Best Ramen in Singapore

Ramen in Singapore: what to expect

Ramen in Singapore is easy to find, from shopping malls to small shops in the city. The dish comes from Japan. It is wheat noodles served in a hot broth with a few toppings. A good bowl is filling and comes out fast. It suits a quick lunch or an easy dinner after a day of sightseeing.

Main ramen styles

Ramen is often grouped by its broth or seasoning. Menus usually show one or more of these styles.

• Tonkotsu: a creamy, cloudy broth made by boiling pork bones for many hours. It is very popular in Singapore.
• Shoyu: a clear brown broth seasoned with soy sauce.
• Shio: a light, clear broth seasoned with salt.
• Miso: a thicker, savoury broth flavoured with miso, a fermented soybean paste.
• Tsukemen: dipping noodles. The noodles come on a plate, and you dip them into a strong, thick broth.

Many shops also sell a spicy version of their main bowl. If you are not used to chilli, start with the mildest level.

Common toppings

Most bowls come with chashu, which is slow-cooked pork. A soft-boiled egg marinated in soy sauce, called ajitama, is a popular extra. You may also see nori (dried seaweed), spring onion, bamboo shoots and wood ear mushroom.

How to order ramen

Many ramen shops give you an order sheet or a tablet. You tick your broth, toppings and extras. Some shops also let you choose how firm your noodles are. Firm noodles are a good choice if you eat slowly, as they soften in the hot soup.

Some shops that serve Hakata-style tonkotsu also sell kaedama. This is an extra serving of noodles added to the broth left in your bowl. Order it before you finish the soup.

Rough prices

A bowl of ramen often costs around S$15 to S$25. Extra toppings add a few dollars each. Prices change, so check the menu before you order.

Where to eat ramen in Singapore

• Keisuke Tonkotsu King is in Chinatown & Tanjong Pagar. As the name suggests, it focuses on tonkotsu ramen. Explore the area with our Tanjong Pagar & Keong Saik guides.
• Ippudo (Marina Bay Sands) is in the Marina Bay & CBD area. It is handy before or after a visit to Gardens by the Bay.
• Ippudo (Mandarin Gallery) is in Orchard & River Valley. It makes a good break during a day of shopping on Orchard Road.

Both Ippudo listings are branches of a well-known ramen chain from Japan. Pick the one closest to your plans.

Ramen tips and etiquette

• Slurping is fine. In Japan, slurping noodles is normal. It cools them down and brings out the flavour.
• Eat while it is hot. Noodles get softer the longer they sit in the broth.
• Expect queues at peak times. Popular shops get busy at lunch and dinner. Most take walk-ins, so come a little early or late.
• Ask about pork. Tonkotsu broth and chashu are both pork. If you avoid pork, ask if the shop has a chicken or vegetable broth. Some shops do, but many do not.
• Good for solo diners. Many ramen shops have counter seats, so eating alone feels normal. It is a quick, easy meal if you are travelling on your own.
• No tipping needed. Tipping is not expected in Singapore. Many restaurants add a service charge to the bill.

FAQs about ramen

What is the difference between tonkotsu and tonkatsu?

Tonkotsu is a creamy pork-bone broth used for ramen. Tonkatsu is a breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet. See our Tonkatsu page if you want the cutlet.

Do I need to book a ramen shop?

Usually not. Most ramen shops take walk-ins, but queues are common at meal times.

Can I get ramen without pork?

Sometimes. Many shops use pork in both the broth and the toppings. Some offer chicken, seafood or vegetable bowls, so ask the staff before you order.

How much does ramen cost in Singapore?

Expect around S$15 to S$25 for a bowl, with extras on top. Prices change, so treat this as a rough guide.

What other Japanese dishes should I try?

Try Sushi for raw fish on seasoned rice. Tendon is a rice bowl topped with tempura.