If your idea of heaven is a bowl of silky noodles swimming in a soul-satisfying broth, then welcome to Ramenhead - Cape Town’s most crave-worthy ramen destination, tucked beneath fine-dining giant FYN on Parliament Street. Here, Japanese street food is given the star treatment, combining time-honoured tradition with edgy urban energy.
Conceived by chefs Peter Tempelhoff and Ashley Moss as a tribute to their obsession with ramen, Ramenhead is more than just a quick bite - it’s an experience. Inspired by Tokyo’s bustling ramen bars and built for comfort-seekers and culinary purists alike, the space pulses with a low-lit, moody ambiance. Blackened oak walls, hand-crafted ramen bowls, and a sizzling open kitchen set the scene, while Church Square just outside hums with locals sipping sake and waiting for their turn at a counter seat.
Noodles Worth the Wait
The ramen here is not a shortcut dish. Broths are simmered for hours - sometimes days - to achieve the rich, umami-packed depth that ramen connoisseurs live for. The noodles are made fresh in-house. Six signature bowls range from creamy tonkotsu with pork belly to vegan sesame miso, or the cheeky “hamburger junk ramen” topped with wagyu BBQ brisket. Each bowl is layered with traditional seasonings like shio tare and shoyu tare, then garnished with an arsenal of thoughtful toppings: fermented bamboo, ajitamago (jammy eggs), negi, and house-made oils.
Not Just Ramen: Izakaya Vibes, Cape Town Cool
While ramen is the star, the supporting cast is no less thrilling. The streetfood menu offers perfect bites to start or share: crunchy karaage chicken, umami-rich gyoza (stuffed with chicken or mushrooms), tuna tataki, edamame, and the unmissable ramen chips.
Drinks-wise, expect a bar menu as curated as the broth. Japanese whisky and gin, specialist teas, creative cocktails, and sake in traditional masu cups all make an appearance. The lemongrass and yuzu spritz is a standout for those avoiding alcohol - bright, citrusy, and the ideal contrast to the deep, savoury ramen.
When Ramenhead launched in 2022, it followed the Japanese model strictly: walk-ins only, quick turnover, no fuss. But after queues wrapped around the block, the rules have relaxed slightly—indoor tables are now bookable, while counter seating and the alfresco area (complete with fairy lights and lounge-worthy sofas) remain for spontaneous slurpers.
Chef Peter Tempelhoff sums it up simply: “If it’s delicious, people will come.” And come they have. Because Ramenhead isn’t just about food - it’s about flavour, community, and that euphoric rush of umami that lingers long after the last noodle has been devoured.
Details
Where: Speakers Corner, Church Square, 37 Parliament Street, Cape Town
Contact: 067 312 8061 | [email protected]
When: Tue–Thu: 12pm–2:30pm, 6pm–9pmFri–Sat: 12pm–2:30pm, 6pm–10pm
Note: No cash accepted
Also at: Time Out Market, V&A Waterfront (compact menu available)
