Ramen Ria

Japan's national symbol for comforting, warm, slurpy goodness, Ramen is the answer to most of life's conundrums. That's why Ramen Ria takes their delectable bone broth and the ancient art of gorgeous ramen so seriously. It is for this reason that their noodle soups are simply the best in Christchurch.

A funky Japanese tavern with plenty of souls, Ramen Ria is transporting noodle nutters to the bustling restaurants of Tokyo. The bar takes on the form of an Izakaya, where diners munch away mere metres away from the culinary action. Outside, their streetside plot houses plenty of sun-loving guests, all peeping out from under Ramen Ria's extended eves and canopies. Celebrating the joy of communal slurping, this is where diners eat like one, where there are no borders and where their ramens have to be eaten to be believed.

And you thought there were only a few types of ramen? Think again, dear friend, for Ramen Ria has everything from the classic tonkatsu to speciality recipes and even brothless iterations. If it's familiar comfort you're after, look no further than the chicken paitan, pork trio tonkatsu or Sapporo-inspired miso ramen. If you want to try something more off-piste, deep-dive into the Taiwanese beef ramen or spicy tantanmen with heaps of spiced ground pork and roasted peanuts. And for the vegans, it has to be the miso ginger ramen. We feel warm just reading it!

Despite the name, ramen isn't all they do. Delve into other Japanese delights and order a selection of bao buns, filled with your choice of crispy pork belly, equally crispy tempura vegetables and roasted duck. Alternatively, keep it simple with a donburi bowl or bento box. Traditionally bought for long journeys, these boxes hold endless surprises. Feel free to make certain dishes vegan, should you desire it, and don't forget to wash it all down with a Japanese beer or three!