Super-Satisfying Experience @Ramen Haus
Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judge Kadean Vendryes reviews Ramen Haus Jamaica.
Ramen Haus Jamaica is the first and only self-serve ramen café on the island. Opened and operated by CEO Janelle Wilkinson September last, the DIY Asian-inspired restaurant allows patrons to select and cook bowls of flavoured and layered ramen soup with noodles and toppings their way.
Team member Shauna Kay Cole welcomed a visit from me and guided the process which began with washing hands, then selecting flavoured ramen noodles which ranged from beef, pork, chicken to seafood, toppings such as scallions, corn, vegetables like pak choi or broccoli, fried onions, and additional toppings such as boiled eggs, steamed wontons, shrimp, calamari, etc.
Upon completion and placement of selected ingredients on individual trays, it was time to put everything in the bowl and cook the ramen soup for about four minutes on the induction stovetop, while stirring in between with chopsticks until it was finished. (For softer noodles, additional time can be added.) Then it was time to eat!
The house-made kimchi recommended as an accompaniment did not disappoint! Dining options are available indoor on high bar stools or outside at a two-seater table. Asian-inspired drinks and snacks are also available on the menu.
There were no complaints about the meal; it was delicious and comforting. For the non-cookers, the intimately guided cooking process was both a notable and satisfying experience.
Ramen Haus Jamaica is definitely recommended for a quick lunch stop, date for co-workers, friends and family, including children.
All major debit and credit cards and cash are accepted. The cost of four meals and beverages (excluding gratuity) was $6,560.00 — very affordable and worthwhile. Parking is complimentary — unheard of in the busy New Kingston Business District.
Ramen Haus Jamaica
8 St Lucia Crescent, New Kingston (Ground Floor, The Hub Coworking Building)
Telephone 876-227-4777
Email: ramenhausjamaica@gmail.com
Instagram: ramenhausja
Monday to Saturdays, 10:30 am to 6:00 pm
(Photo: Napthali Junior)
Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judge Kadean Vendryes.
Ramen Haus Jamaica’s seating area (Photo: Napthali Junior)
Ramen Haus Jamaica’s selection of noodles and toppings (Photo: Napthali Junior)
Some of the noodles on offer include (from left) Nissin Black Garlic Oil, Buldak Carbonara, Kang Shi Fu Rattan Pepper Beef and the Buldak Hot Chicken Flavour. (Photo: Napthali Junior)
The self-service ramen cookers(Photo: Napthali Junior)
Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judge Kadean Vendryes washes her hands before making her selection.(Photo: Napthali Junior)
Kadean’s selection: The Kang Shi Fu beef with cabbage and calamari flavoured ramen with pork dumplings, boiled egg, pak choi, scallion, sweet corn, crinkle potato, crab sticks and fried onion.(Photo: Napthali Junior)
The chosen ingredients are placed on the ramen cooker awaiting final preparation.(Photo: Napthali Junior)
First into the bowl: Noodles and crab sticks. (Photo: Napthali Junior)
Pak choi joins the ramen and crab sticks as the bowl takes shape.(Photo: Napthali Junior)
With all the ingredients added, Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judge Kadean Vendryes (left) starts the ramen cooker, guided by Ramen Haus Jamaica principal Janelle Wilkinson.(Photo: Napthali Junior)
The ramen is brought to the boil and cooked for four minutes.(Photo: Napthali Junior)
Project coordinator Robyn McCalla washes her hands before making her choice.(Photo: Napthali Junior)
Project coordinator Robyn McCalla reviews the list of toppings.(Photo: Napthali Junior)
Robyn McCalla’s selection: Nong Shim kimchi flavoured noodles with scallion, rice cakes, sweet corn, chicken sausage, chicken dumplings, brocolli and shrimp.(Photo: Napthali Junior)
The chicken dumplings are added with the noodles and other ingredients before cooking.(Photo: Napthali Junior)
Ramen Haus Jamaica team member Shauna Kay Cole (left) presents project coordinator Robyn McCalla with her order. (Photo: Napthali Junior)
Ramen Haus Jamaica principal Janelle Wilkinson stirs the ramen as it cooks. (Photo: Napthali Junior)
The ramen is topped off with scallion. (Photo: Napthali Junior)
Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judge Kadean Vendryes prepares to savour her beef, cabbage, and calamari-infused ramen. (Photo: Napthali Junior)
