Piping hot flavorful soup + fresh bouncy noodles + a variety of mouthwatering garnishes make up for a perfect ramen bowl. With the soup made from variations of bases like miso, salt, whole chicken, pork bones, soy sauce, seafood and all other innovative ingredients, this celebrated dish has shaped a major part of Japanese cuisine and culture. With chefs in constant competition in all regions of Japan, the art of ramen making has been pushed to unimaginable heights and has long-been embraced by millions all over the world. In Singapore, authentic ramen places have been popping all over the place to satisfy your ramen cravings. With this list of 10 of 50 top ramen places in Singapore, you can now enjoy a hot bowl of ramen heaven without having to hop on a 6-hour flight to Japan.
Sanpoutei Ramen at Holland Village
Hailing back since 1967, Sanpoutei Ramen originated in Niigata Prefecture in Japan. With the central and sea-ward location of the prefecture, flows an abundance of seafood goodness and local flavours that gave birth to Sanpoutei Ramen’s famed specialty, the Niigata Shoyu Ramen. The inimitable Shoyu soup is made from the fusion of flavors of two different kinds of sardines from Japan, vegetables, chicken and all the other yummy goodness and stewed together for six hours to create that signature rich fishy taste. Topped with generous slices of melt-in-your-mouth chashu and complimented with thick home-made noodles, this specialty dish served in a specialty bowl, not only satisfies the palate but also warms the soul.
Another thing to appreciate about Sanpoutei Ramen is the simplicity of their menu. It is very straightforward and does not try too hard to compromise the taste which naturally preserves the authenticity of the Japanese Ramen culture as every dish is perfected with passion and quality. In addition to their specialty Shoyu Ramen, try out their Tsukumen, a type of dish consisting of dry noodles dipped in a rich broth—truly one of the best of its kind in Singapore. If you have ever been to Japan and can’t get over the authentic Tsukumen, then here at Sanpoutei Ramen in the Holland neighbourhood, you will definitely find the closest alternative to this well-loved Japanese dish.
Just remember to come early as the place can be packed especially at peak hours which is a good sign for a ramen place, in my opinion. Recently, Sanpoutei Ramen have also opened its doors at Shaw House at Orchard so you can enjoy their hearty bowls of delight after a long day of shopping in the city.
Location:
Holland Village
253 Holland Ave #01-01 Singapore 278982
Contact:
Tel: 6463 7277
Opening Hours:
Open: 11:30 – 23:00 (LO 22:30)
Marutama Ramen at Liang Court
Marutama Ramen is set apart from most ramen places in Singapore as the star of the show is a chicken-based soup, specifically made for everyone to love. The shop founder, Tetsuya Kudo, with the thought of making our cherished ramen available to absolutely everyone especially to people with religious and dietary restrictions for the commonly used pork and beef-based broths, accidentally dozed off when trying to make a clear chicken soup and was awoken by the smell of a likely failure. His burnt soup turned milky white but to his amazement, it tasted surprisingly good! Hence, this specially blended chicken-based broth, now famously called chicken paitang soup, is the perfect example of an accidental blessing.
With stores around the world, Singaporeans are among the lucky ones to have a local Marutama Ramen within the city-state. Experimenting with various special ingredients like half-boiled marinated egg, aosa seaweed topping and the softest char siew, Marutama Ramen has created chicken-based ramen that is uniquely their own and for everyone to enjoy. It’s good for the health too as chicken-based soups are a staple for nursing a cold and are rich in collagen to help you look younger. If you want an out of the ordinary ramen experience, visit Marutama Ramen and try out their variations of the chicken paitang soup.
Do skip on their Zenbu Nose Ramen, packed with ramen goodness topped with lavish amounts of home-made noodles, seaweed, spring onions, fatty pork and vegetables. In Japanese, Zenbu means “all” and true enough, this full bowl has got all the toppings for a quick fulfilling fix. You can also find Marutama Ramen branches at Central and Killiney.
Location:
177 River Valley Rd
#02-01/02, Liang Court Shopping Centre
Singapore 179030
Contact:
+65 6837 2480
Opening Hours:
Daily: 11:30 am - 10 pm
Hakata Ikkousha Ramen
Bagging Singapore's Ultimate Ramen Champion for 2 years, Hakkata Ikkousha definitely delivers to the standards it upholds. Born out of love and passion to bring good food to the world, Hakata Ramen was founded in Hakata, Fukuoka, hence the name. With the dedication of its founder, Mr Kousuke Yoshimura, this ramen joint has become well-oved all over the world and has further pushed the boundaries of the art of ramen making, while preserving the culture where the dish originated.
Specializing in all things Tonkotsu, or pork bone soup, Hakata Ikkousha has become one of the most recognized Tonkotsu ramen places in Singapore. Each bowl is truly a delight to the senses. Their house specialty, the Tonkotsu Special is a combination of perfectly blended pork bone, distinct kinds of shoyu sauce from Fukuoka, home-made noodles with incorporated umami flavour and thinly sliced, well-balanced chashu. As a lovely treat for the eyes and taste buds, every bowl that comes out of the kitchen is packed with rich creamy goodness. You can even see dazzling umami bubbles on the surface of the soup—a true characteristic of stewing pork bones for a very long time. Interestingly, the word Ikkousha came from three Japanese characters that literally means “one happy place”. Truly enough, since its opening in 2004, Hakata Ikkousha has become a go-to place to pick up some sprinkle of happiness to perk up anybody’s day.
Location:
CHIJMES
30 Victoria Street #F1-07 Chijmes
Singapore 187996
6338-8460
Opening Hours:
(Reservation not available.)
Monday to Saturday 11:30 am - 10:00 pm (Last Order 9:45 pm)
Sunday 11:30 am - 9:00 pm (Last order 8:45 pm)
Nantsuttei Ramen
Nantsuttei Ramen may be a quaint, little ramen shop in Orchard Central, but their food and atmosphere is one of the biggest attractions for ramen-lovers in Singapore. Nantsuttei is known for their signature Black Ma-yu Ramen, which has a layer of black ma-yu (roasted garlic oil) that gives it an aroma and flavor that’s both unique and delicious. The black ma-yu is created by meticulously frying garlic through seven phases and mixing it to form a delightful combination of flavors. If you’re feeling brave, you might want to try their Death Miso Ramen, which in all intents and purposes, is the perfect name for the dish. You’ve been warned, it’s extremely spicy and unlike other spicy dishes which gives you time to prepare for the heat, this one’s spice will hit you like a truck.
Unlike some other ramen shops, Nantsuttei Ramen’s atmosphere almost perfectly captures the feeling of traditional Japanese ramen shops. The small space, welcoming staff, mouth-watering bowls of ramen and the overall relaxing ambience gives an experience that’s reminiscent of eating ramen in the streets of Japan. Their noodles are even flown in from Japan, so that you could have as authentic an experience as possible. No wonder it’s one of the highest-rated ramen shops in Singapore!
Location:
181 Orchard Road
Orchard Central #07-12/13
Singapore 238896
Contact:
+65 6337 7166
Opening Hours:
Every day: 11:00 am - 10:30 pm (last order at 10:00 pm)
Menya Sanji at Tanjong Pagar
“Sanji” which literally means "three great heroes" is the great inspiration for Menya Sanji, a nice little noodle shop established in Kagoshima Japan in 1972 and has a deep historical connection to the three heroes that played a vital role in overthrowing the shogunate during the Meiji Revolution. With the heroes’ desire to share the rich culture of Kagoshima into the world, this endeavor has shaped the foundations of Menya Sanji.
Fortunately for Singaporeans, the Sanji Specialty Ramen is within reach any day of the week. Bursting with Tonkotsu goodness and a well-balanced medley of noodles and specialty toppings, this ramen bowl is sure to win you over. As a mouthwatering bonus, the side dishes here are also hard to pass up. Pair up your delightful bowl with their bestselling gyoza and takana pickles as a treat to your oriental cravings. Conveniently located at the ground level of a hotel in Tanjong Pagar, this historical noodle shop is not hard to find. And even with the presence of tough competitions all around, Menya Sanji is standing strong as one of the must-go ramen places in the area—all thanks to their personable staff, delectable flavors and reasonably priced meals. In the spirit of the three great heroes, this noodle shop have brought a taste of Kagoshima to different parts of the globe one bowl at a time.
Location:
1 Tras Link
#01-14, Orchid Hotel
Singapore 078867
Tanjong Pagar
Contact:
Tel: 6604 8891
Opening Hours:
Daily: 11:30 am - 11 pm
Bari Uma Ramen at United Square
Torn between meat-based and soy sauce-based soup for your regular ramen fix? Why choose between your favorites when you can have the best of both worlds in the same heartwarming bowl at Bari Uma Ramen. Founded in Hiroshima in 2003, Bari Uma takes pride in their signature broth made from choice pork and chicken-based soup, mixed with the freshest ingredients and finished with authentic Japanese tamari soy sauce. A perfect fusion of the best of flavors that makes this immaculate ramen specialty truly a gift to your palate. With branches in Japan and growing into other parts of the globe, Bari Uma Ramen has been embraced not only by the people in Japan, but also by a great number of people worldwide.
As a true mark of a quality ramen shop, the noodles at Bari Uma is made in-house with the shop’s own noodle-making machine and producing only the freshest, safest and the most authentic noodles devoid of any preservatives and additives. Bari Uma is also home to probably the most delectable gyoza in the area. Thin, crispy and bursting with flavour at every bite, you will find yourself wanting for more. As a top recommendation, try out their Ajitama-Uma Ramen. Laden with the richest broth, freshest noodles and embellished the thick-cut grilled charshu, this piping hot bowl of is a sure winner. Proven by awards bestowed to the shop and complemented by the warm service from the staff, there is no doubt why Bari Uma Ramen is always included on the lists of the must-try ramen places in Singapore. From the Japanese words “bari” and “uma” which consecutively means “super” and “tasty”, each dish from this ramen shop sure is super tasty!
Location:
101 Thomson Road, #B1-08
United Square Shopping Mall,
Singapore
Contact:
+65-6354-3711
Opening Hours:
Daily: 11:00-22:00
(Except Fri, Sat, the day before holidays 11:00-22:30)
Ramen Keisuke / Keisuke Tokyo at Suntec City
The brainchild of celebrity chef Keisuke Takeda, this is the first outlet of the famed and possibly the largest ramen chain in Singapore, the Keisuke Ramen King. Previously nestled at the now-closed Parco Millenia Walk, this pioneering outlet was relocated to its new home in Suntec City. The best part of Ramen Keisuke experience is the fact that you can personalize your own ramen bowl by choosing whatever condiments and toppings you want for your soup. Feel free to fill your bowl with spring onions, bamboo shoots, fungus and garnishes that will fit your fancy.
Just like all Keisuke outlets, there is a free-flowing supply of egg and bean sprouts, which in my opinion the next best feature of this popular ramen joint—second to their great tasting Tonkotsu broth, of course. The broth is rich and creamy but not too greasy or salty and when paired with their well-textured noodles, each bowl is sure to be polished off and savoured ‘till the last drop. Stretching the limits of bringing the best version of this beloved Japanese treasure, you will find plentiful of outlets of Keisuke Ramen specializing in different variations of the well-loved ramen all over Singapore. It seems like there is one specialty Keisuke outlet for every ramen soup base available. Think of tori, tonkotsu, lobster, kani, champon and miso, Ramen Keisuke has it all. This is probably why this esteemed ramen chain proudly calls itself King.
Location:
#02-391/392 Suntec City Mall,
3 Temasek Boulevard
Singapore 038983
Contact:
Tel.: 65-6337-7919
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:30-15:00 / 17:00-22:00
Sat, Sun and PH 11:30-22:00
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
What started from a small ramen shop that can only seat nine people at a time and solely offering shio ramen on the menu, Hokkaido Ramen Santouka has come a long way since its opening in 1988 in Asahikawa, Hokkaido. Today, this humble ramen shop have not only made itself known throughout Japan, but have also made a mark on global ramen industry. Built on the pillars of love for family and ramen and with the iconic shio ramen as the star of the show, Hokkaido Ramen Santouka have already brought lots of families together over delicious and heartwarming ramen dishes throughout the years.
Straight off the menu, aside from the classic shio-based offerings, their pork cheek ramen is definitely something you should try. Not to exaggerate but the cheeks are pork cheeks are so heavenly tender, they literally melt in your mouth right off the bat. I have not met anyone who was ever disappointed by Hokkaido Ramen Santouka’s pork cheek ramen. Miso lovers are also in for a treat as their miso-based ramen choices taste just as good. For absolute foodies, set meals complete with a hearty ramen bowl, rice meal and side dishes are also available to fill even the greatest appetites. What’s truly fascinating about this place is the way they serve the ramen in a special donburi bowl specifically chosen by founder, Hitoshi Hatanaka. These thick bowls are specially designed the soup at the right temperature to make sure you taste the consistent rich flavour at each spoonful. Tucked away in the corner of Clarke Quay, this revered ramen shop may be hard to find, but the search will surely be worth it. The view of the river also brings an extra delightful touch.
Location:
6, Eu Tong Sen Street,
#02-76, The CENTRAL, 059817
Contact:
Tel.: +65-6224-0668
Opening Hours:
Daily-11:00-22:00
Last order-21:45
Ramen Nagi
Everything you could ever wish to have in your Tonkotsu bowl, Ramen Nagi have already figured out. Founded in a small dingy shop, acclaimed Chef Ikuta has transformed this hole-in-the-wall ramen place to be one of the best in the world by out-besting more than 30,000 chefs and bagging the most coveted Tokyo Ramen of the Year Championship for three years in a row. Each skillfully prepared ramen bowl emanates with Chef Ikuta’s technique, creativity and devotion. In Singapore, there are 4 main broths that are avaible in Ramen Nagi: the standard tonkotsu (Butao King), spicy tonkotsu (Red King), basil tonkotsu (Green King) and the well-loved squid ink tonkotsu (Black King).
This ramen place is on point. Even though the Tonkotsu broth base is rich and flavorful already as it is, the best thing about Ramen Nagi is how you can customize your own bowl by ticking check marks on the choices on the menu sheet. By checking your preferences, you can request to adjust the broth to be richer or spicier and the noodles more al-dente. You can also add your go-to noodle companions like egg, seaweed and your favorite toppings to make your bowl more personal and well-accustomed to your liking. If you’re lucky, you might even get a hold of their seasonal specials like miso and shrimp soup bases that are only available in a limited time offer. The staff here are also attentive and always greet a newcomer in jovial unison—just like how traditional ramen places in Japan make you feel welcome.
Location:
Suntec City
3 Temasek Boulevard #01-512/513
Tower 2 (North Wing)
Singapore 038983
Opening Hours:
Daily: 11 am - 3 pm, 5 pm - 10 pm
(last order 30 mins before closing)
Ramen Matsuri
If you are one to love a good bowl of chicken broth ramen, then head on to Ramen Matsuri and have the time of your life. Artfully made from stewing whole chickens for over six hours, their signature Torikoru Special is one of the richest and creamiest chicken-based ramen you can find in Singapore and the long queues at lunch and dinner times are true testaments to this claim. To fully enjoy your Ramen Matsuri experience, make sure you come early to avoid the bustling crowd during peak hours.
In addition to their chicken soup specials, their Nagoya Style Mazesoba, a type of dry ramen, is a delightfully unique twist to our run-of-the-mill ramen fixes. A serving of Nagoya Style Mazesoba is packed with refreshing spring onions, seasoned minced meat and melt-in-your-mouth egg. Accompanied by a delicious and flavorful soup, this dry ramen certainly brings a whole different meaning to your love for ramen. Do not miss out on Ramen Matsuri’s Nagoya Style Mazesoba — it’s no doubt the best one you can find on the island.
Location:
7 North Canal Road
Singapore 048820
Contact:
Tel.: +65 6533 0845
Email: info@ramenmatsuri.com
Opening Hours:
Monday-Saturday
Lunch: 11:30AM – 3:00 PM
Dinner: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Sunday & Public holiday: Closed