In the world of noodle soups, Ramen has risen to the top to become one of the most cherished dishes eaten the world over. The complex, umami-dense broths combined with the firm but tender wheat noodles and the myriad of toppings that make up each bowl are the ultimate comfort food.
If you’re hankering for some top notch ramen, read on to find out which spots in KL serve up these heavenly bowls.
Bankara Ramen
Since touching down in KL in 2014, this Tokyo-based brand has made its mark on the ramen map of Malaysia, offering four authentic Japanese styles: Bankara Signature, Tonkotsu, Miso and Tsukemen.
The Signature gives you a classic broth made with pork bones and shoyu, while the Tonkotsu is a milkier version served with thinner noodles. The Miso is more robust and smoky in flavour while the Tsukemen comes served with cold noodles and a spicy soup with bamboo shoots and dried seaweed.
Bankara Ramen
WhereLot 2-7, Level 2 Avenue K, 156 Jalan Ampang; T-028, 3rd Floor, Mid Valley Megamall, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra
Tel03 2181 8618 (Avenue K), 03 2201 8618 (Mid Valley)
bankaramalaysia.com
Ippudo
With outlets in Pavilion KL, The Gardens Mall and Bangsar Shopping Centre, this internationally renowned chain has kept the fine art of making ramen a delicate balance between textures and flavours.
There is a Zen-like harmony between broth, topping and noodle – which you can choose to have anywhere between soft to very hard. From broth made with spicy blended miso paste to that with added ground pork, Ippudo Founder Shigemi Kawahara says that each of his creations is a cosmos served in a bowl – head to Ippudo to find out why.
Ippudo
Where Lot C4.07.00, Connection Level 4, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, 168, Jalan Bukit Bintang; Lot-T218, 3rd Floor, The Gardens Mall, Lingkaran Syed Putra; Lot G110 Ground Floor, Bangsar Shopping Centre, Jalan Maarof
Tel 03 2110 6233 (Pavilion KL), 03 2201 6238 (The Gardens Mall), 03 2011 6238 (Bangsar Shopping Centre) ippudo.com.my
Bari-Uma
Bari-Uma translates to ‘super tasty’ from Japanese and that’s precisely what you’re getting with these slurp-worthy savoury strands of goodness. These come served in pork bone broth that’s simmered for over 10 hours and served with thick slices of flamed, melt-in-your mouth chashu (barbequed meat).
Bari’s Signature bowl is masterfully presented with crisp seaweed that soaks up the broth to become umami-rich sheets of delight. Make sure to try out the wide assortment of gyoza (chicken stuffed dumplings) as well, from the negi-mayo version to pan-fried parcels with teriyaki sauce.
Bari-Uma
Where Lot L3-11, Level 3, Jaya Shopping Centre,
Jalan Semangat, Petaling Jaya
Tel 03 7932 2958
bariuma.my