A few days ago, Time Out KL published a list of the Best Ramen in KL. Out of the 9 on the list, I’ve already been to 5 of them, some of them more than once! For someone who doesn’t even eat out much, I guess that makes me a certified Ramen addict (you probably already know that I’m a huge fan of noodles in general). Once I’ve also tried to make my own version of Tonkotsu Ramen with pretty good results. But seriously, with so many great Ramen joints on our doorstep nowadays, it sure seems a little silly to go through almost 10 hours of prep work for a bowl of noodles, while you have so many people willing to do that for you for a small price.

Of those in the list, my absolute favourite (for now) would have to be Marutama Ramen. I thought that Hokkaido Santaouka is way too liberal with salt, not only with the broth but the char shu as well, although they do serve supremely rich and creamy soup. Ikuzo Ramen is best in terms of value, you could get a decent bowl of Hokkaido Ramen for only RM8.90 (RM1 extra with Ajitsuke Tamago), though tasty in its own right, it’s probably not going to blow you away. Goku Raku‘s Ultimate Tonkotsu Ramen came with soup so rich, I could only stomach a small portion before feeling a little ‘heavy’. Ramen Taiko‘s version pales in comparison with the rest.

Not sure why it took me so long to visit Marutama Ramen here as I have been hearing my friends waxing lyrical over it. Several weeks ago, I finally ventured to Fahrenheit Mall for a taste, with a friend who happens to be a huge fan (she goes there weekly), and it was love at first sight. The Ramen, that is. I’m taken.

Situated in Fahrenheit 88 on the first floor, this cute little Ramen joint looks and feels authentic. You’ll see Japanese people dining here too, which is always a good sign. We pored over the menu for a little while. There are many options, so there’s bound to be something for everyone. I’ve ordered the Spicy Ajitsuke Tamago Ramen which comes with one marinated soft boiled egg, one piece of charsiu, river bed seaweed and spring onions.

The Toripaitan broth, a milky-white 100% chicken broth (MSG-Free) which have been meticulously cooked for over 5 hours, is really quite amazing. Full of chicken essence with plenty of umaminess but definitely not as cloying as the usual Tonkotsu broth. Salt level was absolutely perfect. At first glance, you wouldn’t think it’s spicy at all, but the broth definitely packs quite a bit of a punch. I should also mention that the chili they serve on the side is homemade and really quite spicy! So approach with caution. I added plenty of fried garlic too, for that extra punch of flavour.

I loved the Char Shu so much that I accidentally finished the lone piece too fast. It was threatening to fall apart at the chopsticks, and surprisingly tasty, despite the pale look. Of course, we had to order an extra side of 3 Char Siu (RM6). Superb! If you love pork, make sure you order the Ramen with multiple pieces.

Marutama serves Hakata styles ramen noodles which were straighter and thinner than the ones you’d usually see here. There were plenty in the soup, and I enjoyed the springy texture; a perfect marriage with the broth.

But the star of the dish? Definitely the Ajitsuke Tamago (marinated soft boiled egg). Perfectly runny in the centre, and well marinated with a good balance of savoury and sweet. Both Thumbs Up! So far the best I’ve tried in KL (even my lifetime). Every ramen joint should take note.

It sure didn’t take long for me to pay the second visit (just a little more than a week after) with my BFF Louise. Just to see if they are consistent, so I ordered the same combination with extra Char Shu (to share). I think I managed to finish that under 15 minutes. Heavenly. Who wants to come with me this week?

Marutama Ramen (non-Halal)

Fahrenheit 88

F1.27.01, First Floor,

Jalan Bukit Bintang,

55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Tel : +03-21411573

Business Hours : 11.30am to 10.00pm

How many Ramen have you tried on that list and which is your favourite? I’ve yet to try Menya Musashi and must rectify that soon!