Wondering where to go for the best ramen in the Hong Kong? Look no further.
From tonkotsu to miso, soy and even creamy chicken varieties, ramen has long since taken our city by storm – and we’re on board! Perfect for those days when you just need something hot and comforting (but it’s also a mainstay of ours during the hotter months too!), we can’t get enough of this Japanese classic. It’ll come as no surprise to learn that we’ve slurped our way through the majority of this city’s ramen joints, so we thought it only fair to share our hard-earned noodle knowledge with you. Without further ado, here is our pick of the best ramen in Hong Kong, alongside helpful tips on what to order when you’re there!
Read more: The Best Sushi On Hong Kong Island And In Kowloon
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The Best Ramen In Hong Kong
Hong Kong Island
Shugetsu
This Gough Street staple always has a queue snaking out the door – and for good reason! It may be more famous for its tsukemen (dipping noodles), but its ramen offering is also one of our favourites. We love the Grilled Kurobuta Pork Belly Ramen with a side of fried chicken. Now with a further two locations in Quarry Bay and Causeway Bay, it’s easier than ever to get your ramen fix.
Must order: Grilled Kurobuta Pork Belly Ramen
Shugetsu (Central), 5 Gough Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2850 6009
Shugetsu (Quarry Bay), G/F, Tai Fung Building, 30 Hoi Kwong Street, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong, 2336 7888
Shugetsu (Causeway Bay), Shop 6, G/F, 30-34 Cannon Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 2891 1600, www.facebook.com/shugetsu.hk
Zagin Soba
Giving its Gough Street neighbour, Shugetsu, a run for its money, this Insta-popular ramen joint continues to draw in the crowds. Don’t let the name fool you, this place is all about the ramen. The short and simple menu makes ordering easy – we recommend the signature (and oh so creamy) cappuccino-like Chicken Broth Ramen. Topped with fried red onion, bamboo, slices of chicken and tender pork, along with perfectly cooked noodles, you can’t go wrong.
Must order: Chicken Broth Ramen
Zagin Soba (Central), 7 Gough Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2447 1398
Zagin Soba (Happy Valley), 13A King Kwong Street, Happy Valley, Hong Kong, 2818 0322, www.facebook.com/ZaginSobaHK
Mashi No Mashi
Mashi No Mashi is operated by the team behind the renowned Wagyumafia, though you’ll be pleased to learn that it serves up dishes that are a little more budget friendly. Mashi No Mashi specialises in Wagyu Tsukemen (dipping noodles), but other dishes, including Wagyu gyozas and Wagyu Donburi, are just as popular. With celeb fans like David Beckham, be sure to get here early as these bowls sell out quick!
Sassy Tip: After Wagyu Ramen? Look out for Mashi No Mashi’s special Wagyujiro nights!
Must order: Wagyu Tsukemen
Mashi No Mashi, Shop 1B, G/F, Guardian House, 32 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2812 0500, www.facebook.com/mashinomashi
Ramen Nagi
With multiple shops throughout Asia, and one in Hong Kong, Ramen Nagi is a must try. We love its signature (and award-winning!) tonkotsu pork-broth, topped with classic Nagi pork chashu. The broth is rich, flavourful and will leave you wanting more. Along with the classic, Ramen Nagi also offers a spicy option, a broth made with blackened garlic and calamari ink, along with a version that’s blended with fresh basil and olive oil.
Must order: Black Ramen
Ramen Nagi, 3 King Street, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/bbramen
Torihana Tei Ramen
Dedication is the dish of the day here at Torihana Tei Ramen, with its soup having taken years to perfect and over 10 hours to prepare every day. Specialising in just chicken ramen, broth and sides, the chefs often surprise loyal customers with unique creations, such as matcha noodles. Don’t knock it until you try it!
Must order: No. 1 Premium Chicken Ramen
Torihana Tei Ramen, Wah To Building, 22-30 Cross Lane, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2366 1332, www.torihana-tei-ramen-at-wan-chai.business.site
Ichitora
Tucked away on Wan Chai’s Amoy Street, this cosy ramen spot is one of our favourites in the city. We’re big fans of the black garlic-infused tonkotsu broth in particular, though the menu also offers an original version, along with a fiery spicy soup for those who like it hot! Customisation is the order of the day as you can choose everything from your noodle thickness and texture, to how much oil is added and which topping you desire!
Sassy tip: If you’re hungry, order a BBQ pork rice bowl as a side – it comes topped with a perfectly fried egg!
Must order: Black Tora Ramen
Ichitora, 23 Amoy Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/IchiTora.Ramen.at.Wanchai
Ramen Jo
This authentic Causeway Bay mainstay shows the warmth of Japanese hospitality in true style, with the ever-friendly Jo himself often present on the restaurant floor. All broths here are tonkotsu style (pork based), but with four variations (original, spicy, soy and garlic) on the menu, there’s sure to be something for everyone.
Must order: Soy Sauce Tonkotsu Ramen
Ramen Jo (Causeway Bay), G/F, 3 Caroline Hill Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 2885 0638
Ramen Jo (Yuen Long), Shop 1072, 1/F, YOHO Mall I, 9 Yuen Lung Street, Yuen Long, Hong Kong, 2688 6355
Ramen Jo (Kowloon), Shop 1030, Elements Mall, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2196 8208, www.facebook.com/RamenJo
Ramen Cubism
Ramen Cubism is helmed by two of Japan’s most famous celebrity ramen chefs, Hayashi Takao and Matsumura Takahiro, so you know you’re in for a treat. Signature ramen creations, such as The Sky Bird (white soup simmered with chicken), The Earth Bird (a clear spicy broth), and recommended namesake dish, Premium Cubism, are available at both its Central and Tsim Sha Tsui branches. Don’t forget to order a serving of Matsu Hayashi Dumplings with chilli sauce dip too!
Must order: Large Premium Cubism
Ramen Cubism (Central), 27 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2399 0811
Ramen Cubism (Tsim Sha Tsui), G13, No. 8 Minden Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2109 1155, www.facebook.com/ramencubismhk
Butao
You’ll know this ramen spot for the long lines that creep down Wellington Street in Central. With a menu that’s short and sweet, you can’t go far wrong here. Choose from the Butao (signature pork Tonkotsu), the Black King (with black garlic, squid ink, minced pork), the Red King (with chilli powder and spicy sauce, miso, sesame oil and minced pork) and the Green King (olive oil, fresh basil and Parmesan cheese). Confession alert: though purists may shudder at the thought, we’re huge fans of the Green King!
Must order: Green King
Butao, multiple locations across Hong Kong, www.butaoramen.com
Ebisoba Ichigen
Known as Hokkaido’s number one ramen shop, Ebisoba has three branches across Hong Kong. Offering up something a little different, the chain specialises in a flavourful shrimp-based broth.
Must order: Spicy Miso Ebisoba
Ebisoba Ichigen (Wan Chai), Shop B, 119 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2789 3799
Ebisoba Ichigen (Tsim Sha Tsui), G59, G/F, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, 3-27 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3105 1199
Ebisoba Ichigen (Central), Shop A, G/F Winway Building , 50 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, 3590 4099, www.ebisoba.com.hk
NOJO
This izakaya-style ramen restaurant is perfect for those looking for a comforting late night bite. Open until 2am Monday to Saturday, the restaurant serves up steaming bowls of ramen to hungry diners until the wee hours. Don’t miss the signature Soy Sauce Ramen with a rich chicken broth, tender chicken leg and a half dashi egg, or opt for the fresh Yuzu Ramen with rich chicken broth, subtle yuzu citrus and chicken meatballs.
Must order: Soy Sauce Ramen
NOJO, 45 Pottinger Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2415 1333, www.facebook.com/nojo.hk
Kanada-Ya
London favourite Kanada-Ya brings its brand of hand-pulled noodles to the bustling streets of Causeway Bay. From original and black garlic, to spicy and the seasonal truffle Tonkotsu, this joint delights every damn time.
Must order: Truffle Ramen
Kanada-Ya, 34 Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 2889 3355, www.kanada-ya.com/hongkong
BARI-UMA
BARI-UMA prides itself on authenticity, flying every strand of thick and thin ramen noodle in fresh from Japan! Choose from chicken or pork-based broths (with all the trimmings) and top it off with spicy and teriyaki-flavoured gyoza or crispy Japanese fried chicken. We’ve heard amazing things about its perfectly grilled char-siu pork too.
Must order: Tori-Ajitama
BARI-UMA, multiple locations across Hong Kong, www.bariuma.asia
Ippudo
Some may call it the McDonald’s of the ramen world, but let’s just say Big Macs are a guilty pleasure for a reason! Ippudo is celebrated for its rich and creamy broth, which has been concocted using an “elaborate cooking process with different parts of pork bones”. The signature Akamaru Shinaji pays tribute to a 25-year-old recipe that requires hours of slow cooking, before being topped with a secret miso recipe, garlic oil, lean slices of pork, black fungus, sprouts and spring onion.
Must order: Akamaru Shinaji
Ippudo, multiple locations across Hong Kong, www.ippudo.com.hk
Kowloon
Fujiyama 55
Tsukemen is taking over – and we’re pretty happy about it! Here, you can customise your order by choosing the texture of your noodles, as well as adding extras such as gyoza and barbecued yakitori. The soup is kept warm for you on a hot plate while you work your way through the oodles of noodles; there’s even an option to order a special rice and cheese combo to add to your remaining broth once you’ve finished. Two meals in one? Yes please.
Must order: Your choice of ramen with the special rice and cheese combo
Fujiyama 55, Shop 7-8, G/F, 75 Mody Road, South Sea Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2723 7737, www.facebook.com/Fujiyama55HongKong
Ramen Santouka
It all started with a man and his dream. Announcing to his family that he was “going to make delicious ramen”, founder Hitoshi Hatanaka kept his promise, setting up shop in nine different countries across the globe. Ramen Santouka’s broth is carefully made by hand and uses only the best ingredients to simmer in a rich stock. Choose from a soy sauce, spicy soybean, char sui or a roasted pork cheek base and slurp to your heart’s content.
Must order: Shio Ramen
Ramen Santouka, Shop 608, 6/F, iSQUARE, 63 Nathan Road,Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2721 1298, www.santouka.co.jp
Ichiran
Party for one? No problem! Ichiran’s solo slurping booths are built for a quick, satisfying bite that won’t disappoint! Crowned one of the best ramen restos in Japan and New York, Ichiran may have been built for single diners, but if you do have friends in town, its TST branch is one of the largest in the world (and offers communal seating!). Founded nearly 60 years ago, tradition is boiled into the broth and every strand of firm Hakata-style noodle. Don’t miss out on its original red pepper sauces.
Must order: Classic Tonkatsu Ramen with Original Spicy Red Sauce
Ichiran (Tsim Sha Tsui), Entrance Hall on G/F & Shop B, Basement Floor, 8 Minden Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2369 4218
Ichiran (Causeway Bay), Shop H & I, Ground Floor, Lockhart House Block A, 440 Jaffe Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 2116 4802, 2152 4040, www.ichiran.com
AFURI ramen + dumpling
With the mission of “making the world better through ramen”, AFURI is well known on the international noodle scene for its signature Yuzu Shio Ramen. For those not in the know, the dish boasts a tasty chicken broth infused with citrus yuzu, making this a lighter ramen pick. The brand takes pride in taking the art of ramen back to basics, with its MSG-free broth and homemade wheat noodles. Make sure to order an AFURI Whiskey Highball for the perfect finishing touch to your meal.
Must order: Yuzu Shio Ramen
AFURI ramen + dumpling, i.t.orange forest, 2/F, The One, 100 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2815 2177, afuriramen.com
Tsuta
Michelin-rated Tsuta may be a little pricier than other ramen joints in town, but its secret-recipe soba noodles are worth it! An honourable mention must also go to its signature shoyu-based broth, made with the addition of soy sauce and truffle oil. We’re drooling just thinking about it!
Must order: Ajitama Shoya Soba
Tsuta, Shop G111, G/F, Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, 3-27 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3188 2748, www.facebook.com/TsutaHongKong
Takano Ramen
Given its sister branch in Tokyo is Michelin-recommended, don’t be surprised to find a queue when you rock up to this pick, situated inside K11 MUSEA. Hungry diners can look forward to a clear strong broth, with hints of chicken, pork, niboshi, soy sauce and a mixture of peppers, alongside fresh, homemade Chinese-style buckwheat noodles. It’s a must-try for ramen aficionados!
Must order: Takano Soy Sauce Ramen
Takano Ramen, 2/F, Shop 220, K11 MUSEA, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2881 8331, www.facebook.com/Takano多賀野
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on 28, February 2018 and was updated on 23, March 2020.
Featured image courtesy of Bari-Uma via Instagram, image 1 courtesy of Zagin Soba via Facebook, image 2 courtesy of Ramen Nagi via Facebook, image 3 courtesy of Ramen Jo via Facebook, image 4 courtesy of Butao via Facebook, image 5 courtesy of NOJO via Facebook, image 6 courtesy of BARI-UMA via Instagram, image 7 courtesy of Fujiyama 55 via Facebook, image 8 courtesy of Ichiran via Facebook, image 9 courtesy of Tsuta via Facebook.