The Best Ramen You Can Find in Opelika, AL

If you’ve ever been in a grocery store, you’ve likely seen packets of instant ramen. This delicious Japanese noodle soup is a staple among college students, teenagers, and anyone else who wants a quick and tasty meal. Instant ramen comes in varieties ranging from chicken and beef to shrimp and soy sauce, though some people dress up their bowls to enhance the flavors. For instance, they might throw in meat and vegetables or top it off with a hard-boiled egg.

Even though you can elevate instant ramen at home, there’s nothing quite like the real thing from an authentic restaurant. Fortunately, Opelika is home to some delicious places that serve ramen. Hyundai of Auburn is here to help you satisfy your cravings by sharing some of the best places you can find ramen in and around Opelika, Alabama.

Pokémen

Ramen by Kanesue is licensed with CC BY 2.0

Pokémen on Frederick Road is the perfect place to get a bowl of authentic ramen. Customize your bowl by choosing from soup bases ranging from miso and tonkotsu to shio and shoyu. Many customers love to dine in because of the welcoming atmosphere and friendly customer service, but you can also order delivery throughout the Auburn and Opelika area. Be sure to pair your ramen with a side like fried gyoza, vegetable spring rolls, tempura shrimp, or breaded oysters.

It’s also worth mentioning that the name “Pokémen” comes not from a love for trading cards but from a blend of the words “poke” and “ramen.” The restaurant’s poke bowls are just as popular as its ramen, so be sure to try a two-scoop bowl for lunch or a four-scoop bowl if you’re particularly hungry for dinner. Poke bowls are just as customizable as ramen, as you can choose everything from the base and protein to the vegetables, sauces, and toppings.

Location: 2701 Frederick Road, Opelika, AL 36801

Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday

Zen Steak & Sushi

Though Zen Steak & Sushi is primarily a hibachi restaurant, you’ll want to order the ramen as soon as you get a whiff of it from another table. The kitchen makes it fresh every day and offers tonkotsu for those who prefer pork-based broth. You can also get miso for a miso-paste broth or shoyu for a soy-based broth. A dish similar to ramen is yakisoba, which is Japanese stir-fried noodles.

Many patrons love to dine in the inviting atmosphere, but you can also order your ramen online. Zen Steak & Sushi allows you to avoid third-party fees by placing an order directly through its website. If you dine in, expect top-notch customer service and a lively atmosphere of chefs preparing hibachi meals. You can also take advantage of the full bar to help you celebrate any occasion, even if the occasion is just enjoying that bowl of ramen you’ve been craving.

Location: 2820 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801

Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday

Naruto Korean Restaurant

Naruto Korean Restaurant serves various Korean classics like kimchi stew, bulgogi, fried chicken, and bibimbap. Seeing as ramen is traditionally a Japanese dish, you might be surprised to learn that Naruto also has ramen on its menu. Technically, the dish is “ramyeon” and has some significant differences. Although it’s similar in that it’s a noodle dish bursting with flavor, ramyeon is usually dried and spicier.

The kitchen prepares this dish using the iconic Shin Ramyun brand, which many Koreans associate with comfort food. You, too, will find comfort in dining at this inviting establishment. You can also enjoy a bowl at home thanks to the convenient online ordering system. Though Naruto’s ramyeon is slightly different from traditional ramen, we encourage you to branch out and expand your palette.

Location: 1445 S. College St., Auburn, AL 36832

Hours: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday

Tiger VR Cafe

Tiger VR Cafe is a Chinese restaurant that’s been serving Auburn and the surrounding areas, including Opelika, since 2019. Many customers stop in to grab milk teas that come in flavors like mango, chocolate, sesame, honeydew, and coconut. Signature fruit teas and fruit yos also make for refreshing drinks you can enjoy throughout the day.

The drinks are especially refreshing if you pair them with a ramen bowl with a spicy soup base. If spice isn’t your thing, go with the clear, creamy, or sour veggie soup bases. Choose from meats ranging from pork, chicken, and shrimp to beef flank and fatty beef. There are even pork intestines if you’re looking for an even more unique dish. You can get additional flavor by asking for extras like bok choy and poached or braised eggs. While Tiger VR Cafe offers many Chinese dishes, its Japanese ramen pays homage to the dish’s popularity in China.

Location: 200 W. Glenn Ave., Suite 350, Auburn, AL 36830

Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday

As this guide has demonstrated, you don’t have to settle for store-bought ramen when you’re in the mood for a salty, flavorful dish. Opelika and the surrounding areas are home to some amazing restaurants that serve ramen, among other Asian dishes. Traditional Japanese restaurants like Pokémen and Zen Steak & Sushi are perfect for experiencing authentic flavors, while a Korean restaurant like Naruto lets you try the unique ramyeon. There’s also Tiger VR Cafe, which lets you enjoy ramen in combination with Chinese dishes.

We hope this guide helps you find the perfect ramen spot, whether you’re looking to grab a bowl during your lunch break or eat dinner with your family. If you know of any other good ramen places in the area, feel free to let us know. Here at Hyundai of Auburn, we love to help locals like you stay in the know about everything Opelika and the surrounding areas have to offer.