Review: Regional Ramens at Heddon Yokocho 

Walking around the corner into Heddon street, just off London’s Regent Street, brightly coloured paper lanterns light your view, as if illuminating a pathway to a giant set of chopsticks. The chopsticks move up and down in an equally oversized bowl of Ramen as if to beckon “come inside” This isn’t some strange anime-style dream, this is Heddon Yokocho, and eagerly we obey the chopsticks and make our entry.

We are transported into a 1970’s Tokyo-style Ramen bar, greeted with neon street signs, retro Japanese adverts, glowing lanterns, wooden screens and a buzzing atmosphere. Our spot for the evening is a comfy booth at the side of the restaurant with noren curtains, giving us a more cosy and private dining experience, but if you want to soak up more of the buzz, grab a seat in the middle section.

The ramen menu is impressive and for each dish, you will find details of the place of origin, year created, type of broth, type of noodles and toppings. It may sound overwhelming, but this educational learning gives us the sense that the food is the real deal. I opt for the Tori Paitan ramen (£14.50) a 12 hour cooked broth with grilled chicken, nitamago egg, menma, spring onion, beansprout, kikurage and nori. The authentic broth is incredible and jam-packed with flavour, with complimenting toppings.

The pork gyozas are deliciously substantial (£8.25 for 6pcs), and may leave you waiting a few minutes before ordering dessert. My vegan dining partner would not stop raving about the Vegan Napoli ramen (£13.50), and for those that prefer a plant-based dish, this is a winner. Heddon Yokocho has a great selection of tipples to accompany the food including sake, highballs, Japanese drafts, plum wines or chuhai.

Dining solo in a restaurant can be pretty intimidating, but with the introduction of the new Shuchu booths (table for one), you’ve got nothing to worry about. Order and enjoy some me-time with your delicious bowl of ramen. Shuchu is translated as “focus booth” – so no need to feel guilty if you fancy turning your phone off and giving your full attention to your ramen.

If you like authentic Japanese ramen, classic j-pop, and you want to be transported into a 1970’s Tokyo-style Ramen bar, then look no further, this is the place to be!

Address: 8 Heddon Street, Mayfair, London, W1B 4BU

Website: https://www.heddonyokocho.com

Written by Nyla S.

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