Ramen, originally from Japan, have gradually won over fans of Asian cuisine in France. Although still less popular than sushi, these generous bowls of noodles immersed in savory broth offer a rich culinary experience full of flavors and textures.
Ramen are made from wheat noodles soaked in a meat-based broth, usually accompanied by vegetables, seaweed, and meat. This nourishing dish, both comforting and diverse, lends itself to countless variations, which explains its growing success.
Ramen Ya, a well-established restaurant in Nantes, opened a new location in 2020 in Rennes, near Place Saint-Anne.
This restaurant offers a true immersion into the world of ramen, with a menu full of options to satisfy every palate. Whether you prefer to enjoy your meal on-site, on the terrace, or take it to go, Ramen Ya offers appreciable flexibility.
What sets this restaurant apart is its commitment to using local products from the Grand Ouest region, ensuring freshness and impeccable quality.
What Types of Ramen Can You Enjoy at Ramen Ya?
Ramen Ya’s menu is varied, allowing you to customize your culinary experience according to your tastes. Here’s an overview of the different types of ramen available:
- Chuka: Chicken ramen, a classic that delights those who love mild, comforting flavors.
- Shoyu: Pork ramen with a soy sauce-based broth, offering an intense umami flavor.
- Miso: Pork ramen with fermented soybean paste, ideal for those who enjoy rich, deep flavors.
- Jigoku: The "Hell" ramen with spicy pork, where you can choose your spice level from 1 to 3 for an intense culinary journey.
- Veggie: A vegetarian option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, perfect for those who prefer meatless cuisine.
- Hiyashi: Cold pork ramen without broth, with noodles dipped in a sesame sauce—perfect for hot days.
- Tsukemen: Pork ramen where the noodles are served separately from the broth, allowing you to dip them as you like.
- Abura Soba: Pork ramen with an oil-based sauce, without broth, for a lighter experience.
In addition to the type of ramen, you can personalize your dish by choosing the type of noodles (classic or thick) and the firmness (firm, normal, or soft). These options allow everyone to create a ramen that best suits their preferences.
What Sides Are Available?
To complement your ramen, Ramen Ya offers a selection of sides to enrich your meal. You can add marinated eggs, rice, pork slices, or nori seaweed for an extra burst of flavor.
The restaurant also offers Gyoza, dumplings filled with vegetables and chicken, perfect for sharing or as an appetizer.
As for drinks, you can discover some Japanese specialties like Kirin beer, Japanese lemonade, or sake, the traditional Japanese rice alcohol.
What to Expect at Ramen Ya in Rennes?
The arrival of Ramen Ya in Rennes marks a significant addition to the city’s Japanese culinary offerings. The restaurant stands out for its homemade preparations and use of local ingredients, making it a must-visit for lovers of authentic Japanese cuisine.
The atmosphere is warm, and the staff adheres to traditional Japanese restaurant customs, greeting you upon arrival and thanking you as you leave.
While Ramen Ya offers a high-quality dining experience, there are a few drawbacks to note. The décor, though simple and modern, isn’t particularly memorable, and the restaurant’s interior is quite small, which can impact comfort, especially during peak hours. Seating is mostly along narrow counters, which may not be ideal for those looking for a more social ambiance.
Regarding prices, it’s worth noting that some extras can increase the final bill. For example, adding an egg will cost 2 €, which might seem steep for an additional ingredient.
Additionally, the portion sizes are slightly smaller than what you might find in Japan, often at a higher price. In Tokyo, a hearty bowl of ramen typically costs around 1,000 yen (about 8 €), whereas prices in France tend to be higher. However, it’s important to consider that production and import costs partly justify this difference.
