Bubbling broth, nourishing noodles and a load of tasty toppings... Yes, that's right - we're talking about ramen. It's the iconic Japanese dish that's become pretty ubiquitous among Scots these days (often deemed a much-needed "hug in a bowl", especially on cold nights). But if you're wondering where to find the best ramen in Glasgow? We've rounded up the top 10 spots you need to visit.
YO!
While you may know this Japanese restaurant better for its colourful conveyer belt of sushi, it's also a great find for delish noodles and broth. So if you’re looking for the best ramen in Glasgow city centre? Head to YO! and get your chopsticks around options like spicy seafood, teriyaki chicken and vegan shitake mushroom. You can also find its sister site in Silverburn.
YO! boasts its very own rice lager, Brewgooder, if you need a drink to pair.
Nippon Kitchen
This city centre restaurant transports you to East Asia with its charming interiors, featuring wooden panelled walls, minimalist furniture and atmospheric lanterns. At Nippon Kitchen, you can opt for either a spicy or shoyu soup base accompanied by chicken, duck, prawns, salmon and more. Plus, there’s an excellent list of tipples to try out, including sake and refreshing pints of Asahi.
There are loads of Japanese spirits here too, like Roku Gin or Kissui Vodka.
Pickled Ginger
When craving authentic ramen, one place you can always count on is Pickled Ginger in Finnieston. This much-loved restaurant will keep you cosy with steaming bowls made up of bone broth, noodles, seaweed, spring onions, bamboo shoots and a boiled egg. As for protein? Fill your boots with everything from chasu pork and beef tataki to duck.
For the best ramen in Glasgow's West End, Pickled Ginger is a hot contender.
Temaki
Temaki is loved by sushi fans for its enticing array of Japanese bites, from tuna maki to seaweed onigiri, but did you know it also rustles up hearty servings of ramen? Choose between either chilli or miso broth, then add a variety of toppings, including chicken, salmon, BBQ eel and kimchi - not to mention that all-important squidgy boiled egg.
We know this all sounds so exciting, but try to ramen calm.
Maki & Ramen
Maki & Ramen Glasgow has solidified itself as one of the most popular places for Japanese cuisine, toting gorgeous, blossom-filled interiors that would look ace on the 'Gram. And while there’s plenty to get your smackers around, our favourite is the black garlic tonkotsu, created using eight-hour broth, freshly handmade noodles, a few veggies and a perfectly boiled egg.
You can't deny that Maki & Ramen is a bit of an Instagrammer's paradise.
Wudon
The West End hotspot, which was founded by sisters who were inspired by their mum’s cooking, boasts luscious, hanging foliage and pretty pendant lights. On Wudon's menu, you’ll find bowls filled to the brim with homemade broth, fresh noodles and vegetables. One particular highlight is the katsu ramen, served with chicken or king prawns in a spicy peanut satay soup.
For dessert, make sure to try the strawberry mochi.
Mikaku
A kitsch but oh-so-cool place to eat, Mikaku is made up of faux cobbled floors, vibrant murals, neon lights and striking blossom trees, offering a totally unique dining experience. This tribute to Tokyo culture slings out a mouthwatering menu of ramen, which you can wash down with one of the creative cocktails from the extensive drinks list.
If you're thirsty, don't forget to order the signature wasabi margarita.
Okome
Need something to warm you through? Okome is here to help, with outposts in Shawlands and the West End. Whether you're craving tantan broth with char siu pork or a spicy seafood soup that packs a punch, you're covered and then some. If you need a little side dish to match, there’s also lots of scrumptious sushi to try out, from sashimi to temaki.
Just look at that juicy steak...
Ramen Dayo
This list certainly wouldn’t be complete without Ramen Dayo Glasgow. Having started as a pop-up back in 2016, it quickly became a must-visit, now fronting restaurants on Ashton Lane and in the West End. This joint creates all of its food from scratch, using chicken and pork bones for its iconic broth, offering flavours like tantanmen, tonkotsu and, for the spice lovers among you, the fiery devil.
Hopeless ramen-tics will love the intimate vibes when diving into Ramen Dayo's menu.
Yippon
Located on the ever-bustling George Street, Yippon is whipping up a mega menu of Japanese food in a laid-back but stylish setting. Settle into the leather booth seating and tantalise your tastebuds with freshly prepared sushi and dumplings, as well as the main event – ramen. Get stuck into flavoursome dishes topped with deep-fried tofu, chicken, prawn tempura and so much more.
This city centre hangout is also known for its banging bubble teas.
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