Where can you eat the best ramen in Brussels?

Kokuban is a Brussels staple and a true homage to authentic ramen. With rich broths, perfectly cooked noodles, and delicate toppings, each bowl is an invitation on a journey. Though ramen is often eaten on the go in Japan (a bit like chips in Belgium), Kokuban offers delicious otsumami (appetisers) and delicately flavoured desserts (the black sesame ice cream is a must!) for a complete and welcoming experience. What’s more, their two Brussels locations don’t require you to reserve a table!

Menma is one of our favourites. While the menu is 100% Japanese-inspired, the ingredients are local and everything is made in-house. A standout specialty is the Yuzu Shio ramen, with a refreshing hint of citrus. Menma is a Japanese condiment made from fermented bamboo shoots often added as a ramen topping. Menma offers a comforting experience in each of its three Brussels branches.

“Koku: a Japanese word describing a taste sensation which involves a distinct pleasure accompanied by a ‘thickness’, ‘continuity’, and ‘mouthfeel’ of flavours and textures.” This captures  Koku Ramen perfectly. All their ramen are prepared with home-made noodles and broths. Their Iekei-style ramen – a thick, family-style pork bone and soy sauce broth – offers an explosion of intense flavours, skilfully crafted by a Tokyo-born chef.

Yamato is the younger sibling of Menma. You’ll need a bit of luck to snag a spot at Yamato’s small counter! But rest assured, if all seats around the open kitchen are taken, you’ll be invited to wait while reading manga, and the wait isn’t long. Once seated, you’ll have a choice of ramen packed with delicate flavours. Our favourite? The Katsu Curry Ramen with crispy tonkatsu (Japanese breaded pork). At Yamato, a favourite among Japanese locals in Brussels, you’ll be whisked off on an authentic culinary journey.

In June 2024, Mendo was crowned the best spot for artisanal ramen in Brussels by Le Fooding guide. The Japanese word “mendo” means “dedication” or “care”, and this spirit is evident in their service and hospitality. The venue is small, resembling an izakaya (Japanese bistro), but it doesn’t compromise on quality. Mendo’s menu balances tradition and innovation, offering classics like Shio Ramen alongside unique creations such as Kurogoma Ramen with sesame and black Iberian pork.

With five locations in Brussels, Umamido is the brainchild of Belgian Guy Quirynen, who discovered the umami flavour during an internship in Kyoto in 2010 (umami means “savoury taste,” the fifth basic taste after salty, bitter, sour, and sweet). Determined to share it, Guy opened the first Umamido at Flagey. The establishment is known for its broths bursting with umami that continue to captivate food lovers. The brand places great importance on the quality and source of its ingredients, which are either local or Japanese and responsibly sourced. Umamido has been guided by the pursuit of flavour for nearly 15 years.

With over 70 locations across Europe, including four in Brussels, Takumi is a true success story, born from the dream of two friends, Mr. Saeki and Mr. Okada. Their philosophy? To share authentic Japanese flavours. Each location is designed to offer an immersive experience beyond just the food, with a typical atmosphere, perfect for culinary discovery. Takumi restaurants offer a wide range of ramen, from miso to shoyu, with generously topped vegetarian and vegan options.

Ramen Nobu is tucked inside Tagawa, the must-visit Japanese supermarket in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre. Since 2020, Ramen Nobu has been reimagining the ramen experience with a seasonal menu that evolves throughout the year. Their most original signature dish? Likely the Niboshi Ramen (with sardines). Ramen Nobu is for anyone eager for new and unique culinary discoveries. Chef Nobutomo Ishii even participated in the 2024 Eat Festival, the annual event celebrating Brussels’ finest culinary scene.