Instant ramen noodles are one of the most popular go-to meals for many across the world. Be it eradicating the 2 AM hunger while studying for semester exams during college days or the pressure of submitting assignments before the deadline, ramen noodles have never left our side. From the salty, spicy and rich flavours, to the soupy broth and meat-rich stock, they can be made in a variety of ways. In a city like Kolkata, known for global palates around the city, multiple restaurants and Asian cuisine kitchens have popped up to serve a bowl of ramen to anyone who has craved it. The city has been embracing Japanese cuisine with open arms, with loads of spots serving up tasty sushi, ramen, katsu, and more. From upscale dining to cosy local joints, the variety of places serving both authentic and creative ramen will amaze you. The city of joy has developed a fondness for a comforting bowl of ramen, no matter the season. Here are the top picks for the best ramen in town.
The Flaming Bowl
The Flaming Bowl in Kolkata brings vegetarian Pan-Asian cuisine to life, ensuring everyone can enjoy perfect ramen bowls. If you're new, it is suggested that you try their standout dish, the Kinoko Ramen Bowl, which features three types of mushrooms. It has the shiitake, button, and black fungus and is served with soupy noodles in a chilli bean flavour. If you've not tried ramen before, it's the ideal introduction to this cuisine. Gorge on food from Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, Korea, China, Burma and Indonesia and exotic drinks to satiate your taste buds. The Sweet Sticky Rice is one dessert to watch out for. The Mango Mousse is nothing short of paradise for mango lovers! Wash down all of that great food with a Watermelon Mojito or Cold Coffee. The ice cubes in both are flavoured. The former comes with mojito-flavoured ice cubes and the latter with Davidoff coffee-flavoured ones.
Address: 30, Harish Mukherjee Rd, Bhowanipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700025
Timings: 12:30 PM - 11:30 PM
Cost: INR 1,200 for two
Vintage Asia
Vintage Asia is a high-end Chinese restaurant in Kolkata with excellent food presentation, more individualised service, a wonderful atmosphere with lots of Chinese décor, and kind, helpful staff. They serve both Chinese and other Asian cuisine through an open kitchen setup. Their curated selection of ramen is crafted with premium ingredients and showcases the sheer artistry and dedication with which they serve their food. Their Spicy Black Miso Ramen is a crowd favourite, and guaranteed that once you taste it, it will be yours too. It is made of noodles, spicy diced chicken, chopped garlic, black sesame chiyu, layu chilli oil, double broth and miso tare. Try the Raw Mango Dip and Handmade Chips when you're seated at your table. The Stir-Fried Crispy Bhetki With Thai Saam Ros Sauce is a creative fusion meal that you can order. A dim sum comprising prawns and other shellfish, Hargow had a thin, translucent shell. Its stuffing is full of herbs and spices, truly succulent, and tastes terrific. Black Pepper Chicken, Kung Pao Chicken, Pork Spare Ribs, Burnt Garlic Mixed Fried Rice, and Tanzania 63 GF are more dishes you should get.
Address: 4A, JBS Haldane Ave, Tangra, Kolkata, West Bengal 700105
Timings: 03366330000
Cost: INR 2,500 for two
Image Credit: Vintage Asia, JW Marriott Kolkata
Park Street SOCIAL
Fans of ramen, SOCIAL has you covered when it comes to slurping. There is something for everyone, from Kimchi Momo to the wild card, Peanut Butter & Smoke Chilli Ramen. The true show-stoppers, though? It is the Kerala Prawn Stew Ramen and Nihari Mutton Ramen. It's a bowl of noodles with your favourite Indian curries. Genius? Totally! This is a part of the ‘Big Drop’ edition, and it has been a hit in the city of Kolkata. Finish with desserts that will make you smile, such as Basque Cheesecake, Dessert Nachos, and Banoffee Pie, and enjoy a wacky beverage like the White Chocolate Matcha Vanilla Latte or classic Defunct. The Big Drop Peena Edition, a drinks menu that incorporates the venue's own playful touch while prominently referencing the nation's varied drinking customs, is another option. Longest Long Island Iced Coffee joins the table with the classic LLITs, while the new SOCIAL Lubes category includes beverages presented in post-office-style envelopes (Lifaafa), shots poured from colourful test tubes (SOCIAL Kami Krazy), and cocktails packaged like candies (Candy Crush). There is SOCIAL Emotions, a line of four cocktails that each bottle a distinct vibe and go by names like Zen AF, Weird Flex, Delulu, and Aura.
Address: Social, B FL, Bangur Estate, 1A, Russel St, next to India's Hobby Centre, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016
Timings: 11 AM - 12 midnight
Cost: INR 1,500 for two
Image Credit: SOCIAL Offline
Momo I Am
With several locations in the city, Momo I Am has a relaxed vibe for a chill dining outing. Their ramen menu covers all bases, from rich and filling to light and refreshing, catering to every taste bud. It is recommended you try their Tonkatsu Pork Ramen, made with 12 hours of cooked broth, marinated/braised imported Belgian pork belly, soft-boiled egg and roasted seaweed. The first thing that attracts your attention is their wall art when you enter the restaurant. It's so hip and everyone of all age groups shall find it cool. It's quite spacious too, and you can see the kitchen where they cook the food, and it's very well maintained. All their dishes are very well presented and delicious. The momos, especially. The Bangkok Noodle Soup and Chopsuey are also standouts. They have a lot of other options to choose from as well. The portions are larger than they seem on the plate. Especially the noodles. Don't forget to order the many kinds of momos and the baos they serve, as they're some of the best you'll find anywhere in the city.
Address: 195C, Jodhpur Gardens, Jodhpur Park, Kolkata, West Bengal 700045
Timings: 12 PM - 10 PM
Cost: INR 1,200 for two
Image Credit: Momo I Am
Soba Sassy
Salads to desserts, Soba Sassy offers an array of dishes with authentic cooking techniques and fresh twists that pack a punch of flavours. While you're here, don't miss their mind-blowing cocktails that blend Asian piquancy with classic drinks. When it comes to ramen, their Rockin' And Ramen Chicken is one of their bestsellers. It is a masterful creation; the chicken ramen delights with its balanced fusion of subtle nuances and textures. Every corner of this cafe is designed to be Instagrammable, giving visitors a chance to vibe to retro songs and relish authentic dishes and exceptional cocktails. It is recommended to always book a table on weekends, and a must-try is their Soba Sassy Noodles and the Prawn Cheung Fun. They are also known for the Hot Chocolate Foam, which is a dessert and a drink like other drinks. Made using nitrous oxide in a thermosyphon, this warm dish has an irresistible chocolate foam-meets-mousse texture that you can scoop with a spoon and bite into those succulent strawberries.
Address: 1ST FLOOR, Harrington Mansion, Above Please Don't Talk, 8, Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071
Timings: 12:30 PM - 11 PM
Cost: INR 2,300 for two
Image Credit: Mise En Place
Mise En Place
Mise En Place, a cosy eatery with three tables, is essentially a home cafe that requires booking. They offer a 15-item Korean menu alongside Japanese options. Specialising in Bulgogi and Bibimbap, they cater to the Indian palate while exploring the nuances of Korean ingredients like Gochujang and anchovy pastes. Their dedication to crafting kimchi is unparalleled. Tan Tan Ramen, Miso Soup Set, Ton Katsu Ramen, Yaki Soda, and Yaki Udon are the bowls of ramen you should get for your table. The Korean Grill is a must-try since it combines grilled pork, cabbage leaves and mushrooms. Cucumber Kimchi, Napa Cabbage Kimchi, Sweet Carrots, Anchovy Dip, Sesame Garlic Pickle, Peanut Chilli Oil, Soy Eggs, Pickled Daikon Radish, Sliced Apples or Pears, and Mise En Place's homemade soy dipping sauce are among the condiments.
Address: Ground Floor Cafe, 28, Gariahat Rd S, Dhakuria, Selimpur, Kolkata, West Bengal 700031
Timings: 2 PM - 9 PM. Closed on Mondays.
Cost: INR 400 for two
Soy Yum
Soy Yum, the first Japanese and Korean-themed cafe in Kolkata, is a dream come true for fans of anime and K-pop, bringing the vibrancy of Tokyo and Seoul to Salt Lake and Hindustan Park. This restaurant serves everything from smoky Korean BBQ to slurp-worthy ramen bowls and delicious sushi. Japanese soufflé pancakes, anyone? This breakfast is right out of the streets of Seoul and Osaka. At the Hindustan Park outlet, you’ll find the classic Izakaya vibe, while Salt Lake comes alive in the evenings with a live DJ. You may have a little cultural excursion without ever leaving the city when you include their bakery, which serves adorable Japanese cheesecakes and pastries inspired by Kill Bill. Ramen and yakitori are also absolutely fire! Sushi is also delicious, but stay away from the nigiri because it's too large. Sashimi is excellent. If you’re still hungry, try the carpaccio.
Address: Golpark, Hindustan Park, Keyatala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700029
Timings: 9 AM - 11 PM
Cost: INR 1,200 for two
Image Credit: Aajisai
Aajisai
In a first-of-its-kind move, Kolkata has a sushi bar that is all automatic. No more trying to catch the waiter’s eye and demanding where your food is. Aajisai has a fully automated food delivery system. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes are served separately at a live teppanyaki counter. There are several different types of sushi on the menu, such as Maki, Temaki, and Nigiri. The Chashu Tonkotsu Ramen is a must-try dish that has grown to be a regular customer favourite. The Spicy Cheese Roll and Avocado Sushi are must-tries for vegetarians. Seafood lovers, there’s plenty to choose from! The Ebi Tempura–tempura deep-fried prawns, which you can eat whole, and the Rainbow Rolls made with both tuna and salmon, are for you. From the hot section, the Tori Teriyaki is a tangy, flavourful, slightly charred chicken which is totally more-ish.
Address: 5th Floor, Quest Mall, Syed Amir Ali Ave, Park Circus, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700017
Timings: 12 PM - 10 PM
Cost: INR 3,500 for two