Stop, drop and slurp.
Stop, drop and slurp.
Our love for Japan runs deep, but our love for ramen? That’s next level. While Aussies flock to Tokyo’s neon-lit streets and Niseko’s snowy peaks, it’s often a bowl of rich, soul-warming noodles that lingers longest in our memories.
From silky tonkotsu to spicy miso, ramen never lets us down, and honestly, we crave it any time the temperature drops.
Luckily, the Gold Coast is home to some seriously legit ramen joints ready to satisfy every noodle-fuelled fantasy. So grab your chopsticks, it’s time for a ramen road trip, GC-style.
If you’re a ramen fan in Southport, Surfers or Pimpama, get yourself a hit of Ramen Danbo stat. The tonkotsu broth is the secret base to the flavourful bowls, but the deliciousness doesn’t stop at the broth. The Mazesoba – “mixed noodles” in Japanese – is a soupless variation that will still hit the spot. On the go? Pimpama is home to Australia’s first drive-thru ramen. Yes, you read that right. How does that work, you ask? You’ll have to drive through and slurp for yourself.
Where: Kiosk 8.01, Chop Chop Cavill Lane, 6 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise, Shop 24, Mercato on Ferry, 59-73 Meron St, Southport and Shop 3/62-68 Pimpama Jacobs Well Rd, Pimpama
After more than two decades of ramen mastery in Japan, HANAKYO officially touched down in Australia late last year. The brand began humbly in 2002, in a small Kyobashi shop in Osaka, and has since grown into a beloved institution, known for its rich pork and chicken bone soy sauce broths and famously addictive fried rice. Surviving in Japan’s fiercely competitive ramen scene, where most shops don’t make it past ten years, HANAKYO’s 20-year legacy is no small feat. Now, us Gold Coasters get a taste.
Where: 2 Riverview Rd, Nerang
Muso is oh-so famous for its ramen and gyoza goodness and is conveniently located in not one, but three suburbs. In other words, there’s really no excuse whatsoever not to chow down and fuel your ramen addiction. With rich tonkotsu broth, savoury miso and bold black garlic oil, the Muso team are nailing all the authentic flavours, bringing the taste of Tokyo straight to us.
Where: Shop1/58 Brooke Ave, Southport or 2b/2484 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach or Shop 4248c “The Kitchens” Robina Town Centre
Big portions, speedy service and flavours that pack a punch well beyond the price, Ramen Bro is pure noodle flex. Think rich broth, bouncy noodles, and toppings fresher than your workout playlist. And don’t just stop at ramen, grab sides like crispy fried corn, miso eggplant, and cauliflower that hits your PB. It’s like a warm, flavour-packed hug from your bro.
Where: Shop 5/253 Ferry Rd, Southport
JFX Noodle and Tapas Bar is bringing the heat (literally)! That ramen broth? Bold, steamy and packed with flavour. Noodles have bite while the pork is melt-in-your-mouth tender, and those jammy eggs? Chef’s kiss. The famous Chilli Coriander Ramen is a fan fave, as is the Lucky Wagyu Croquettes which are the perfect side to your slurp.
Where: Shop 2A 82 Marine Pde, Southport
With two locations on the Gold Coast and eight in the Brisbane area, you could say Nagahama Ramen Hakataya is taking over the sunshine state one slurp at a time! Its signature tonkotsu broth is slow-simmered to perfection, rich in collagen, free of additives and packed with flavour. Char siu? Melt-in-your-mouth magic. And if you’re still hungry mid-slurp, order Kaedama for a bonus hit of noods.
Where: Shop 26 Centre Arcade 3131 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise and Shop FF-1, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, 2-32 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach
Imagine you’re in a tucked-away Tokyo ramen bar, helmed by a chef who trained in both Japanese and Italian kitchens. It’s fusion, but finesse. Now, shift that image to a quiet spot beside a 7-Eleven in Mermaid Waters, where you’re in thongs and a tee, slurping on ramen that could rival the best in Japan. Chicken sous vide, chilli miso and seafood so fresh it sings, Chef Yusuke Ito brings a bowlful of flavour from Japan with love.
Where: 51/73 The Lanes Blvd, Mermaid Waters
Ramen Kyo has landed in Mermaid Beach, bringing Tokyo-style authenticity to the Gold Coast. Founded by ramen aficionado Ayano Low, this minimalist yet inviting eatery serves up deeply flavoured, slow-simmered broths with house-made noodles and tender chicken chashu with the vibrant menu inspired by colours. Pair your noods with crispy karaage and a sip of Kizakura sake, and you’ve got pure umami bliss!
Where: Shop 6/2375 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Bobby Bang’s is shaking up the cafe scene at The Oxley with its vibrant, Asian-inspired brekkie menu. The team from Lucky Bao have crafted a menu that has something for everyone, and the first item you need to try is the Breakfast Ramen – egg noodles with crispy bacon, ramen egg, takana, truffle manchego in a delicious broth. What a way to kickstart your morning.
Where: The Oxley Atrium, 17 Lavarack Rd, Mermaid Beach
If you’re fanging for ramen, a rice bowl, karaage, gyoza or a famous Goukai roll, make your way to this Burleigh hot pot spot. Known for its sensational food – and cool staff sporting equally cool baseball caps which BTW, you can buy one too – this hidden gem never disappoints. If you like a bit of spice, here’s the hot (pardon the pun) tip: order the Red Hot Spicy Ramen.
Where: 3/1837 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
For ramen that hits all the right notes, head straight to ZuroZuro in Burleigh Heads. Crafted daily by Michelin-starred chef Jun Furukawa, each bowl is a masterwork of tradition and innovation. The Tonkotsu Pork Ramen is rich and soul-warming, the Black Tonkotsu infused with roasted garlic oil adds depth and the ramen that earned Jun Furukawa a Michelin star – Gyokai Tonkotsu – is a must-try.
Where: Shop1/1726 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Step into Izakaya Midori and discover a 100% plant-based Japanese dining experience that’s as authentic as it is delicious. Tucked in the Gold Coast hinterland, this vibrant eatery serves up flavour-packed dishes that honour tradition while embracing a sustainable future. From karaage (minus the chicken) to ramen and izakaya classics, everything is crafted with care, culture, and conscious choices. Whether you’re vegan, veg-curious or just hungry, Midori promises a true taste of Japan, no passport required.
Where: Shop 7/50 Woodland Dr, Reedy Creek
Zipang in Currumbin is where casual vibes meet serious ramen. Tucked along Currumbin Creek Road, this hidden gem serves up soul-hugging bowls for every taste – meat lovers, vegans and the gluten-free crowd alike. From the rich, 9-hour pork bone tonkotsu to the light and golden chicken shoyu, each bowl is thoughtfully crafted. Craving heat? Go for the spicy miso twist. Add extras like cha-syu pork or a jammy egg and make it your own. Dine in or grab ‘n’ go, Zipang’s got you sorted.
Where: 5/31 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin
Looking for a delicious broth with a side of beach? Look no further than Harahetta Ramen in Coolangatta, offering an authentic ramen experience just steps away from the sand. Created by the team behind Goukai Ramen, the menu features eight distinct ramen options, from the classic Original Ramen to spicy, black garlic, and vegan varieties. With a modern, Japanese-inspired fit-out and delicious rice bowls, Gyoza, and Karaage, Harahetta serves up flavourful dishes for the ultimate ramen-tic experience.
Where: 3/ 52-58 Marine Pde, Coolangatta
Words by Lisette Drew
Authentic Japanese food is one of life’s greatest pleasures, particularly when it can be enjoyed without hopping on a plane and with a side of salty ocean breezes. Which makes anyone who has ventured down to Coolangatta to sample brand-new Harahetta Ramen recently, the richest of Gold Coasters.
It’s pho-real the newest hotspot for authentic Japanese cuisine. See what we did there?
Located in Coolangatta’s foodie precinct where Baskk and Bar Evelyn also reside, this new ramen joint is the miso happy place you’ve been looking for, and it’s already a hit with those of us who appreciate flavour-filled dishes created by people in the know.
So who are the culinary geniuses behind our new fave ramen joint, you ask?
Harahetta Ramen’s roots trace back to Goukai Ramen, the beloved Burleigh gem that established a devoted following thanks to its delicious broths and exceptional service. Owners Hiroshi and Sarah Takeyama who are Tweed locals, sold Goukai Ramen in February when they saw an opportunity to create their dream venue in Cooly.
Hiroshi trained to be a Ramen Chef in Tokyo and has created a signature broth for the ramen dishes that must be sampled to be believed.
The talented pair have brought the same attention to detail and signature touch to this new venue, building on the strong legacy that Goukai Ramen set to deliver a modern twist while maintaining the rich, satisfying flavours that put their name on the map.
Sarah’s dad, Peter Arnold, designed the fit-out and was project manager. Hiroshi and his friends built the space, which is low-lit and moody with exposed ceiling beams, a textured bar, and glossy black tiles that’ll transport you straight to the bustling streets of Japan.
Now let’s talk food. The menu begins with a choice of eight ramen dishes and please, allow us to indulge you for a minute.
The Original Ramen is made up of half a marinated egg, shallots, wood ear mushrooms, two slices of pork chashu and seaweed. Perfect.
Then there’s a Spicy Ramen, Black Garlic Ramen, Shio Ramen with a Yuzu flavour, Maze Soba (brothless) and, of course, both a veg and vegan option. Obviously, you can (and should) add extra toppings.
If you feel like something a little different, there are Rice Bowls with options like Teriyaki Mayo Karaage, Sweet Chilli Karaage, Nanban Japanese Tartar, and Ponzu Radish. You can also snack on burgers, Gyoza, and Karaage Chicken too. All of which is a true delight for the taste buds.
To drink, there is beer, wine, and spirits, but we highly recommend sampling the Lemon Chu Hi—a popular Japanese sip that is fresh and zingy and the perfect accompaniment to a bowl of ramen.
All of this plus a balmy beachside location. What more could you want? Make your next dinner out an authentic Japanese one at Harahetta Ramen.
Where: 3/ 52-58 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
When: Monday – Saturday 5pm -9pm, last orders at 8.30pm
Instagram: @harahetta_ramen
Us Aussies have a love affair with Japan that just keeps simmering – much like a perfect ramen broth. Every year, thousands of Aussies jet off to Japan, lured by the neon-lit streets of Tokyo, the powdery slopes of Niseko, and, of course, the slurpalicious bowls of noodles. With the opening of Ramen Kyo, you can now experience the soul-warming flavours of the land of the rising sun right here in Mermaid Beach.
A passionate ramen aficionado from Tokyo, Ayano Low moved to Australia in the 90’s, bringing with her a love for the comforting, umami-rich bowls she grew up eating. For years she dreamed of sharing the comforting dish with locals, and after two decades on the Gold Coast, she’s finally made her dream into a reality, introducing true Tokyo-style ramen to the local food scene. And trust us, this is the real shoyu!
Stepping into Ramen Kyo Mermaid Beach, you’ll find yourself in a modern yet minimalist space that lets the food do the talking. Whether you’re a local, a ramen connoisseur or just someone craving a warm hug in a bowl, the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere makes every visit feel like a trip to Tokyo – no passport required.
At Ramen Kyo, the magic starts long before the first slurp. A great ramen is only as good as its broth, and the slow-simmered broths are the heart of every bowl, carefully cooked for hours to extract deep, complex flavours.
Noods are also made in-house to ensure the perfect texture and bite. Paired with low-temperature cooked chicken chashu – tender, juicy, and oh-so-flavorful – it’s a match made in ramen heaven.
Ordering is by its colour, and there’s a rainbow of ramen to choose from here: Shiro/ White, Ao/ Blue, Aka/ Red, Midori/ Green, Kuro/ Black, Kin/ Gold and Aka Oni/ Red Demon.
Whether you opt for the signature Shiro/ White chicken broth ramen – made with premium chicken – or the Kurt/Black ramen, featuring a special bonito and truffle-flavored clear soup, each spoonful is a sip of Japanese tradition.
Feeling spicy? The Aka Oni/ Red Demon packs a punch with a spicy creamy chicken broth and crispy Chicken Katsu to top it all off.
To round out your ramen, indulge in irresistible side dishes like plump, juicy gyozas, and golden, crispy karaage chicken that crunches with flavour.
No Japanese experience is complete without a sip of something special. Ramen Kyo proudly serves Kizakura Yamahai Junmai, a sake with deep, rich flavours that complement the umami goodness of their ramen. It’s the first pure rice sake in Japan to be labeled “Yamahai-style” — a nod to traditional brewing methods.
For Ayano, ramen has always been more than just food. It’s about bringing people together, just like it did back home in Japan.
So, if you’re looking to satisfy your ramen cravings with an authentic Tokyo-style experience, grab your chopsticks and slurp your way to happiness.
Where: Shop 6/2375 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
When: Daily, 11:30am–8pm
Website: click here
Insta: @ramenkaeo.goldcoast
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Mathilde Bouby
When it comes to grab-and-go grub that’s also fresh and full of flavour, you can’t go past a good ol’ sushi roll. And good news for southern Gold Coasters – Kirra has scored a hot new sushi spot from the genius behind Project Tokyo and Agave Rosa.
From a Commis Chef at the Britannia International Hotel in London to working in the Michelin-starred kitchens of Nobu, Hakkasan and Roka, owner and chef Franz Zdesar’s journey is a recipe for success.
But this ambitious chef wanted something more. After stints in Dubai with the Jumeirah hotel group, Franz returned to London to partner with his brother on the dim sum concept Ping Pong. And then, like a perfect sushi roll, everything came together.
Upon returning to Australia, he opened Project Tokyo in Mermaid Waters, followed by the successful launch of Agave Rosa at Kirra Beach, and it was here that Franz’ idea for a sushi pit-stop came to life.
“Kira Kira Sushi was born out of a desire to bring a fresh, exciting and high-quality Japanese dining experience to the Kirra community. I wanted to create a concept that was unique to this area – something that would both celebrate Japanese culinary traditions and offer a modern twist.”
The venue, designed by Franz’s wife, Joanna, and graphic designer Mia Zdesar, features sleek, minimalist lines with textured walls and a soothing green palette. It’s a place where a relaxed atmosphere and stylish dining experience come together to create a tranquil escape, whether you’re dining in or grabbing a meal to go
Now let’s roll into the menu shall we? The sushi rolls at Kira Kira are anything but basic. While you’ll find classic options with top-tier fish like tuna and salmon, it’s the deluxe rolls that have us soy excited. Inside Out Chicken Katsu with Avocado, Cucumber, Mayo & Teriyaki and Inside Out Tempura Prawn With Asparagus & Spicy Mayo are turning out to be fan favourites.
Kira Kira isn’t just about sushi, though. Signature bento boxes come packed with choices like Angus sirloin steak, karaage chicken, crispy salmon or tofu. Accompanied by gyoza, Japanese salad, lotus chips and sushi rolls, these boxes will satisfy the hungriest of diners.
The donburi bowls are another highlight, featuring premium ingredients like teriyaki chicken, salmon and pork belly, all served over a bed of steaming rice. And get ready to slurp as Ramen soups will be coming soon to warm you up on those cooler days.
If it’s a post-beach refreshment you’re after, the extensive menu of bubble teas add the perfect splash of flavour to your day. Mango & Strawberry Black Tea, Lychee Black Tea and the popular lilac-hued Taro Milk Tea are all very cool sips. Add some rainbow jelly or popping pearls for a burst of fun!
For tasty and oh so convenient takeaway, Kira Kira is the perfect catch for everything we love about fast casual dining.
Where: Shop 6b 1 Douglas Street, Kirra
When: Tuesday – Sunday 10:30am – 7pm
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Mathilde Bouby
