There's a particular sound that you should hear at any good ramen place — the slurping of hot noodles — and you'll hear it in abundance at Taro's Ramen in Brisbane. Even those trying not to slurp their noodle-filled broth just can't help it, because that's what eating the delicious dish is all about.
At their 480 Queen Street base, Taro's is alive with the tell-tale acoustic signs of people enjoying their Japanese soups. And with their famous Tonkotsu ramen on the menu, that's understandable. It takes two days to make, which is why its stock is so rich — and comes in standard, fire (with four types of chilli) and red (with a mild homemade chilli sauce) varieties.
Apart from its beloved take on the titular dish, there are heaps of other reasons to visit its fresh digs in the 480 Queen Street building. Get around a selection of salads, grilled meats and gyoza, the wonder that is green tea ice cream, specials like the vegan fire ramen and a host of miso-based ramens.
That's a hefty list, so you know you won't leave Taro's Ramen hungry. You will leave with the sounds of slurping echoing throughout your head though.
Images: Anwyn Howarth