A good bowl of ramen is like tasting a warm hug. Comfort foods come in all different shapes and sizes, boasting a variant of flavours perfect for those days when you just need a pick-me-up. Of all the comfort foods that we’re spoiled for choice with in Cape Town, a foodie wonder hailing (as most would agree) from Japan sits at the top of my list, writes Cape {town} Etc’s Ashleigh Nefdt.
It’s not easy to find the perfect bowl of ramen that your tummy and wallet can agree on, especially in a multi-cultural city where there are dime a dozen competitors in the same food niche. You want the kind of ramen that looks just like your favourite anime character’s dish, and tastes so good you never want to turn back to your two-minute noodle ways again.
To help you on your ramen journey, here are 3 ramen spot gems in Cape Town that you have to try on your global food journey in the Mother City:
1.Downtown Ramen
Harrington Street’s own hidden gem – Downtown Ramen has stood as a firm local favourite of city locals for a few years. With an atmosphere perfect for the cool and edgy local or traveller, Downtown Ramen is praised for understanding the assignment when it comes to serving up generous bowls of comfort. As your bowl steams and your broth brews, breathe in the flavours of wholesome happiness. A top recommendation and my personal favourite is the shoyu pork-belly ramen. Don’t forget to add boa to your serving (the buttermilk chicken is superb) and enjoy the quaint atmosphere of true city vibrance.
Where: 103 Harrington St
2. Three Wise Monkeys
Doted with anime classics (including Dragon Ball Z) and Japanese art, Three Wise Monkeys servings are set in the perfect spot to satisfy all your ramen cravings, nestled in the heart of Sea Point. For your ramen choices, you can pick between chicken, duck, beef brisket or fillet and veggies to feed your craving. Each is served with the perfect broth to complement its assortment of foodie wonders, all of which you can enjoy with a cup of herbal tea or wine at your leisure.
Where: La Rhone Building, 77 Regent Rd, Sea Point
3.Tjing Tjing House
Easily one of the most aesthetic restaurant houses in Cape Town, Tjing Tjing boasts layers of experiences including its renowned rooftop bar. Going to Tjing Tjing is like teleporting to Japan in all its modern and traditional design adorations – and the food only secures your illusion of being in the breathtaking beyond.
For ramen thrills, the street level is where the magic happens, at Tjing Tjing House’s Torii. Torii offers a culinary experience found typically in yokocho and offers a less really is more menu when it comes to ramen. Pork Tonkotsu, Chicken Paitan or Spicy Veg are all on the cards for a mouthwatering dining experience you simply can’t find just anywhere. And, contrary to popular belief, the prices are pretty competitive with other ramen spots, only with the added flair of the Tjing Tjing experience.
Where: 165 Longmarket St, Cape Town City Centre
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Picture: @tjingtjinghouse