Restaurants / Restaurants
Ramen Ya – restaurant review
Lanterns line the ceiling of new Japanese restaurant Ramen Ya on Gloucester Road, the dotted lighting floating like moons above you as you walk into the small, neat restaurant. With an open kitchen on one side and tables squashed all the way down the thin shop, there is a busy, bustling vibe.
Ramen Ya may be a recent arrival, but it has pulled off the trick of not looking brand new. The shop sign outside is dusty and worn, and the entrance is small and easy to miss. But that doesn’t stop it from being filled with eager customers, a stream of visitors stopping on their walk along the road to check out the new menu. Despite the small size, it doesn’t feel cramped, and the Instagram-worthy lighting and relaxing music add to an easy going atmosphere inside.
On the waitress’ recommendation I have the tonkotsu tan tan ramen (£9) and a steamed bun (£3.50) I had already seen recommended by several people on Facebook.
The milky broth is topped with roast pork and spicy minced pork, beautifully displayed in a deep bowl with an extra slice of seaweed. The pork is light and tender, the seaweed melts in your mouth.
It’s delicious; the sesame seeds and chillies combine to add an edge to the pork, but it’s not as spicy as warned. The large portion is satisfyingly filling.
The steamed bun seems overpriced when it arrives, small and dainty on a side plate, but the taste throws that thought out the door.
The ramen is good, but the steamed bun is the star. From a choice of pork, chicken and vegetable I go for the latter. It’s sweet potato and in an unusual mixture, with the bottom of the bun warm and the top is cold.
Deep fried wheat flour and peanuts give an extra crunch on top of the soft sweet potato and bun, and it’s all lined with sweet chilli mayo and sesame sauce. I can’t stop talking about it, it’s that good.
The staff here are quick, efficient and above all kind. The restaurant is small enough to catch their eye, and they are speedy and generous in their service, with the chef keen to discuss the finer details of the food.
With a lovely interior, friendly staff and lovingly prepared authentic Japanese food, Ramen Ya is a great new place to show off your chopstick skills. And trust me, try the steamed bun.
Ramen Ya, 61 Gloucester Road, Bristol, BS7 8AD
0117 944 6826
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