Do you want to hear my hack for finding new restaurants in my area? I simply open up Google Maps, type in restaurants, and then move the map around clicking on all of the restaurants within a 15-mile radius. Of course, this works because I live in South Florida, so I'm forever finding new restaurants to check out when the cravings hit. That's how I stumbled across Shimuja Ramen in Southwest Ranches. It was fate and a solid Google search that led me to now my new favorite restaurant for a night of delicious dining—oh, and probably one of the best hidden gem restaurants in Southwest Ranches as a whole.

Shimuja Ramen is a solidly scrumptious ramen restaurant that has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike with its dedication to traditional Japanese ramen-making. From its rich history to its diverse menu offerings, Shimuja Ramen is a must-visit spot for anyone looking to enjoy an exceptional ramen experience in the area.

This restaurant's ramen style originated in Kagoshima, Japan, focusing on a simmering 18-hour, 100% pork-bone, housemade ramen broth. In 2016, Shimuja opened in the United States, setting up its first U.S. location in Southwest Ranches. The founder and head chef, Keiichi Maemura, brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for ramen-making, having been trained in the art of Japanese cuisine for decades. His goal was to introduce the South Florida community to the flavors of authentic tonkatsu ramen, a style that is especially beloved in the southern regions of Japan.

Since its opening, Shimuja has garnered a loyal following, praised for its attention to detail in both food and ambiance. The restaurant blends Japanese tradition with a cozy, intimate setting, allowing diners to immerse themselves in the ramen experience while enjoying a relaxed, inviting space.

I started out with a Kirin Light and hot sake to ease myself into the meal. The sake arrived piping hot and the Kirin Light ice cold. I visited on a Thursday night and was surprised to find the restaurant packed. But as soon as I tasted the various plates, I knew why people flocked here during the week.

I first ordered the Homemade Cucumber Pickle, which came beautifully arranged, packing a punch of sesame flavor. The cucumbers were thinly sliced and topped with arajio, sesame oil, and pepper flakes. It was a tasty appetizer that was cool but spicy on the palate.

I tried the Harumaki next, and these were an immediate hit. Harumaki are spring rolls, packed with cabbage, carrots, scallions, and more, paired with a sweet chili dunking sauce. Extremely tasty and perfect for sharing with friends.

I think my favorite appetizer though of them all would be the vegetable gyoza. These beautifully folded dumplings are like little pockets of happiness, packing in a ton of flavor in one bite. When paired with the saltiness of the dumpling sauce, it was a really scrumptious bite.

And then the coup de grace - the ramen. On my server's recommendation, I ordered the Sansai Veggie ramen and was blown away. This veggie-forward ramen featured natural-growing Japanese mountain vegetables (sweet potato vines, bamboo shoots, flowering fern, wood ear, nameko mushroom, stem lettuce), fried tofu, bean sprouts, scallions, and thin straight noodles. The broth was rich and packed with garlic flavor. I didn't miss the meat one bit.

The menu offers a variety of ramen bowls outside of what I ordered, each with its own unique flavor profile. A few of the stand-outs from the menu include:

• Tonkotsu Ramen: The star of the menu, this ramen is made with a rich, creamy pork broth that simmers for hours to achieve its signature flavor. It’s served with chashu (braised pork belly), bamboo shoots, a soft-boiled egg, and thin noodles.
• Miso Ramen: This bowl features a savory, umami-rich miso broth, balanced by hearty toppings like corn, green onions, and slices of tender pork.
• Shoyu Ramen: A lighter soy sauce-based broth, this ramen offers a more delicate flavor while still packing plenty of depth. It's garnished with classic ramen toppings like nori (seaweed), soft-boiled eggs, and marinated pork.
• Vegetarian Ramen: For a meatless option, Shimuja offers a vegetarian ramen featuring a broth made from vegetables, accompanied by mushrooms, tofu, and greens.
• Spicy Ramen: For a kick, this option includes a spicier broth, which adds heat to the savory depth of the tonkatsu base.

With its deep-rooted commitment to traditional ramen preparation, a diverse menu that caters to various preferences, and a growing list of accolades, Shimuja remains a beloved culinary destination that transports diners straight to the heart of Japan.

For more information about some of the best Japanese food near Southwest Ranches, check out the Shimuja Ramen Facebook Page.

Speaking of ramen…want to try making your own? Check out these incredible ramen-making gifts courtesy of Uncommon Goods.