Authentic ramen bar Goukai brings a slice of Tokyo to Burleigh Heads
For former professional rugby player Hiroshi Takeyama, bringing the tastes of his hometown of Tokyo to the sunny shores of the Gold Coast has been a lifelong dream. Last week, Hiroshi’s dream turned into a reality, teaming up with fellow Japanese native, chef Noriyuki Sato, to open the doors to Goukai – an authentic Tokyo-style ramen bar in Burleigh Heads.
If you’ve ever strolled through the backstreets of Tokyo, you’ll be familiar with the captivating, soul-warming scent that billows from its bustling ramen bars – you should prepare your airways for that exact aroma at Goukai. Taking over the space left vacant by Bondi Grill’e beneath Burleigh’s Ambience tower, Goukai is all about delivering a truly authentic Japanese ramen experience, offering a straight-forward menu of seven ramen varieties in a casual setting that allows diners to either ‘slurp and go’ or hang around for a sake-filled affair.
A traditional tonkotsu-style broth of both pork and chicken is used as the base for Goukai’s signature flavours – spicy ramen, miso, black garlic and the ‘meat lovers’ bowl, which is topped with extra slices of chashu (braised pork). There’s also a prawn-broth ramen and a colourful vegetarian option, which arrives loaded with mushrooms, pumpkin and greens. Goukai’s menu also features plates of delicately crisp chicken karaage, pork and vegetable gyoza, as well as rice bowls topped with either chopped braised pork or karaage chicken. Behind the bar, there’s Asahi, Kirin and Sapporo beers, along with sake, umeshu and a selection of Japanese whiskies to sip while you slurp.
Goukai is now open for lunch and dinner six days (closed Tuesdays). Scoot to its Stumble Guide listing for opening hours and contact details.
The Stumble Guide is our comprehensive Gold Coast dining guide with more than 870 places to eat, drink, shop and play.
