Ramen Bliss at Kansui

If you’re on the hunt for an authentic ramen experience in Stavanger, let me point you straight to Kansui on Pedersgata — a cozy little spot that’s all about doing ramen the right way.

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  Kansui interior

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  Menu

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  Waiting for lunch

After a long Saturday morning walk, we found ourselves craving something comforting and savory. We stopped by Kansui for lunch, only to realize the doors were still closed. Thankfully, we were just a few minutes early — and honestly, it was worth the wait.

Kansui opened in early 2024 and has kept things refreshingly simple: ramen, done properly. From handmade noodles to rich, deeply layered broths, everything here screams craftsmanship.

Since a full bowl can be a bit much for lunch, we went for two baby bowls of their new Tantanmen ramen, along with an order of gyoza to start. I also treated myself to an ice-cold Asahi, the perfect reward after our walk. The gyoza arrived first — tender little dumplings filled with chicken and vegetables, served with a punchy chili mayo. Juicy, soft, and full of flavor, with just enough heat to make you crave the next bite.

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  Tantanmen ramen

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  Gyoza

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  Tantanmen ramen

Then came the star of the show — the Tantanmen ramen. Beautifully presented, it came topped with a soft-boiled egg, sautéed bok choy, minced pork, spring onions, and, of course, those gorgeous noodles bathing in a broth that could easily steal the spotlight.

I’m a sucker for good broth, and this one was exceptional — a chicken-based stock that was rich, silky, and bursting with umami. You can tell there’s serious care (and probably a few secrets) behind it. I couldn’t resist drinking every last drop, while Nikki happily tackled the noodles.

We’ve tried Kansui’s Shoyu and Tonkotsu ramen before, and the Tantanmen is a worthy addition to the lineup. Personally, I still prefer the thinly sliced pork from the Shoyu over the minced meat here — but that’s just personal taste.

If you haven’t visited Kansui yet, do yourself a favor and stop by. Whether you’re a ramen purist or just looking for a comforting bowl of warmth on a chilly day, this place delivers.

Pros:

• Incredible, flavorful broth

• Handmade noodles with perfect bite

Cons:

• The menu is small (ramen and gyoza only)

• Limited seating — go early or be prepared to wait