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Time Out
3 days ago
- General
- Time Out
The best spots for Ramen in Cape Town
1. Ramenhead Located on Parliament Street, Ramenhead embodies the true art form of ramen making, preparing fresh noodles using the Yamato machine, an imported machine from Japan, and applying the same principles and commitment of the old age craft to each and every bowl served. With no shortage of flavour in sight, each bowl features an umami-rich broth and daily freshly-made noodles Offering two bowl sizes, the dishes average around R145 for the small bowls and R230 for the regular bowls. Dishes from their ramen section include Tonkotsu, a rich pork bone broth paired with Tokyo-style noodles, pork belly chashu, pickled ginger, ajitamago, mayu, rayi and kikurage. For Wagyu lovers, a torches Cape Wagyu and wagyu sirloin with beef broth, Tokyo-style noodles, shitake, truffled kikurage is the go-to! Led by Head Chef Julia Du Toit, Ramehhead's ramen is an ode to tradition and skilful technique. Be sure to pair your steaming bowl of ramen with Japanese sake from their wide selection available. Address: 37 Parliament St, Cape Town City Centre Open times: Monday to Wednesday from 5pm to 9pm for dinner service, Thursdays to Saturdays from 6pm to 10pm for dinner and Thursday to Saturday from 12pm to 2.30pm for lunch. At the time of publication, Ramenhead is closed for winter break from 1 - 24 July 2025. 2. Bodega Ramen Nestled away in a building on Wale Street, and revered for its steaming and delicious bowls of Ramen, Bodega Ramen is a staple among ramen lovers in the Mother City. As Bodega offers a rotating menu, it's an adventurous opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Another alternative is asking the waiters on service what their pick is according to your tastes and preferred spice levels. Ramen dishes that have featured on their menu include prawn tom yum, hot fried chicken tantanmen, hot fried cauli tantanmen and more. One thing is for sure, Bodega does not shy away from portion sizes, offering large bowls that pack a punch of flavour and enough broth to savour each bite. Catering to meat-free eaters, there will always be a vegan ramen dish and starters available for diners. Gluten-free diners will be happy to know that Bodega Ramen offers rice noodles as an alternative. Ramen bowls range from R165 upwards. 3. Yatai Ramen Opening its doors in November 2024, Yatai Ramen provides an elevated Japanese street food dining experience. As no surprise, the star of the show on their menu is their wide selection of ramen. From miso grilled kinglip, served in a rich and creamy broth, with sea veg, fish cake, all within a steaming elderflower dashi broth and topped with marinated egg and chilli crisp oil, to miso dashi tofu. All the ramen dishes on their menu use Tokyo-style noodles, made from wheat with a medium thickness, ensuring maximum noodle to broth coverage for the perfect slurp. Medium and large bowls are available for each of their ramen dishes on offer. If you are looking for a pick-me-up from those Monday blues, Yatai Ramen runs a special offering of medium bowls of ramen for R99, excluding the Truffle Shoyu Wagyu Ramen. Be sure to book in advance to avoid missing out on this special, as it has become a hit amongst diners. 4. Downtown Ramen With an unassuming entrance as you walk up the stairway, Downtown Ramen prides itself on offering dishes made from scratch and only sources what it cannot make from local producers. Authentic to the culinary roots of ramen, fresh noodles are handmade daily, and each bowl is served with nori, egg, and chilli, if you are feeling adventurous or have a palate for all things hot. Ramen bowls are offered in small and large sizes, with classics available such as the Shoyu ramen, also known as Tokyo ramen, served with a rich, smoky broth and pork. There is a vegetarian option, the Kimiko, which features vegetables and tofu, for those opting to go meat-free. 5. Three Wise Monkeys Often, the first spot that comes to mind for many diners when they think of ramen is Three Wise Monkeys in Sea Point. Preparing fresh noodles daily, the menu features five ramen options to choose from, each featuring an alternative protein option: chicken, beef brisket, beef fillet, tofu or duck. Diners opting for the chicken ramen can expect a chicken-based broth, with a secret (we do not even know, soy sauce), pickled mushrooms, den miso corn, a five-minute marinated egg, spinach, leeks and nori, a true hug in a bowl of comfort. If you are in the mood for dessert, opt for their matcha & salted custard Bun, a 'match-a' of flavour made in heaven. 6. Kanji Ramen Located on the bustling Kloof Nek road in Tamboerskloof, Kanji Ramen's setting may be small, but their ramen bowls are anything but that. Founded by Chef Seelan Sundoo and seasoned restaurateur Gavin Hagger, the restaurant's menu is a showcase of traditional ramen alongside Japanese street food-style dishes served as small plates. Each of their ramen dishes features hand-pulled noodles and is usually paired with tender slices of meat. Pricing for their ramen starts from R160 to R180. With only four ramen options available, great attention to detail is placed with each bowl served. Waygu fans will be delighted to know that Kanji offers a beef fillet, wagyu beef mince, chilli oil, baby spinach with bean sprouts and miso corn ramen dish, one that has crave-inducing abilities. If you are feeling a bit extra peckish before you dive into a bowl of bouncy noodles and broth, opt to try out their gyoza dumplings, fried dumplings either filled with spinach and wild mushrooms or chicken and cabbage. With limited seating available, be sure to make a reservation in advance. 7. Izakaya Matsuri Tucked away in Green Point and not easy to spot by walking by, Izakaya Matsuri, somewhat of a truly hidden restaurant. With its dim and low lighting, Japanese-themed art and interior decor, and ramen options that brim with bold flavours, tender and crunchy toppings, it's the ideal hideaway for a cosy lunch or dinner. A must-try is the rich and creamy Tonkatsu ramen, prepared with pork broth and served with Chashu pork, which is pork belly rolled and sliced, topped with spring onions, boiled egg and sesame seeds. The menu currently does not feature any vegan or vegetarian ramen options. Address: 6, The Rockwell, 32 Prestwich St, Green Point, Cape Town Open times: Monday to Saturday from 11.30am to 10pm and Sunday from 11.30am to 9pm 8. Tomo Japanese Restaurant Located in the heart of the CBD, Tomo Japanese Restaurant is a dining escape from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding area. With a non-fusion approach, Tomo Japanese Restaurant aims to provide an authentic dining experience. At the helm of the kitchen is chef David Yan, who ensures that each of the Japanese and Asian dishes is prepared with utmost precision. Serving up beef (a signature dish), veggie, lamb and seafood miso ramen in a broth that wraps around you like a blanket with each spoonful savoured, paired with the freshly made noodles, it transports you to the bustling streets of Tokyo. Time Out Insider Info: Make the most of their ramen offering by opting for their winter special. From 12pm to 3pm daily, a hearty bowl of ramen will cost you R98. View this post on Instagram A post shared by TOMO Japanese Restaurant CPT (@tomocapetown) 9. Obi Restaurant If you have scrolled through Instagram, the chances are that you have spotted chef Hatsushiro Muraoka, a sushi icon in Cape Town, alongside chef Ben Bettendorf, are very high. This unlikely duo are the co-founders and powerhouse behind the loved Obi Restaurant on Long Street. Celebrating nine years since it opened its doors, Obi restaurant has cemented itself as a cornerstone restaurant offering refined Japanese cuisine in Cape Town. While the restaurant may often be visited by diners for its celebrated and excellent sushi offering, the ramen of the day is not to be missed, prepared in a broth of the day, with pork belly chashu, and topped with a six-minute egg, spring onions and nori. Open times: Closed on Mondays. Tuesday to Saturday for lunch service from 12pm - 2pm and at 6pm for dinner. 10. Tjing Tjing Tjing Tjing House on Longmarket Street is home to three levels, with the base level, Torii, serving up a selection of bowls of ramen that are worth a second trip back for. With a curated selection, each ramen dish featured house-made wheat noodles, ajitsuke tamago, soft-boiled eggs marinated in a sweet and salty soy sauce, nori, spring onions and sesame seeds. The ramen section features classic pork Tonkotsu ramen, Chicken paitan ramen, a hearty bowl of grilled chicken thighs and tsukudane mushrooms, miso mushroom for the plant-based diners that features mixed mushrooms and spinach and last but not least, the smokey beef ramen, with beef mince, pickled shimeji mushrooms and charred corn. For those who love an extra kick, be sure to ask for the addition of spicy sansho tare. Time Out Insider Info: While many people may believe that ramen originated in Japan, it is important to note that the noodles actually have their origins in China. According to the Japan National Tourism Organisation, ramen was first found steaming up the kitchens and glasses of diners as they ate, in 1910 at a Chinese restaurant in Asakusa, Tokyo. This restaurant served a Chinese-style wheat noodle, a noodle prepared with Kansui, an alkaline solution, served in a meat or fish-based broth, which is now known as Ramen.
Calgary Herald
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Calgary Herald
Chorney-Booth: Edmonton's Bodega by Sabor makes its Calgary debut
In Edmonton, Lino Oliveira and Christian Mena are restaurant superstars. The duo's Sabor restaurant is a longtime favourite among lovers of Portuguese food, and their more casual Bodega by Sabor tapas concept has grown into a small but mighty empire. When it comes to succulent Portuguese and Spanish-inspired food, Edmontonians have been exceedingly fortunate to have Oliveira and Mena providing them with as much paella and bacon-wrapped dates as a city could desire. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Oliveira and Mena have had their sights set on a Calgary expansion for years – a goal they've finally realized with a new Bodega location in the heart of Mission – but like everything else they've done, the move had to come naturally. Sabor itself was decades in the making: after growing up together as childhood best friends, Oliveira (who is originally from Portugal) and Mena (originally from Chile) took some big swings to pursue their dreams. Oliveira ended up back in Portugal cooking at a small seaside restaurant while Mena, a gifted singer and actor, found success fronting a Latin-funk band and starring in a touring production of Rent alongside Neil Patrick Harris. But as exciting as those personal pursuits were, both men eventually found themselves lured back to Edmonton and a new dream of running a restaurant together, focused on Oliveira's versions of Spanish and Portuguese classics. Article content Article content Article content Sabor opened in Edmonton in 2008, and through a gift for hospitality and sheer grit and determination, Oliveira and Mena built it into a local special occasion favourite. Bodega happened, they say, almost by accident when they created a small bar area within Sabor for guests to grab a drink before dinner. Tapas culture – the art of socializing over drinks and a small bite or two – is a strong tradition in Spain (the slightly different Portuguese version is called petiscos) and Edmontonians embraced Sabor's add-on so enthusiastically it turned into a restaurant of its own, eventually expanding to encompass six locations in and around the provincial capital. Article content Article content Each Bodega has its own bit of local flair, and the 50-seat Calgary location is no exception. Situated in an old brick building that was most recently home to Bincho izakaya, the physical space provides a rustic vibe to complement the restaurant's classic Mediterranean fare. The one thing every Bodega location has in common is a signature sculptural 'white wall,' a collage of mounted knick-knacks and thrift store finds, all painted a dramatic flat white. Eclectic light fixtures also dangle from the Calgary restaurant's ceiling, and there is plenty of wood and tile, all giving the impression that the new restaurant has existed exactly as it appears for years.
CBS News
06-06-2025
- CBS News
New speakeasy bar to debut in Fort Worth's West 7th street, exclusive access for entry
A new hidden speakeasy concept bar is coming to the West 7th Entertainment District in Fort Worth. Located at 2811 Bledsoe St, No Vacancy, is described as an underground, invitation-only bar. To the common eye, this address will simply be a green dumpster in an alley. However, to those in the know, specifically with the right invitation and code, that green dumpster leads the way to a hidden speakeasy. Existing bars on West 7th The concept of a hidden bar is not new to the area, as the Bodega Speakeasy & Grocery is an existing "secret" bar in the district. Bodega exists behind a functioning grocery storefront, where patrons can purchase an item for a code on their receipt. Where a bar like Bodega and No Vacancy differ is the accessibility of entry. Invite-only access To gain access to this hidden bar, patrons must have one of the following invitations: a confirmed bottle service table reservation with the personal entry code, an invite from one the staff at any one of their sister concept bars, a platinum member card or a long-term patron pass. According to No Vacancy's website, once you've booked a reservation, walk up to the scanner with your invitation and scan it and the door will open. Once inside your ID and invitation will be verified. The exclusive bar is open from Friday to Sunday from the hours of 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., including Saturday night after hours from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. with an additional cover fee. Safety and security on West 7th Street Most bars located in the area of Fort Worth's West 7th Street close at 2 a.m., following the general cutoff time for bars in Texas to stop serving alcohol set by the TABC. Police presence in the West 7th area was increased a few years ago after the death of a TCU student in 2023 and the death of a 29-year-old in 2024. Alongside additional police, the installation of security cameras and a ban on open containers in the area was implemented in 2024. Since the new effort to keep West 7th safe, crimes against persons in the area have decreased by 15.3% according to the city's public safety report in April 2024.
Fashion United
13-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion United
Victoria Shoes to open debut London pop-up
Spanish footwear brand Victoria Shoes, known for its espadrille-style sneaker, is opening its first-ever pop-up in London this month. 'The Bodega' pop-up will run from May 22 to 24 in the Truman Brewery's 6 Dray Walk, and will showcase the brand's latest collections, including footwear, garments and accessories. Billed as an immersive showcase of the brand, the convenience store-inspired set-up will feature a claw machine with exclusive prizes, a live DJ, complementary drinks and food, and offer consumer discounts. The pop-up will open on May 22 with an exclusive invite-only industry event, followed by two back-to-back consumer days, from 12 to 8pm on May 23 and 24. The consumer days will also offer the first 25 people through the door each day a goody bag, including a bundle of Victoria accessories. Victoria Shoes was founded in 1915 in a small town in La Rioja, Northern Spain, where its factory is still located. In 2004, the footwear brand started expanding internationally, and currently it exports 75 percent of its production to more than 50 countries, including the UK, France, Italy, Portugal, Korea and the US. It offers more than 300 models across women's, men's and kids. Stockists in the UK include Schuh and Marks & Spencer.
Perth Now
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
The Italian neighbourhood gem that's flying under the radar
'Bringing a dog.' The little white box thoughtfully staring back at me on the online booking form confirmed this was my kind of establishment. While (sadly) a furry friend remains a twinkle in my eye (due to a fencing issue and a human companion less excited to acquire a canine one), I appreciate a dining venue that welcomes all. Throw in a little taste of Italy and my heart starts to sing. Bodega, a neighbourhood trattoria on an unassuming street in Scarborough touts all the pizza and pasta classics. With menu items like burrata addiction, $27, and arancini truffle bomb, $22, ordering is a no-nonsense experience. Vegos and vegans are also well catered for, with a curious cauliflower steak, $29, appearing as a main. Service is excellent — warm, attentive, friendly. Outdoor tables are full this early evening, as we sit inside by a window, surrounded by couples, a family and friend groups deep in conversation. A mishmash of interiors that feature aqua-blue walls, disco balls, framed photos and a lone Azzurri jersey hanging from the ceiling suggest the team behind Bodega don't take themselves too seriously, though the quality of the food says otherwise. A bite of the arancini's crisp outer layer reveals a creamy mushroom mix encasing a melted 'cheese heart' centre. Generous dollops of truffle mayo provide a flavour sensation that transcends your standard rice ball. Linguine ai gamberi at Bodega. Credit: Ross Swanborough / The West Australian The burrata, big and beautiful as it should be, resting beside a bed of deliciously fresh cherry tomatoes and basil, urges us to sample the pan fritto, $14. The 48-hour pizza dough, cut and fried with parmigiano is the perfect side with a dollop of creamy cheese. Bodega offers a nice selection of Italian wines by the glass as well as some locals, a reasonably priced cocktail list, beers and spirits. A 2022 Italian fiano proves a fine choice for the mains to come. Penne alla vodka, $35, sees faultlessly al dente tubes in a creamy tomato-vodka sauce topped with crispy prosciutto and just enough spice. The linguine ai gamberi, $36, has a fair serving of succulent prawns and packs a punch with heat, with pangrattato adding a nice texture. Both pasta dishes are full of flavour and satisfy on all fronts. With barely a skerrick of room for dessert, we succumb to the panna cotta with housemade coulis, $15. The fruity topping is sweet without being cloying, with the velvety firm custard a pleasurable end to the meal. Opened by three friends with a desire to provide great food in a warm atmosphere, Bodega is certainly hitting the mark. While popular among locals, this gem of a diner has been flying under the radar. We'll likely be back soon, with kids or pup in tow. An easygoing neighbourhood restaurant serving authentic Italian dishes made with care. Great wines and excellent food. Deserving of repeat visits. Bodega 16e Calais Rd, Scarborough Open: Monday to Sunday, 5pm - late Bookings: Yes Contact:
