Ramen in Kuala Lumpur
Come rain or shine, a steaming bowl of ramen always does the trick of filling up our bellies. The tried-and-tested combination of creamy broth, bouncy noodles, and meat slices is hard to beat – even in Malaysia, where local noodles like pan mee and wantan mee reign supreme.
From homegrown eateries adding spicy twists to the noodles, to ramen shops hailing from Japan, we’ve rounded up 10 places to get the best ramen in Kuala Lumpur.
Table of Contents
1. Minamo Ramen
Chicken-based ramen with toppings served on the side
Pork-based broths are common at ramen shops, but Minamo Ramen holds up to the stiff competition with a chicken version that’s boiled for a precise 5 hours in pH-specified water. The carefully crafted ramen is by the same chef behind the Michelin Bib Gourmand-rated Soranoiro in Tokyo, who brought the recipe and meticulous prepping methods to the KL offshoot.
Dedicated to quality, the restaurant has a fuss-free menu of just three ramens – Shoyu (soy), Shiro (pork), and Aka (spicy) – priced at RM30 per bowl.
The Shoyu Ramen, with low-temperature chicken slices, a Japanese omelette, and a spicy sauce, is a must-try. The melty layer of chicken oil on the surface and sweet umami notes in the broth pair perfectly with the al-dente, angel-hair-thin noodles.
Ingredients are served on the side, so you can add toppings to your liking.
Address: 38-G, Jalan 24/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Sat-Thu 12pm-2pm, 6pm-9.30pm | Fri 12pm-2pm, 5.30pm-9.30pm
Contact: 012-572 3703 | Minamo Ramen Instagram
Minamo Ramen is not a halal-certified eatery.
2. Ramen Mob
Three outlets in Klang Valley
Image adapted from: @ramenmob.my via Instagram
When it comes to the ubiquitous chashu ramen, Ramen Mob comes as a highly recommended spot among KL folks. The homegrown joint rose to popularity because of the elevator-inspired entrance at their OG Taman Desa location – but it’s their signature Chashu Ramen (RM29.90) that has patrons returning through the doors at all three outlets.
Image credit: @ramenmob.my via Instagram
You can pick from five soups – shiro, kuro, aka, mala, or kura aka – and opt to swop out regular noodles with carb-free konjac noodles (RM7.90). Most opt for the shiro or kuro broths with the chashu ramen, as the pure porkiness, garlicky goodness, and creamy profile of both broths pair perfectly with the lean slices of pork shoulder.
Taman Desa outlet
Address: 22, Jalan 2/109e Jalan Desa, Jalan Klang Lama, Taman Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 11am-3pm & 5pm-10pm | Fri 11am-3pm & 5pm-10pm | Sat & Sun 11am-10pm
Contact: Ramen Mob Instagram
See all Ramen Mob locations here.
Ramen Mob is not a halal-certified eatery.
3. Kanbe Ramen
Eight broth options
Image credit: @callmeahoon via Instagram
Many would argue that Kanbe Ramen serves some of the best ramen in KL. And we’re not here to argue with the rave reviews online or common snaking lines at their Mont Kiara outlet.
The local ramen joint is highly rated for crafting rich, thick, and creamy broths with flavours that linger in your mouth without leaving it dry as a desert. The customisable bowls of ramen served here are also perfect for ramen connoisseurs and picky eaters alike.
Image credit: @theshutterwhale via Instagram
Like at a dim sum parlour, you’ll fill up an order form with your choice of ramen (RM34) or tsukemen (RM39), along with other preferences such as strength and spice levels for the broth, the firmness of the noodles, and amount of garlic and porky oil to go on top.
There are eight broth flavours to choose from, with Kuro and Shiro common orders at tables.
Address: GF – 08, 163 Retail Park, 8, Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11am-10pm, Daily
Contact: Kanbe Ramen Instagram
Kanbe Ramen is not a halal-certified eatery.
4. Menya Appare
Several customisable options for ramen
Image credit: Isetan KL
If there’s a picky eater in your group, whether that’s you or a friend, head to Menya Appare. Diners here can choose between thin or medium-thick noodles, while also having a say in its hardness and temperature. Other options include swopping out the chashu for an egg, or noodles with boiled cabbage if you’re a carb-conscious diner.
There are six tonkotsu-based broth options – original, shoyu, black, spicy, miso, and spicy miso – that you can also adjust the spice levels for.
Image credit: Isetan KL
Your order of ramen will be largely based on the ingredients you want to have in your bowl. The standard (RM34) comes with pork belly chashu and satisfying runny ajitama, while the deluxe (RM43) has the same ingredients but with the addition of seaweed and pork shoulder chashu.
Image credit: @leedingding via Instagram
Those who prefer boiling hot soup will be glad to know that their best-seller Tori Paitan Tsukemen (RM43) comes with a whole chicken leg and is served in a stone bowl so the broth remains blistering. If the soup is too concentrated, Menya Appare recommends requesting clear soup to add to the broth so you can slurp up every last drop.
All ramen and sets also come with complimentary green tea.
Address: 3rd Floor, Isetan, The Gardens Mall, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Mid Valley City, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11am-10pm, Daily
Contact: Menya Appare Instagram
Menya Appare is not a halal-certified eatery.
5. Towzen
Vegan ramen joint in KL from Japan
Image credit: @yoshiko_lifeistravel via Instagram
With more of us becoming health-conscious, the vegan options in KL are no longer as limited as they used to be. Joining the line-up of vegan-friendly restaurants in the city is Towzen, which has been serving meatless ramen for over two decades in Kyoto, and now also in KL.
The restaurant uses soya milk to achieve the creamy consistency that’s loved in a ramen broth. Dashi and soya sauce, as well as mushrooms, yuba, mizuna, and umeboshi, are added to give more body to the soup.
Image adapted from: @baes_food_everything via Instagram
A must-try here is their speciality Tan Tan Mee (RM28) which starts with the soup base and is topped with plant-based minced meat. For spice lovers, there’s the Spicy Mala Ramen (RM28) that has Sichuan mala tinting a walnut mylk-based soup red.
Image adapted from: @ivyaiwei via Instagram
The Truffle Ramen (RM32) and Black Sesema Ramen (RM26) also deserve a mention. The first has the shop’s signature soya milk broth tinged with the earthy and rich flavour of truffle, while the latter levels up the walnut broth with toasted black sesame seeds.
Address: 01-01A, Level 1, Annexe Block, Menara Milenium, 8, Jalan Damanlela, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri 11.30am-3pm & 5pm-9pm | Sat & Sun 11.30am-9pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
Contact: 019-532 0757 | Towzen Facebook | Instagram
Towzen is not a halal-certified eatery.
6. Enishi
Popular dan dan noodles from Japan
Hailing from Kobe, Enishi is another Michelin-awarded ramen shop from Japan with an offshoot in Malaysia. They’re best known for their take on the beloved Dan Dan Noodles (RM58) prepared in an open-concept kitchen before diners.
While a slightly pricier affair for ramen, Enishi’s take on the Sichuan delicacy comprises fat, bouncy noodles made with quality Japanese wheat flour and a sauce base that’s made with a whopping 32 ingredients.
Each bowl features chashu, duck meat, and ajitama with wheat noodles and a clean-tasting broth, as well as a selection of spicy levels that’s beginner-friendly: Zero, Curry, Rich, Medium, and Very Hot.
Address: 15-0-1 Shoplex, Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, 50480, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11am-3pm & 6pm-9pm, Daily
Contact: ENISHI Malaysia Instagram
ENISHI is not a halal-certified eatery.
7. Ichi Yakiniku
Ramen with huge pork ribs
Ichi Yakiniku may be best known for yakiniku grilled over hot charcoal, but their bowls of ramen often steal the limelight. They take pride in their pork-based broth that’s simmered for a lengthy 15 hours to achieve creamy, well-seasoned results in each bowl.
Image adapted from: Chee Hor Yee via Google Maps
The ramen joint recommends Nitouryu Ramen (RM29) which comes with slow-cooked chashu, soft-boiled egg, and grilled marinated pork, and the Torazou Pork Rib (RM27) which delivers on porky goodness with an indulgent grilled pork rib marinated with honey and cooking wine poking out of the creamy soup.
Image adapted from: Wai Cheng Loke via Google Maps
There’s also the Black Garlic Ramen (RM22) that patrons recommend for those who like their food extra garlicky.
Address: 41 Kuchai Maju 7, Jalan Kuchai Lama, 58200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12pm-10pm, Daily
Contact: 03-7972 7383 | Ichi Yakiniku Facebook
Ichi Yakiniku is not a halal-certified eatery.
8. Chiba Ramen
Affordable ramen for just RM12
Chiba Ramen is often dubbed one of the best places to get affordable and trustworthy bowls of ramen in KL. The homegrown restaurant has their signature Tonkotsu Ramen priced at just RM12, with flavours that remains unchanged over the years of operation.
Image credit: Hamster Low via Google Maps
Though wallet-friendly, they don’t skimp on the ingredients or flavours. A bowl of their tonkotsu has a whole onsen egg, two slices of chashu, and wood ear mushrooms swimming in a light and creamy broth that won’t leave you wanting for water after downing a bowl.
Image adapted from: Priscilla Choo via Google Maps
They’ve also put a local spin on Japanese ramen, with the Supashi Tonkotsu Ramen (RM17) that’s a spicy, tom yam version and Tomato Supu Ramen (RM16) that comes with a surprise kick of tartness from the addition of tomatoes.
Address: No. 105, Block-P/F, 105, Lorong Durian, Taman Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Fri-Wed 10am-3pm & 5pm-8pm (Closed on Thursdays)
Contact: 011-1182 2281 | Chiba Ramen Facebook
Chiba Ramen is not a halal-certified eatery.
9. Maruki Ramen
Halal-certified ramen bowls in Klang Valley
Image credit: @makijessiesoon via Instagram
Most turn to Maruki Ramen for halal-certified ramen in KL. Their range of ramen, such as kara, kuro, shoyu, and shio, comprises free-range chicken broth. They rely on a rich combination of kelp, vegetables, and natural spices boiled for hours over the use of ajinomoto.
Maruki also takes pride in making their noodles from scratch daily, with imported Japanese wheat flour too.
Image credit: @makijessiesoon via Instagram
Their ramen can be enjoyed Classic (from RM30.96) with just protein and spring onions, Ajitama (from RM35.55) with a soft-boiled egg, or Deluxe (from RM45.90) with the addition of premium beef slices and seaweed.
Image credit: @marukiramen via Instagram
You can also opt to further zhoosh up your ramen with Superior versions of the Shio and Shoyu ramen. For starters, the Superior Shio has a thicker, richer white chicken broth when compared to the Classic Shio. But toppings like proteins and vegetables remain the same, with prices for the bowls starting from RM44.75.
The LINC KL outlet
Address: Lot 2-23, Level 2, The LINC KL, 360, Jalan Tun Razak, Taman U Thant, 50400 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10.30am-9.30pm, Daily
Contact: 016-626 3389 | Maruki Ramen Instagram
Maruki Ramen is a halal-certified eatery.
10. Menya Hanabi
A mazesoba speciality shop
You’ll slurp up the noodles at the restaurant’s bar seating area.
Image credit: @yong_shianguang via Instagram
Menya Hanabi specialises in mazesoba, a Nagoya delicacy of soupless noodles that has to be mixed with chopsticks to fully coat the noodles in the toppings. Rice is added to the bowl when all the noodles have been slurped up, to not let a single drop of sauce go to waste.
Image credit: @thefoodiegeng via Instagram
Don’t expect cardboard-dry noodles here. A bowl of their signature Nagoya Mazesoba (RM33), for starters, has thick, chewy noodles in a shallow pool of sauce, and ingredients such as minced pork, chashu, ajitama, and seaweed flakes.
Image adapted from: @ericwongkokwui via Instagram
It’s recommended to add some of the ramen joint’s Homemade Kelp Vinegar to add more depth of flavour to the noodles. You can choose different proteins such as Kimista (pork belly) or Toroniku (braised pork cheek).
Sri Petaling outlet
Address: No 16, Jalan Radin Bagus 6, Sri Petaling, 57000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12pm-9.45pm, Daily
Contact: 03-2858 1392 | Menya Hanabi website
See all Menya Hanabi outlets here.
Menya Hanabi is not a halal-certified eatery.
The best ramen spots in Kuala Lumpur
It’s not hard to find a ramen joint in our neighbourhood these days. For some of the best that locals rave about, head to one of these spots in KL – you will surely leave these eateries satisfied.
For more food recommendations, read:
Cover image adapted from: @makijessiesoon via Instagram, TheSmartLocal Malaysia, @theshutterwhale via Instagram