Then I learned that an authentic spot, Soul Ramen in Grove Hill Road, had launched in Tunbridge Wells, and it’s been on my list to visit ever since.
That day finally came on Friday when I turned up around 7pm with my noodle-loving entourage.
There were four of us in total and although I’d tried to ring and book with the number on their TikTok page (very Gen Z of me, I know), I’d been unsuccessful despite leaving a message.
Instead, I rocked up, taking my chances that they’d be able to accommodate.
The starters: Katsu chicken bao (£5.50), vegetable spring rolls (£5.90), and vegetable gyozas (£7.50) at Soul Ramen
Japanese fried chicken (£6.90) at Soul Ramen
In many ways, the small restaurant opposite the department store Hoopers, is akin to the many noodle bars I went to while in Japan.
It’s compact and clean, featuring an L-shaped counter where hungry customers can sit solo and eat with minimal interaction, while watching the chef in action if they wish.
When we arrived it was heaving, with more customers joining the queue as we entered and although they didn’t have a table for us straight away, a staff member booked us in for 45 minutes later, which we were grateful for.
After enjoying a drink in the outside seating area of The Claremont Pub a few doors down, we returned hungrier than ever.
We were seated at a small but cosy table in their seating area at the back of the restaurant, which was a hive of activity with families and couples enjoying their food.
Soul Ramen in Grove Hill Road, Tunbridge Wells
The entrance to Soul Ramen is similar to an authentic Japanese noodle bar
The décor was functional, simple and minimalistic, with dim lighting and dark walls, with a small shelf fitted with Asahi on tap, a Japanese rice lager which is an absolute favourite of mine, and immediately I knew I had to order one.
The menu had everything from Ippin, small-plate starters like Japanese fried chicken, crispy squid, gyoza and spring rolls, to five different bao buns, for meat-lovers and veggies.
Mains included house-made curry, Donburi, a Japanese rice bowl with meat and vegetables, and, most importantly, a whole page dedicated to ramen.
Everything from Tonkotsu, chicken, prawn, black truffle, and even a separate vegan and gluten-free option: the Chashu tofu ramen (VG) and Shio ramen (GF), respectively.
After taking in the menu for some time, someone came to take our order, and it was clear the business was operating at full capacity and the staff were in demand.
The seating area for tables at the back of Soul Ramen in Tunbridge Wells
A pint of Asahi set you back £8 while a half was £4.75 at Soul Ramen, Tunbridge Wells
For starters we ordered the Japanese fried chicken (£6.90), vegetable spring rolls (£5.90), Katsu chicken bao (£5.50), and vegetable gyozas (£7.50) – tempted to try a little of everything on the menu.
After gulping down our refreshing Asahi (£8.00), and one passionfruit martini (£8.50), it didn’t take long for our small plates to arrive, absolutely piping hot and reasonably portioned.
The chicken was described as juicy, with some sauce on top, although more was desired. However, the showstopper for the meat-eaters was the bao bun – given top marks for its perfect contrast between the crunchy filling, generous-sized cutlet, and the soft and fluffy bun.
Meanwhile, the eight spring rolls were crunchy and moorish, served with sweet chilli sauce, and the gyoza were perfectly cooked, with a nice crispy edge and tasty filling.
For the main event, one of us ordered the Black tiger prawn ramen (£17.50) consisting of a rich, corn-fed chicken bone broth, served with prawns, nitamago – a Japanese soft-boiled egg with a gooey, jammy yolk and a savoury soy-sauce marinade, leek, spring onions, bamboo shoots and nori.
The duck donburi, two Chashu tofu ramen’s and the black tiger prawn ramen at Soul Ramen in Tunbridge Wells
When it arrived, the prawns were cooked to perfection, not chewy or overcooked and the broth was packed full of flavour.
My sister and I opted for the Chashu tofu ramen (£12.90), a house-made vegetable-based broth served with Chashu tofu, which is a veggie play on a classic smoky pork dish, served with pea shoots, bamboo and baby corn.
Our ceramic ramen bowls were presented beautifully, with every ingredient layered intentionally, and a light and umami broth underneath.
The liquid was deeply savoury, light and took me instantly back to my time in Japan, which really solidified Soul Ramen’s authenticity.
But the real stand-out was the undeniably springy hand-made noodles: chewy, slurpable, and the ideal level of firmness, which you can even amend upon request. They were everything I had hoped they would be, and more.
The black tiger prawn ramen (£17.50) at Soul Ramen, Tunbridge Wells
The duck donburi (£16.90) at Soul Ramen in Tunbridge Wells
My partner opted for the duck donburi (£16.90), remarking that the rice was amazing, while the meat was prepared beautifully.
Despite this, he felt the other toppings were added quite sparingly and, for the price, he had hoped for a little more veg and sauce.
As the tables beside us slowly cleared out, we finished up our meals, completing clearing every plate – a sign of how much we enjoyed our food.
Perfectly full in a way only ramen can facilitate, we flagged down a member of staff for the bill and the receipt revealed a total of £115.25 with £11.53 added automatically for service.
While I am always happy to pay towards service, I do expect a slightly more attentive approach when it’s automatically added.
The Asahi on tap was a big hit at Soul Ramen in Tunbridge Wells
The waiting staff were polite, however they did need a little prompting for us to order and get the bill, and they didn’t ask how the food was until we’d finished.
The restaurant clearly has been designed to feel authentic, with luxury fixtures and fittings, and the food really is worth your time.
I really believe if they could nail down the customer service to match, it would take this dining spot to the next level.
As a certified ramen enthusiast, I can absolutely say that my days of going to a Wagamama for my noodle fix are firmly behind me. This has to be my new go-to spot in Tunbridge Wells, it’s good for the soul.
The Chashu tofu ramen (£12.90), a house-made vegetable-based broth which is vegan
You can see the chef at the counter in Soul Ramen, Tunbridge Wells
Food: Incredibly authentic Japanese dishes with amazing flavour, from ramen to rice, and all the starters. I’d love to see one or two more veggie ramen options ★★★★
Drink: Asahi on tap is always a good idea, but there’s also Sake and Japanese soda, and a great range of cocktails and soft drinks too ★★★★★
Décor: The minimalistic décor and L-shaped counter make it feel authentic, while the restaurant is cosy, somewhat dark but intimate ★★★
Staff: The waiters were friendly and accurate with our order, but a bit more personality and attentiveness would be nice when adding a service charge ★★★
Price: The ramen is more or less the same price as Wagamama’s, but so much better. Those hand-made noodles are worth every penny and ensure I can get my authentic ramen fix closer to home ★★★★
AloJapan.com