A genuinely good bowl of ramen in Dubai used to require significant effort to track down. That has changed. The city now has a proper ramen scene — spanning tiny izakaya-style counters in The Greens, multi-location Japanese chains in Dubai Mall, and everything in between. Whether you want silky tonkotsu, spicy Sichuan-influenced tantan men, or a quick AED 47 bowl at a noodle bar in JLT, this guide covers the best ramen in Dubai with opening details and price benchmarks.
Key Takeaways
- Dubai has a vibrant ramen scene, featuring izakayas, chains, and budget options.
- Kinoya offers authentic izakaya ramen with a rich tonkotsu broth, priced at AED 75–120.
- Daikan is the popular ramen chain known for consistent quality across several locations, with prices ranging from AED 65–100.
- MaKiRa specialises in Tan Tan ramen, providing a unique option with a creamy chicken broth at AED 60–90.
- Wokyo is the best budget option, serving ramen starting from AED 47, targeting casual diners.
Best Ramen Restaurants in Dubai: Quick Reference
| Restaurant | Location | Ramen Price (from) | Signature Bowl |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kinoya | The Greens | AED 75–120 | Tonkotsu, shoyu |
| Daikan | DFC, Nakheel Mall, JLT + more | AED 65–100 | Spicy miso tantan, shoyu chicken |
| MaKiRa | Multiple | AED 60–90 | Tan tan ramen (creamy chicken) |
| Ichiryu Ramen House | Multiple | AED 55–90 | Curry ramen, miso ramen |
| Wagamama | 6+ outlets across Dubai | AED 65–95 | Chilli chicken ramen, duck ramen |
| Bento-Ya | SZR, JLT + more | AED 60–95 | Egg noodle ramen, classic tonkotsu |
| Wokyo | Al Seef, Motor City, JLT | AED 47–49 | Budget noodle bowls |
Kinoya — Dubai’s Best Izakaya Ramen
Kinoya in The Greens has developed one of the strongest reputations for ramen in Dubai. It operates as a casual izakaya — meaning the ramen arrives alongside gyoza, yakitori skewers, and Japanese small plates — and the quality across all of it is consistently high. The tonkotsu broth is the signature: properly rich, rendered low and slow, and topped with chashu pork, a soft-boiled marinated egg, nori, and bean sprouts.
The atmosphere is relaxed and genuinely enjoyable — it feels like the kind of neighbourhood ramen spot that has no interest in becoming trendy, which is exactly why it is. Located at Onyx Tower, The Greens, and contactable at +971 4 220 2920. Expect to spend AED 75–120 per bowl; a full meal with sides runs AED 150–200 per person.
Address: Onyx Tower, The Greens · Phone: +971 4 220 2920 · Best for: tonkotsu purists, izakaya evenings
Daikan — Best Ramen Chain in Dubai
Daikan has become the go-to ramen chain for Dubai residents who want consistent quality across multiple locations without the premium pricing of a standalone restaurant. With outlets at Dubai Festival City Mall, Nad Al Sheba Mall, Nakheel Mall, and JLT, it covers most of the city’s key residential and retail corridors.
The menu spans smoked shio dashi (a lighter, salt-based broth), spicy miso tantan men (the most popular order), and a classic shoyu broth with chicken chashu, ajitama egg, and kikurage mushroom. The spicy miso tantan is the standout — nutty, rich, and properly warming. Prices are reasonable at AED 65–100 per bowl, making it one of the better mid-range ramen options in the city.
Locations: Dubai Festival City, Nad Al Sheba Mall, Nakheel Mall, JLT · Price: AED 65–100
MaKiRa — Best for Tan Tan Ramen
MaKiRa is specifically recommended for the Tan Tan Ramen — a Chinese-influenced ramen style (dan dan mian) built on a creamy chicken broth with sesame paste, spice, and ground meat. It is deeply savoury, slightly sweet, and a different proposition from a standard Japanese tonkotsu or shoyu. If you have never had this style, it is worth ordering here. Price range is AED 60–90, making it accessible for a casual lunch.
Ichiryu Ramen House — Best for Variety
Ichiryu Ramen House focuses specifically on ramen as a category — unlike restaurants where noodles share the menu with 40 other dishes. The specialisms are curry ramen, miso ramen, and vegetarian options, which make it one of the few ramen spots in Dubai where non-meat-eaters have a genuinely satisfying choice. The curry ramen is particularly good: a thicker, coconut-forward broth that makes it more comfort food than restaurant dining. Prices from AED 55–90.
Wagamama — Best for Accessibility
Wagamama is not an authentic Japanese ramen restaurant — it is a British chain with a Japanese-inspired menu — but it is one of the most consistent and accessible ramen options in Dubai with six-plus outlets across the city. The chilli chicken ramen and duck ramen are solid orders. It is well-suited for family dining, group meals, and occasions where not everyone wants Japanese food. Prices run AED 65–95 per bowl, which is reasonable for a restaurant rather than a counter.
Wokyo — Best Budget Ramen
Wokyo serves ramen starting at AED 47–49 — some of the lowest prices for a sit-down noodle bowl in Dubai. The Al Seef Heritage Village, Motor City, and JLT locations cover different parts of the city. Do not expect the depth of a proper tonkotsu or the theatre of a Japanese kitchen. What you get is a decent, honest bowl at a price point that makes it easy to eat well for lunch without spending what you would on dinner. Sides start at AED 22.
What Type of Ramen Should I Order?
| Ramen Style | Broth Base | Flavour Profile | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tonkotsu | Pork bone | Rich, creamy, deeply savoury | First-timers, comfort food |
| Shoyu | Soy sauce | Clear, lighter, savoury-umami | Lighter appetite, cleaner taste |
| Miso | Fermented soybean | Complex, slightly sweet, earthy | Depth of flavour seekers |
| Tan Tan (Tantanmen) | Sesame / chicken | Nutty, spicy, creamy | Spice lovers, Chinese ramen fans |
| Shio | Salt / dashi | Delicate, clean, aromatic | Purists, lighter meals |
