Retro Japan

Travel back in time to the neon-lit alleyways of the 1970s Japan to discover the history of Ramen. Panton Yokocho – similarly to Heddon Yokocho just off Regents Street – recreates those yatai stall dining areas under the dim light of lanterns of narrow noisy alleyways full of mouth-watering smells of different Japanese foods.

 

Ramen Bowls from All Over Japan

 

Photo: Urban Adventurer

 

Stepping into Panton Yokocho is like leaping back in time. The staff greets you in Japanese before guiding you through the jungle of colourful lanterns, noren curtains, vintage posters, retro neon lights and old vending machines, televisions, and telephone stations to your table.

Classic J-pop soundtracks are playing while you browse the map of Japan and discover the 11 different types or Ramen from across the country from Tokyo to Hokkaido to Sapporo.

On the menu there is map of Japan to help you explore where each Ramen bowl is originated from and learn more about the place of origin, type of broth and noodles and the toppings.

Did you know that the first bowl of noodle, similar to today’s Ramen was served in 1884 in Japan? Click here to learn more interesting facts about Ramen history.

 

Photo: Urban Adventurer

 

 

TIP: to help you discover all Ramen from the map, every Monday and Tuesday a selected Ramen bowl is on offer for just £10.90. Ask the staff about the Ramen of the week.

TIP: There is a working retro Ramen vending machine within the restaurant that works with Japanese coins. Just ask the staff to exchange coins for you (you can either pay by cash or card) and feel free to get an instant Ramen from the vending machine.

 

Watch video of Panton Yokocho and the retro Ramen vending machine here.

 

Pair Your Ramen with a Japanese Cocktail

 

Photo: Urban Adventurer

 

Why not pair your Ramen with a Japanese cocktail? Panton Yokocho introduced their cocktail menu last year and it contains over a dozen different cocktails. Exotic blend of Japanese rum, classic Negroni with a Japanese twist, floral and light cocktail served with edible manga sticker and much more!

 

TIP: HAPPY HOUR every Monday and Tuesday 4pm-6pm. All cocktails for £7 and the best part is: this offer can be used together with Ramen of the Week offer!

 

 Itadakimasu!

 

Photo: Urban Adventurer

 

 

Panton Yokocho is much more than just Ramen and cocktail!

 

They offer a range of side dishes, such as chicken kaarage, gyoza, chicken wings (make sure you check out their Wing Wednesday offer!), sashimi, and much more.

They also have different types of noodles and delicious buns to try.

As for drinks, they have a huge range of alcoholic beverages, including sake, wine and beer and options for tasting different types of sake.

 

Photo: Urban Adventurer

 

Japanese and classic soft drinks are also available. My personal all-time favourite is Melon Cream Soda which comes in two different flavours and served with vanilla ice cream (vegan ice cream option available) and maraschino cherry on top.

For dessert, why not try one of their ice cream stacks that come with mochi donut, ice cream and pocky stick?

Alternatively, they have a range of mochi ice cream in exciting flavours, such as Hong Kong Milk Tea, Vegan Miso Chocolate or Mango & Passion Fruit; mochi, affogato and Yuzu sorbet, just to name a few desserts from the menu.

Many of the desserts are vegan or offer vegan option.

 

On a family day out?

 

Panton Yokocho’s kids set menu contains a bowl of Ramen (classic or vegan), side dish and a choice of drink. You can add a scoop of vegan ice cream for just £1.

 

 

Practical Info

 

Photo: Urban Adventurer

 

 

Panton Yokocho is usually not too busy and accept walk-ins.

 

Address

 Square, 35a Panton Street Leicester, London SW1Y 4EA

 

Opening Time & Table Booking

Click here.

 

 

 

Ready for your next adventure? Let’s see how Godzilla rumbled into Heddon Yokocho last year. Do you think he will return this year?