Okuman Karaage & Ramen Bar — Restaurant in Brisbane City

A Solitary Sojourn to Japan at Okuman Karaage & Ramen Bar

Stepping into Okuman Karaage & Ramen Bar in West End is akin to traversing a portal, albeit a subtle one, directly into the serene heart of a Japanese culinary haven. For a fleeting thirty minutes or so, the bustling Brisbane thoroughfare outside fades into an inconsequential hum, replaced by an atmosphere so authentically crafted it evokes a profound sense of mono no aware – the gentle pathos of things.

This establishment, with its understated elegance and hushed efficiency, is a sanctuary for the contemplative soul. It is a rare gem where the solitary diner, perhaps armed with a well-worn book, can retreat from the world without preamble or fuss. There's no need for elaborate reservations or social navigation; one simply glides in, finds a quiet nook, and settles into a comforting solitude.

The culinary offerings are as refined as the ambiance. My recent indulgence in a meticulously prepared bento box was a symphony of delicate flavours and textures, each component a testament to the artistry of Japanese cuisine. And to accompany this delightful repast, an exquisite Japanese tea, its warmth and subtle bitterness, served as the perfect counterpoint, cleansing the palate and soothing the spirit. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated "me time," infused with a deep, resonant nostalgia for the Land of the Rising Sun.

Okuman Karaage & Ramen Bar is more than just an eatery; it is a quiet refuge, a pocket of Japan nestled within Brisbane. It offers a unique opportunity for introverts and those yearning for a moment of introspective peace to reconnect with a cherished culture. Without a shadow of a doubt, I shall return to this cherished spot whenever the yearning for Japan-nostalgic...

There’s so many fish tendon… to the point that wecan’t chew it!!!

Barramundi sashimi is the worst of the worst. In general, everything downgraded.

We been visiting this restaurant once a month for the past few years… that is a huge disappointment.

Update 17 March 2025——-

Old review below 👇

🍣🌱 Delightful food with a few great vegan choices.

🇯🇵 A truly authentic Japanese spot with exceptional service; the staff remains as friendly as ever.

👀 I've been a patron for years, and while the sashimi is still superb, the overall menu seems to have lost some of its luster compared to before. One thing really disappointing is the Ramen, they really have to work on it, the broth taste flat, and the noodles are just so much like instant Ramen noodles…

📸 An Instagram-worthy spot with a fantastic ambiance.

Here’s what we ordered:

Monday Special Sashimi 5 varieties. -Regular

Sushi of the Day Platter - Sushi of the Day Platter 6 pieces

Tonkotsu Ramen

Homemade Tofu

Squid Karaage

Fish-Chazuke

魚生唔錯，壽司一般般魚生比較值得一吃，茶泡飯中規中矩，拉麵就唔使試。

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Update on 25 October 2023*

🚩 Delicious food + Few good vegan options.

🈵 Authentic Japanese place with very nice service, The staff are as nice as usual.

👀 been visiting this restaurant since a few years ago, it was the best Japanese restaurant around where I live. Sashimi was very nice but overall menus are a bit disappeared because they were doing better before. Which this is the reason why I took two stars away.

📸 Instagramming place, Great atmosphere.

Follow @what_is_in_my_stomach on...

I am a regular customer at Okuman for the last 4 years as I lived nearby and tonight decided to have dinner here with my wife as I saw the okonomiyaki (one of my fav dish here) was on half price. Ordered an okonomiyaki with pork and egg and wait for abit for the food. When the okonomiyaki finally arrived and I tried the sunnyside up egg and found that it was way overcooked to the point where it tasted like a piece of rubber. So I asked the waitress to exchange for another properly cooked egg. The waitress brought the food back to the kitchen and after an exchange with the chef brought back the same egg and told me that the chef said that the egg was properly cooked, not raw and safe to eat. Apparently a professional chef thinks that a overcooked rubber-like egg is 'properly cooked'!!?? Was it because the okonomiyaki was on half price, so the chef decided to put in half the effort to cook it? Or perhaps the chef lacked the professionalism to even put in the basic care to ensure he cook a simple sunnyside up properly?

Very very disappointed and left without touching my okonomiyaki. Also, noticed that the service levels here seems to have gone down considerably reecently over the years I frequented this place. Had a unfortunate incident with a rude waiter here couple of weeks ago as well. 2 incidents in recent times which is really sad, because I used to love...