There is nothing quite as satisfying as a warm bowl of ramen, and as a city of Japanese food lovers, Hong Kong has its fair share. Whether you prefer the traditional pork broth Tonkotsu, miso ramen, a spicy option or even a creamy chicken broth, Hong Kong has choices for everyone! Both in winter, when it’s a no-brainer, or in summer, when you can try some of the lighter options, these ramen shops are filled to the brim. So grab something to keep you busy while you queue up, and indulge in Hong Kong’s best ramen restaurants.
Ebisoba Ichigen 一幻拉麵 — Multiple Locations
Originating from Sapporo, the legendary ramen spot has quickly gained a cult following in Hong Kong. What sets them apart? Their daring departure from tradition by placing shrimp at the heart of every bowl of Hokkaido-style ramen. Using a shrimp broth made from a whopping 50 kilograms of shrimp heads daily, they have crafted a rich and addictive flavour that is now available for retail. With multiple branches across the city, their vibrant red interiors match the bold and aromatic flavours of their star ingredient.
Multiple locations in Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, Tsuen Wan, Tuen Mun & Wan Chai
Ichitora Ramen 一虎拉麵 — Wan Chai
Ichitora Ramen, a beloved spot in Wan Chai that offers authentic and delicious bowls of goodness. Their housemade tonkotsu broth, simmered for 12 hours daily, creates a rich and flavorful base for their traditional ramen. For those seeking a twist, try their Fresh Lemon Ramen, which adds a zesty kick to the classic tonkotsu. Choose from their selection of six staple ramen flavors, or opt for the vegan and vegetarian option for a plant-based treat.
23 Amoy St, Wan Chai | 2808 0635
KaneTsuru Ramen 金鶴拉麵 — Multiple Locations
A staple across Hong Kong, with over five locations, KaneTsuru is a must try for anyone looking for a healthier option to the sometimes greasy pork broth. They are famous for their chicken soup base which has a signature luxurious, creamy flavour – truly unbeatable! They also sometimes have limited edition flavours, definitely worth trying out if you catch them. While all their branches in Hong Kong are great, their Jordan location is one of their most popular. Serving consistently great food in a bustling yet modern and high-end atmosphere, what more can one ask for?
Multiple locations in Causeway Bay, Central, Jordan, Mong Kok, North Point, Tin Hau and To Kwa Wan
Kikanbo 鬼金棒 — Causeway Bay & Tsim Sha Tsui
Made to “delight all five senses”, this Japanese mainstay has become super popular in Hong Kong, bringing spice, miso and umami to our palates. The décor is covered with demon masks, and there is the rhythm of the Japanese drums, creating an atmosphere which enhance the flavours. Their traditional Shinshu Miso soup has their signature red pepper (Kara) and green pepper (Shibi) flavours which give you the unbeatable spicy numbing feeling. Plus you can customize your meats and spice levels, so you can definitely go there even if you don’t have the highest tolerance. But if you can handle your spices, you have to try the oni-mashi level, aka devil level!
G/F, 530 Jaffe Rd, Causeway Bay | +852 2481 3383
G/F, 20 Cameron Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui | +852 2481 2889
Konjiki Hototogisu 金色不如帰 — Central
Garnering one Michelin star consecutively from 2019 to 2021, this acclaimed restaurant originally hails from Tokyo. Their secret lies in the harmonious marriage of fresh Hamaguri clams, wa-dashi (Japanese fish stock) and pork broth, creating a unique, flavourful soup base. The signature shoyu soba is crafted with the three-soup stock mix, then topped with truffle sauce, porcini oil, and flakes for that umami punch.
Shop 3020, Podium Level 3, IFC Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central
Kuroiwa Ramen 麵屋黑岩 — Sham Shui Po
For a hearty filling of some of Hong Kong’s best ramen, you’ll have to head over to Sham Shui Po. While Kuroiwa Ramen has a number of different soup bases, including the classic Tonkotsu, Ebi, Crab (with real crab meat!) and Fish base, one to try is their Bonito flavoured soup. It is intensely flavoured with dry bonito flakes on top which create an amazing texture. Their pork is flame torched, so it has a smoky flavour with fat that melts in your mouth.
Kuroiwa Ramen 麵屋黑岩, G/F, 219 Cheung Sha Wan Rd, Sham Shui Po | +852 2628 3369
Maru De Sankaku 鯛白湯らーめん — Central & Tin Hau
Maru De Sankaku is the sister restaurant of Zagin, specialized in fish broth instead of the traditional chicken or pork bone soup, using the finest sea bream from Osaka to create their creamy, foamy Madai Broth Ramen. With a concise selection of three ramen styles, you can fully customize and personalize your bowl.
13 Aberdeen St, Central | +852 2346 3889
Shop K15-16, Baseball 2.0, Jardine House, 1 Connaught Place, Central | +852 9660 6787
77 Electric Rd, Tin Hau | +852 6762 1117
Ramen Cubism — Central
At the other end of the spectrum, if you are looking for high end pomp and circumstance, you need to try Ramen Cubism, which brings two of Japan’s biggest ramen names to Hong Kong – Hayashi Takao and Matsumara Takahiro. The must-order, of course, is their Premium Cubism which has a rich creamy white broth, created without MSG or artificial flavourings. Another hot favourite is the Sky bird, which has a spicy white broth. The long lines outside the store are warranted, not only because of the scrumptious ramen, but also because they only serve 200 bowls a day!
Ramen Cubism, Basement, Yuen Yick Building, 27-29 Wellington St, Central | +852 2399 0811
Shugetsu 麵鮮醬油房周月 — Central & Quarry Bay
With two branches in Central and Quarry Bay, this Michelin-recommended eatery takes pride in its homemade noodles and 18-month fermented special sauce for the Shoyu broth. The must-try tsukemen ramen features noodles soaked in a flavorsome broth enhanced by the essence of mackerel, sardines, and kombu. Whether you prefer a fiery kick or a milder option, Shugetsu caters to all taste preferences with their customizable menu.
5 Gough St, Central | 2850 6009
30 Hoi Kwong St, Quarry Bay | 2336 7888
Zagin Soba 座銀 — Central & Happy Valley
Known for their chicken broth ramen, Zagin Soba is often chosen as the best ramen restaurants in Hong Kong. Their “cappuccino” technique creates an extra frothy and creamy soup, which is a delightful twist on traditional tonkotsu ramen. The signature Tori Paitan features a velvety smooth broth made from simmering chicken for hours, served alongside their specially selected thick and chewy noodles, sous-vide pork loin and chicken charshu. 7 Gough Street, Central | 2447 1398
13 King Kwong Street, Happy Valley | 2818 0322
Header image credits: Diego Lozano
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