Ramen has found its place in the hearts of Londoners, and that’s hardly surprising. On a gray, drizzly afternoon, nothing beats the soothing embrace of a bowl of steaming broth, cradling delicate ribbons of wheat noodles and a handful of flavorful toppings. To brighten any gloomy moment, I’m excited to share my personal list of top ramen spots in London, where they truly understand how to layer the broth and achieve the ideal noodle texture.
With several locations around the city, Kanada-Ya still makes you work up an appetite as you wait in those lines — a sign of its cult following. And trust me, it’s a reputation that’s earned every bit of its weight with consistently excellent bowls. With an inspiring story behind it, the shop originated in Japan before making its way to London. And you can definitely say the team is committed to authenticity. Noodles are freshly made in-house daily, offering that perfect balance of firmness and chew (and you can get to choose how firm you want them).
The number one Kanada-Ya specialty is 18-hour creamy tonkotsu broth. It’s got depth, richness, and a surprising lightness all at once, pairing perfectly with pork belly, spring onions, and wood ear fungus. A soft-boiled egg, marinated overnight in chashu sauce, adds an extra punch of flavor, and I personally can’t resist adding a bit of spicy yuzu paste.
Tonkotsu — £15.75
Tokoton is a humble spot, tucked away like any no-frills Asian joint. But ever since I stumbled upon it for a little culinary investigation, it’s become my go-to whenever I’m in this quiet part of London. Here’s the thing you should know about Tokoton: a hefty portion of their menu caters to vegans, with creamy miso ramen (I’ve seen this one consistently pop up at nearly every table), cauliflower karaage, and handmade chickpea & tofu gyoza.
I tried no-meat kuromayu black ramen with roasted Japanese garlic oil and classic light shoyu ramen with cha siu pork — both were a knockout, packing serious flavors and featuring noodles textured just right. And a glass of sake fits perfectly in this cozy little gem.
Classic ramen — £13
I’ve been to Ippudo at both Canary Wharf and Charing Cross, and if you’re after a quieter vibe, I’d steer you toward the latter. You’ll likely still queue, but the atmosphere is more relaxed, with lofty interiors, leather chairs, banquettes, and simple wooden tables — and to me, this kind of stripped-back setup feels like a better match for those steaming bowls. Ippudo is a long-standing Japanese chain with a global footprint, and they take their craft seriously. The broth is a meticulous 18-hour labor of love, the noodles feature a special wheat blend straight from Fukuoka, and the techniques are rooted in tradition.
My go-to is classic shiromaru — a silky, creamy masterpiece with multilayered depth. Karaka-men, infused with spicy miso paste, is also delicious, though I wouldn’t mind a bit more of a fiery kick. And whatever you do, it’s better to start with crispy chicken gyoza and pork belly bao buns.
Karaka-men — £18
KOI at Elephant Park channels the lively energy of a proper street stall — no fuss, just neon glow, paper lanterns, and a steady hum of slurping. The menu is blessedly short, a gift to the indecisive (or, let’s say, those who just want to try everything). You’ve got the essentials: pure white tonkotsu, old-school shoyu (the clear winner for me), plant-based mellow miso, and “naked” brothless ramen. And that’s pretty much it — well, aside from gyoza, which you should absolutely grab without overthinking, and toppings. I usually get a marinated egg and beansprouts. Finish strong with matcha ice cream, and if you’re in the mood, an Asahi Super Dry beer — it’s light, crisp, and oddly refreshing after all that umami.
Shoyu ramen — £10
Seto isn’t exactly a ramen shop; it’s a family-run Japanese restaurant that I secretly deem one of my best hidden gems in London. Yes, it’s not Soho or Covent Garden, and you’ll need to wander a bit off the beaten path to find it in Camden Town. But if you’re after an authentic experience, tucked away from the crowds and at ridiculously good prices, this is your spot. Don’t expect to be snapping pics of the interior — it’s not that kind of place — but as soon as you dig into your bowl, you’ll be thinking about when you can come back for more.
Miso, shoyu, or tonkotsu ramen (with vegetarian broth options) feel like they’ve been made with genuine care — easily some of the best you’ll taste in the city. And they come in generous, homey portions. Otherwise, gyoza has the crowd buzzing, and impossibly delicate tuna sashimi is my personal highlight.
Average bill — £35
