
06 Dec 2024
A delicious Japanese noodle soup dish filled with flavour and spices, there is nothing more comforting than a big bowl of ramen. With variations to suit all tastes and dietary requirements, from spicy chicken to mixed seafood, crispy tofu to simple vegetables, the options are endless. Consisting of a flavourful broth made from chicken, vegetable or pork stock, hand-cut wheat noodles, and finished with various vegetables and toppings of your choice, this hugely versatile dish is perfect for all occasions, whether it’s a casual lunch or a sit down evening meal with friends. So, if you’re craving a taste of Japan in the Northern Irish capital, read on. Here are the best places for ramen in Belfast you need to visit.
One of the best-loved Asian restaurants the city has to offer, Kamakura Sushi and Ramen Restaurant boasts three popular locations: one in the city centre, one in East Belfast, and one in Carrick. Specialising in, you guessed it, sushi and ramen, among an array of other delicious Asian favourites, this traditional Japanese eatery prides itself in using only the freshest and most high-quality ingredients from the very best local suppliers of fresh vegetables and whole fish. So, diners can rely on a truly unforgettable flavour experience here with delicious dishes created by the hands of talented Japanese sushi chef Shotaro Obana San, who has over 35 years of experience making mouthwatering sushi and sashimi. When it comes to ramen, this spot offers an almost unrivalled selection with offerings such as a warming kimchi chicken ramen, a flavourful grilled seafood ramen, a tasty beef ramen, and a Yasmin vegetable ramen complete with wok-fried tofu. Sounds pretty perfect to us!
A popular Japanese restaurant located on the bustling Lisburn Road, Ginza Kitchen offers an authentic and unique Japanese dining experience right at the heart of one of the city’s busiest areas. Named after one of the famous upmarket dining and entertainment districts in Japan, the founder of Ginza Kitchen is passionate about recreating an authentic and high-end Japanese dining experience for the people of Belfast. Alongside the delicious range of sushi, doburi, gyoza, teppanyaki and tempura, Ginza Kitchen serves a delicious selection of ramen to suit all tastes. Diners can choose from the flavourful Ginza Tonkotsu, complete with braised pork belly, bamboo, pak choi and a rich homemade broth, the Kimchi Spicy Seafood, which comes with grilled mixed seafood, bamboo, pak choi, egg and a rich homemade stock, among many other offerings such as grilled chicken, beef, and a tasty yasai ramen full of fresh vegetables and packed with flavour.
A relatively recent addition to the Belfast dining scene, Ragin’ Ramen is the perfect spot to enjoy some of the very best ramen you’re likely to find in the city. Located in the lively Cathedral Quarter, Ragin’ Ramen specialises in offering traditional Japanese ramen with a Belfast twist. Making use of the freshest ingredients with all broths made in-house, you can expect epic flavours if you choose to dine here. Available for dine in and takeaway, this is a great spot for all occasions, whether you’re looking to enjoy a date night in the city or a relaxed evening at home. Fully licensed, it also offers a wide variety of beers and cocktails, elevating this fun and friendly dining experience to the next level. With a rebellious spirit, the ramen on offer here is far from the norm and the flavours you’ll be greeted with are like none you’ll have ever had before. First, diners can choose from a selection of ramen, udon or rice noodles as its base before selecting the main attraction. Epic menu offerings include the Light Yagami, a chasu chicken ramen with all the trimmings, the Raijin spice bag roast pork belly ramen, or the Sailor Moon, a tasty tofu ramen flavoured with spicy miso tare, and that’s just a small selection of what you can choose from here.
When it comes to Asian dining in Belfast, one spot you can’t miss is Zen. Perfect for a relaxed lunch or a sit down evening meal, this spot is one of the most beloved Asian fusion restaurants the city has to offer. With a range of delicious Japanese-inspired meals, this spot fuses Asian culture with a modern and authentic atmosphere, with no holds barred when it comes to interior design. The menu offers something for everyone, from award-winning sushi, sashimi and ramen to simple Chinese cuisine, making this the perfect spot to check out when dining with friends. It also offers some of the most creative cocktails, alongside a wide variety of wines, spirits and traditional Japanese sake and Chinese beers, making this a great spot for a memorable meal out.
Last but most certainly not least, one epic spot you need to check out for some tasty ramen in Belfast is the popular Sakura Japanese Restaurant in the city’s university quarter. Humble and understated, you could easily walk past this epic restaurant and miss out on the treasures hidden inside. Open all day for sit-in and takeaway dining, Sakura offers some of the most authentic and flavourful Japanese cuisine you’ll find across the entirety of Northern Ireland. With a great selection of sashimi, hand roll and tempura roll sushi, and various other Japanese soups, salads, noodle and rice dishes and sides, there is plenty to choose from here. If it’s ramen you’re after, then you’re in luck as you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to the varied selection of ramen dishes on the menu here. From spicy seafood to deep fried pork, assorted tempura to braised beef brisket, ramen lovers will be spoilt for choice. The worst part is you’ll have a hard time deciding which one to go for!
