Ramen Lover’s Guide: Discovering the Best Ramen in Saigon

Ramen, with its rich broth, tender noodles, and flavorful toppings, has become a beloved dish worldwide. In Saigon, the ramen scene is thriving, offering a variety of authentic and innovative bowls that cater to both locals and expats. Whether you’re a die-hard ramen enthusiast or just looking to explore the city’s culinary landscape, this guide will help you discover the best ramen spots in Saigon.

1. Yukichi Ramen

Location: 15B/67 Le Thanh Ton Street, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Located at Le Thanh Ton Street in the heart of Japan Town, Yukichi Ramen is a cosy, intimate ramen shop known for its dedication to authentic Japanese flavours. Despite its small size, Yukichi has earned a considerable reputation among ramen lovers for its rich and flavorful bowls.

Signature Ramen: Yukichi specialises in Tonkotsu Ramen, featuring a deeply rich and creamy pork bone broth. The broth is simmered for hours to extract maximum flavour, resulting in a full-bodied base that pairs perfectly with their tender, house-made noodles. The Chashu Ramen is another favourite, topped with melt-in-your-mouth pork belly, soft-boiled eggs, and a sprinkle of green onions.

Yukichi’s interior is warm and inviting, with limited counter seating for an intimate dining experience. The decor is simple, with traditional Japanese touches that transport you straight to a ramen bar in Tokyo. The quiet, unassuming setting is perfect for a solo meal or a quiet dinner with friends.

>> Read more: Discover Top 10 Japanese Restaurants in Saigon

2. Tori Soba Mutahiro Ramen

Location: 8A/G8b, Thai Van Lung, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Tori Soba Mutahiro is a slice of Tokyo in the bustling District 1. Located at 8A/G8b, Thai Van Lung, this ramen shop is all about authenticity, offering a menu that focuses on chicken-based ramen—a lighter yet equally flavorful alternative to the more common pork-based broths.

Signature Ramen: The Tori Soba Ramen is the menu’s star, featuring a clear, chicken-based broth that is both light and deeply savoury. The thin and firm noodles complement the tender chicken slices, a soft-boiled egg, and fresh green onions. The Shio Tori Soba is another standout, with a slightly salty broth that enhances the natural flavours of the chicken.

Tori Soba Mutahiro provides a calm atmosphere with minimalist decor and intimate seating. The wooden accents and soft lighting create a warm environment, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a bowl of ramen in peace. The friendly and attentive staff add to the overall positive dining experience.

3. Ittou Ramen

Location: 8/8 Le Thanh Ton Alley, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Tucked away in an alley at 8/8 Le Thanh Ton, ITTOU RAMEN is a hidden gem embodying traditional Japanese ramen’s spirit. This small ramen shop has garnered a loyal following for its authentic flavours and dedication to quality.

Signature Ramen: The Shoyu Ramen at ITTOU is a must-try. It features a soy-based broth that is both savoury and aromatic. The broth is light yet flavorful, allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine through. Their Miso Ramen is another popular choice, offering a rich and hearty broth perfect for those who enjoy deeper flavours.

ITTOU RAMEN offers a simple and traditional Japanese dining experience. The interior is modest, with wooden furnishings and minimal decor that keeps the focus on the food. The seating is limited, but this only adds to the intimate and authentic feel of the place. It’s an ideal spot for a quiet, satisfying meal.

4. Danbo Ramen

Location: 8a/7b1 Thai Van Lung, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Danbo Ramen is a favourite among ramen enthusiasts in Saigon. Known for its deeply rich and creamy tonkatsu broth, Danbo brings a taste of Fukuoka-style ramen to the city.

Signature Ramen: The Tonkotsu Ramen at Danbo is the highlight, featuring a broth that’s been simmered for hours to achieve its rich, creamy texture. The noodles are perfectly al dente, and the toppings, including tender pork slices, kikurage mushrooms, and fresh green onions, elevate the dish. Diners can customise their ramen with additional toppings or choose from varying richness levels for the broth.

Danbo Ramen boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere, with wooden interiors and soft lighting. The open kitchen allows diners to watch the chefs at work, adding to the overall experience. It’s a great spot for a casual meal with friends or a quick solo dining experience.

5. Shoday Ramen

Location: 3A1 Ngo Van Nam, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Shoday Ramen is known for putting a modern spin on classic ramen dishes. The restaurant offers a variety of ramen options, each crafted with care and a touch of creativity.

Signature Ramen: Shoday’s Miso Ramen is a crowd favourite. It features a rich, miso-based broth that’s both hearty and flavorful. The noodles are thick and chewy, providing a satisfying texture with each bite. Shio Ramen is another popular choice, offering a lighter, salt-based broth that highlights the freshness of the ingredients.

The interior of Shoday Ramen is modern and stylish, with a blend of traditional and contemporary design elements. The seating is comfortable, and the atmosphere is relaxed, making it a perfect spot for a casual meal. The staff are attentive and welcoming, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.

6. Torisho

Location: 11B1 Thai Van Lung, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Torisho is a hidden gem that offers a variety of ramen dishes at affordable prices. This unpretentious ramen shop is a favourite among locals for its comforting flavours.

Signature Ramen: Torisho’s Chicken Ramen is the star of the menu, featuring a rich and flavorful chicken broth that’s both satisfying and nourishing. The ramen is served with tender slices of chicken, a soft-boiled egg, and fresh greens, making for a well-balanced meal. The Spicy Ramen is also popular, offering a kick of heat for those who enjoy a bit of spice.

The atmosphere at Torisho is simple and laid-back, focusing on providing a comfortable dining experience. The interior is unassuming, with modest decor and straightforward seating. It’s a great spot for a quick, casual meal without any frills.

7. 麺屋ふた葉 Futaba

Location: 8a/a3 Thai Van Lung, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

麺屋ふた葉 Futaba, a truly authentic Japanese ramen experience in Saigon. The restaurant is known for its traditional ramen dishes, crafted with meticulous attention to detail.

Signature Ramen: The Tonkotsu Ramen at Futaba is a must-try, featuring a deeply rich and creamy pork bone broth full of umami flavour. The noodles are perfectly cooked, and the toppings, including tender chashu pork and a marinated egg, add to the overall richness of the dish. The Miso Ramen is another standout, offering a savoury and robust flavour profile that’s sure to satisfy.

Futaba’s interior is designed to evoke the feel of a traditional Japanese ramen shop, with wooden accents and simple, clean lines. The calm and welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a quiet meal. The friendly and knowledgeable staff ensure each diner has a memorable experience.

8. Daiichi Ramen

Location: 2b2 Thai Van Lung, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Nestled in Japan Town at 2b2 Thai Van Lung, Daiichi Ramen is known for its comforting bowls of ramen. The restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a favourite among those looking for a casual, satisfying meal.

Signature Ramen: Daiichi’s Tonkotsu Ramen is the menu’s star, featuring a rich and creamy broth that’s been simmered to perfection. The noodles are firm and springy, and the toppings, including tender slices of pork and fresh vegetables, make for a well-rounded dish. The Shoyu Ramen is also popular, offering a light yet flavorful soy-based broth.

The ambience at Daiichi Ramen is warm and homey, with a simple interior that focuses on comfort. The small, intimate setting makes it a great place to enjoy a quiet meal. The staff are friendly and attentive, ensuring that each diner feels welcomed and well-cared for.

9. Machida Shoten Japanese Ramen

Location: 38 Hai Ba Trung, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Machida Shoten introduces Saigon diners to the robust flavours of Yokohama-style ramen. This style, known for its rich and creamy pork-based broth, thick noodles, and bold toppings, offers a heartier and more filling ramen experience. Whether you’re familiar with Yokohama ramen or trying it for the first time, Machida Shoten promises a meal that satisfies your craving for deep, comforting flavours.

Signature Ramen: The Yokohama Iekei Ramen is the highlight at Machida Shoten. The broth is thick, rich, and brimming with umami, crafted from simmering pork bones for hours to develop its signature depth of flavour. The thick, chewy noodles perfectly soak up the broth, delivering a satisfying bite with every mouthful. This ramen bowl is both hearty and indulgent and is topped with generous slices of chashu pork, marinated eggs, and a sprinkling of fresh green onions. For those who like an extra kick, there are options to add spice or extra garlic, enhancing the already bold flavours.

Machida Shoten offers a welcoming atmosphere with a nod to traditional Japanese ramen shops. The interior features warm wood tones, simple decor, and an open kitchen where diners can watch the chefs in action. The bustling yet comfortable environment is an excellent spot for solo diners and groups. The friendly staff and efficient service further enhance the dining experience, ensuring that each visit is enjoyable and satisfying.

10. Shinsho Ramen

Addresses: 

• 30 Nguyen Dang Giai Street, Thao Dien, Thu Duc, Ho Chi Minh City
• 50 Ngo Duc Ke, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Shinsho Ramen, located in Thao Dien and District 1, is quickly becoming a favourite among ramen enthusiasts in Saigon. Despite being relatively new to the scene, Shinsho has already made a name for itself with its commitment to quality and flavorful ramen offerings.

Signature Ramen: Shinsho Ramen specialises in Tonkotsu Ramen, featuring a rich and creamy pork bone broth simmered to perfection. The broth is flavoured, offering a balance of richness and umami that pairs beautifully with the firm, springy noodles. The Spicy Miso Ramen is another standout, offering a robust, spicy kick that complements the depth of the miso-based broth. Topped with tender slices of pork, a perfectly cooked egg, and a sprinkle of green onions, these ramen bowls are both satisfying and full of character.

Both Shinsho locations boast a modern, clean design with an inviting atmosphere. The Thao Dien location offers a more laid-back, suburban vibe, while the District 1 spot is perfect for those looking for a quick and delicious meal. The interiors are minimalist yet cosy, with comfortable seating and an open kitchen that allows diners to see the ramen preparation process. The warm, welcoming staff further enhances the experience, making Shinsho a must-visit spot for ramen lovers in Saigon.

Conclusion

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