Slurp-worthy ramen in Amsterdam
Like sprouting shiitake mushrooms, ramen joints have taken root across Amsterdam, offering a warm umami embrace that will transport you straight to the side streets of Tokyo. Here’s our roundup of the most slurp-worthy bowls - you’ll be dashing to try them faster than you can emulsify a 72-hour bone broth.
Popular choice:
Ramen Kingdom
Widely applauded as the highest-rated broth in Amsterdam - and the queue down the street is further testament to that - Ramen Kingdom feels like you’ve stepped into a Tokyo ramen bar. Diners sit along the counter with a view of the open kitchen, whilst the remaining walls are adorned with beautiful manga and anime artwork. Don’t miss the spicier bowls for a perfectly balanced chilli kick to wake you up.
Ramen Kingdom | Prins Hendrikkade 83H, Centrum (temporarily closed)
*Ramen Kingdom is highly popular, and you may have to queue! If you don’t fancy the wait, check out the equally delicious locations below.
Alternative local favourites:
OTEMBA Ramen
The name of this popular ramen haunt on the bustling Kinkerstraat in Oud-West is taken from the Japanese word otemba, which allegedly derives from the Dutch ontembaar, meaning wild, challenging and free. Pair your tonkotsu, tantanmen or spicy miso ramen with a Japanese highball and a sake-tasting session, and be sure to try the gyoza, which has been so popular it led to the opening of Otemba's second dumpling-focussed location in De Pijp.
OTEMBA Ramen | Kinkerstraat 56a, Oud-West
OTEMBA Gyoza | Van Woustraat 15, De Pijp
Sapporo Ramen SORA
Sapporo Ramen SORA specialises in the delicate art of broth making with eclectic kitsch decor that will transport you straight to Japan’s colourful streets. Packed with deep and complex umami flavours, the shoyu (strong and cloudy made from pork bones) and miso (fermented soybean) ramens are the stars. These can be spiced with toppings like bean sprouts, seaweed, roasted pork and vegetables. Tasty sides like gyoza (dumplings), chicken teriyaki and panko-breaded shrimp are essential.
Sapporo Ramen Sora | Marco Polostraat 223H, De Baarsjes / Ceintuurbaan 49, De Pijp
Men Impossible
Tucked away near the charming 9 Streets district, Men Impossible serves heavenly ramen with an extraordinary twist: it's all entirely vegan, organic, and zero waste. Every dish is a harmonious blend of flavours, and the ramen, katsu, and tempura will leave even non-vegans craving more. In this cosy lounge-like restaurant, ethical dining and incredible taste are beautifully intertwined.
Men Impossible | Hazenstraat 19H, Centrum
Mogu
The first Malatang ramen restaurant in Amsterdam, the Mogu concept allows you to craft your own masterpiece bowl of soup. Grab a bowl, fill it with your favourite ingredients (a variety of mushrooms, noodles, veggies and proteins), have it weighed and choose one of three richly flavoured broths to go with it - including Japanese Miso, Thai Tom Kha or a Sichuan Style soup base. Next, pick a selection of flavour-adding toppings, sit down and enjoy.
Sustainability fact: Mogu works with fresh ingredients every week, meaning that on Saturday (their last opening day), the ingredients available will be less varied. But this also means that there is less food wasted, and everything is always fresh.
Mogu | Admiraal de Ruijterweg 334A, Bos en Lommer
Fuku Ramen
Fuku Ramen made its mark during the pandemic with DIY ramen kits that garnered a cult following. Now, with a permanent location in Oost, the ramen joint continues to innovate and experiment with creative interpretations. Chef Jakub and Aleksandra's dedication to the craft is evident, and their mission is simple: homemade noodles, local ingredients, and juicy sake. Every week you can expect weekly-changing ramen specials, including a range of izakaya-inspired plates to share.
Fuku Ramen | Ingogostraat 14A, Oost
Fou Fow Ramen
Fou Fow is known for its delicious ramen made with various broth types and delicious toppings. For the carnivores, the Tonkotsu (creamy pork bone) and Tan Tan Men (full of spices like Sichuan peppers and star anise) are stand-out, but the vegetarian ramen (made with kelp and dried shiitake as a base) is another real treat. Fou Fow has two locations for ramen, on Elandsgracht and Van Woustraat, and a third on Prinsengracht catering to all things udon.
Fou Fow Ramen | Elandsgracht 2a, Centrum / Van Woustraat 3, De Pijp
Hakata Senpachi
Known for its straightforward approach and delectable offerings, Hakata Senpachi is a beacon for authentic Japanese dining in Amsterdam Zuid. Their homemade tonkotsu (pork bone) and vegetarian miso ramen are elegant and refined, allowing the flavours to speak for themselves. Pair this with some agedashi tofu or yakitori skewers on the side for a treat that perfectly complements the rich ramen broth.
Hakata Senpachi | Wielingenstraat 16, Zuid
Ramen-Ya
The spotlight is on freshness at Ramen-Ya - a noodle bar that prepares ramen right before your eyes, and the chef's journey to Japan to master the art shines through in every bowl. With a diverse selection of ramen types, toppings, and side dishes, Ramen-Ya ensures that every visit is a new experience. For the intrepid eaters, conquering the Mount Fuji bowl is a badge of honour. If you finish it, your picture goes on the wall!
Ramen-Ya | Oudezijds Voorburgwal 236, Centrum
Umaimon
Umaimon doesn't work with reservations, so walk in on any given day of the week and enjoy a spontaneous bowl of authentic Japanese Ramen. This restaurant serves twenty different types of noodle soup, fourteen with a chicken broth base and six vegan broths. The noodles and spices they use are specially imported from Japan to ensure the richest flavours for their dishes.
Umaimon | Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 51, Centrum
