Eating Around with Em

Golden Gai Gent

Golden Gai in Gent is a trendy Japanese-inspired ramen bar and restaurant on Dampoortstraat that’s become a local favourite for comfort food and creative drinks. They focus on house-made ramen, with all the noodles, broths and even sodas prepared in-house using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and the menu typically includes a few core ramen bowls along with seasonal specials.

The vibe inside is informal and lively, with a mix of classic ramen dishes and small sharing plates, plus an extensive cocktail list, natural wines and homemade lemonades that pair well with the food.

Golden Gai is also known for being welcoming to walk-in guests, though reservations are only accepted for larger groups, and many diners enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, whether they’re on the terrace or inside.

Price category: €

Website Golden Gai

Em’s star rating

The teriyaki-miso chicken wings were flavorful and perfectly cooked, and the little gems with smoked oil, kimchi dip, and pistachios were fresh with a nice balance of textures. The special ramen with Mexican mole was rich and satisfying, while the shoyu ramen with chicken was comforting and well-seasoned.

Fun Fact

Golden Gai in Gent is named after the famous tiny nightlife district in Tokyo, and it’s known for making almost everything from scratch, including the ramen noodles, broth, and even their own soda, using local ingredients. It’s also from the same owners as Astro Boy, bringing the same creative and lively Japanese‑inspired dining concept to both spots.

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