for the cocktails!

Eat Out critics dine unannounced and pay for their meals in full. Read our full editorial policy here.