Best Ramen at Tanjong Pagar: Ultimate Guide to Singapore’s Premier Ramen District

Tanjong Pagar is Singapore’s ramen hotspot, boasting the highest concentration of quality ramen shops in the city. By day, it’s a bustling CBD; by night, a vibrant food destination where the rich aroma of simmered broths draws long queues of locals and tourists alike.

What makes ramen at Tanjong Pagar special is the variety and quality—from authentic Japanese chains rooted in Japan’s culinary traditions to innovative local spots. Whether you crave creamy tonkotsu soup or lighter broths, this district offers a wide range of flavours for every palate.

Top Ramen Restaurants in Tanjong Pagar

Brothers Ramen at International Plaza

Brothers Ramen at International Plaza (10 Anson Road, #01-20) is a local favorite known for generous portions and excellent value. Its signature tonkotsu ramen ($14.90++) features springy noodles in rich pork broth, topped with a tender piece of chashu, bamboo shoots, spring onion, and a piece of seaweed.

The Megamen Light ($12.90++) offers a lighter yet satisfying alternative with thicker noodles and a clear pork broth, perfect for a quick lunch.

Many diners have decided Brothers Ramen is a top choice for value and quality.

Opening Hours:

• Mon–Tue, Thurs–Fri: 11:30am–2:30pm, 6:00pm–7:45pm
• Wed & Sat: 11:30am–2:30pm
  

Ippudo at Tanjong Pagar Center

Ippudo, located at Tanjong Pagar Center (5 Wallich Street #01-15), is a renowned Japanese ramen chain famous for authentic Hakata ramen. Founded by “Ramen King” Shigemi Kawahara, it specializes in rich tonkotsu broth with thin noodles and premium toppings.

Each strand of noodle is springy and smooth, providing a satisfying bite, and the noodles are slightly thicker compared to some other outlets, which enhances the overall texture. Compared to other ramen shops, Ippudo’s broth is richer and creamier, and the noodle style stands out for its consistency and mouthfeel. Ippudo’s spacious dining area and sake menu elevate the experience, though no reservations mean queues at peak times.

Many have decided Ippudo is a must-visit for authentic Japanese ramen.

Opening Hours:

• Sun–Thu: 11am–10pm
• Fri–Sat: 11am–11pm
  

Enishi at International Plaza

Enishi offers a Michelin Bib Gourmand experience with its refined dashi-based ramen, focusing on umami-rich broths made from fish and kombu. Compared to the pork-based options commonly found in Tanjong Pagar, Enishi's broth has a bit more subtlety and delicacy, allowing the nuanced flavors to shine.

Ramen Keisuke Tori King at 100AM Tras Street

For chicken broth lovers, Ramen Keisuke Tori King at 100AM Tras Street serves rich tori paitan ramen. Compared to pork-based broths, the creamy chicken broth here is simmered for hours to extract natural collagen, resulting in a lighter but equally satisfying alternative with a bit more clarity and lightness in flavor.

Tonkotsu King: The Crown Jewel of Tanjong Pagar’s Ramen

Among the many ramen dishes at Tanjong Pagar, the Tonkotsu King stands out as a specialty beloved for its rich, creamy tonkotsu broth. This soup is simmered for hours using pork bones to achieve a deep umami flavor and a smooth, thick texture. The bowl features perfectly cooked thin noodles, typical of hakata ramen, that absorb the flavorful broth beautifully. Toppings include tender chashu, bamboo shoots, spring onion, a delicate piece of nori, and a hint of garlic, creating a balanced and satisfying taste. A must-try for anyone exploring ramen at Tanjong Pagar, this dish exemplifies the quality and popularity that draw long queues at outlets like International Plaza and Orchid Hotel.

Many have decided Tori King is the best choice for chicken ramen lovers.

Broth Styles Available in Tanjong Pagar

Tonkotsu – The King of Broths

Tonkotsu broth reigns supreme in Tanjong Pagar’s ramen scene. Made by simmering pork bone for 8-12 hours, this creamy, opaque soup is thicker than other types and has a bit more richness and depth. Compared to lighter broths, tonkotsu offers a more intense, collagen-rich experience. Restaurants like Brothers Ramen and Ippudo achieve a balance of richness and smooth texture that coats the palate with deep pork flavor. Thick and springy noodles pair perfectly with this broth, with each strand thoroughly coated in its savory essence.

Hakata Ramen and Thin Noodles

Hakata ramen, famous for its thin noodles and rich tonkotsu broth, is expertly served at Ippudo and similar outlets. Each strand of the thin noodles offers a delicate texture, giving a bit more bite compared to softer varieties, and perfectly complements the creamy soup. The noodles are much thinner compared to the thicker noodles found in other ramen styles, which creates a unique eating experience. This allows each bite to showcase the layered flavours of the broth without overwhelming the palate.

Shoyu and Dashi Broths

Shoyu ramen offers a lighter, soy sauce-based clear broth, highlighting the more subtle and refined flavours of quality ingredients like chashu and bamboo shoots. Compared to the richer, heavier tonkotsu broth, shoyu ramen has a bit more delicacy and lightness. Enishi’s dashi ramen uses fish and kombu to create a refined umami foundation, with nuanced flavours that appeal to those seeking authentic Japanese tastes with a lighter profile. Each strand of noodle interacts beautifully with the lighter broth, allowing the delicate flavours to shine through.

Chicken-Based Broth (Tori Paitan)

Ramen Keisuke Tori King specializes in tori paitan, a creamy chicken broth made by simmering chicken bones. Compared to pork-based broths, this chicken broth is a bit lighter and offers more clarity, while still delivering a satisfying richness. The flavours of the chicken broth are layered and nuanced, providing a clean chicken aroma and deep umami. Each strand of noodle is well-coated by the broth, enhancing the texture and overall eating experience. It’s a specialty for diners seeking variety within Tanjong Pagar’s ramen options.

Signature Dishes and Menu Highlights

Brothers Ramen Classics

The Brothers Ramen Classic features springy noodles, with each strand offering a satisfying bite, in a rich and slightly thicker tonkotsu broth. It is topped with a tender piece of chashu, bamboo shoots, spring onion, and a piece of seaweed. The broth’s creamy texture and balanced flavours make it a standout dish, with just a bit more depth compared to lighter options. The Megamen Light offers a lighter broth with thicker noodles and generous toppings, ideal for value seekers. Many have decided this is a top choice for ramen lovers.

Ippudo Specialties

Ippudo’s Akamaru Shinaji combines a creamy, thicker tonkotsu broth with garlic oil and miso paste, topped with a piece of chashu, bamboo shoots, a piece of nori, and spring onion. The rich, layered flavours stand out, with each strand of noodle offering a bit of chew and texture that sets it apart. The Karaka Men adds a spicy miso bean sauce, delivering a sweet and spicy flavor profile with a bit more heat and complexity compared to the Akamaru Shinaji. Both dishes showcase Ippudo’s mastery of tonkotsu ramen, and many have decided these are must-try specialties.

Tori King at Ramen Keisuke

The Tori King bowl highlights the richness of chicken broth with tender chicken chashu, thin noodles, bamboo shoots, and spring onion. Each strand of noodle has a pleasant texture, and the broth is a bit thicker than typical ramen, which adds to the overall mouthfeel. The creamy soup balances umami and lightness, with flavours that are both unique and well-balanced, offering a bit of difference in taste compared to pork-based ramen. Many have decided this is a must-try for chicken ramen.

Best Times to Visit and Queue Tips

Brothers Ramen Timing

Arrive before 11:30am to avoid long queues at Brothers Ramen, especially during weekdays when lines can exceed an hour. Weekend waits are generally shorter but still expected. Efficient service staff help maintain steady turnover.



Ippudo and Other Outlets

Ippudo’s extended hours until 10-11pm provide flexibility, though peak times require patience. Enishi’s limited seating means timing is crucial, while Ramen Keisuke Tori King usually sees manageable waits.

Queue Management

Most ramen spots operate on a first-come-first-served basis without reservations. Bringing entertainment or chatting with fellow diners can make waiting more enjoyable.

Ramen at Tanjong Pagar: The Complete Experience

Tanjong Pagar is more than just a place to eat ramen; it’s a vibrant community where the love for ramen at Tanjong Pagar is celebrated daily, deeply rooted in the traditions of Japan. From the rich tonkotsu king broths simmered to perfection, to the delicate flavours of tori king chicken ramen, the district offers a spectrum of tastes and flavours that reflect Japan’s culinary heritage and Singapore’s innovative spirit.

Whether you’re dining at the iconic Orchid Hotel outlets or exploring hidden gems in International Plaza, each bowl tells a story of tradition, quality ingredients, and passionate service staff dedicated to creating memorable food experiences. The long queues and bustling atmosphere are part of the charm, signaling the popularity and high standards that define ramen at Tanjong Pagar.

Conclusion

Tanjong Pagar remains Singapore’s premier ramen destination, blending authentic tonkotsu ramen inspired by Japan, local innovation, and unbeatable variety. From the rich, creamy bowls of Brothers Ramen and Ippudo to the lighter chicken broth at Ramen Keisuke Tori King, the district satisfies every ramen lover’s craving with a wide range of flavours.

Plan your visit wisely, embrace the queues, and get ready to enjoy some of the best ramen Singapore has to offer. Don’t hesitate to drop by Tanjong Pagar for your next ramen fix—many have decided it’s the ultimate ramen destination. For more detailed reviews and the latest updates on ramen at Tanjong Pagar, be sure to visit our website at Best Ramen Singapore, your ultimate guide to the city's top ramen spots.