Chef Kyle Humphreys at Strangebird was trained by some of the best and most traditional ramen chefs in the world. | Photo by INDYtoday team
Can we just consider winter in Indy ramen season? Combat the cold by heating yourself from the inside with a steaming hot bowl of noodles.
We combed the city, combining our own experiences with a comprehensive investigation of online reviews, to sniff out Indy’s best ramen restaurants. Fair warning: What you’re about to read may induce stomach growls.
Strangebird This rum + oyster bar has existed in the historic Irvington neighborhood since 2019, and is also home to Shoyu Shop — serving up Shoyu, Tonkotsu, Shio, and Tantanmen ramen.
Ramen Ray This gem will make you feel like you’ve been transported straight to Hokkaido, Japan. It serves delicious and authentic Sapporo Ramen by choosing the finest ingredients and preparing each bowl with care.
Yujo This spot is made for traditional Japanese comfort food: Ramen + boba. It serves seven different ramen bowls to choose from and 11 boba tea options.
Do you have another favorite ramen spot that we didn’t mention? Add it to our list.
TBB Connect + Co-Work | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Gina’s Juice Bar | $7 | Join the ladies of The Beauty Boost Indianapolis for a co-working day full of motivation, connection, and productivity.
“New Year, New Me” Paint and Sip | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Ritz Lounge | $35 | Kick off the new year with a fun paint and sip session where you can unleash your creativity and set the tone for a fresh start.
Friday, Jan. 17
Indianapolis Home Show | Friday, Jan. 17-Sunday, Jan. 26 | Times vary | Indiana State Fairgrounds | $3+ | Whether you’re dreaming of a new kitchen, refreshing your space, or discovering the latest in home design trends, this event has everything you need to inspire your next project.
Indy Fuel vs. Kalamazoo Wings | 7 p.m. | Fishers Event Center | $24+ | It’s “Hockey Fights Cancer” night — $1 from every ticket sold + all proceeds from the postgame jersey auction will go to the Community Health Network Foundation.
Saturday, Jan. 18
Indoor Walk: Near Northside | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Frederick Douglass Family Center | Free | Come alone or bring a friend for a casual meet + greet, followed by a one-hour walk around the indoor track.
Harlem Globetrotters 2025 World Tour | 1 p.m. | Gainbridge Fieldhouse | $39+ | Each Globetrotters game features some of the best athletes on the planet, unmatched fan interaction, rim-rattling dunks, and a side of comedy.
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If someone you know needs a warm place to stay during this freezing cold, warming shelters will be open across central Indiana for the foreseeable future. Donations like socks, gloves, and hats can also be made at each shelter. See the list of shelters.
Coming Soon
King Jugg Brewery is planning to open in downtown Noblesville at the former site of Bolden Dry Cleaners. It will have an indoor/outdoor dining area, a basketball court, a children’s play area, and a raised stage/dance floor. Construction is expected to start before the end of the year and complete in 2027. (WTHR)
Edu
Purdue unveiled plans for its new Academic Success Building downtown. The 248,000-sqft multi-use building is expected to be 15 stories tall, offering classroom + laboratory space, first-floor retail, community areas, student dining options, and residential space for up to 500 students. It’s planned to open in 2027. (IBJ)
Real Estate
Purdue Research Foundation bought the 29,500-sqft former American College of Sports Medicine property along the Downtown Canal Walk for $6.5 million. It plans to hold the 1.63-acre site for future development opportunities tied to the Purdue University in Indianapolis extension. (IBJ)
Sports
Prost. The Indianapolis Colts are heading back to Germany. The NFL announced the team has been designated as host of the league’s first regular season game in Berlin during the 2025 season. The Colts will still host one preseason game + eight regular season games at Lucas Oil Stadium. (WTHR)
Health
Wash your hands. Recent data from the Carmel Wastewater Treatment Plant show increases in five different viruses since late fall, including norovirus, RSV, Influenza A, SARS-CoV-2, and human metapneumovirus. Make sure you’re practicing good hygiene + do not prepare or handle food when you are sick. (WTHR)
Listen
The Pacers’ six-game winning streak ended on Tuesday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers. What went wrong for the Blue and Gold? Locked On host Tony East breaks it all down before looking at Bennedict Mathurin’s ejection.
Volunteer
Did you know MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service? Join AmeriCorps this MLK Day to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King and help your community by volunteering on Monday, Jan. 20. Find volunteer opportunities to serve locally.*
Finance
Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? (It sounds wild, but it’s true.) The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. This is hands-down one of the best of 2025.*
The Buy
The Buy
A pair of 14K gold plated heart hoops. The huggie-sized earrings are hypoallergenic and tarnish-resistant. Psst — they’re also the perfect Valentine’s Day accessory.
Sometimes my eyes are bigger than my bowl. Last time I visited Jinya Ramen Bar, I ordered extra noodles + toppings: Corn, bok choy, and bamboo shoots. I thought they were just going to add the toppings to my ramen bowl, but instead they brought each out in separate servings.