On the shores of Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach is an authentic Japanese ramen restaurant that brings the authentic izakaya vibe down under!
I had the privilege of visiting Chaco Ramen’s Bondi Beach branch in the Aussie summer of 2026. Having recently returned from a 3-year adventure in Japan, I was immediately filled with a sense of nostalgia upon entering this izakaya-style ramen restaurant! From the wooden stools and tables to the glass bottle displays and captivating and eccentric wall art, the aesthetic was like a modern-traditional hybrid and the vibe was that of an authentic Japanese izakaya you’d find in the backstreets of Tokyo.
Soothing Chicken Broth Ramen
I decided to try the chicken broth ramen which featured a soothing soup base with light green leaf vegetables, mushrooms, boiled egg, and roast chicken slices.
The broth was nice and light, not too thick, not too salty, and very different from the rich kotteri broth you’d get at Tenkaippin ramen stores in Japan.
In some ways, I felt Chaco Ramen’s chicken broth noodle dish was a healthy alternative to standard ramen dishes, offering a lighter taste that is likely lower in calories.
Japanese Curry with a Kick!
This next dish I tried, the karaage chicken curry and rice, is quite a contrast to the chicken ramen, featuring a generous helping of thick spicy curry sauce with several pieces of Japanese-style fried chicken.
I’m not really a “spice person,” but it was certainly more tolerable than the immense spice you’d get from Indian or Thai curry, so that was a plus!
The quality of the curry was quite good too, encompassing a rich taste that reminded me of the delicious dishes I had back in Japan’s Coco Ichibanya restaurants.
Amazing Staff & Exclusive Merch!
Chaco Ramen offers more than just food, but an unforgettable experience. The atmosphere is maintained with cool upbeat music, authentic izakaya decorations, and branded merchandise like the Chaco T-shirts, which are on sale for customers. The staff are extremely friendly and hard-working, so you know your ramen is in good hands when you visit this amazing snippet of Japanese cuisine on the beautiful beaches of Bondi!
To learn more about life in Japan, check out my book: The Japanese Pursuit of Perfection. This book features my most profound observations of Japanese culture and society as a foreign resident. Available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover. Grab your copy today!