Chaco Ramen Restaurant Darlinghurst
By Lisa Nguyen | Published 3 April 2023
Does this spot match the hype?
TL; DR | Summary
The ramen at Chaco Ramen is nothing short of exemplary. Whether you order the classic salt or zesty yuzu scallop flavour, each bowl will satisfy even the pickiest ramen enthusiast. The broth has a magical depth of flavour that will leave an everlasting impression, and I guarantee you'll want to return the next day for more. Regardless of what you order, it's always a delicious experience. Plus, there are great sides and appetisers to complete your meal (my favourite are the chicken wings). So, if ramen is on your mind, Chaco is a restaurant that deserves a visit!
Chaco Ramen Review
@bestspots.com.au The ramen at Chaco Ramen is nothing short of exemplary ⬇️ Whether you order the classic salt or zesty yuzu scallop flavour, each bowl will satisfy even the pickiest ramen enthusiast 🍜. The broth has a magical depth of flavour that will leave an everlasting impression 😊, and I guarantee you'll want to return the next day for more. Regardless of what you order, it's always a delicious experience. Plus, there are great sides and appetisers to complete your meal 🙌 (my favourite are the chicken wings). So, if ramen is on your mind, Chaco is a restaurant that deserves a visit! 💯 What sets Chaco apart from other Japanese 🇯🇵 restaurants in Sydney? Every bowl of ramen is done right. You get the perfect combination of savoury and salty flavours in each bite 🤤. The broth is thick enough to coat the noodles whilst remaining deliciously flavourful until the last slurp 😜. It's not too heavy or overpowering, it's the goldilocks of ramen broth. Plus, it's not just the ramen you'll be salivating over. The chicken wing karaage 🍗, chashu pork rice, and curry 🍛 are also worth high praise. I can honestly say the Chaco Ramen menu is perfection. To see the full review go to bestspots.com.au ✅ #westermsydneyfoodie #sydneyfoodie #thefoodblog #sydneymustvisit #wheretogoinsydney ♬
If there's one well-rounded ramen restaurant to visit in Sydney, Chaco Ramen in Darlinghurst is it. Having tried four of their main ramen bowls, including the fish salt, fat soy, chilli coriander, and yuzu scallop, I can confidently say that each bowl is packed with flavour and complexity. It's a truly delicious experience that doesn't disappoint. With its superb quality in ramen and sides, and fast service, I can confidently recommend Chaco time and time again.
Deliciously savoury & salty ramen in a casual & charming atmosphere
What sets Chaco apart from other Japanese restaurants in Sydney? Every bowl of ramen is done right. You get the perfect combination of savoury and salty flavours in each bite. The broth is thick enough to coat the noodles whilst remaining deliciously flavourful until the last slurp. It's not too heavy or overpowering, it's the goldilocks of ramen broth.
Plus, it's not just the ramen you'll be salivating over. The chicken wing karaage, chashu pork rice, and curry are also worth high praise. I can honestly say the Chaco Ramen menu is perfection.
Then you have the charming restaurant atmosphere. It's dimly lit, comfortable, and has a relaxed ambience. It's perfect for groups or more intimate gatherings. Make sure you arrive early or risk waiting or being turned away, it's that popular, but justifiably so! As for the service, it's efficient. Your food is delivered to your table quickly after ordering, so no complaints here.
For those who can't wait, there's a small takeaway menu that allows you to enjoy your meal in the comfort of your own home. But be prepared to pay a small premium as the prices are a few dollars more expensive than the dine-in menu.
It's also worth noting that there is a 10% surcharge on Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays. It's a card only establishment, and a surcharge may apply. There's also no BYO, so make sure you factor in drinks to your dining budget. You might also like to read my blog post, Do You Tip In Australia? Exploring Tipping Culture, to learn more about tipping in Australia.
As for accessibility, there is only street parking available so it's best to go before peak hour, or stick to public transport with some walking involved. Due to this, it's the only reason why I don't visit as often, so I am envious of the locals!
Customise your ramen bowl to your heart's content
Out of all the ramen restaurants in Sydney, Chaco has the BIGGEST selection of additional toppings that you can add to your ramen. All the toppings are fresh and provide a great twist to your ramen. They offer Hokkaido scallop, chashu pork, poached chicken, John Dory and prawn wontons, Carolina Rippa Spicy Miso, homemade chilli oil and every other usual ramen topping you can think of. You are spoilt for choice and could actually create an entirely new ramen with these toppings!
But it's not just the toppings. You can also customise your noodles. Need extra because you're super hungry? Prefer gluten-free noodles? Chaco has the noodle for you. So, if you have a dietary need, you can get a full ramen experience without compromising on your preferences and health.
Specials Menu
On their black board within the restaurant lies a special menu of the day, with limited time ramen and other dishes that rotate every so often. It ranges from hot chicken, to dessert specials like mochi and cheesecake, so it's always worth to have a look at it and add something new to the already stellar menu.
Fat Soy Ramen
Fat soy broth, chashu pork, half egg, black fungus, nori, and shallots (contains sesame, shell fish, soy, and egg)
The first thing you'll notice about Chaco Ramen's menu is that they denote common allergens that are found in each of their ramen bowls. This is a nice touch and something you don't often see in most restaurants.
As for the fat soy ramen, it's packed with umami! You get to choose how much fat you would like in your bowl and I personally enjoyed the extra fat, giving it a creamy depth of flavour. But the choice is yours! Opt for a little if you prefer a lighter meal.
The broth is remarkable, the egg is well-marinated, and the noodles are perfectly cooked with the right amount of bite and texture. This tonkotsu flavouring pairs well with the juicy pieces of pork and is pleasantly balanced by the black fungus and crunchy nori and shallots. It's definitely the one for you if you love tonkotsu.
Fish Salt Ramen
Fish salt broth with chashu pork, John Dory and prawn wonton, black fungus, leek, and nori (contains prawn, shell fish, sesame, and egg)
You don't often see pork and fish together on most menus, but surprisingly, it works perfectly in this bowl. The meat and seafood combo give a unique and unparalleled experience and should be embraced more!
The pork, and fish are exceptionally tender with the meat melting in your mouth with each bite. The prawn wonton is a classic noodle staple that you can't go wrong with and the black fungus, leek, and nori provide different textural elements. Want to mix things up? Pick the fish salt ramen!
Chilli Coriander Ramen
Spicy broth with poached chicken, half egg, black fungus, and coriander (contains sesame, shell fish, soy, and egg)
Whilst I'm not coriander's biggest fan, I can still see the appeal of the chilli coriander ramen bowl. It's spicy...like Sichuan hot pot level spicy. Don't believe me? Check out the bright red colour of the soup in the photos!
The chilli brings out a unique flavour in the broth, and the coriander provides an unexpected twist. Then, the poached chicken is perfectly tender and not overcooked. It gives it a homely and warming feeling, which is perfect for a cold winter's day or anytime you're seeking some comfort food.
Yuzu Scallop Ramen
Hokkaidō scallop, John Dory, prawn wonton, black fungus, leek, and mizuna (contains prawn, shell fish, soy, and egg)
The yuzu scallop is another personal favourite, as I enjoy anything yuzu flavoured. Yuzu has a zesty and citrusy flavour that brightens up the dish and compliments the John Dory fish and prawn wonton.
The broth is light and gives a bright feel to the bowl, unlike your usual heavier tonkotsu broth. It's an unusual take on ramen, but it works brilliantly. Paired with perfectly cooked seafood and classic ramen ingredients such as mizuna (which is a leafy green vegetable, commonly found in Japan), this is a seriously tasty bowl of ramen.
Chicken Wing Karaage
Japanese style fried chicken wings with mayo sauce
It's not often you see Karaage in the form of chicken wings, but Chaco has perfected it to a tee. Karaage chicken is a classic Japanese snack that can be shared or enjoyed alone, and this version is outstanding.
The light crisp of the outside with the tender, juicy marinated chicken is enough to make anyone's mouth water and ask for more! Add some mayo sauce to cool down your chicken, and you'll be in heaven!
Original Gyoza
Pan fried pork gyoza with yuzukosho paste
Need something extra with your meal? These pork gyozas are a must-try side!
The overly oozing pork juices and crispy wrapper will leave nothing but satisfaction on your palette. They're bursting with flavour and I guarantee you won't want to share.
My advice? Order both the gyozas and the chicken wings for the table to share. Delicious!
Chashu Pork Rice
Rice fried with chashu pork, mayonnaise, and seaweed/mustard greens
It's easy to tell that this rice bowl will be good with the generous topping of chashu pork, mayonnaise and seaweed/mustard greens. The rice is cooked perfectly and has an excellent ratio with the other ingredients. If you feel peckish, this small bowl is perfect for a side dish or on its own. Ideal for pork lovers.
Chaco Curry
Traditional Japanese curry with rice, coriander, Carolina Rippa Spicy Miso and umeboshi
The curry here is simple but robust enough to keep you going. Nothing overly outstanding, but it's still flavourful and stays true to its origins. Eaten with perfectly cooked rice, it's a solid meal if you prefer rice over noodles.
RECOMMENDED
- Any of the first 4 ramen of the menu (but depends on your preference)
- Chicken Wing Karaage
- Gyoza
- Pork Chashu Rice
Final Words
Chaco Ramen is an excellent place for anyone looking for a delicious bowl of ramen. With a range of choices, there's something for everyone, and I guarantee, it is nothing short of amazing. I highly recommend it for a casual dinner or lunch with friends and family. Get there early, though, as the restaurant can get quite packed! Nothing like having a good bowl of ramen to end your day.
Where To Find Chaco Ramen Darlinghurst
Address
Please note that this review is for Chaco Ramen Darlinghurst only. There is also another Chaco Ramen restaurant located in Bondi.
Hours
- Monday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 8:30 PM
- Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 8:30 PM
- Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 8:30 PM
- Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 8:30 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 8:30 PM
- Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 8:30 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 8:30 PM
Website
Phone
For Chaco Ramen bookings, call the restaurant ahead of time:
+61 2 9007 8352
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You make me actually want to check out Chaco Ramen within Chaco Bar! I am definitely leaning towards the Fish Soy Ramen based on the description alone plus the Chicken Wing Kaarage.
As always, a great writeup by you, Lisa.
Love Chaco Bar. Been recommending this place to friends for many years!