Once again, the power of browsing Instagram posts with the hashtag #맛집 (read matjib meaning ‘delicious restaurant’ in Korean) has led me to discover a gem: Ramura Seongsu Branch (라무라 성수). As someone constantly on the lookout for a delectable dining spot, stumbling upon this chicken ramen restaurant was a stroke of luck. In this article, I will share my experience at Ramura and provide some tips to help you navigate their mouth-watering menu.

About Ramura:

Specializing in chicken ramen, Ramura first made a name for itself with its flagship branch in Hapjeong Neighborhood, which opened its doors in March 2021. Its initial success led to the establishment of a second location in Seongsu in late 2022. Online reviews rave not only about the visually appealing presentation and deliciousness of Ramura’s chicken ramen, but also about the comfortable dining experience it offers.

Solo diners particularly appreciate the seating arrangement, with no seats facing each other. Both Ramura restaurants feature long rows of seats behind the counter and a few more facing the windows, creating a cozy ambiance.

A Unique Ordering Experience:

Unlike typical restaurants with pre-designed menu items, Ramura allows you to customize your own bowl of ramen. Don’t be surprised when you’re handed a laminated sheet filled with instructions instead of a menu showcasing illustrated dishes. Here’s how to order at Ramura:

Broth and Toppings Customization:

Picture Source: Naver Place

In addition to selecting the type of ramen noodles, you have the freedom to choose the remaining ingredients. The broth options include black, white, red, and green. Here’s a brief description of each:

• Black (흑색): This option features a bottle of soy sauce and two pouches of ingredients. The resulting broth is a rich, dark color achieved by simmering chicken bones and assorted vegetables before adding the soy sauce.

• White (백색): Depicted alongside the soy sauce bottle, this option represents a light caramelized soup with a picture of a whole ready-to-cook chicken.

• Red (적색): As the name suggests, this is the spicy broth option.

• Green (녹색): This choice is for bibimmyeon, noodles mixed with a seasoning sauce. At Ramura, the dish is garnished with an abundance of diced onion chives, contributing to its green hue.

As for toppings, the options are as follows:

• Dak (닭): This selection includes an entire chicken leg, chicken leg meat, chicken breast meat, 3 quail eggs, gosari (bracken fern), and green onion.

• Pyeong-ari (병아리): It consists of either the drumstick or just the calf part of the chicken leg, chicken leg meat, 3 quail eggs, gosari (bracken fern), and green onion.

• Al (알): The smallest option, featuring only 3 quail eggs, gosari (bracken fern), and green onion.

Other Menu Offerings:

In addition to chicken ramen, Ramura provides a variety of side dishes and beverages. The side dish selection includes chicken tender salad, gyoza, chicken breast salad, and chicken rice.

The Food:

During my visit, we ordered two bowls of ramen: one with customized black broth and Dak toppings, and another with white broth and Pyeong-ari toppings. We couldn’t resist trying their gyoza as well. Each ramen bowl was beautifully presented, with bracken fern chunks fashioned into a bird’s nest cradling boiled quail eggs, surrounded by an array of chicken items

The Black + Dak Ramen:

Served in a generously sized bowl that is perfect for hearty appetites, this dish did not disappoint. The dark, flavorful broth was a delight to the taste buds and emitted an enticing aroma. Every piece of chicken in the bowl was delicious, particularly the tender and succulent chicken breast. However, the star of the dish was the chicken leg, which had a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a hint of sweetness and a smoky flavor. The quail eggs complemented the soy sauce perfectly, while the bracken fern was slightly tough and difficult to chew in some parts.

The White + Pyeong-ari Ramen:

This bowl came in a smaller serving size, as it offers fewer toppings compared to the Dak option. It seemed to be a popular choice among female diners. Every component of the dish was equally delicious, as described for the Black + Dak Ramen above, except for the broth. The white soup had a lighter and slightly sweeter flavor compared to the savory soy sauce-based broth, making it a great choice for those who prefer milder tastes.

The Gyoza:

Ramura’s gyoza exceeded all expectations and was a true highlight of the meal. It deviated from the typical gyoza you might have tried before. Ramura’s version resembled puffy buffalo wings in appearance, but rest assured, it was indeed gyoza. The filling consisted of herbal chicken wrapped in chicken skin and deep-fried to perfection. Each bite offered a satisfying crunch, while the flavorful filling left us wanting more.

The Prices:

The prices at Ramura vary depending on the choice of toppings. The Al option ranges from 8,000 to 9,000 won, with the spicy soup being slightly more expensive. The Pyeong-ari option costs between 11,500 and 12,500 won. For those looking for a more extravagant experience, the Dak topping is priced between 16,500 and 17,500 won.

Seating and Service:

It’s worth noting that Ramura’s main branch in Hapjeong is often bustling with visitors, resulting in long waiting lines, even on weekdays. However, my visit to the Seongsu branch went smoothly. We arrived at noon on a Saturday, and despite most seats being occupied, we were promptly seated. The service was efficient, and our orders arrived without delay. Kudos to Ramura for their well-organized approach to ensuring a satisfying dining experience.

To avoid long wait times during peak hours, it is advisable to make a reservation or register for dining in advance via the Catchtable channel.

How to get to Ramura Seongsu:

Ramura Seongsu Branch is located only 10 minutes away by walking from Seongsu Station on Seoul Subway Line 2. All you have to do after alighting at the station is coming out of exit 3 and walk down along Seongsui road (성수이로) which stretches from exit 3 towards the Han River. At about 500 meters, turn left at the three-way junction. The Ramura restaurant is on the second floor of a brown brick building located only a minute away!

All in all, my lunch experience at Ramura Seongsu was exceptional. From the customizable ramen options to the delicious gyoza, every aspect of the meal left a lasting impression. Whether you’re a fan of rich flavors or prefer lighter fare, Ramura has something to satisfy every palate. Plan your visit to this chicken ramen haven and indulge in a delightful culinary adventure.

Access Map:

Address: 서울 성동구 성수이로12길 8 2층 라무라
Naver Map: Link
Hours: 11:00AM~8:00PM (Everyday)
Phone: 0507-1347-0999
Instagram: @ramura_noodleshop