Taste Sensation: HCMC’s Top 5 Ramen Destinations

Ho Chi Minh City is known for its diverse food scene, and hidden within its busy streets are some remarkable ramen spots. Ramen, with its rich history and flavors, has gained global popularity, transcending borders. From small, cozy places to modern eateries, each ramen joint we’re about to discover has its unique charm and culinary expertise. Join us for a journey into the world of these culinary treasures, where skilled broth-making, handmade noodles, and carefully chosen toppings come together to offer an extraordinary dining experience.

Whether you’re a ramen expert or just curious about food, this adventure will excite your taste buds. So, grab your chopsticks, and let’s explore the top five ramen places in Ho Chi Minh City. Each slurp will take you on a delicious journey you won’t forget.

Choi Oi Noodle

Renowned for its Tonkotsu Cappuccino Ramen, Choi Oi Noodle stands out as an exceptional ramen stall in town. Their specialty creation features a luscious, frothy upper layer reminiscent of a perfectly crafted cappuccino. Alongside this velvety broth, you’ll find familiar components such as delicate thin noodles, a seasoned egg, flavorful black mushrooms, marinated bamboo shoots, a generous slab of succulent chashu pork with a tantalizing charred exterior, and a delightful garnish of fresh green onions. If you crave the indulgence of thick, fatty pork in your ramen, a visit to Choi Oi Noodle is an absolute must.

The restaurant’s ambiance exudes a cozy and intimate atmosphere, with its compact space and inviting counter seats that offer a front-row view of the chefs skillfully preparing the ramen right before your eyes. While there is a small table available for up to four people, it’s important to note that Choi Oi Noodle is not suited for large groups. The cherry on top is their late closing time, making them the perfect destination to satisfy those late-night ramen cravings.

Opening hours: 11:00 - 3:00 (Last order at 2:30)

Address: 15B.25 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Nghe ward, District 1

Also Read: Ever Heard Of Cappuccino Ramen? Try It At Choi Oi Noodle

Tori Soba Mutahiro

The lively katakana characters of Tori Soba Mutahiro, also known as Mutahiro chicken soba, immediately grab your attention with their playful charm. Stepping into this cozy shop, you’ll find a small ramen bar with space for just 12 seats. You might be curious why they serve ramen instead of soba noodles, given the name of the store. It’s essential to note that in Japan, “soba” can refer to both buckwheat noodles and Chinese noodles, known as chukasoba.

This charming eatery specializes in creating exceptional ramen, featuring a rich broth infused with the goodness of chicken fat and enhanced with delicate shreds of fresh ginger. It’s a worthy rival to the finest ramen offerings in Japan, typically known for their pork-based broths. At Tori Soba Mutahiro, they take a unique approach, crafting their ramen using a combination of chicken bones, chicken oil, and torigara chicken stock. This distinctive blend brings a delightful mix of sweetness and umami to the broth, leaving a savory aftertaste that’s truly remarkable.

Opening hours: 11:00 - 14:00 | 18:00 - 2:00

Address: 8A/G8B Thai Van Lung, Ben Nghe ward, District 1

Ittou Ramen

In Saigon, Ittou Ramen restaurant stands out with its captivating Japanese design, seamlessly blending traditional charm with contemporary trends. This unique establishment effortlessly captures the essence of both worlds in its impeccable design.

For a delightful culinary experience at Ittou Ramen, try their tsukemen noodles with a rich seafood flavor, a crowd favorite, especially on hot days in Saigon. The meticulously stewed broth, brimming with the essence of seafood, offers a sweet, nourishing, and downright delicious taste. Dip the noodles into the broth to create a delightful fusion of flavors that the restaurant takes great pride in. Additionally, their menu includes a unique ramen with Japanese curry-flavored broth, inviting Vietnamese diners to explore new flavors distinct from the thicker Vietnamese curry, resulting in a truly remarkable dining experience.

Opening hours: 11:00 - 22:00

Address: 8/8 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Nghe ward, District 1

Danbo Ramen

Danbo Ramen Shop, a famous Japanese restaurant chain, is now in Vietnam. They’ve been serving tasty ramen for three years and have recently opened two new restaurants in District 1. People in Saigon, both locals and the Japanese community, love Danbo Ramen for its delicious Fukuoka ramen and friendly atmosphere.

When you visit, you’ll find a variety of ramen choices, including the delicious Tonkotsu and Yakibuta ramen. These dishes have long, chewy noodles in a tasty broth with a hint of sweetness. They come with Japanese soy sauce eggs, slow-cooked pork (chashu), and dried seaweed, making each bite delightful. You can also enjoy side dishes like fried dumplings and crispy fried chicken. Danbo is open until one in the morning, making it a great spot for a late-night meal, and the cozy, intimate dining area is perfect for sharing a meal with friends.

Opening hours: 11:00 - 14:45 | 17:00 - 12:30

Address: 8a/7b1 Thai Van Lung, Ben Nghe ward, District 1; 64B3 Xuan Thuy, Thao Dien ward, District 2

Machida Shoten

Another renowned ramen brand hailing from Japan, Machida Shoten, has left a significant mark on the culinary world, boasting over 700 restaurants across Japan, the United States, and Singapore. Internationally known as E.A.K ramen, this esteemed brand has now made its way into the Vietnamese market, bringing joy to customers with its first restaurant in Thao Dien Ward in D2 and later with another store in Landmark 81.

Machida Shoten Ramen proudly presents the Yokohama ramen style, deftly combining the finest elements of the Tonkotsu style from the West (Kyushu) and Shoyo style from the East (Tokyo). This unique fusion of chicken and pork results in a rich, distinctive broth that enhances every bowl of ramen served here. Complemented by delightful toppings like spinach and chashu meat, along with large, straight yellow noodles, the gastronomic experience reaches new heights.

Address: 14n Quoc Huong, Thao Dien ward, District 2 (10:30 - 12:00)

Vincom Landmark 81, Binh Thanh district (10:00 - 22:00)