Astro Ramen — Restaurant in Lisbon

Japanese ramen food stall nested inside a former market stall.

The restaurant is but a micro kitchen space with a counter on which people eat. There are only four counter seats, but also a shared sitting area in a side space. The white tilled covered walls are covered with japanese posters and the handwritten menu. Which is as simple as it gets, a few appetizers and sides, drinks and ramen (tofu, chicken or pork). The broth is very tasty, but leans towards the heavy. The spiciness level is added at the customer's choice, but medium is already quite spicy. The ramen is cooked to perfection, but pork isn't the traditional chashu, melting meat, but is equally tasty.

Service is a one man show, who prepares the food, welcomes guests, and cleans everything afterwards: friendly and mostly busy.

The overall experience is nice and its street ramen stall type of experience is...

My girlfriend was craving ramen late night, so we and a friend decided to go there for some food. We came up to the counter and the guy in the kitchen greeted us, we sat down and ordered three pork ramen, and a beer. He kindly let us know it would take 10minutes, which we gladly waited. And when the food arrived we were amazed of the contents, size and service. It was amazing, very good tasting broth, perfect noodles and pork and all the vegetable really made this amazing, and the perfectly cooked egg. We all enjoyed the food and the beer. I'd really recommend this and the price was in my opinion cheap. Personally I'd pay more, but I do not complain. Thank you sir for your kind service and hospitality, as a chef myself I could really see that you put love and care in your food. Obrigado! See...

I was craving ramen and my boyfriend was feeling under the weather, so our minds were made up when we saw this 5-star spot on Google. Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by David, the one-man-band behind Astro Ramen.

His minimalist, cozy corner within a traditional Portuguese market is the perfect setting for eating some of the best ramen! The delicate balance of sweet, salty, umami and spicy (optional, but highly recommended) made our mouths, tummies and hearts so happy! We felt lucky to receive the last two bowls of the evening, as well as a generous but unobtrusive side of lovely conversation with the owner.

First impressions are often lasting impressions and David made one that was heartful, humble, and intentional, just like...