There is not one single dish from Japanese cuisine that we don't like! We slurped our way through Japanese restaurants in town and found the best ramen in Jakarta...
Paired with a chilled bottle of Sapporo or sake, a steaming bowl of freshly made ramen noodles topped with slices of juicy chasiu, soft boiled eggs and bone broth simmered perfectly are just the things we need to feel like we’re in Japan. For whatever reason, people in the Big Durian can’t get enough of ramen joints. While there are many popping up in every corner of the city, check out our top contenders for the Japanese restaurants to go for the best ramen in Jakarta!
WHERE TO EAT RAMEN IN JAKARTA
1. Bariuma
Bariuma (“Bari” meaning “super”, and “Uma” meaning “tasty”) is famous for its super thick, flavoursome broth. Hailing all the way from Hiroshima, this ramen shop also gives you a range of choices for noodle textures – just choose from firm, original or soft. Their tonkotsu soup and generous chunks of char-shu are pork-fect for your craving! But they also have delicious chicken ramen, as well as options for spicy broth.
Bariuma, multiple locations across Jakarta
2. Ippudo
One of the best renditions of Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen, Ippudo has been serving excellent pork-based ramen in Jakarta since late 2014. It goes without saying that their ramen in tonkotsu broth is a must-try – choose between the Akamaru Ramen (blended miso paste and garlic oil, topped with pork belly, pork loin, kikurage and spring onions), or the spicy Karaka Men (you can choose your level of spiciness!), spicy miso and garlic oil blend, topped with ground pork belly, pork loin and spring onions.
Ippudo, multiple locations across Jakarta
3. Issei
We love Issei’s range of Izakaya nibbles – perfectly charred yakitori, takoyaki and katsu sando. But what we also can’t get enough of is the restaurant’s rich ramen. The legendary tori ramen is comforting, just like a blanket, and whenever we need a little kick, we slurp on the spicy karaage ramen or the spicy miso ramen, topped with chicken and a soft boiled egg. Being a proud sambal lover, the owner provides the Indonesian chilli-based relish as an additional condiment for their ramen. All this, served in an elegant Japanese dining room, with sleek designs, industrial furnishing and calming dimmed lights.
Issei, Elysee SCBD 1st floor, South Jakarta, p. +62 878 8621 8888; Open daily 11am – 10pm.
4. Menya Sakura
Started out as one small ramen shop in the Showa ward of Nagoya city in Japan, Menya Sakura has stood the test of time and Jakarta’s competitive ramen scene since 2013. Their Spicy Tsuke-Men is our go-to order – pleasantly thick noodles ready to dip into a hot soup made of chicken and seafood broth. Umami!
Menya Sakura, multiple locations across Jakarta.
5. Tsurukamedou
Dishing up authentic Hakata-style ramen, Tsurukamedou in Jakarta is the first branch outside Japan – and it’s lived up to its reputation! The restaurant’s most popular dish is the tonkotsu ramen, generously topped with chasiu slices, nori, soft boiled egg and kikurage mushroom, or for a spicier option, add-on the restaurant’s secret spicy sauce.
Tsurukamedou, Jl Ratu Kemuning Raya Blok A2 No. 8A, West Jakarta, p. +62 812 8137 4292; Open daily 11am – 9pm.
6. Marutama
Marutama is no stranger to the ramen game, it already has a reputation amongst Japanese expats and Jakarta’s avid foodies – including us! On weekdays, Marutama is filled with hungry office workers eager to slurp their tamago ramen with Marutama’s signature chicken broth. On weekends, expect to see families flocking in for Marutama’s melt-in-your-mouth chasiu. End your visit with a sweet note: their ichigo matcha parfait will be the cherry on top of your dining experience.
Marutama, multiple locations across Jakarta
7. Ikkudo Ichi
One of the pioneering Japanese restaurants in Jakarta, Ikkudo Ichi’s ramen selection has won the hearts of many food enthusiasts. They spoil you with options from the type of noodles (curly or small) and their firmness (soft, normal or hard), to the richness in flavour (light, normal or heavy). It took us a few visits to find our favourite, but we certainly didn’t mind! Try the Tori Signature Ramen or the spicy Buta Kara Ramen.
Ikkudo Ichi, multiple locations across Jakarta
8. Hakata Ikkousha
From Fukkuoka to Jakarta with a lotta love in a bowl, Hakata Ikkousha is a ramen veteran, having served the hungry diners for over 40 years. The ramen is as authentic as can be, from the Tamtam Ramen to the spicy pork or chicken ramen. And since they cater to many kinds of diners, some of the outlets are strictly no pork!
Hakata Ikkousha, multiple locations across Jakarta
Happy slurping, Honeys!
