Welcome to Ramenhead: Where Japanese Streetfood Meets Flavorful Obsession

Hey there! Step into the world of Ramenhead, a streetfood haven crafted by chefs Peter Tempelhoff and Ashley Moss. Brace yourself for an explosion of authentic Japanese flavors that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey. Nestled below their renowned fine-dining establishment, FYN, Ramenhead beckons you with its entrance on Speakers Corner. Just follow the queue of eager ramen enthusiasts spilling onto Church Square.

As you venture inside, get ready to be enveloped by a sultry, mysterious ambiance. The interior pays homage to Japanese design, with touches of blackened oak exuding a Zen-like serenity. Feast your eyes upon a mesmerizing display of handcrafted ramen bowls, showcasing the craftsmanship found in every detail. And if you snag a seat at the sought-after counter, you’ll have a front-row view of the culinary masterminds behind these artful creations.

Imagine watching intently as the chefs assemble each magnificent bowl right before your eyes. With skill and precision, they craft the silky smooth noodles by hand, guaranteeing a truly authentic experience. The aroma of simmering broths fills the air, teasing your senses with promises of umami-rich deliciousness. Yes, Ramenhead is a shrine of comfort food that will leave you craving for more.

Ready to Embark on a Flavor Carnival? Book Your Ramenhead Table Now!

In 2022, Peter and Ashley made an important decision for Ramenhead: they decided to keep it true to Japanese ramen tradition and make it a walk-in only restaurant. That means when you come in, you don’t have to wait long for your delicious bowl of noodles. You can eat it quickly, savor the flavorful broth, and move on, feeling satisfied. But because so many people loved Ramenhead and wanted to eat there during the busy holiday season, Peter and Ashley started accepting bookings for the indoor tables. Now, you can plan ahead and avoid waiting in long lines. However, if you’re someone who loves the lively atmosphere of sitting at the counter or the bar, or enjoying the outdoor seating with its cozy sofas and twinkling fairy lights, those spaces will still be reserved for spontaneous walk-ins.

Indulge in the taste of umami

When it comes to ramen, there are four main bowls for you to choose from. Each one has its own unique flavors and ingredients that make it a delicious and satisfying meal. Whether you prefer classic Tonkotsu with pork belly, sesame miso with tofu and vegetables, Tori Chintan with chicken and bamboo, or the soupless wagyu beef “hamburger junk ramen” with BBQ brisket, there is surely something to please every palate.

But what makes these bowls of ramen so tasty and complex? It all starts with the broth. The broths are simmered for hours, allowing all the flavors to meld together and create a rich and flavorful base. Additional ingredients like dashi powder, ginger, nori, bean sprouts, star anise oil, menma (fermented bamboo shoots), leek oil, and negi (a type of spring onion) enhance the overall taste of the ramen.

Authentic seasonings like shio tare (salt sauce), shoyu tare (soy sauce), and miso tare are used to add even more depth of flavor to the ramen. And if you want to take your bowl to the next level, you can add extra toppings like ajitamago (marinated soft-boiled egg) for an extra burst of yumminess.

Streetfood snacks

If you’re really hungry (and only if you are!), check out the other streetfood options on the menu. They have the irresistible karaage, which is crispy fried chicken, and the tasty gyoza. You can choose between mushroom or iberico pork fillings, and they come with a mouthwatering dipping sauce. And don’t forget about the Japanese cabbage salad and the tuna tataki!

If you’re looking for something to snack on before your meal, they have edamame, wagyu biltong, traditional Japanese tsukemono pickles, and ramen chips with an aubergine and miso dip. Perfect to enjoy with your pre-dinner drinks!

Their bar offers a great selection of beverages. They have craft beers, wines, and spirits, including Japanese whisky and gin. You can also try their Sukoshi shots, exotic cocktails with unique infusions, specialty teas, and sake served in traditional square wooden masu cups. We couldn’t resist the lemongrass and yuzu spritz mocktail, which was a refreshing companion to the savory umami broth.

Infused with Japanese Flavors

You can taste the creativity and attention to detail in their dishes. The flavors are bold and unexpected, with a touch of that Japanese finesse. Each bite is a delightful surprise, and it’s clear that the chefs take their craft seriously.

Experience an Exciting New Year’s Eve at Ramenhead!

Get ready to be wowed at the most amazing New Year’s Eve celebration! Ramenhead is bringing back their incredibly popular Stickman Yakitori concept for a special collaboration. You won’t want to miss this one-time event!

Our talented chefs will serve you a mouth-watering five-course set menu that will make your taste buds go wild. The celebration starts off with a glass of bubbly and delectable oysters. Then, get ready to indulge in Cape Point tuna sashimi, a true delicacy.

But that’s not all! Brace yourself for the delightful Stickman range of yakitori. These traditional Japanese skewers will take your dining experience to a whole new level. And let’s not forget about the main event – the incredible ramen bowls, each one bursting with flavor and authenticity. Look out for the Toshi Koshi, a special ramen dish that symbolizes good luck for the upcoming year.

And of course, we can’t end the evening without a sweet treat. Dessert is a tantalizing Japanese purin, a velvety custard pudding infused with the flavors of ginger and peaches.

There are two seating options available to suit your preferences. If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal, there’s an early seating that allows you to eat and go. But if you’re ready to party the night away, join us for the all-inclusive dinner and dance your way into the new year with the incredible beats of our DJ. The festivities will continue in the square long after midnight.

Tickets are available for Ramenhead’s New Year’s Eve event. The cost is R1,250 for dinner and the party, or R750 for just the early seating dinner. The event will take place on December 31, 2023.

If you’re looking for a taste sensation that will leave you craving more, Ramenhead is the place to be. Peter, the mastermind behind Ramenhead, believes that delicious food is the key to bringing people together. He explains that the centuries-old tradition of making ramen ensures that every bowl is packed with bone nutrients, lean proteins, and amino acids, creating a flavor that is both addictive and euphoric.

Here are some important details to keep in mind: cash payments are not accepted, but don’t worry – you can still get your Ramenhead fix at Time Out Market at the V&A Waterfront. They offer a selection of Japanese snack plates and their famous ramen bowls. The operating hours at Time Out Market are Tuesday to Thursday, 12pm to 2:30pm and 6pm to 9pm, and Friday to Saturday, 12pm to 2:30pm and 6pm to 10pm.

If you have any questions or want to make a reservation, you can reach Ramenhead at 067 312 8061 or ramenheadct@gmail.com. Ramenhead is located at Speakers Corner, Church Square, 37 Parliament Street, Cape Town.