To warm up: discover where to eat ramen in São Paulo

With the news that we are entering one of the coldest weeks of the year in São Paulo, glutton that I am, I have already started to imagine what I will eat during this period to warm my stomach. When it comes to cold, one of the first comforting dishes that comes to mind is ramen.

Few know, but the origin of ramen (or, in Japanese pronunciation and as seen on many menus, ramen) is Chinese, but it became popular after World War II in Japan. The reason for this is that, originally, ramen was an economical dish, since dashi (broth, which is the soul of all ramen) is basically composed of water, vegetables and animal bones, of toppings, such as pork, seaweed, egg, among others, and because, at the time, rice production in that country was affected.

Speaking of dashi, it is always good to point out to those who are not used to it that, as it is the soul of ramen (it is where the potency of the flavor lies), the following names indicate the base from which it is made: shio (salt) , soy sauce (soy sauce), tonkotsu (pork) and miso or miso (fermented soybeans).

But I’m not here to be technical, but to indicate some of the ramens that I like and usually eat in São Paulo. Of course it is not, nor is it intended to be, an exhaustive list, because every day, new houses (or rather, lamen-ya’s) appear and I end up remembering others that I haven’t been to for a long time.

I hope you taste some of the following ramens and warm your stomachs in the cold to come.

Tonkotsu Barikote Ramen Maru

who arrives at Tonkotsu Barikote Ramen Maru you initially come across a vending machine that takes you to Japan in your mind. The order is placed by the customer while still on the street (which greatly speeds up the service, as the house has only one counter with 8 seats). I recommend the Tonkotsu Misso and Black Oil and, on hot days, the Hiyashi Tonkotsu (served cold).

Rua José Maria Lisboa, 118, Jardim Paulista, São Paulo-SP / Open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 12 pm to 3 pm and from 6 pm to 10 pm / No reservations accepted

Jojo Ramen

Since its opening, the Jojo Ramen It is one of the most sought after houses by ramen lovers. But for everyone’s comfort, I can say with confidence that every minute of waiting is worth it. I recommend Tantanmen (with layu pepper) and Shoyu Ramen.

Dr Street Rafael de Barros, 262, Paraíso, São Paulo-SP / Open from Monday to Saturday, from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and from 6 pm to 10 pm / Reservations are not accepted

Misoya Ramen

The name itself conveys that the Misoya Ramen specializes in miso ramen (dashi is based on fermented soy paste) from different regions of Japan. This is the first house in Latin America of a Japanese group that has more than 100 stores in Japan and many others around the world. I recommend the Aburi Chachu Ramen (with mission from Hokkaido) and the simple Ramen with mission from Tokyo.

Rua Antônio Carlos, 324, Consolação, São Paulo-SP / Open every day from 11 am to 11 pm

Shindo Lamen

Who wants to eat at Shindo Lamen must follow the profile of Japanese Shindo Michihiko on Instagram. It’s there that he discloses the two ramens of the week (which change all the time and there’s always a vegan one) and the days and times when the house – which is at the back of a gallery – accepts cash only.

Rua Barão de Iguape, 158, Liberdade, São Paulo-SP / Open at times made available daily on the Instagram profile.

Hirá Ramen Izakaya

THE Hirá Ramen Izakaya It’s one of those places that could be mentioned in several texts here, because it’s an izakaya with many hits on the menu. I recommend the Tony Lee Ramen (very spicy) and the Shoyu Ramen.

Rua Fradique Coutinho, 1240, Pinheiros, São Paulo-SP / Open every day, from 12pm to 3pm and from 7pm to 11pm

Hidden By 2nd Floor

THE Hidden By 2nd Floor serves great lamens, as well as other hot Japanese dishes (like buns, gyoza, karaage, etc.). As far as the subject of today’s text is concerned, I recommend 2nd Floor Ramen (with soy sauce) and Hidden Ramen (with salt).

Al. dos Nhambiquaras, 921, Moema, São Paulo-SP / Open from Monday to Wednesday, from 6:00 pm to 9:45 pm, from Thursday and Friday, from 12:00 pm to 2:40 pm and from 6:00 pm to 9:45 pm, and on Saturdays, from 18:00 to 21:45

Tan Tan Noodle Bar

I have already mentioned it several times in my column, the Tan Tan Noodle Bar it is another complete place where you eat and drink very well. Despite having always liked ramen, it was there that I realized my passion for the dish. I recommend the Yasai Ramen (with toasted onions) and the Wonton Ramen (with chicken broth and shrimp dumpling).

Rua Fradique Coutinho, 153, Pinheiros, São Paulo-SP / Open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 7 pm to 11:30 pm. Does not open on the last Sunday of the month / Reservations via website

Tamashii Ramen

The name implies that it’s a lamen-ya, but I’m going to avoid the subject of the text to say that the gyoza deserves to be ordered. Returning to the topic, I recommend, among the many options on the menu, the Shoyu Paitan Ramen and the Habanero Kara Miso Ramen (deliciously peppered) at Tamashii Ramen.

Rua Mourato Coelho, 53, Pinheiros, São Paulo-SP / Open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 12 pm to 2:30 pm and from 6 pm to 10 pm

Fred Sabbag is a lawyer by profession, but in his free time, he doesn’t have any lawsuits or legal procedures: one of his biggest passions is going to bars and restaurants. The habit earned him numerous followers on Instagram (@fredsabbag) and made him an important character of gastronomy in São Paulo.