Ramen Kyo is revamping tradition with bold, chicken-based broth
Mermaid Beach just got a little more delicious. Nestled in a cosy complex next to local favourites like Blessing of the Sun, Goccia Italian Pizzeria, Poke Poke, Background (Barista) and D’La Rosa, Ramen Kyo opened quietly in December, and it’s already making waves amongst Gold Coast foodies. Whether you’re a seasoned ramen lover or a newcomer to the noodle world, this modern, minimalistic spot should be next on your hit list. Here’s why …
The name Kyo means ‘city’ in Japanese – Ramen City, if you will. And while it’s a small venue with just 36 seats, it packs a solid punch in terms of flavour. From the moment you step foot inside, you get the sense that this is not your run-of-the-mill ramen joint. At Ramen Kyo, chicken broth takes centre stage rather than the more traditional pork-based broth, which gives it a fresh, lighter feel that’s on trend in Japan right now. It’s a modern twist that still honours the core of ramen’s comforting, umami-packed roots.
Each bowl that emerges from the open kitchen is a labour of love, from the handmade noodles to the broth, which is made from scratch, boasting an undeniable depth of flavour. The Shiro White, for instance, is as rich and creamy as they come, yet there’s no dairy involved. The cloudy appearance of this bowl comes from the bone marrow, which gives it that silky-smooth texture. The AO Blue offers a slight hint of seafood, thanks to the inclusion of bonito, but the real crowd-pleaser is the Aka Oni, or Red Demon. As the name suggests, this spicy ramen is packed with heat and a creamy, rich broth that’ll keep you coming back for more. Prefer to keep the spice level at bay? Try the Aka Red, which delivers that same rich creamy flavour but with a more mild profile. There’s also a plant-based option that utilises a delicious soy and sesame broth, so no one has to miss out on the fun.
There’s a selection of sides, including gyoza stuffed with prawn, chicken, or vegan filling, alongside chicken katsu, edamame and gobo tempura (a crispy Japanese root vegetable). And for those interested in sipping while slurping, there’s an impressive selection of drinks such as Japanese beers, sake, wine and highball cocktails. If you’re after something stronger, try a nip of 12-year-old Yamazaki whisky.
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The venue itself is as fresh and light as the food it serves. The aesthetic is sleek and minimalist, with a stylish monochromatic palette of matte black and light timber, which makes for a cosy, welcoming atmosphere. Ayano Law, the owner and brainchild behind Ramen Kyo, wanted a place that felt warm and inviting, no matter the occasion. Whether you’re in for a quick takeaway, a date night, or a family dinner, this spot has the perfect vibe.
Ayano, born and raised in Tokyo, has always loved ramen, but she found the heaviness of pork-based broths didn’t always sit well with her. That’s why she decided to take a fresh approach, adopting a lighter, more modern ramen experience with chicken broth. Judging by the rave reviews so far, it’s clear that Ramen Kyo is already becoming a local favourite. Striking the perfect balance of tradition and innovation, the menu offers something for both ramen purists and those eager to try something new.
Head to The Directory for opening times and reservation details.