Ramen Cubism

Ramen Cubism is the brainchild of Japan’s ramen masters Hayashi Takao and Matsumura Takahiro. Although it’s situated in a dark nondescript alley on Wellington Street, it’s not hard to find as there’s always a line outside. The signature Premium Cubism bowl features three slices of char siu and an onsen egg over a creamy chicken base. But it’s actually the chewy texture of the noodles that makes the ramen bowls here most memorable.

27 Wellington St, Central; 2399 0811

Isaba Taifu

This wholesome eatery in Mongkok is a local favourite for ramen, with its red and blue walls covered from floor to ceiling in vintage Japanese posters, reminiscent of an old-school eatery in Osaka. The restaurant serves tsukemen during lunch and ramen during dinner – both rich and flavoursome.

G/F, Kin Wong Mansion, 39 Fife Street, Mongkok; 2487 4488

Tsuta

Tsuta’s won some big awards and has international outposts across Asia. The Hong Kong branch follows the same style as the original: only 400 bowls of ramen are served per day for quality control. Known for its freshly cut soba noodles, Tsuta’s noodles are slightly thicker than the average ramen noodle. The signature umami broth is a blend of its limited-supply shoyu soba and truffle oil, delivering a rich yet delicate flavour that has won Tsuta the “King of Ramen” title.

G/F, V Point, 18 Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay; 3188 2639

Butao Ramen

One of the first few local ramen shops to make it big in Hong Kong, Butao Ramen is a household name for any ramen lover in town. Butao focuses more on broths than noodles. It boasts a variety of soup bases, from the original “Butao” to the squid ink-based “Black King” and the more unique pesto broth “Green King”. Diners can customise their bowls, from the amount of broth or oil, to the toppings, from scallions to pork.

69 Wellington Street, Central; 3189 1200

Baikohken Ramen

Lesser known but with a quiet following, Baikohken Ramen is a Hokkaido import known for its grand ramen bowls. The original bowl is only HK$58, making it one of the cheapest in town. But we’d recommend going for the most decadent bowl – the lobster with cheese has a creamy base broth with toppings that include three whole pieces of char siu, scallops, bamboo shoots, seaweed, scallions, an onsen egg, and a giant grilled lobster half-drowned in a mountain of cheese. There are only 10 bowls available per day.

69 Wellington Street, Central; 3189 1200

Ichiran

For late night ramen cravings, you’re in luck. Ichiran in Causeway Bay is open 24/7. The hype has gone down, but it’s still the trusted spot for those looking to eat proper ramen in the privacy of a table for one. Each individual seat is partitioned by table dividers, making it the perfect lunch spot for those eating alone. Everything from the noodles to the richness of the broth can be customised here.

G/F, Lockhart House Block A, 440 Jaffe Road, Causeway Bay; 2152 4040