Umaï Ramen — Restaurant in Strasbourg

Touristenfalle - Tourist trap

Food was good but the service and the manager is really bad. The service came to our table and we had already choosen everything with our smartphones at their own ordering app, so that the staff can simply write down everything that is shown in the app. No room for misunderstanding except you want to...

We are not quite sure if the staff isn't able to communicate in english or if they simply refuse to use it. But because our french isn't really good - even if we tried - we had to use some english terms. We ordered the Gyoza menu (Salad + 9 Gyoza) We asked the staff for mixed varieties, because they offer 3 of them. We were told, that there is only 2 sorts left and so we agreed for a mix of these 2. My wife even told the staff "neuf" and told her about the Gyoza Menu showing her the french order summary of the app. Again: No room for misunderstanding, except you want to.

We got 6 Gyoza and no salad. Because there was no one of the service personnel we told the manager at the counter about the mistake before we even touched anything of the food. Unfortunately the service staff wanted to blame us for the misunderstanding. Moreover we didn't get the salad first and were told, that she had told us before that one of the three varieties of the gyoza is no longer avaible. But the service simply made a mistake and didn't bring us the gyoza menu, but a simple gyoza order of 6 pieces, which nobody didn't even mention.

Why should anyone order a menu containing 9 pieces plus a salad and accept 6 pieces without the salad for the same price instead?! (what they wanted to make us belive)

After that - and everything was still nice and friendly, except the false blaming - we got another 9 Gyoza and the Salad (the menu).

After we have finished, we wanted to pay and realised, that we had to pay for all of the gyoza even the 6 gyoza we didn't order plus the gyoza menu. But if that hadn't been enough already we also realised that instead of beeing charged for 6 gyoza (+ the menu) we have been charged 2x 3 Gyoza which of course is more expensive...

So this dinner had a realy bad aftertaste.

We wouldn't recommend the restaurant, especially if you're not able to speak french. We surely...

If you want authentic Japanese ramen, come here. (I'm very picky about my Asian food). We had karaage (fried chicken), Tantan ramen, Miso Tsukemen. The karaage was absolutely fabulous. Crunchy on the outside, really juicy on the inside. By far the best I've eaten in France and maybe better than my mother's (please don't tell my mom🙈). The Miso broth was exceptionally amazing, deep and rich flavors. The perfectly cooked noodles were bouncy and chewy. And the chashu was amazing, smoky and tender. (My partner was jealous) Tantan ramen was also bustling with flavors, with a nice kick of spiciness. But not too much, keeping the original flavors of the broth. We did add more chili oil, which Umaī provided. The noodles were thinner, but just as delicious as the above and cooked to perfection. The staff were so professional and kind. You can tell they take pride and honor in the food they serve. Everyone was smiling, and it truly seemed like they loved their job. The interior design is sleek and clean. By far the nicest Japanese restaurant I've been to in France-- dare I say, better than Ippudo and any other ramen restaurant in Paris. Nothing to complain about.

My only regret was being too hungry and not ordering a cocktail! This will be my new favorite ramen restaurant in France, and I will be coming...

I think it's worth a try! Its the closest to authentic ramen with the available ingredients from France, and it's at a very affordable price range even at the heart of the city. I cannot fault the chef that much! The chashu is also served perfect.

Make a reservation before coming down if you can, they are very busy! The owner was nice enough to accomodate us despite a busy Friday evening, which we appreciate. They only speak a bit of English so please try to learn basic french at least to not slow down service.

I would definitely come back to try more items, but alas we are only two people with two stomaches. I wish I can eat more so I give a more accurate verdict.

What we ordered:

Miso Ramen Light miso tonkotsu soup. I generally prefer more creamy and rich soup bases but my european partner liked it, so it is fine. I wish they sell rice so the leftover soup doesn't go to waste (traditional ramen shops in Japan do that).

Chashu Mazesoba It's a very light mazesoba that is definitely catered to the taste of Europeans. Very fresh-tasting, I would prefer more sesame oil and salt (or mirin and soy sauce) but...