Winter is here, and other than bundling up in sweaters, there are more delicious and soupy ways to keep yourself warm. We have composed a list of the best ramen spots in Taipa to warm your heart and soul, the Japanese way.
Hiro by Hiroshi Kagata and Hiro Ramen at The Venetian Macao
(See featured image)
Hiro by Hiroshi Kagata, opened its doors in January 2020 and had to close down right away for almost half a year, waiting for better times to come. Now open and serving teppanyaki, sushi, and other Japanese delicacies for dinner, this restaurant has become another location on Macau’s gastronomy map that you would want to pin.
While they have a separate space on the casino floor just for ramen (Hiro Ramen), Hiro restaurant also serves ramen, but only during lunchtime, from 12:00pm to 3:00pm. And if you are short on time, this is the place to go. Mark your choices on the paper form and hand it to a waiter. Before you have time to check your Instagram feed, the steaming bowl of soup will be on your table. Their timing is nothing but impressive! What is even more impressive is the flavors. Classic or spicy tonkotsu (pork), kaisen ramen with seafood, tori paitan (chicken), or roast Wagyu beef ramen are five soups on the menu. We tried the tori paitan with chicken broth and juicy chicken chashu. Notably, this chicken broth does not concede to tonkotsu in terms of flavor and intensity. Pickled mustard leaves give the soup a bit of a punch.
For something refreshing, check out the in-house made sodas. Yuzu and shiso one stole our hearts, and we will undoubtfully come back to try the other two, mandarin and sansho pepper, and peach and sakura.
Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 12:00pm–3:00pm, 6:00pm–9:30pm
Hiro by Hiroshi Kagata Shop 1048, Level 1, The Venetian Macao, +853 8118 9998, www.venetianmacao.com/restaurants/hiro
Also read: The Best Sashimi Rice Bowls in Macau
Hanami Ramen at Wynn Palace Cotai
If you’re in Taipa and enjoy slurping ramen in opulent surroundings, then Hanami Ramen in Wynn Palace is your spot. They serve three broth types here: tonkotsu, Hanami special miso, and Hanami signature shoyu ramen. Tonkotsu is an incredibly rich, silky, and creamy broth made with handpicked pork bones. It is rather fatty and strong, so if you are inclined towards a lighter option, go for the other two. Hanami special miso ramen will be ideal if you like it a little spicy, while shoyu ramen is made with free-range chicken and dashi (fish broth). They all come with most of the traditional toppings like roasted pork, black fungus, marinated egg, bamboo shoots, and spring onion.
Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00am–11:00pm
Hanami Ramen Wynn Palace Cotai, G/F, Wynn Palace, Avenida Da Nave Desportiva, Coloane-Taipa, +853 8889 3663, www.wynnpalace.com
Ramen Kouji
A small eatery on the border between old and new Taipa offers all the shades of an authentic Japanese ramen spot, from blasting energetic Japanese pop to dip noodles. The main difference from the traditional ramen’s presentation is that the broth and noodles are served in separate bowls. The hot pork and fish broth are much denser than typical noodle soups because you don’t gulp it by the spoonful. To eat, you pick up a few strands of noodles with your chopsticks, dip them into the soup, then slurp away. For the loyal fans of creamy and thick Tonkotsu broth, Kouji has three bowls, shio (salt-based), miso, and tomato. If you prefer your ramen spicy, go for the miso one. Don’t be afraid to ask for the “very spicy,” as medium heat tends to be relatively mild. For those who are especially starving and craving more food, do try the original pan-fried dumplings with a juicy pork filling. Ramen Kouji also has a restaurant on the Macau side, in the historical center area, on the Filipino street.
Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday–Saturday, 12:00pm–12:00am; Tuesday, Sunday, 12:00pm–2:00am
Ramen Kouji Rua de Fernao Mendes Pinto, Taipa +853 2857 6672 www.facebook.com/RamenKoujiYokohama
Also read: Noodle Madness: 5 Great Ramen Spots in Macau
Sio Seng Hin Ramen
Find this hidden ramen joint tucked away in Old Taipa Village and slurp your way through some of the exciting flavors available here. We recommend their original pork bone broth (tonkotsu) to go with your noodles as this classic one would be an ideal starting point for new ramen eaters. However, if you’re looking for something exotic, how about the special creamy broth of original pork bone and milk? This broth is milky white, and it sounds a little strange. But adding milk to your ramen can enhance flavors while lowering the sodium content.
Their black curry ramen has a bit of squid ink, making this ramen black without any overpowering flavor. Another cool addition here is that it’s drizzled with black chocolate and topped with spicy chips for that extra crunch and texture. If you’re looking for authentic seafood ramen, then look no further. Their seafood ramen with crab and shrimp is the perfect choice when you crave something comforting and wholesome. Do order a side of cuttlefish dumplings to share and a can or two of Orion draft beer or clear free beer (non-alcoholic) and call it a chill ramen night. Sio Seng Hin’s cooking team only prepares 300 portions a day, so they might close the restaurant earlier if they are sold out.
Opening hours: Daily, 12:00pm–9:00pm
Sio Seng Hin Ramen Travessa Lou Fu, +853 6251 6991, www.facebook.com/小勝軒日式拉麵
Butao Ramen at Galaxy Macau
Butao Ramen serves several dishes, or “Kings”, which can be traditional ramen or fusion, and one limited “King” introduced every once in a while. Original Butao ramen is full-bodied and is a tonkotsu-based, good old classic bowl of Japanese noodles. For those keen on experimenting, there is “Green King”, a combination of Japanese and Italian flavors made of tonkotsu infused with olive oil and fresh basil and sprinkled with parmesan powder. Like Sio Seng Hin, they have their own version of squid ink soup, “Black King” with their signature “black sauce” and “black ball”, cooked with squid ink, black garlic, and minced pork. To heat things up a bit, go for the “Red King” with chili, miso, and sesame, a flavorful combination. The selection of toppings in the menu is pretty extensive, with marinated eggs, seaweed sheets, char siu (Cantonese BBQ pork), and spicy sprouts. Additionally, you can ask for additional soup or kae-dama (extra noodles) if you’d like.
Opening hours: 11:30am–9:00pm
Butao Ramen Galaxy Macau G/F, G117, Estrada da Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperanca, +853 8883 2221, www.galaxymacau.com
The Showdown Japanese Restaurant at the City of Dreams
The Showdown is not just a ramen spot but has a full menu of Japanese dishes like teppanyaki, sushi, and more. The decor is pretty amusing, with two large figures of sumo wrestlers rising over the hall. Order and pay at the entrance, pick a table and wait for your food while watching the skillful cooks preparing it. While you wait, you can get some tea from one of the stations, free and refillable. The ramen and udon selection in The Showcase is impressive, featuring noodles with scallops, crab legs, oysters, and abalone. It looks like there is an option for everyone!
Opening hours: Daily, 12:00pm–11:00pm
The Showdown Japanese Restaurant Level 2, Soho at City of Dreams, +853 8868 6692, www.cityofdreamsmacau.com
Miàn at Studio City
This Japanese noodle bar in Studio City specializes in handmade ramen. A mesmerizing open kitchen setting, friendly staff, and, of course, expertise in Japanese noodles make Mián a perfect place for a casual lunch or dinner. To build a dish that satisfies your cravings, first chose a type of ramen noodles out of three. Then, decide on a soup base from the whole six of them, from classic tonkotsu to sesame hot and spicy. Add the main dish and finish up with some toppings. With all the variety Mián offers, there is no way to get bored of ramen here–you can always make up a new one. If you feel like starting a meal with appetizers, check other Japanese dishes on the menu, tasty, and reasonably priced–the octopus balls are a must-try. Ramen can be vegetarian too, claims Mián. They offer an option of a miso-soup base that you can top up with Hokkaido corn and vegetables and some vegan side dishes like seaweed and Japanese bean sprouts. A full bowl of healthy goodies!
Opening hours: Temporarily closed until further notice
Mián Shop 1181, Level 1, Studio City, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, +853 8865 6630, www.studiocity-macau.com
Also read: Best Vegetarian and Vegan Places in Macau
Hidemasa by Hide Yamamoto at Studio City
While Hide Yamamoto restaurant will astound you with an extensive menu of excellent Japanese delicacies, Hidemasa is simple and straightforward. Order your steaming bowl of ramen at the counter, immerse yourself in its comforting warmth and rich flavors, and move on with your life! Ideal for a quick lunch, Hidemasa features only three ramen options, but do you really need more? Here you have Yokohama tonkotsu shoyu soup for the traditional pork broth fans, Hokkaido spicy miso soup if you like your ramen spicy, and Tokyo Shoyu Soup with optional shrimp tempura, a lighter soy-sauce based one. On the other hand, the toppings selection is rather broad, with classics like nori and chashu pork, or lesser-known karashi takana, spicy crunchy pickles. If you come with an empty stomach and hungry eyes, check out their rolls and tempura. We especially love the Japanese sweet potato tempura.
Opening hours: Daily, 12:00pm–9:00pm
Hidemasa by Hide Yamamoto Shop 1091, Level 1, The Boulevard at Studio City, +853 8865 3300, www.studiocity-macau.com/hidemasa
Makotoya Ramen at The Parisian Macao
A Japanese eatery in a French oasis at the core of Macau’s entertainment land, Cotai? Everything is possible in this multi-cultural city. Makotoya Ramen at The Parisian Macao proves that. As the local waiters greet guests with an enthusiastic “Konnichiwa!” and the TV streams live gigs of Japanese pop stars, it is easy to forget where you are. They do focus on ramen here, although there are several other options, including set menus, fried rice, and even hot pot. The most recommended noodles here are the hearty chicken bone and miso-based soup and creamy braised beef bone soup topped with Korean kimchi. To help customers with drink choices, a waiter rolls a cart with an endless supply of Japanese soda to the table and let you pick whichever neon-colored bottle appeals to you most.
Opening hours: Daily, 11:00am–9:00pm
Makotoya Ramen Shop 546, Level 5, The Parisian Macao, Lot 3, Estr. do Istmo, Cotai Strip, +853 2896 2555, www.parisianmacao.com/makotoya-ramen
Chi Sasa
Ask your Japanese friends in Macau or trust us at Macau Lifestyle–Chi Sasa is one of the best spots for authentic Japanese food in town. We’d even say, in the niche of reasonably priced Japanese restaurants, it is the winner. Their forte is sushi and sashimi, with fish freshly delivered every day. But all the hot dishes are equally delicious, including udon and ramen. On a hot day, give their cold ramen dishes a try. Otherwise, go for the signature seasoned pork slices ramen based on spicy tonkotsu broth. It will warm you up in no time! Topped with nori, fungus, herbs, and sesame seeds, this bowl of hot soup will make a fan of spicy food happy. If you don’t like the heat, ask your waiter for a mild version. The best part of this dish is the seasoned pork with a smoky flavor and the flawless marinated egg, cooked to perfection.
Take note of its Chinese name “千笹日本料理”, as it is not easy to locate it otherwise. Chi Sasa has two restaurants; one is on Broadway Food street and the other one in front of Kingsville apartments in Taipa. Their branch in Taipa gets full in the evenings, and they don’t accept reservations so prepare to wait in line, just like in Tokyo!
Opening hours: Daily, 12:00pm–3:00pm, 6:00pm–11:00pm (Broadway Macau)
Daily, 6:30pm–2:30am (Taipa)
Chi Sasa on Broadway A-G018, A-1001, Broadway Food Street, Broadway Macau, Av. Marginal Flor de Lotus, Taipa, +853 2882 3287, www.broadwaymacau.com.mo/chi-sasa-japanese-cuisine
Chi Sasa in Taipa 17 Rua de nam Keng, Taipa, +853 2883 5113
Also read: Your Guide to Broadway Macau
This article was originally written by the Macau Lifestyle team in January 2019 and updated by Ksenia Kuzmina in November 2020.
