Ryo's Noodles — Restaurant in Sydney

Comfortable ambience, and quick service. The line is bearable knowing the popularity of this particular establishment.

We ordered the hot tsukemen (pork and fish), spicy ramen and karaage chicken.

From the relatively glowing reviews for this restaurant, we came in with high expectations. I guess this is really by virtue of what we have ordered but the variance in the quality of the food is rather high. Overall though, they've lived up to our high expectations.

The spicy tonkotsu ramen was nothing special at its price point and prestige, and in my opinion was mediocre at best. The spiciness of the dish does not add much to its underlying flavours of the pork bone soup, which by itself was not as bursting with pork bone flavours as we would've liked. Perhaps, this was really down to personal choices, so while I did not enjoy this dish I would give it the benefit of the doubt.

The tsukemen was very good, and it is definitely one of the better tsukemen places we've tried in Australia. There's definitely a very strong katsuobushi taste in the broth compared to the pork flavours (similar to the spicy ramen) which blended well with the chashu that soaks up the broth very well. Each bite was very flavourful, but not overpowering. The only thing I could nitpick is perhaps the noodles weren't designed for tsukemen, but I completely understand the efforts required to make different batches of noodles for not a lot of demand.

The karaage chicken definitely exceeded our expectations by a long shot, compared to many places that sell them. The chicken was seasoned well, the batter gave it a distinctively chewy (and a bit fluffy) texture which was very enjoyable, and the mayonnaise was also of high quality. I would definitely recommend this dish.

In short, I think Ryo's noodles offers a lot for an occasional night out, or if you want to impress friends who are visiting Sydney. We would recommend the tsukemen and our glowing reviews go to the karaage chicken, which was a pleasant...

Ryo's Noodles is a gem for ramen enthusiasts, and its popularity is evident from the consistently long wait times. Despite the queues, the experience is well worth it for the authentic Japanese ramen that awaits inside.

Upon entering Ryo's, you're greeted with a cozy atmosphere that transports you straight to a ramen-ya in Japan. The decor is minimalistic, with wooden tables and Japanese posters adorning the walls, emphasizing the focus on the food.

The menu at Ryo's is straightforward yet tantalizing. The ramen broth options are rich and flavorful, with the soy broth being a standout. It is creamy, hearty, and packed with umami, creating a deeply satisfying base for the ramen. The salt and miso broths also offer robust flavors for those seeking something different. The noodles themselves are cooked to perfection—chewy and firm, they hold up well in the broth.

Toppings are generous and well-prepared. The chashu is tender and melts in your mouth, while the marinated eggs boast a perfect runny yolk. The aromatic herbs complement the rich broths beautifully.

Aside from the ramen, Ryo's offers delightful side dishes. The gyoza are a popular choice, with a crispy exterior and a juicy, flavorful filling. The karage chicken is another highlight, boasting a perfect crunch and a tender texture.

Service at Ryo's is efficient and friendly, despite the bustling environment. The staff work diligently to manage the high volume of customers, ensuring that wait times are minimized and that diners are served promptly.

The only downside to Ryo's Noodles is the inevitable wait time, which can be quite lengthy during peak hours. However, this is a testament to its popularity and the exceptional quality of its ramen. Arriving early or visiting during off-peak times can help mitigate the wait.

This restaurant is a must-visit for ramen lovers. Its authentic flavors, quality ingredients, and warm, inviting atmosphere make it a standout ramen destination, worth every minute...

I've heard many stories of this tiny ramen joint in Crow's Nest where hungry ramen enthusiasts routinely line up around the block to try the fare. Well I tried it for the first time over the weekend and I was impressed. Let me start that it's still not my favourite, that title belongs to Yasaka in CBD, but it certainly lives up to expectations.

My order was the most popular order on the menu (confusingly numbered as Order no.2) which was a light, soy sauce Tonkotsu broth with roast pork/cha shu, with some karaage chicken and a pork bun.

The bun was great. A fluffy, steamed bun with a meaty minced pork meatball inside. It was slightly sweet; not like a Cantonese BBQ pork bun, but the flavour profile wasn't just salty. Big size.

The karaage was the hidden star for me. Expertly made fried chicken. The coating was light and ever so crunchy. $9 can be a hefty asking price for a small plate of fried chicken, but I think it's more than justified at Ryo's.

The ramen itself. The main attraction for most (myself included). Immediately noticed the bowl is huge. For $15.50? Value = immense. The broth is not a super thick broth, but it definitely coats your mouth. Initially a light umami in flavour, but deceptively lingers and develops in flavour as it envelops your tongue. I can see why Ryo's is addictive. The noodles had a good chew, and the accompaniments (Nori sheet, roast pork, narutomaki, and loads of scallions) were good. The heaping of scallions is something I particularly appreciated.

Overall it was the humility and lack of pretentiousness that I loved about Ryo's. The place is tiny, the serving sizes homely with what the more snobbish might consider "haphazardly dressed" plating, and your often elbow to elbow with your neighbour, but you can rest easy knowing you're all there to...