Yamato (Melrose North)

Since 1995, Yamato has been dishing out traditional ramen to hungry Joburgers prepared according to the Japanese owner’s home recipe, the base of which is a rich broth and handmade egg noodles. At Yamato, patrons can choose between the Shoyu Ramen comprising soya sauce-based broth, homemade egg noodles and two slices of pork; Chashu Ramen comprising pork bone broth, homemade egg noodles and six slices of pork; Miso Ramen comprising miso paste-based pork broth and handmade egg noodles; or the ever-popular Miso Chashu Ramen comprising miso paste-based pork and chicken bone broth, homemade egg noodles, pork belly chashu, minced pork, bean sprouts and spring onion. Vegetarian ramen bowls comprising miso paste-based vegetarian broth, tahini, mirin, garlic, onions, carrots, sweet corn, wakame, bok choy, spring onions, celery, leeks, mushrooms, tomatoes, potatoes, kale (if available), spinach, cabbage, broccoli and ramen noodles need to be ordered three days in advance for a minimum of 10 portions. Every Thursday is Ramen Day at Yamato, where all the ramen bowls are served at a discounted price for lunch (Shoyu Ramen, Chashu Ramen, Miso Ramen and Miso Chashu Ramen) and each of these ramen bowls is also served with a complimentary bowl of steamed rice on Thursdays.

 

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Obento Ramen Bar (Parkmore, Sandton)

Literally translating as ‘lunchbox’ in Japanese, Obento is well known for its ramen bowls, which are made with flavourful bone broth that is simmered for a minimum of 12 hours and handmade egg noodles. Take your pick from the six ramen bowls on offer, including Tonkotsu comprising rich pork bone broth, chashu pork belly, a ramen egg, seasonal green leafy vegetables, bamboo shoots, sweet corn, nori and spring onions; Spicy Tonkotsu which includes in-house chilli oil in addition to all the other ingredients of the Tonkotsu; Tonkotsu Miso which features miso-flavoured broth in addition to all the other ingredients of the Tonkotsu; Shoyu featuring soy sauce-based broth, fried exotic mushrooms and tofu; Miso containing fermented soy bean paste broth, fried exotic mushrooms and tofu; and Taiwan Beef comprising a hearty beef broth, seasonal vegetables and spicy pickled mustard chard. The Spicy Tonkotsu is the most popular ramen bowl. Add-ons to the ramen bowls include chashu, katsu chicken, beef tendons, wontons, extra noodles, seasonal vegetables, bamboo shoots, ramen egg, ‘danger sauce’ and extra ramen chillies. Obento also offers a choice of replacing the traditional egg noodles with gluten-free rice noodles in any of the ramen bowls.

 

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Wok n Roll (Sandton)

At Wok n Roll, patrons can choose between three types of ramen: Teriyaki Chicken comprising traditional Japanese ramen noodles, thick pork bone broth, teriyaki chicken, sweet corn, pok choi, bamboo shoots, edamame beans, wakame, spring onion, sesame seeds and a soft ramen egg; Spicy Beef containing traditional Japanese ramen noodles, thick pork bone broth, spicy grilled beef, sweet corn, pok choi, bamboo shoots, edamame beans, wakame, spring onion, sesame seeds and a soft ramen egg; or Cha Siu Pork featuring traditional Japanese ramen noodles, thick pork bone broth, cha siu pork, sweet corn, pok choi, bamboo shoots, edamame beans, wakame, spring onion, sesame seeds and a soft ramen egg. The Cha Siu Pork ramen is the most popular with customers. If you like your ramen spicy, you can opt for the spicy ramen sauce that can be added to the ramen bowl of your choice.

 

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Momo &O (Norwood)

For a soul-satisfying bowl of classic ramen, head to Momo &O. Ramen options on the menu include Shiō (chicken and dashi bone broth, beef brisket, house-made noodles, sea salt tare, schmaltz, sweet miso, toasted sesame, spring onion, fried scallion, bamboo shoots, ramen egg, crispy kale, edamame, cucumber pickle); Sanshō (extra-hot chicken and dashi bone broth, beef brisket, house-made noodles, Szechuan tare, schmaltz, blackened chilli salsa, toasted sesame, spring onion, fried scallion, bamboo shoots, ramen egg, crispy kale, edamame, Szechuan pickle); Misō (chicken and dashi bone broth, crispy fried chicken, house-made noodles, miso tare, schmaltz, togarashi, QP mayo, toasted sesame, spring onion, fried scallion, bamboo shoots, ramen egg, crispy kale, edamame, cucumber pickle); Enoki (root vegetable umami broth, braised shiitake, sautéed enoki mushrooms, house-made noodles, miso tare, teriyaki drizzle, toasted sesame, spring onion, fried scallion, bamboo shoots, ramen egg or crispy tofu, crispy kale, bok choy, edamame, kimchi); Tori Tori (chicken and dashi bone broth, amber roasted duck, house-made noodles, sea salt tare, schmaltz, hoisin, yuzu, toasted sesame, spring onion, fried scallion, bamboo shoots, ramen egg, crispy kale, edamame, cucumber pickle); and Formosa (hot shoyu beef bone broth, chicken broth, beef brisket, beef shin, house-made noodles, roasted tomato, pickled mustard greens, toasted sesame, spring onion, bamboo shoots, ramen egg, crispy kale, edamame, Taiwan pickle). The Formosa and Miso ramen are the two most ordered by patrons.

Simply Asia (multiple outlets)

Popular for its Thai food, Simply Asia also serves up a well-rounded ramen bowl. Choose between the Five-Spice Ramen Noodles comprising Thai five-spice and fish sauce-flavoured broth, fried garlic, bean sprouts, spring onions, celery, a hard-boiled egg and your choice of rice noodles, yellow noodles or mung bean noodles (surcharge applicable); Thai Spice Ramen Noodles comprising Thai spice-flavoured broth, fried garlic, bean sprouts, spring onion, ground peanuts, a hard-boiled egg (or tofu) and your choice of rice noodles, yellow noodles or mung bean noodles (surcharge applicable); or the bestselling Tom Yum Ramen comprising Tom Yum and roasted chilli paste broth, mushrooms, fried garlic, a hard-boiled egg and yellow noodles. Toppings of chicken, beef, duck or prawns can be added to any of the bowls at an additional cost.

Banchan Korean Restaurant (Parkmore, Sandton)

Synonymous with serving up some of the best Korean food in Joburg, Banchan also offers a ramen bowl with unique toppings. While the basic ramen bowl comes with ramen noodles in a spicy mushroom-based broth, add-ons include brinjal, onions, carrots, bean sprouts, cheese, egg, kimchi or pork belly. You can also choose to upsize your ramen bowl with all the toppings. Fried ramen noodles can be added to any of the ramen bowls on request.