New Wave Ramen - 16 Tib Lane

Let me tell you about New Wave Ramen at 16 Tib Lane. This place is so tucked away, you’ll walk past it three times while texting your friend, “Is it even real?” It’s like a speakeasy, but instead of gin, they deal in pork bone broth.

The Vibe: Industrial Cool Meets Hot Soup

Walking in feels like stepping into a Japanese punk rock concert hosted by a Michelin-star chef. Concrete walls, neon signs, and a counter where you can watch the chefs work their magic with blowtorches. I half expected them to start moshing with the ladles.

The music is loud enough to drown out your regrets about ordering the extra spicy broth. Pro tip: If you’re on a first date here, the slurping is mandatory. It’s basically a sign of respect, like a toast, but wetter and louder.

The Real Star: The Broth

Their signature tonkotsu is so rich and creamy, it should probably be registered as a controlled substance. They boil those pork bones for over 18 hours—longer than most people sleep during a flu. One sip and you’ll feel your ancestors nodding in approval from the great beyond.

And here’s a surprising fact: the chef actually trained under a ramen master in Tokyo who only uses hand-carved bowls. Not for aesthetics—because the clay supposedly “breathes” with the soup. Yes, your ramen bowl has better lungs than you do after climbing stairs.

Toppings That Punch Above Their Weight

The chashu pork is so tender, it surrenders the moment your chopsticks touch it. One bite and you’ll wonder why you ever trusted a sandwich to make you happy. And the soft-boiled egg? It’s a golden, jiggly miracle that should have its own Instagram account.

'Not just another ramen joint': New Wave Ramen, Tib Lane, reviewed

They also offer a truffle mayo that smells like someone spilled luxury perfume on a potato. I accidentally ordered it twice because my eyes were bigger than my stomach. No regrets. None.

The “Don’t Miss” Side Dish

You must order the fried chicken buns. They’re like tiny, crispy clouds of joy with a spicy honey drizzle. I tried to eat one quietly, but my friend heard me moan from across the table. It was awkward, but she understood—she’d ordered two.

Serving Sizes: A Wild Ride

Here’s the thing—portions are deceptively small. You’ll finish the bowl, feel smugly full, then stand up and realize you’ve been zombie-full the whole time. The noodles are like gremlins: they multiply in your stomach after dark. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

New Wave Ramen | Japanese bars and restaurants in Manchester

One Quirky Rule

The shop has a no-phone policy at the counter seats. Yes, you have to talk to the person next to you. Shocking, I know. But honestly, watching a master chef pour hot oil over garlic chips is better than any TikTok. Almost better.

The Final Spoonful

New Wave Ramen is not cheap. A bowl will set you back about the price of a nice T-shirt. But you know what? That T-shirt doesn’t make you feel like a warm hug from a Japanese grandmother. This ramen does.

Go for the broth, stay for the pure, unapologetic joy of slurping in public. Just don’t wear white. Actually, wear white. Live dangerously. You’re at 16 Tib Lane now.