A Taste of Nostalgia in Singapore
Some flavors linger in memory long after the last bite, and Marutama Ramen was one of them.
I first ate here in the late 2000s, drawn to its deeply comforting chicken paitan broth—an “elevated Maggi chicken ramen,” as I used to think of it.
Years have passed. Singapore has changed.
But Marutama, at least at this location, remains much the same. The ordering process has gone digital—QR codes replacing human interaction—but the essentials endure.
The noodles still have that perfect al dente bite. The broth is as rich and velvety as I remember. The kakuni and char siu melt at the slightest nudge of chopsticks.
Not everything nostalgic holds up. This did. This was a highlight of my trip back. If only I had caught the name of the waiter who made the meal even better—courteous, efficient, the kind of service that stays with you, just like a great bowl of ramen.
Dan Morrow
5
Through the years, Marutama became my go-to. It was where I’d meet friends for a quick, fulfilling lunch, or where I’d find solace after a long day. Just the name itself conjures a warmth that settles deep in my bones, a comforting culinary hug that transcends mere noodles and broth. It’s more than just a ramen shop; for me, it’s a repository of cherished memories, a touchstone to simpler times and undeniably delicious experiences.
Zai Tan
3
Few places sell chicken ramen, so I was excited to try this. The broth was tasty, but the rest of the ramen here fell short. The noodles were a little stringier than most, and the chashu were thin slivers of meat that weren't substantial. Overall, it wouldn't rank at the top of my list, but it was fun anyway to try something a little different than the usual tonkotsu.
Li
4
Decent. The staff were responsive and friendly. One of the few stalls where all the staff would collectively say "thank you" and "goodbye" in English as customers leave.
Evan Chionh
5
Great food and great service from the team. Huan was very pleasant, extremely friendly, and efficient. Freddie, the chef, was like the team leader, making everything run smoothly. I was very impressed with this kind of hidden gem. Will definitely return for another bowl.
Kevin Kwok
4
Tried the Marutama ramen. The chicken broth is decent and flavourful, although in the spectrum of ramen shops, it’s on the lighter side, so you can drink all the soup without feeling thirsty. If you compare, it’s quite different from ramen shops in Japan, for example, where the soup is more salty but very flavourful. Similarly for the noodles, it uses noodles that are on the thinner side. Nothing to complain about. Overall enjoyed my lunch.
Alan Lim
5
Marutama Ramen serves up a distinctive chicken-based ramen that offers a lighter alternative to Singapore's usual pork-dominated ramen scene. Their signature broth strikes a delicate balance: rich in umami yet clean on the palate, with a subtle sweetness that lingers pleasantly. The springy, house-made noodles complement the broth perfectly, maintaining excellent texture throughout the meal. While the chashu is beautifully tender, some diners might wish for more generous portions given the S$15-S$20 price range. The minimalist eatery focuses squarely on the food, featuring efficient service and tightly packed counter seating, typical of authentic ramen shops. During peak lunch and dinner hours, be prepared to queue. While the prices position it as a premium casual option, the quality of the broth makes it worthwhile for ramen purists seeking something different from heavy tonkotsu styles. A solid choice when you want flavorful ramen that won't leave you feeling weighed down.
Xiang Er
4
The chicken broth is incredibly rich and flavorful. Adding the fried garlic condiment makes the soup pack an umami punch. The chashu is tender and well-marinated with pepper on its surface. The noodles are perfectly cooked—not soggy, with a satisfying bite. Surprisingly, my favorite part was the seaweed—fresh, with a distinct texture.
Chee Keong Chen
4
Ramen **was** rather unique and tasted delicious. Portion was also generous. Staff were very friendly. Unfortunately, there was some funky smell in the restaurant.
Rui Sim
5
My food rating guide:
2.5/5 -> Average taste
5/5 -> Scrumptious! (My comfort food! 🤩)
An excellent bowl of chicken broth ramen! Al dente noodles, rich, creamy, flavourful broth, melt-in-your-mouth char siu, well-seasoned soft yolk egg, and refreshing spring onion. The spice level in the spicy ramen is mild and doesn't overwhelm the soup flavour. Well balanced.
Their Yaki Char Siu is heavenly. The Kakuni is soft and flavourful. The Sui Gyoza is delectable. The Char Siu Gohan, with its tender pork and appetising pickled radish, paired excellently. The Daikon is soft, refreshing, and well-flavoured.
Don't forget to nibble on their complimentary crunchy garlic. It bursts with fragrant, garlicky flavour.
The dining ambience offers a chill Japanese ramen shop vibe. It's cosy and warm.
Recommended items 👍:
Spicy Marutama (egg) 5/5 🤩
Yaki Char Siu 5/5 🤩
Sui Gyoza 4.7/5
Char Siu Gohan 4.8/5
Kakuni 4.6/5
Daikon 4.4/5
The restaurant food averages at 4.4/5