15 Mouth-Watering Places In Sydney To Get Your Ramen Fix

*Slurps noodles.*

1. Ippudo, various locations

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If you haven't already tried Ippudo, then it deserves to be added to your list straight away. It's Japan's most famous ramen store – so you know it's bound to be an authentic AND extremely delicious experience. Their speciality is tonkotsu ramen, with both of their signature recipes being perfected over their 23 year history. Oh, and you can even get the noodles cooked to your liking with FIVE levels of softness to choose from.

Must try: Shiromaru Motoaji or Akamaru Shinaji.

2. Gogyo, Surry Hills

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Although Gogyo is owned by the masterminds behind Ippudo, they've slowly gained a name for themselves and their signature Kogashi-style ramen. The secret is the charring technique used for the broth, which involves adding miso or shoyu to searing hot lard, resulting in a dark, almost black, colour. It's finished off with helpings of chicken broth and your favourite trimmings. All that's left to do is to start eating!

Must try: Kogashi Miso.

3. Menya Noodle Bar, CBD

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Tucked away on Market Street is a noodle bar by the name of Menya. Long queues are a common sight, but every eager ramen enthusiast will tell you that the generous servings and flavourful broth more than make up for it. There's also the choice between udon or soba noodles, and shoyu, miso, shio, or tonkotsu as your soup base. Don't skimp on the toppings either – the prawn tempura is a must.

Must try: Their Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen, or if you're daring, the Dragon Jya-Jya Men which is served dry with chilli pork mince.

4. Butter, Surry Hills

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You're probably familiar with Butter's heavenly fried chicken, but let me be the first to introduce you to their bowls of ramen. Featuring noodles, a rich tonkotsu and chicken broth, a soft-boiled egg, enoki mushrooms and two large tenders of their famous chook, this is comfort food at its finest. The only catch is that it's only available during winter and on Sunday to Thursday, so you best get in quick.

Must try: There's only one variation, so it'll have to be the Fried Chicken Ramen.

5. Ramen Zundo, Chatswood

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If you looked up Japanese soul food in the dictionary, you would be guaranteed to find images of Ramen Zumbo. Their sapporo-style ramen, which is made from a pork, chicken and vegetable based stock, tastes of comfort, warmth and a loving hug from mum. Their broth is rich and silky, and the chashu pork is melt-in-your-mouth good. They also have vegan ramen, which is served with fried lotus chips, vegetables and tofu – and packed FULL of flavour.

Must try: Tonkotsu Black.

6. Gumshara, Haymarket

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Sometimes there's hidden treasures hiding in a food court and Gumshara is one of them. Located in Chinatown's Eating World, they specialise in the creamy and buttery richness of tonkotsu, as well as garlic and miso broths. But what really sets them apart is their toppings – think pork spare ribs, BBQ pork slices, pork skewers and the softest of eggs. It's no wonder that their most well-known dish is dubbed 'The Chronic'.

Must try: Pork Spare Rib Ramen.

7. Ryo's Noodles, Crows Nest

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Step inside Ryo's and you'll find yourself transported to a eatery straight out of Tokyo. There's constant crowds, shared tables and no bookings. It's a no-frills sort of approach, which means that the focus is solely on the food. You'll find 10 types of ramen to choose from, with each complimented by thin and springy noodles and a gelatinous broth made from chicken soup or pork bones. It's good, simple food that'll leave you wanting more, even after you've slurped that last noodle.

Must try: Ramen #2.

8. Yasaka Ramen, CBD and Neutral Bay

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With a "No ramen, no life" motto, you best believe that Yasaka make some of the best ramen in Sydney. Their noodles are made fresh every day and you can even see the staff work their magic through glass panels at the shop front. And if you're a fan of spice, you'll be glad to know that their chilli ramen is available in four mind-numbing levels of spiciness.

Must try: Black Garlic Ramen, which is the chef's own creation and features a tangy, black coloured soup.

9. Hakata-Maru Ramen, Chatswood

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Cheap, informal and delicious is the best way to describe Hakata-Maru. Their base White Tonkotsu ramen will set you back a measly $11.30 and you can even request that the noodles be cooked to your liking. Still hungry? There's plenty of toppings to help you create your dream bowl of ramen.

Must try: Hakata-Maru Tonkotsu.

10. Manpuku, Kingsford and Chatswood

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Head chef Hideto Suzuki has been crazy about noodles since he was a baby and his love, knowledge and experience of the dish shines at Manpuku. There's handmade noodles and shio, shoyu, tonkotsu and a special miso pork and chicken broth, which is described on the menu as "a delicious miso flavour you're unlikely to encounter anywhere else in the southern hemisphere", to choose from. All dishes are served with special printed nori sheets that add even more fun to the whole experience.

Must try: Splash out and enjoy the Seven Gods Ramen.

11. Ramen Goku, Glebe

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Produced by the culinary experts at Menya Noodle Bar is Ramen Goku. It's located on Glebe Point Road, which makes it perfect for students looking for a quick, delicious and budget-friendly meal. Their tonkotsu broths are excellent, but it's worth trying their vegetarian ramen. Made with a kelp-based stock, there's also chewy egg noodles, sesame seeds and a whole bunch of veggies to enjoy with it.

Must try: Goko Ramen.

12. Ichiban Boshi, Bondi Junction and CBD

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Ichiban Boshi has a rich but simple history. They first took up shop 21 years ago in Bondi Junction and have since expanded their reach to the bustling CBD. With over 20 varieties of ramen to choose from, you are simply spoilt for choice. And let's not forget about the additional toppings like crunchy tempura, juicy gyoza and tender karaage chicken. It's simple food done brilliantly, and that's all that matters.

Must try: The Tokyo Ramen, which is a steal at $11.90.

13. Chaco Bar, Darlinghurst

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Although Chaco Bar are well known for their yakitori, that doesn't meant you can't grab a good bowl of ramen here. There are select timings and it's slightly pricey, but with luxe toppings like prawn and John Dory wonton and Hokkaido scallop, you really can't complain.

Must try: Yuzu Scallop Ramen.

14. RaRa, Redfern

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One of the latest eateries on Regent Street that you'll want to be visiting is RaRa. Why is it so good? Well, word on the street is that their signature tonkotsu ramen is a closely guarded secret. And anything that is a secret is guaranteed to be worth trying. That's not to mention the taste explosion your mouth will be experiencing when you bite into their smokey chasu, which has been slow-roasted and finished over a coal grill. And for the vegans, there's the option for a soy-milk broth base, so everyone will be happy and well fed.

Must try: RaRa Tonkotsu.

15. Rising Sun Workshop, Newtown

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Welcome to the Rising Sun Workshop, which is both a ramen bar and a communal workspace for motorbike enthusiasts. Here you can grab your lunchtime fix for ramen in three styles: The Light, the Dark and the Monk, which can be made vegan on request. But the real hero of this place is their Breakfast Ramen, yes, BREAKFAST RAMEN. Made from a buttered toast and bone broth and topped with bacon, egg and tomato, this is the best and only way to start your day right.

Must try: Breakfast Ramen or if you've headed in for lunch, try the Dark.

Happy slurping!

Nintendo