(Always) Ready for Ramen
Japanese cuisine already had us with the omelette-throwing at the teppanyaki. We got hooked on the sushi, and now we can’t live without a good bowl of ramen. The soup full of noodles in a flavourful broth is the ultimate comfort food for a cold winter day. Pick your favourite topping and start slurping at these great ramen restaurants.
Words: Gerdien Barnard
Takumi
It was a hit in Düsseldorf, so why not open a place in Rotterdam? And here as well, Takumi was an instant success. In this cosy restaurant (rather exceptional for a ramen bar), you can choose from more than 20 types of ramen with all varieties of toppings (including vegetarian options), or go for the monthly special. If you’re very hungry, end your meal with a surprising, sweet matcha toast.
West-Kruiskade 9b, Open: Mon-Sat, 11:30 AM – 10 PM, Sun 12 PM – 9:30 PM, +31(0)10-3027240, takumiramennoodles.com
Sapporo
Sapporo is Takumi’s little sister, yet here you’ll only find ramen made with chicken broth. What they have in common is the enormous variety. For example, try the Sapporo miso ramen with grilled chicken, vegetables and butter. This ramen is actually what the Japanese city of Sapporo is famous for. Chicken lovers, this is the place to be!
Aert van Nesstraat 22, Open: 11:30 AM – 10 PM, Sun 12 PM – 9:30 PM, Tel. +31(0)10-3163190, sappororamen.eu
Set
Set is small and minimalistically decorated; just like the average ramen bar in Japan. Additionally, the menu is rather unambiguous. No excess of choices, but enough to try a different ramen every day of the week. If you need to warm up, order an after-dinner hot matcha with marshmallows or chocolate.
West-Kruiskade 10b, Open: 12 PM – 10 PM (Mon closed), Tel: +31(0)10-4951199, setrestaurant.nl
Hinoki
Tired after shopping at Markthal? Grab a much-needed break at this great ramen bar. For the past three years, Hinoki is where the Japanese go for a ‘taste of home’. Choose between a shoyu (with soy-sauce), shio (salt) or miso ramen, and pick your toppings. The Hinoki specialty is with pork, thinly sliced veggies and garlic. Take a seat and slurp the night away.
Keizerstraat 52, Open: 12 PM – 9:30 PM (Mon closed), Tel. +31(0)10-4133585, hinoki.nl
Tensai
Some bars import them from Japan. Others are homemade. At Tensai, they choose the second option for their ramen noodles, and we can assure you, the proof is in the taste. Obviously, you don’t call your restaurant Tensai (genius) for nothing. The place is always packed with Japanese. In case you needed more proof.
Schiedamsedijk 1, Open: 12 PM – 10 PM (Tues closed), facebook.com/TensaiRamen
Wagamama
You’ll find Wagamama restaurants all around the world, but the ramen – served with a wooden ladle – of this chain is just too good to pass up. The specialty with grilled chicken, barbecued pork and chikuwa is a real must-try. Kids can order a mini-ramen, and vegans can opt for the kare burosu ramen with silky tofu and grilled mushrooms. A hot ramen with a cold Japanese Asahi beer on the Witte de With terrace is the perfect dinner on a stormy day.
Witte de Withstraat 83-85, Open: daily 12 PM – 10 PM, Tel. +31(0)10-2362300, wagamama.nl
