A Must-Visit Ramen Shop in Tanjong Pagar. Introducing: Brothers Ramen

It was a Thursday, a little past noon, and I'd walked out of Tanjong Pagar MRT Station with no umbrella and no plan.

The heat sat on my shoulders the way it does in the CBD, thick and impatient. I ducked into International Plaza mostly for the air, and then I remembered why the name Brothers Ramen kept surfacing in conversations about the best ramen in Singapore.

Two minutes from the station, tucked into the ground floor of International Plaza at 10 Anson Road, Singapore 079903, a short line had already formed. I joined it without thinking too hard about it.

Finding Brothers Ramen at International Plaza and the Wait

The shopfront doesn't announce itself with flashy signs or bright banners. Just a modest sign and a handful of people standing patiently, phones down, waiting for the opening time at 11:30am. The lunch crowd here moves in a steady trickle rather than a rush, but I've heard the queue can stretch close to an hour at its worst. I waited around twenty-five minutes, which felt fair.



If you want to skip the longest lines, come slightly before the opening time. That's the honest tip. The regulars already know it.

First Time at Brothers Ramen: First Impressions Inside

The interior is smaller and cosier than I expected. Soft lighting bathes the warm wood tones, casting gentle shadows that invite you to relax. The low hum of conversation mingles with the occasional clatter of bowls and the faint aroma of simmering broth, creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and alive. It isn’t styled for photographs, and I mean that as a compliment. It’s a restaurant prepared for eating, not for posing.

Tables sit close together, their polished surfaces reflecting the warm glow. When I squeezed into mine, the rich, savory scent of my neighbour’s chashu ramen broth teased my nose before my own bowl arrived. The air-conditioning ran cool, a small mercy after the humid walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT Station, and I kept my sleeves down, savoring the contrast between the crisp air and the warmth that would soon fill my mouth.

The two brothers who run the place move with the quiet efficiency of people who’ve honed their craft over years. Their hands expertly prepare each dish with care, embodying the passion that began with a humble coffee shop stall in 2010. You can feel that history in how unhurried everything is, in the way the rich, pork-based broth simmers patiently, and in the tender chashu pork slices that melt softly on the tongue. This is ramen prepared with heart, a taste of Japan’s culinary tradition brought to life in the heart of Singapore’s Tanjong Pagar Plaza.

The Menu: A Delicious Combination of Style Ramen and Craft

I came hungry and a little greedy, so I ordered more than one person reasonably should.

I started with the classic Brothers Ramen ($14.90), then added the Ikemen ($14.90), their weekly special. Later I worked through the Megamen Light ($12.90) and the Megamen Dry ($14.90), mostly out of curiosity.



Four bowls, one appetite, plenty of notes. Let me walk you through them.

Brothers Ramen: The Signature Bowl

This is the bowl the name rests on, so I began here.

The broth was rich and full, deeply porky, with a hearty backbone from the pork chashu that had clearly given itself to the soup. It leaned a touch thick for me, almost gravy-like in places, though I understand why people love it that way.

The noodles, their own noodles crafted daily, were the standout. Well-cooked, springy, with a proper chewy texture that held up as I lingered. The pork chashu was tender, the bamboo shoots soft and gentle against the richness. The balance of flavours was flavourful and satisfying, with just the right amount of salty notes.

My one small wish? A sheet of nori or some other toppings like a soft-boiled egg to complete the combination. Still, this is the best ramen bowl I'd return for.

Chicken Ramen: A Different Style Ramen Experience

The Ikemen is the weekly special, and I went in curious.

It arrived looking generous: thick noodles submerged in a rich broth made with chicken and fish, a heap of spinach, a thick cut of chicken chashu, and the nori I'd been missing earlier. On the surface, it had everything going for it.

But this is where I have to be honest. The chicken chashu was tough, missing the tenderness I'd hoped for after the first bowl. The noodles, thicker than the Brothers Ramen's, turned a little too chewy for me. I found myself wishing for thinner, springier noodles instead.

Then there was the garlic. I asked one of the brothers what set this broth apart, and he mentioned it uses chicken oil where the classic doesn't. The garlic came through strong, almost overwhelming by the last few spoonfuls.

If you order this chicken ramen or spicy ramen variant, here's my tip: ask for less garlic. It'll save you from the heaviness I felt creeping in near the bottom of the bowl.

Megamen Light: A Lighter, Delicious Option

This was the cheapest bowl on the menu, and it quietly became my favourite surprise.

For the price, the sheer amount of other ingredients piled over the noodles caught me off guard. This isn't a stingy bowl. It's the opposite.

The chashu here was fatty, tender, the kind that melts and coats your tongue with a rich, buttery sensation. Each bite was a luscious experience that contrasted beautifully with the light broth. The broth itself was clear and light, with a delicate aroma that hinted at the pork bones simmered slowly to create a comforting, home-cooked noodle soup feel. It had a gentle umami depth that lingered on the palate without overwhelming it.

The noodles, though thick, had a pleasing chewiness that held the broth nicely, soaking up the subtle flavours with every bite. I found myself savoring the interplay between the silky broth, the tender meat, and the springy noodles, a harmonious balance that made each spoonful rewarding.

From the first sip to the last bite, the Megamen Light offered a nicely crafted, satisfying ramen experience that felt both hearty and refreshing. It’s a bowl that invites you to take your time, enjoying each bite and every subtle nuance.

If you're exploring other places for ramen, the Megamen Light at Brothers Ramen stands out as a free-spirited yet thoughtfully composed dish that offers a delightful bite of Jiro style ramen culture adapted for Singapore’s palate. It’s a dish that deserves a comment for its unpretentious quality and generous servings.



Located at 01 20 Singapore’s International Plaza, Brothers Ramen continues to impress with its dedication to quality and passion for ramen craftsmanship, making it a must-try for ramen enthusiasts seeking authentic flavours and hearty portions.

Megamen Dry: A Dry Style Ramen Delight

The Megamen Dry carries the same ingredients as the Light, but drops the soup and adds an ajitsuke tamago (egg) and shredded seaweed.

I'll admit I laughed a little when it arrived. There was a towering heap of tau gay (vegetables) on top, so much that I had to dig through it to find the noodles underneath. I nearly tipped the whole thing over doing it.

Once I got there, though, the fatty chashu did its work again, coating each strand with a smooth, buttery mouthfeel. The portion defeated me. I couldn't finish it, and I came in hungry.

Lesson learned. Next time I order a Megamen, I'm arriving on an empty stomach and clearing my whole afternoon.

The Honest Picture: Quality, Craft, and Local Passion

No bowl here is perfect, and I don't think Brothers Ramen is trying to be.

Here's what stayed with me, and what I'd flag:

• The portions are genuinely large. You get your money's worth, especially with the Megamen bowls.
• The location is easy, a short walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT Station, which matters on a hot day.
• The chashu is inconsistent. Tender and lovely in some bowls, tough in others.
• The Ikemen's garlic can tip into too much. Order it lighter.
• The noodles skew thick across the menu, which won't suit everyone.
• The queue is real. Come early or come patient.



None of this ruined the meal. If anything, the unevenness made it feel human. This is a place cooking with passion and craft, not chasing perfection.

Who I'd Send Here: Friends, Foodies, and First Time Visitors

Brothers Ramen suits the hungry more than the dainty.

If you want a big, satisfying bowl that fills you properly without emptying your wallet, this is an easy recommendation. Solo diners will feel at home at the closely packed tables, heads down, focused on the food.

Small groups can manage too, though the tight seating means large parties might struggle during peak hours. If you're coming with friends, aim for an off-hour visit and be ready to squeeze in.



And if you're the sort who judges a bowl by its value and heart rather than its plating, you'll understand why people keep talking about this ramen shop in Tanjong Pagar. Many posts online refer to Brothers Ramen as a must-visit spot for authentic, hearty ramen in Singapore.

Before You Go: Tips for Your Visit

I left full, in that heavy, contented way that makes the afternoon slow down.

Brothers Ramen is open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch from 11:30am to 2:30pm and dinner from 6pm to 7:45pm, with last order called promptly. The queue starts forming before opening time, so come early to beat the wait.

The bowls here have their hits and misses, but there's real care poured into each one, and you taste it. That counts for more than a flawless bowl that leaves nothing behind.

If you find yourself near Tanjong Pagar with an appetite and a little patience for the queue, order the Brothers Ramen first, then the Megamen Light if you've still got room. Skip the extra garlic in the Ikemen.

Then come back and tell me which bowl stayed with you. I'd genuinely like to know.

If you're craving for a partner for your ramen dishes, why not check and visit our list of Best Curry Ramen Combos, to find out your pair in your bowl.