Ramen Battle: Michelin One-Star vs. Taiwanese Favorite – Which One Will You Choose?

Reported by Huang Shih-yuan / Taipei

In Taiwan’s food scene, few foreign cuisines are as beloved as Japanese ramen, which has led to the arrival of many Japanese brands. Recently, the biggest buzz among ramen enthusiasts is the confirmation that Japan’s Ichiran Ramen will enter Taiwan, along with the introduction of Tsuta, the first ramen shop to earn a Michelin one-star.


▲ Ichiran Ramen. (Photo / Huang Shih-yuan)

Ichiran Ramen
Although Ichiran Ramen has not yet officially announced its opening date in Taiwan, the company has begun recruiting staff under the name Hong Kong-based Ichiran Co., Ltd. Taiwan Branch on job platforms. Training is scheduled for mid-February to early March, so the opening likely won’t wait until autumn. As for the location, it is expected to be at the former site of OUTBACK Steakhouse Taipei Xinyi, located at No. 97, Songren Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City, which is currently under renovation.

Address: 1F, No. 97, Songren Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei City


▲ Tsuta, the first ramen shop to earn a Michelin one-star. (Photo / Authorized by Singapore Tsuta, provided by HeYi Lifestyle Group)

Tsuta (Tsuta)
HeYi Lifestyle Group, which introduced the Michelin one-star dim sum brand “Tim Ho Wan” to Taiwan, plans to bring in two more Michelin one-star eateries in 2017: Japan’s Tsuta, the first ramen shop to receive a star, and Singapore’s popular hawker brand “Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle.” Tsuta was featured among the 22 recommended ramen shops in the 2015 Tokyo Michelin Guide. The following year, in the 2016 Tokyo Michelin Guide, Tsuta made history by becoming the first ramen shop in the world to earn a Michelin one-star. It retained its star in the 2017 guide. The shop is expected to open in the first half of the year.

Address: No. 36, Sec. 1, Zhongxiao W. Rd., Zhongzheng District, Taipei City