Cover Menbaka Fire Ramen's kara miso ramen (Photo: Facebook)

From traditional to innovative bowls of ramen, here are some of the best places to visit for a comforting bowl of Japanese noodles

Ramen is one of Japan’s most iconic dishes. Rich warm broth, chewy noodles, and tender slices of meat—what’s not to love? Fortunately, Singapore is home to various ramen joints offering authentic and delectable bowls of ramen. Whether you prefer a rich and creamy bowl, or a broth-less one, there is one suitable for every palate. 

While we dream of the day we get to travel to Japan, here are some of the best ramen joints around the island to visit in the meantime.

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1. Hanamaruken Ramen Singapore

The newest ramen spot to grace these shores hails from Osaka, where it has gained a cult following. Hanamaruken Ramen, which dropped anchor at the Lazada One building earlier in August, specialises in high quality pork, which is evident in both the soft-bone pork rib and the rich tonkotsu broth. You’ll find these in the “Signature Happiness Ramen”, complete with thin, springy noodles that deliver a pleasant bite. If not, you’ll find many other options such as shio (salt), shoyu (soy sauce), and even dan dan ramen, the Japanese version of the traditional Sichuan noodle dish.

Hanamaruken Ramen Singapore, 51 Bras Basah Road, 01-07 Lazada One, S(189554)

2. Konjiki Hototogisu

This ramen joint has been on the Tokyo Michelin Guide since 2015 for good reason. Its signature shoyu hamaguri soup ramen is a must try, comprising chewy noodles bathed in an aromatic broth made from hamaguri clams and pork bones. It’s finished with succulent char siu, house-made black truffle paste and porcini flakes. Pair your comforting bowl of noodles with sides like the fried tofu topped with bonito flakes, fried cuttlefish and gyoza. 

Konjiki Hototogisu (multiple locations), 30 Victoria Street, 01-17, S(187996), +65 6256 3155

3. Menbaka Fire Ramen

Here, ramen bowls are literally on fire. Originating in Kyoto, this ramen joint sees their “fire-pouring” chefs ignite oil to create dramatic flames. The signature negi onion oil is then poured over its ramen broth to create aromatic smokey flavours. Go for the shoyu fire ramen that comprises springy noodles, chicken broth and a blend of bonito and mackerel flakes. 

Menbaka Fire Ramen, 176 Orchard Road, 01-53 / 54 / 55 / 56 The Centrepoint Food Street, S(238843), +65 8218 9236

4. Torasho Ramen & Charcoal Bar

Torasho Ramen & Charcoal Bar is helmed by chef Sho Naganuma, who serves up a selection of ramen—including his signature tsukemen. A type of dipping ramen, Naganuma’s signature sees thick and chewy noodles accompanied by a savoury tonkotsu broth. It’s paired with slices of char siu, bamboo shoots, onsen and nori. Enjoy the bowl by mixing the noodles with its accompaniments before dipping them into the rich and fragrant broth. If you prefer your bowl with a spice kick, go for the spicy tonkotsu that comes topped with roasted garlic, grilled pork char siu and black fungus. 

Torasho Ramen & Charcoal Bar, 32 Tras Street, S(078972), +65 6970 5055

5. Natsuttei

This speciality ramen joint is loved for its signature black ma-yu (roast garlic oil) ramen. Each bowl is filled with perfectly al dente noodles bathed in a rich and creamy pork bone broth that has been simmered for over three hours. It’s elevated with the addition of black ma-yu, made by frying garlic until fragrant, and finished with juicy chashu pork slices. The result is a bowl that offers a wonderful balance of flavours, from its creamy broth to the umami-filled roast garlic oil. Finish the meal by adding some rice to your leftover broth and allow it to soak up the broth’s goodness before savouring.   

Natsuttei, 181 Orchard Road, 07-12/13, S(238896), +65 6337 7166

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6. Sanpoutei Ramen

If you prefer a lighter bowl of noodles, head to Sanpoutei for its Niigata shoyu ramen. Originating in Japan’s Niigata prefecture, this joint specialises in traditional Niigata ramen. Unlike ramen from other prefectures, these bowls typically feature thin and curly noodles that have been bathed in clear fish broth. 

At this speciality joint, its shoyu broth is made with clear soup stock, vegetables, chicken, tonkotsu and dried sardines, and is boiled for six hours until it’s light and refreshing. The flavourful broth is complemented with firm and springy handmade noodles, resulting in a comforting bowl that’s rich and filled with umami. Try its classic Niigata shoyu ramen—a bowl of noodles topped with tender chashu slices, nori, bamboo shoots and egg. If you prefer a bowl with a fiery kick, the Nikumori spicy rich miso ramen is complete with a spicy-miso laced broth.

Sanpoutei Ramen (multiple locations), 253 Holland Avenue, S(278982), +65 6463 7277

7. Menya Kokoro

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Above Mazesoba

Swap out the traditional tonkotsu and miso broth ramen for mazesoba at Menya Kokoro. Translated to ‘mixed noodles’ in Japanese, this broth-less ramen variant replaces soup with soy-based tare sauce, and thin noodles with thick chewy ones. Opt for the aburi chashu mazesoba, topped with flowy onsen egg, rich minced meat sauce and wonderfully grilled chashu.

Menya Kokoro (multiple outlets), 68 Orchard Road, Plaza Singapura, B2-53, S(238839), +65 6261 2428

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8. Sapporo Misono

This Hokkaido speciality ramen concept is chef Keisuke Takeda’s latest dining concept. Diners will get to savour a variety of Hokkaido-style ramen. This style of ramen consists of a rich broth ladled over Sapporo-style noodles. Ramen traditionalists can opt for the miso ramen, featuring chewy noodles, black fungus and tender chashu bathed in an umami-filled broth. Those searching for a unique bowl can go for the scorched shoyu ramen which consists of light shoyu broth scorched for a hint of smoke, served with the same springy Sapporo noodles.

Sapporo Misono, 9 Raffles Boulevard, 2-15, S(039596), +65 6254 7619

9. Afuri Ramen

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Above Yuzu shio ramen

This ramen joint has continuously won fans over with its unique bowl of noodles. Here, get to savour its signature yuzu shio ramen—unlike traditional ramen broths, its yuzu broth is light and filled with a citrus kick. Opt for the yuzu shio ramen which comprises thin whole-grain ramen noodles in its signature yuzu broth. The bowl is finished with succulent chashu pork slices, fried garlic, nori and fragrant yuzu peel.

Afuri Ramen, 107 North Bridge Road, B1-29, S(179105),+65  6970 1386

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10. Kanada-ya

Founded by Kazuhiro Kanada in 2009, this humble joint has since made its way around the globe, including Japan, Spain, United Kingdom and Singapore. This famed ramen joint currently has five outlets across the island, offering diners boldly flavoured creations such as truffle ramen, spicy yuzu ramen, and chashu tonkotsu ramen. The latter is a crowd favourite consisting of a collagen-rich pork bone broth served with springy hand-pulled noodles and finished with slices of tender pork collar chashu.

Kanada-ya (multiple outlets), 10 Paya Lebar Road, PLQ Mall, 03-30, S(409057), +65 6966 0505

11. Ramen Nagi

Looking for a change from the usual tonkotsu ramen? Head to Ramen Nagi for its signature Black King ramen bowl. This bowl of ramen consists of fresh handmade noodles covered with a blanket of flavourful black broth infused with aromatic garlic and squid ink sauce. Chilli lovers can opt for its fiery Red King bowl, featuring a spicy broth infused with a blend of garlic, chilli oil and cayenne pepper. The bowl is finished with juicy miso-infused minced pork.

Ramen Nagi (multiple locations), Suntec City Tower 2, North Wing, 01-512/513, S(038989), +65 9144 7482

12. Tsuta

The first-ever ramen restaurant to boast a Michelin star (from 2015 to 2020), Tsuta specialises in soba ramen. Presented in a steaming bowl of soup made of chicken, clam, and Japanese fish broth, Tsuta’s ramen boasts a complex and layered umami. You can’t go wrong with its signature shoyu ramen, but if you’re looking for an upgrade, opt for the truffle shoyu soba for a more assertive and savoury aroma. For those who like spice, there is a mala tonkotsu ramen that’s both creamy and numbing at once. 

Tsuta (multiple locations), 80 Airport Boulevard, 02-242 Jewel Singapore Changi Airport, S(819642), +65 9243 5820

13. Ramen Dining Keisuke Tokyo

After closing both its Suntec City and Resorts World Sentosa outlets, Ramen Dining Keisuke Tokyo by chef Keisuke Takeda is back at the Capitol Singapore serving up hearty ramen bowls to adoring customers. Among its popular offerings is the lobster broth ramen with an intense umami, accompanied by tender cha shu pork slices and thick, springy noodles. For those looking for something a little different, choose the “Keisuke Jiro-style Ramen”, an intense bowl of ramen unlike anything you’ve probably tried before, with mounds of bean sprouts, raw garlic, and pork fat globules floating in a rich soup. 

Ramen Dining Keisuke Tokyo (multiple locations), 13 Stamford Road, B1-35 Capitol Singapore, S(178905), +65 6337 7919

14. Nakiryu

With its first overseas outlet right here in Singapore, one-Michelin-starred Nakiryu is known for its dan dan ramen, which consists of springy noodles coated in a thick and spicy broth that is brightened with apple cider and black vinegar and warms the stomach perfectly. Another Chinese-inspired ramen bowl is the suan la tang (hot and sour soup) ramen, which boasts a clear soup and a flavour profile that dances on the palate. A particularly unique offering is the prawn wonton ramen, which comes in a choice of either shio or shoyu broth. 

Nakiryu, 68 Orchard Road, 02-35, S(238839)

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