Thought last year’s ramen burger was just a fad? Well, it was, but we can’t help but think it must have something to do with the continuing assault on the UK food scene that ramen is currently tasking itself with. This month and next in London, no less than THREE different ramen bars are opening. Two are Tottenham Court Road way and one lives in Islington. They join the ever popular Bone Daddies, Tonkotsu and Shoryu Ramen. But where else can you get your hands on some? Here's a few ideas.
United Ramen, London
Our pick of London’s newest ramen restauarants (the others are Kanada-Ya and Ippudo) has to be United Ramen, which boasts 'cultural mash-ups' of ramen dishes. This basically means you can have your ramen Indian style (pickled radish and pork), American style (BBQ pulled chicken) or British style (roast beef and yorkshires – obvs).
Umami, Manchester
I mean sure, this place has got everything from Thai to Chinese, but with no less than eight ramen dishes to choose from, and a neverending stream of patrons (although quick service means you won’t ever have to wait long for a table), Umami has become something of a staple in central Manchester. Plus, you can get two courses for £5.95 at lunchtime. Bargain.
Tampopo, Bristol (and other locations)
Described by the Manchester Evening News as ‘the thinking noodle-eater’s Wagamama’ this chain started in Manchester but has since spread with locations in Bristol, Reading and Leeds (although this one's currently undergoing refurbishment). The Bristol one is in Cabot Circus so if you’re skipping Cribbs Causeway and braving central for shopping, stop off here for respite. PS, splash out the extra quid and totally go for the beef ramen.
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E-Kagen, Brighton
Not much to look at but E-Kagen (located above an oriental supermarket) is as authentic a ramen dish as you're going to get. Family owned, it might not be as popular as other Brighton Japanese restaurant Pompoko (and again this probably comes down to location and decor) it's actually preferred by many.
Home
Skint? Give going out a miss and make this at home. Although if you're skint you might wanna give the prawns a miss. Substitute for precooked chicken instead.
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.