We love ramen

Ramen has a long tradition in Düsseldorf. The Japanese noodle soup is a comfort food that many Düsseldorfers grow up with. And Düsseldorf's Little Tokyo is a foodie paradise. But watch out: Ramen can be found all over the city. Authentic hotspots that will send your taste buds on a culinary journey to Nippon with an extra portion of umami and crunchy toppings. Whether shio, shoyu or miso - there is the perfect bowl of steaming flavors for everyone. So, pull out your chopsticks and slurp your way through Düsseldorf's exciting ramen scene!

Café Rika

We start in Grafenberg. A short detour that is worthwhile for ramen in Düsseldorf. Café Rika is an insider tip among ramen lovers. The minimalist restaurant serves Japanese specialties such as homemade sushi, crispy fried gyoza and juicy karaage as well as five different types of Japanese ramen. The atmosphere is intimate, almost informal. The creations are classic. The noodles have the perfect bite and the broth is rich. The spicy ramen with a creamy sesame and miso flavor is particularly recommended. Also available in a vegetarian version. The simple, modern interior with its urban, hip charm sets Café Rika apart from other ramen spots in town. The service is super friendly and always has a smile on its face. Even at busy times, when it gets full and a little crowded.
Our tip: come early or make a reservation!

Café Rika on Instagram

Takumi Chicken & Veggie

At Takumi Chicken & Veggie on Klosterstraße, everything revolves around chicken and vegetables. The highlight on the menu: the paitan ramen with its milky, creamy chicken broth, which is cooked for a very long time. By the way: Paitan is currently all the rage in Japan. For "ramenistas" who like it spicy, the fiery Mala Paitan Ramen with spicy red paprika and Szechuan pepper awaits. A must-try for fans of Asian citrus fruit: the yuzu miso ramen with tender prawn wontons - fresh, light and pleasantly acidic. The decisive difference to the five other Takumi restaurants in Düsseldorf is that vegetarians and vegans in particular will get their money's worth with the large selection of veggie ramen. Wholemeal noodles are also available on request. For those on a budget: an additional side dish is available with the lunch menu for 3.50 euros.
Our tip: don't forget your stamp card!

takumi-chicken-veggie.de

Tokyo Ramen Takeichi

Ramen in Düsseldorf is offered in countless restaurants. But you should definitely not miss the authentic Tokyo ramen at Takeichi on Immermannstraße. The white, slightly creamy chicken broth has its origins, as the name suggests, in Tokyo - specifically in the Shimbashi district. Rich, very creamy and pleasantly greasy in texture, the soup tastes intensely of chicken. The secret: the broth is boiled down for hours from chicken bones, dried bonito, sardines and seaweed and is considered exceptionally healthy. It is comparable to grandma's chicken soup, as we remember it from our childhood. The sumptuous side dishes of tender chicken breast and chicken balls are soft and juicy. From milky to clear, from miso to shoyu: there is a wide range of variations, even a cold chicken broth is on the menu. Don't hesitate to ask for advice.
Our tip: Ajitama (marinated egg) is the perfect topping for any chicken soup.

takeichi-ramen.eu

Takezo Ramen Bar

The red lantern in front of the door shows the way: the modern ramen bar Takezo is located on Japanmeile Immermannstraße. The ramen tastes as authentic as if you were in Japan. Fancy an adventure? Then we recommend Black Tan Tan Men - a spicy, tangy, slightly hot version with black sesame paste that is rarely found even in Little Tokyo. The selection is very extensive anyway. For vegans, Takezo offers delicious plant-based options. An interesting variation is Tsuke Men, where soup and noodles are served separately. The atmosphere at Takezo is lively and the restaurant is designed in the style of a traditional Japanese ramen-ya, which is typical of Little Tokyo. The open kitchen allows you to watch the chefs as they prepare the food.
Tip: If you want to avoid queues, don't come at the usual peak times at lunchtime or in the evening.

takezo.de

Sakuragiya

Sakuragiya is a newcomer to the Düsseldorf ramen scene. But quite well known in Japan. Founder and chef Kazuya Endo has been successfully running several restaurants in the Japanese prefecture of Akita for 30 years and opened his first restaurant outside his home country in Oberkassel in 2023. In addition to classics such as shoyu, shio and miso, the house recommendation is canton men. This is a soy-based ramen soup with seafood, pork and colorful vegetables. You should also try the nira men with fried pork belly, bean sprouts and chili oil. The spicy, very aromatic ramen, which is served in extremely generous portions, goes well with a freshly tapped Kirin. The love of the homeland is also evident in the interior, which is decorated with impressions from Akita. Sakuragiya is recommended for an early dinner, as it closes at 8:30 pm.

Sakuragiya on Instagram

Daidokoro Umaimon

Daidokoro Umaimon on Hansaallee is also a little insider tip for ramen in Düsseldorf. One indication of this is the nickname "Umaimon". It means "delicious food" - and yes, it says it all. All ramen is based on a very strong broth made from chicken bones, which simmers for twelve hours. If you're lucky, you might be able to enjoy a limited edition Nouko Tori Soba. That's right, because there are only ten portions a day. The spicy tan tan ramen with an extra topping of bean sprouts also tastes extremely aromatic and intense. The interior is almost rustic, but cozy. The food is served on dark wooden benches and stools. In addition to ramen, Daidokoro specializes in delicious donburi and curry dishes.
Our tip: Try the karaage (crispy fried chicken) as a starter and a katsu chicken cutlet as a ramen topping.

daidokoro-umaimon.de

Text: Karolina Landowski
Photos: Kristina Fendesack