Top 7 places in KL to satisfy your ramen cravings

1/7
IPPUDO
One of the biggest ramen names in the world, IPPUDO was founded by Ramen King Shigemi Kawahara in 1985, making this chain of restaurants one of the most established and trusted by fans of ramen worldwide. Famed for his Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen, Kawahara is constantly reinventing recipes to ensure customers receive only the best and most creative flavours that will whet one's appetite at any time of the day.

Click here for a list of locations.

Photo: IPPUDO Malaysia Facebook
2/7
Bari-Uma
The beauty of a food stall that specialises in one main dish is that you know you're going to get the best out of it, from all the effort that's focused on creating the perfect recipe. Bari-Uma's menu may not be extensive, but it has earned a rightful place in our top picks for the best tonkotsu shoyu ramen in town. If you're ever tired of the prospect of having to choose from a list of flavoured broths, this place will be your best bet.
L3-11, Level 3, Jaya Shopping Centre, Jalan Semangat, Petaling Jaya

Photo: Bari-Uma Malaysia
3/7
Bankara Ramen
For ramen beginners, Bankara would be a good place to start out if you're looking to try different types of ramen that will help you determine your favourite ramen style. You'll be presented with the options of Bankara's signature, tonkotsu, miso or tsukemen, differing in the flavours of the soup and how the noodles are cooked. Don't worry about how your dish will taste - this restaurant certainly doesn't sacrifice quality for quantity.
Lot 2-7, Level 2 Avenue K, 156 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur

T-028, 3rd Floor, Mid Valley Megamall, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Kuala Lumpur
Photo: Bankara Ramen Malaysia
4/7
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
Started off with just one item on the menu, namely Shio Ramen, Santouka has made it big throughout the world, spreading the joy of what was the beloved dish of a humble family restaurant to the rest of mankind. Today, Santouka offers a variety of ramen styles apart from its original dish, and even features spicy miso ramen for those who would love an extra kick in their meals. Side dishes such as gyoza are served as well, just in case a bowl of ramen isn't enough to fill your tummy.
Lot 6. 24. 03, Level 6, Pavilion KL, 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur

Photo: Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
5/7
Marutama Ramen
Marutama offers one of the most interesting ramen menus in town, experimenting with mainly chicken soup broths and ingredients you won't find in your usual bowl of ramen. These include tiger prawns, ground nuts and an assortment of vegetables, catering to those who are looking for a little adventure in unique ramen creations. Halal and MSG-free, these hearty bowls of goodness deserve all the recommendations they can get! We strongly urge you to try them for yourself today.
Click here for a list of locations.

Photo: Marutama Ramen
6/7
Menya Musashi
Menya Musashi is known to serve one of the oiliest, but also the richest and most flavourful ramen in the ramen world. It is precisely the generous use of oil that gives its ramen so much punch. If you're wondering why the restaurant is decorated with so many pictures of samurai on the walls, it's because Menya Musashi was named after legendary Japanese swordsman Musashi Miyamoto. Like Miyamoto, the ramen bowls here will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the best in their category.
Level 2, Eat Paradise, Isetan 1 Utama, Petaling Jaya

Photo: Menya Musashi Malaysia Facebook
7/7
Taiko Japanese Cuisine
Previously known as Ramen Taiko, the owners of this restaurant have expanded its menu to include the usual Japanese favourites such as yakimono and donburi. However, it doesn't mean that you won't continue to receive the quality ramen that Taiko is renowned for. You'll be able to choose from a range of ramen styles, including special ones like fish head ramen or kimchi ramen for a little fusion goodness. We love how this restaurant manages to retain the authentic Japanese feel even while reinventing traditional recipes to suit the tastes of the masses.
15-0-2B&C, Mont Kiara Shoplex, Jalan Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur
Photo: Taiko Japanese Cuisine Facebook

Ramen has been all the talk since the turn of the decade. This Japanese delicacy has seen its way from its humble origins in the narrow streets of Japan, to world-famous ramen chains in huge cities like New York and London. Competitions, like Ramen Champion, have been held worldwide to let the public decide which chef makes ramen best, while little hole-in-the-wall joints have been popping up all over in a bid to recreate that authentic Japanese street feel.

Whether you like your noodles al dente or soft, your soup thick or clear, or even whether you prefer bamboo shoots or seaweed in your soup, these ramen stalls we’re recommending to you have everything that you need. The ramen scene in KL has been so successful, you’ll definitely be spoilt for choice when you need to decide which outlet is your favourite. Scroll up to our gallery to see which stalls made it to our list – we couldn’t pick just one as well!

Dione Chen

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