If you are looking for a relaxed, flavour-packed place to eat in the heart of the city, Tonkotsu Ramen Birmingham Grand Central is a brilliant choice for families who love bold flavours, comforting bowls of noodles and plenty of vegan and pescatarian options too.
We visited as a family and, as big fans of ramen and plant-based cooking, we were genuinely excited to explore the menu. From the moment we arrived, Tonkotsu felt welcoming and informal, with a buzzy atmosphere that works just as well for families as it does for quick lunches or relaxed evenings out.
Tonkotsu first opened in London back in 2012, and what really sets them apart is their commitment to doing things properly.
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All of their noodles are made fresh every single day, and not just the noodles – the broths, katsu curries, gyoza and sides are all made from scratch too. You can really taste the difference, with each dish feeling carefully crafted and deeply satisfying.
For families who prefer vegan or pescatarian food, the menu offers plenty of choice without feeling like an afterthought, which immediately made this a win for us. We kicked things off by sharing a couple of sides, and they were the perfect way to start the meal.
The King Prawn Katsu arrived golden and crisp, with king prawns coated in fresh panko breadcrumbs, served with mizuna and Tonkotsu’s rich, tangy tonkatsu sauce.
They were beautifully cooked, crunchy on the outside and tender inside, and disappeared very quickly.
Alongside them, we ordered the Eat The Bits Chilli Cauliflower Wings, which were a huge hit. The florets were coated in Tonkotsu’s signature Eat The Bits chilli ketchup, delivering just the right balance of heat and flavour, spicy enough to feel exciting but still family-friendly.
Ramen is where Tonkotsu really shines, and the vegan options did not disappoint.
The Japanese Mushroom Miso Ramen was rich and comforting, with a kombu and shiitake broth, miso base, fresh homemade noodles and a generous topping of shiitake and shimeji mushrooms. It was deeply savoury, warming and incredibly satisfying, the kind of bowl you want to savour slowly.
We also tried the Vegan Ramen Chilli Tofu, which brought the heat in the best possible way. This dish featured a kombu and shiitake broth with a spicy sesame base, classic homemade noodles, plant-based soy mince and crispy-fried Eat The Bits chilli tofu, finished with kikurage, bok choy and pickled radish.
It was bold, spicy and packed with texture, and easily one of our standout dishes of the meal.
To round things off at Tonkotsu Ramen Birmingham, we tucked into the Katsu Curry with Tofu, Cauliflower and Aubergine, served with steamed rice. The vegetables were coated in crisp panko breadcrumbs and topped with Tonkotsu’s rich, comforting Japanese curry sauce.
It was hearty, warming and incredibly moreish, the sort of dish that works perfectly for sharing and keeps everyone at the table happy.
Our family visit to Tonkotsu Ramen Birmingham Grand Central was a real treat, with fresh, authentic flavours, generous portions and a menu that caters brilliantly for vegan and pescatarian diners as well as meat eaters too.
Everything we ate felt carefully made, deeply comforting and full of flavour, making it an easy recommendation for families exploring Birmingham or looking for a reliable, delicious place to eat near the station.
If you love ramen, crave spicy sides or simply want food that feels satisfying and thoughtfully prepared, Tonkotsu is well worth a visit. You can find out more about Tonkotsu Ramen bar Birmingham at their website here.
