Ganbaranba

I'm not gonna lie―blogs are so much more interesting when the person writing them actually has something (i.e. a life) to write about. And I haven't really done all that much since returning to Melbourne, so I'm taking it back to Cairns in 2019 for another post about ramen and gyoza.

Because there's really no such thing as too much ramen and gyoza.

So as you may have gathered, this delectable set of ramen and gyoza is from Ganbaranba, a popular if not the most popular ramen joint in my hometown. So popular that there was a bit of a wait two out of the three times I went when I was home. And for good reason too, because it's freaking delicious. My mouth is watering at the thought of it, no lies.

As a ramen restaurant (or "Noodle Colosseum" as they sign describe it), naturally the main item on the menu is ramen, but at Ganbaranba, the menu filled to the brim with different varieties of pork and chicken-based broths. So you're basically spoilt for choice, unless you don't like ramen. In which case, shame on you.

My personal favourite is the shio ramen (on the far-right) which is a slightly salty chicken-based broth with pork, spring onions, bamboo shoots, and bean sprouts. Definitely one of the most plain choices, but hey, if it ain't broke don't fix it. However, on one particular visit I decided to be adventurous and ordered the ikemen ramenーa pork-based broth infused with chilli and garlic alongside the usual toppings.

Then there's the gyoza―oh my god this gyoza is the shiz. Ganbaranba's pork gyoza are home-made daily and they are probably the best gyoza I have ever had. There must be something else they put in them to make them so amazing, but I honestly don't know what it is. What I can tell you is that they are juicy yet crispy and simply so, so delicious.

I miss Ganbaranba when I'm in Cairns. Seriously. Although I have found a place in Melbourne with some promise, and I'm hoping to visit soon! Which means more ramen and gyoza on this blog―because like I said, there's no such thing as too much.

Anyway, on that note, if you're ever in Cairns, do put Ganbaranba on your to-do list. You won't regret it. Trust.