Maybe there’s something in the air, but there are new restaurants popping up everywhere that serve fresh, creamy and delectable bowls of noodle-y goodness – but is anyone complaining? Hell nahh.
If like me you want to trade in greasy burgers for noodles, meat, veg and broth, you’re reading the right article!
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Umami
Umami is an authentic Japanese eatery tucked away on Oxford Road that’s a particular favourite amongst students because it’s scrumptiously affordable. There’s a huge range of ramen dishes to choose from that cater for vegetarians, meat-eaters, vegans and spice-lovers that are all made according to typical Japanese tradition. Using fresh meat, seafood and seasonal greens, each dish is unique, so you’ll want to go back more than once to explore the menu. Personally, the Grilled Organic Salmon Ramen screams out to me, but then again, so does the Chill Beef Ramen and the Char Slu Ramen… Oh hell, they all sound delightful!
Umami, 149-153 Oxford Rd, Manchester M1 7EE
www.umami.cc
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Shoryu Ramen
If you’re searching for variety, Shoryu at Piccadilly Gardens is going to be the pick of the day because their menu is bloody massive! Like most places, they serve the classic Tonkotsu in all variations including meat, seafood and vegetarian- but it’s their ‘special’ curry ramens that are the winner for me. The Kimchi Seafood Natural is particularly mouth-watering; made with a fiery kimchi white natural broth, prawns, scallops, squid, kikurage mushrooms and loads more veg, it comes as no surprise to learn that it’s one of the most popular dishes on the menu.
Shoryu Ramen, 1 Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester, M1 1RG
www.shoryuramen.com
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Tokyo Ramen
Do you know what I like about Tokyo Ramen in Northern Quarter? It takes them 10 hours to make and cook their house broth. That’s some serious dedication to ramen. But that’s just the start of it because pretty much everything on the menu is made from scratch, including their Karaage (Japanese fried chicken) which is sha-maz-ingggg! Tokyo Ramen’s speciality is their Tantanmen an adaptation of Chinese Sichuan Dan Dan noodles which are deliciously spicy and bursting with flavour. Made up of chicken bone broth, Koji fried chicken, fermented chilli oil, roasted garlic, sesame tare, kale and lime, you’ll never find a bowl of food this good anywhere else. They also offer plenty of sides and small dishes to pair with your main if you’re feeling extra hungry. Having lived in Tokyo for three years, the owners have drawn on inspiration from Japanese ramen-houses to create a quaint, authentic dining experience that is about as close to the real thing as you’re going to get, so why pay for flights to Tokyo when you have the best alternative right on your doorstep?
Tokyo Ramen, 55 Church St, Manchester M4 1PD
www.instagram.com/ramenmcr/
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Samsi
When Duncan Bannatyne (the grumpy one from Dragon’s Den) calls a restaurant ‘fantastic’, you know it’s going to be decent. Samsi on Whitworth Street first opened in 1993 and has since spoiled diners in Manchester with fresh, premium Japanese food that is deemed one of the best in the city. Of course, this includes their delicious Ramen which come served with either, Gyoza Chicken, Vegetables, Chicken, Pork, Beef or the freshest seafood. I could ramble on about how good it tastes, but being featured in magazines such as The Sunday Times says is all.
Samsi, 36-38 Whitworth Street, Manchester, M1 3NR
www.samsi.co.uk
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Cocktail Beer Ramen + Bun
CBRB is one of Northern Quarter’s new additions that appears to be turning into a bit of a crowd favourite- and I personally, can see why. A couple of weeks ago, me and a few of the Finest girls took a trip to CBRB to taste their ‘famous’ Ramen and left with full bellies and big smiles on our faces. I opted for the Tonkotsu, Kate, the Crab Tonkotsu and Kat, the Tantanmen with added Pork, all of which were bloody sensational. The Plates section on the menu offer a range of to-die-for mini treats including gyoza’s, Karaage fried chicken and edamame beans, whereas the Buns are made using loads of different ingredients including Shiitake mushrooms, Korean steak, crispy artichoke and pork charsu. Basically, it’s all mint, so head on down, pick a beer (or cocktail) from their vast menu of bevs, choose a ramen and some plates/buns, and you’re good to go!
Cocktail Beer Ramen + Bun , 101-103 Oldham Street, Manchester, United Kingdom
www.facebook.com/cocktailbeerramenbun
