Partners Yasu Ikeda, Kaoru Hiranuma and Yoshi Nagumo have opened Genkotsu in Toowong, bringing traditional Japanese cuisine to the western suburb. The three men have drawn inspiration their childhoods in Tokyo to create the cosy space – they wanted to move away from modern Japanese style and instead give the restaurant a 1960s-Tokyo vibe. The chefs use traditional Japanese techniques and make everything with care – even the noodles get created and tasted a number of times to reach the perfect flavour and consistency. Make your choice of original ramen from shio (salt), shoyu (soy), miso and gyokai (fish). If you want to step it up a notch, you can go for the special chashu, black garlic, karaage or tsukemen ramen, or go premium with soft-shell crab or prawn. Pair your delicious bowl of noodle broth with sides such as gyoza, prawn karaage and takoyaki, or a mini rice dish of teriyaki chicken or yuzu tuna.