Ramen Kyo brings a bowlful of Tokyo to Mermaid Beach.
Ramen Kyo brings a bowlful of Tokyo to Mermaid Beach.
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
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Mathilde Bouby
The Oxley 1823 has just welcomed a new eatery and it’s coming in with a bang! Bobby Bang’s is the result of a decade-long culinary journey by owners Emmi Munday and Daud Kendall. From humble beginnings at Miami Marketta to the beloved Lucky Bao, the duo have created a contemporary Asian-style eatery that brings bold flavours and community vibes to Nobby’s.
It all began ten years ago at Miami Marketta, where Emmi and Daud first started sharing their passion for food. The vibrant, bustling atmosphere of the market was the perfect launchpad for their creative culinary ambitions.
Emmi, with over 30 years in the restaurant industry and a deep commitment to health and wellness, has always envisioned uniting her two loves. Emmi said, “My aim is to bring them together with a strong focus on community.”
Daud, a Singapore-born chef with more than 40 years of experience in prestigious kitchens worldwide, complements Emmi’s vision with his culinary expertise and dedication to flavours.
Eight years ago, the dream team opened Lucky Bao in Mermaid Waters, a vibrant eatery that quickly became a local favourite for its creative take on Asian street food. Now, they’re channelling that same passion and flair into their latest venture, Bobby Bang’s.
“I pour my passion for bold flavours into every dish we create,” Daud said. “Now, I’m excited to bring that same dedication to crafting amazing dishes for Bobby Bang’s.”
Building on the success of Lucky Bao, Bobby Bang’s brings a contemporary Asian twist to breakfast and lunch in the serene setting in The Oxley’s sunlit atrium alongside newbie eateries Buoy and Sunkist. Designed by Emmi and built by Dankav Developments, the space exudes warmth and community charm.
The menu is a testament to Daud’s dedication to flavours that pack a punch. Kickstart your day with breakfast ramen-egg noodles with crispy bacon, ramen egg, takana, truffle manchego. Or indulge in shokupan french toast topped with whipped cream, strawberries and hojicha caramel.
Standout sandos like the panko crumbed wagyu burger with takana, cabbage slaw and curry mayonnaise and slow cooked pork katsu with kewpie, bulldog sauce are already crowd favourites.
For a slurpalicious feast, Bobby’s bowls hit the table from 11:30am, offering irresistible combinations like local bay lobster paired with XO noodles, spring onion, chili, holy basil and crispy fried shallots.
Drinks are equally enticing and allow Emmi’s holistic expertise to shine. For a touch of zen, guests can enjoy hand-whisked ceremonial matcha and cacao, or order both with the double ceremony of ceremonial cacao, ceremonial matcha and iced milk.
For something a little stronger, there’s an array of Asian-inspired cocktails including a signature Bobby Bang with a zesty mix of yuzu, ginger, lemon and spiced rum. Japanese beers, handmade sodas and a curated list of organic wines are on the menu to suit every taste.
With its focus on bold flavours, beautiful design and a commitment to community, Bobby Bang’s is poised to become a staple of Nobby’s dining.
Where: The Oxley Atrium, 17 Lavarack Road, Mermaid Beach
Hours: 7:30am – 3:30pm daily
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
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
