It all began with Chinese tradesmen who brought a humble noodle soup to Japan in the 19th century—a bowl that would evolve into an obsession and a rainy day staple. Indeed, nothing hits the spot quite like a comforting bowl of ramen. Made up of steaming hot broth and tender noodles, the dish is the gastronomical equivalent of a cozy night in. In Dubai, ramen joints are popping up in every corner of the city to satisfy every craving, from rich tonkotsu to spicy miso. Whether you’re a purist or just hunting for that soul-warming bowl, here’s where to slurp up the best ramen in town.
Wokyo Noodle Bar
At Wokyo, the star of the menu is undoubtedly the Sapporo-style ramen—a dish born from hours of simmering and finished in a wok with fresh vegetables and authentic Hokkaido ramen noodles. Choose between the rich, miso-based ramen, a specialty of Sapporo, or the deeply savory Shoyu. Wokyo even offers a vegan Sapporo ramen, capturing all the flavors of the original in a plant-based form. It’s a dish that delivers a satisfying kick with each slurp, setting the bar high for ramen in Dubai.
Kinoya
Kinoya’s journey from a supper club to a full-fledged restaurant in The Greens Souk has transformed it into a modern ramen sanctuary. Blending izakaya charm with elevated Japanese street food, Kinoya invites guests to experience its five distinct ramen variations. The highlight? A slow-cooked chicken broth infused with dashi, topped with seared chicken and a luxurious mayo drizzle—a soul-soothing bowl with all the warmth and depth one could ask for. Whether seated at the teppanyaki bar, the terrace, or in the intimate dining room, each ramen bowl here feels personal, a nod to the chef’s love for this iconic dish.
YUi Ramen House
Nestled in Dubai Design District (D3), YUi Ramen House delivers a truly unique experience. The restaurant’s name, meaning “Only One” in Japanese, is no coincidence—its entirely vegan, hand-crafted ramen noodles have carved out a niche in Dubai’s ramen landscape. With Japanese ingredients that harmonize with the finest local produce, YUi offers a rich immersion into Japanese tradition while also welcoming a modern sensibility, making it a destination for both vegans and traditionalists alike.
Konjiki Hototogisu
Michelin-starred ramen? Yes, please. Konjiki Hototogisu, hailing from Tokyo, brings a star-studded pedigree to the second floor of Mall of the Emirates. Its celebrated Shoyu ramen, fortified with a signature blend of chicken broth and clam tare, brings unmatched depth and elegance to the table. Complementing its ramen are small plates that echo izakaya flavors, each one offering a new dimension of taste.
Reif Japanese Kushiyaki
Chef Reif Othman’s self-titled restaurant at Dar Wasl Mall (and Time Out Market Dubai) presents ramen in its most refined form. His 18-hour chicken broth ramen, accompanied by a delicately poached egg, pak choi, and a tender chicken skewer, is smooth and nuanced, with a hint of ginger to brighten every sip. This bowl is a testament to the precision and passion Othman brings to each ingredient, making it one of Dubai’s most unforgettable ramen experiences.
