Ramen Miraku

Large pieces of chicken and sweet potato sit in a red broth, an unexpected sight in a restaurant with the feel of a neighbourhood Chinese diner. Ramen Miraku’s signature ethnic curry is light and soup-like, yet layered: the mellow sweetness of coconut milk meets the depth of fish sauce, followed by a vivid, lingering heat. Dip rice into the flowing curry as you eat; the sweet potato’s natural sweetness brings the spice into sharper focus, making each spoonful tempting.

The curry may be the menu’s most distinctive dish, but there is also a generous selection of Chinese-style set meals and fried rice. Twice-cooked pork in a sweet-and-savoury sauce, familiar ginger-fried pork, and a wood-ear mushroom, pork and egg stir-fry are among the hearty options. Fried rice comes in varieties including mixed, prawn and natto, while the menu also offers rice topped with a thick sauce and omelette. Add noodles, soup or small plates to put together a meal to suit your appetite.

The compact dining room has a friendly feel, making it an easy choice for a relaxed solo lunch or a longer evening meal with beer and small plates. The owner and staff offer a warm welcome, and the food has the sort of character that may draw you back through the door.