Olá, friends! 🍜 Sometimes when you travel, a meal just stays with you—not just for its flavor, but for the story it ends up telling. I had spent that day weaving through the art galleries and charming streets of Lisbon, feeling a little worn from the hills and a bit chilly from the wind. I wasn’t even craving ramen, but something about the cozy glow from inside Koppu and the faint aroma of sesame and miso in the air made me pause. And thank goodness I did—not because it was fancy, but because it was heartfelt, flavorful, and full of soul. That’s exactly how I felt about my visit to Koppu Ramen Izakaya in Chiado.
First Impressions & Ambiance
The moment I stepped in, I felt transported. Koppu has this cozy-meets-cool vibe—wooden textures, dimmed lighting, and artful Japanese touches that instantly make you feel welcome. From the handwritten chalkboard menus to the soft hum of conversation, every corner felt thoughtful. I grabbed a seat by the window where I could take it all in: the open kitchen, the flickering candlelight, the warm buzz of people who seemed as happy as I was to be there.
The service? Warm, kind, and thoughtful. One of the staff noticed I had paused over the vegetarian ramen and explained the vegan and gluten-free options with such genuine care that it felt like talking to a friend. Paired with comforting ramen aromas swirling in the air, it was one of those I’ll remember this moment kind of settings.
What I Ordered
🟢 Edamame Salteado | Stir-Fried Edamame: Lightly blanched and stir-fried in sesame oil with shichimi tōgarashi (Japanese 7-spice), these weren’t overly spicy—just bursting with flavor and warmth. Each bite was nutty, salty, and kissed with umami. It was the kind of snack you could happily munch all night.
🍢 Yakitori: Juicy chicken skewers grilled with spring onions, glazed in soy-based teriyaki sauce and sprinkled with sesame seeds. The char on the chicken added a lovely smokiness, and the sweet-salty sauce brought everything together. Comfort food that instantly made me feel at home.
🍤 Ebi Kare Ramen: This was the showstopper. A deeply flavorful Japanese curry broth, rich and velvety, layered over thick, chewy udon noodles, and topped with shrimp sautéed in garlic and ginger, black mushrooms, spinach, and crunchy lotus root. I loved the balance of spice and creaminess, the texture of the noodles, and how each topping added a new surprise. (I skipped the egg and didn’t miss it one bit!)
🌿 Vegetarian Miso Ramen: My travel companion ordered this one, but I had more than a few spoonfuls. The miso-soy broth was deeply earthy with a hint of sweetness, and the toppings—marinated tofu, corn, mushrooms, spinach, and nori—made it both nourishing and satisfying. It’s a wonderful choice for vegetarians or anyone wanting something cozy without being too heavy.
Final Thoughts
Koppu was such a pleasant surprise in the heart of Chiado—a warm bowl of comfort with a modern, artistic flair. After a long day of Lisbon magic, it felt like the perfect place to pause and be present.
Whether you’re a ramen aficionado or just craving something nourishing and made with love, this little izakaya is so worth the stop. The food, the people, the setting—it all came together in a way that made me feel taken care of.
This meal reminded me that joy often hides in the most unexpected corners of a city. And if you ever find yourself in Chiado, follow the scent of curry and sesame, you just might find your own unforgettable moment!
xoxo,
Bubbly 💕
