Their Ramen is, by far, the best Ramen that I ever had! I especially like the rich taste of the broth and the deliciously firm noodles. The chips is a “must-try”. Staffs are absolutely welcoming and courteous and their menu is family-friendly. My family and I will definitely go back here for our late night delight
Overview
At the heart of Gungahlin, nestled at 43 Hibberson St, Gungahlin ACT 2912, Australia, Ikigai Ramen offers a cozy and authentic experience for ramen enthusiasts. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this restaurant captures the essence of Japanese flavors while providing a warm, inviting atmosphere.
The moment you step into Ikigai Ramen, you are greeted by a modern yet rustic design that perfectly complements the vibrant energy of the area. The restaurant’s ambiance strikes a balance between comfort and style, making it ideal for both casual dinners and special occasions. There’s a strong sense of community, with friendly staff members who make you feel like part of the Ikigai family. It’s this welcoming vibe that encourages repeat visits.
One of the standout features of Ikigai Ramen is their rich and flavorful broth, a hallmark of any great ramen shop. The broth here is simmered for hours to achieve the perfect balance of savory umami and delicate richness. Whether you opt for the classic tonkotsu, a hearty pork-based broth, or the lighter shoyu, there’s something for everyone. For those who like to experiment, Ikigai offers a few variations like miso ramen, which brings a different layer of complexity with its fermented soy flavor.
The menu at Ikigai Ramen is diverse, with several options for vegetarians, too. The vegetable ramen is a crowd favorite, packed with fresh seasonal vegetables and served in a clear, subtly flavored broth. No matter your dietary preferences, you’ll find a satisfying bowl here. Each dish is customizable, allowing you to add extras like a soft-boiled egg, spicy toppings, or extra noodles for a heartier meal.
What really sets this spot apart is its commitment to quality. Each bowl is made with fresh, local ingredients, ensuring the highest possible quality. The noodles, which are made in-house, provide a perfect texture that complements the broth without becoming too soggy. And the toppings-whether it's the tender slices of chashu pork, the crispy nori, or the perfectly cooked bamboo shoots-are all sourced with care, making each bite a delight.
Customer reviews consistently highlight the exceptional service and flavorful food. People often mention how impressed they are with the attention to detail in both the cooking process and the presentation. It’s clear that the staff at Ikigai Ramen care about providing a memorable dining experience. The customer reviews on various platforms echo this sentiment, with many guests praising the friendly atmosphere and quick service, making it an excellent choice for a satisfying meal after a long day or during a lunch break.
The drink menu is just as thoughtfully curated, offering a selection of Japanese beers, sake, and traditional green tea. It’s a perfect match for the flavorful ramen, enhancing the overall dining experience. For those looking for something non-alcoholic, their matcha latte is a refreshing option, providing a unique twist on a beloved Japanese beverage.
The location is convenient for both locals and those traveling in the Gungahlin area. Whether you're out shopping or enjoying a day in the neighborhood, stopping by Ikigai Ramen adds a delicious break to your day. With its inviting vibe, incredible menu, and commitment to high-quality ingredients, it’s no wonder this restaurant has built such a loyal following. The blend of authentic Japanese recipes with local flair ensures you won’t find a similar experience elsewhere in Gungahlin.
Ikigai Ramen has mastered the art of creating delicious, comforting food that keeps people coming back for more. Each visit is a chance to enjoy a bowl of expertly crafted ramen in a space that feels like home.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryPopular for
✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seatingOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Healthy options ✓ Small platesDining options
✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsParking
✓ Free parking lot ✓ Paid parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 437 reviews
Ikigai Ramen – My Favourite Late-Night Spot in Canberra! Ikigai Ramen honestly serves the best ramen I’ve ever tasted in Canberra. The broth is rich, flavourful, and always hits the spot. I usually order the Torikatsu rice meal, and the flavours are always consistent — comforting every single time. I come here often for late-night ramen, and it never disappoints. Thank you, Ikigai Ramen, for always delivering amazing food and great comfort!
The ramen is pricey at nearly AUD 30, though the cost is somewhat understandable given the inclusion of rare ingredients. That said, the flavour combinations were among the wildest I’ve encountered and ultimately not to my taste. Even the non-spicy option included salty chilli corn, which was unexpected. The black garlic oil was generous and enjoyable, and the thin noodles were soft and chewy, although there is no option for extra noodles. Other toppings, including bamboo shoots, wood ear, shallots and a half-boiled egg, were fairly average. The grilled chashu was medium-sized and reasonably priced at AUD 4.40. The grilled chicken breast had decent flavour but was slightly dry inside. Overall, creative and ambitious, but the execution is not for me
I finally got round to giving this one a go and the Tonkotsu ramen was really tasty even if I think it's a little expensive. It's great to have some quality food being served up until midnight in Gungahlin. The staff were very friendly, and I knew what I wanted so they immediately took my order, and the food was out quickly. I got a window seat on the bench, which was nice just to watch people going by as I quietly ate my food. I'm a big eater and I'm not sure if it was on the menu, but I'll be asking if they have the option for double noodles, as an extra, just to bulk out the meal a bit more. I'll be back.
First restaurant my wife and I visited in Canberra and l love this place. Convenient location, great food, warm ambiance and friendly staff. Haley took our order and made us feel like family. Chef's passion for cooking is evident in her ramen. Will definitely come back.
The Tonkotsu Ramen was authentically Japanese. The broth was rich and flavorful, with noodles cooked perfectly. The meat was tender, delicious and smoked just right. Definitely worth coming back.
Delicious tonkotsu ramen. The broth is possibly one of the best in Canberra. Also late trading hours which is really handy. Highly recommended if you like ramen.
A culinary delight that is worth experiencing. The broth is rich and flavorful, perfectly complementing the noodles and toppings. Each bowl is carefully crafted, demonstrating a clear passion for the craft. The overall experience leaves you feeling satisfied and wanting to return for another meal. I highly recommend visiting Ikigai Ramen