Part of the new Elephant Park development, Koi Ramen is the third outpost of this Japanese micro-chain. Offering high quality noodle dishes in an informal but comfortable setting, Koi prides itself on keeping prices low and offering a short menu where every dish is as good as the next. This means that whether you’re wanting a speedy lunch or a long ramen-fuelled catch up, you can be assured that the food at Koi will always be packed full of flavour.
The restaurant itself has a semi-industrial feel to it with walls made from repurposed metal, and neon lights hanging above the counter seating. The central bar allows customers to be in full view of the chefs as they prepare your food and assures that the wonderful aroma of the cooking is constantly wafting through the restaurant. Despite this slightly industrial ambience, the overwhelming feeling in Koi is one of cosiness due to small nature of the restaurant.
When it comes to the menu at Koi, dishes range from classics such as a pure white tonkotsu, to a naked ramen which features soup-less tossed noodles, shredded pork, fried shallots, beansprouts, spring onions and pickled ginger. All of these can have further toppings added to them including a marinated egg, and extra pork or tofu. Meanwhile there’s also the option to have pork, chicken or vegetarian gyozas on the side. If you fancy something sweet after your main, there’s matcha ice cream on offer to finish your meal.
When it comes to drinks, you can choose from Japanese beers including Asahi and Sapporo, as well as a choice of sake. If you aren’t feeling like something alcoholic, there’s a selection of soft drinks available including a Japanese lemonade called ramune and hot or cold green tea. This means that Koi ramen is also a very child-friendly restaurant.