Authentic Ramen in London’s Covent Garden: Shoryu Ramen

Before leaving Taiwan, I was worried I wouldn’t find good ramen in the UK. Living abroad often means cooking for yourself, and while ramen seems simple, the broth takes hours to prepare. For someone working long hours, it’s hard to make that kind of soup from scratch. Fortunately, London has many Japanese restaurants. The one that gave me a taste of home was Shoryu Ramen.

Shoryu has locations across London and other UK cities. I visited the Covent Garden branch because they had a half-price ramen promotion. The place was busy, with a long line of customers.

The restaurant has a Japanese-style exterior with wooden panels and a simple sign. When we entered, the staff beat a drum and shouted “Irasshaimase” (welcome in Japanese). Even though the staff were not Japanese, it was a nice touch.

The menu offers various ramen options, from basic to deluxe, and they also serve “Gua Bao” (steamed buns). However, I was surprised to see a small bun priced at £8.50, which reminded me of the 30 TWD versions back in Taiwan.

Kotteri Hakata Tonkotsu: I chose the hard noodle option, which had a good chew. The broth was made from pork bones simmered for a long time, giving it a rich flavour with a hint of sesame. It came with pork slices and bamboo shoots. The overall taste was savoury with a slight sweetness, making it easy to finish the entire bowl.
Kimchi Seafood Tonkotsu: My friend ordered this spicy ramen. The highlight was three fresh prawns on top. The broth had a mild kimchi tang that balanced the richness of the pork broth. It was flavourful without being overwhelming. The bowl was filled with ingredients, making it a good choice for those who enjoy bold flavours.

While Japanese restaurants in London can be pricey, Shoryu Ramen offers authentic taste at a reasonable price, especially during promotions. If you’re in Covent Garden and craving a warm bowl of ramen, this place is worth a visit. Whether you’re an expat missing Asian food or a tourist who loves ramen, Shoryu Ramen is a spot you’ll want to return to.

📍Shoryu Ramen
35 Great Queen Street WC2B 5AA United Kingdom