The Ultimate Showdown of Japanese Ramen: A Must-Try Guide to the Hottest Ramen Spots in Zhongxiao East Road Lane 216

Travel Desk / Compiled Report

When it comes to the battleground of Japanese ramen in Taipei, you can’t miss Zhongxiao East Road Lane 216. Many ramen shops that have made the long journey from Japan choose this spot as their first landing point and continue to expand their branches here. Some even have their only Taiwanese location right in this alley.Ettoday Dongsen News CloudHas compiled a handy guide to the ramen shops in Zhongxiao East Road Lane 216. One of them may be just around the corner, but it’s equally popular—come see this ramen showdown for yourself.

▲ Setagaya Ramen. (Photo / Reporter Huang Shiyuan)

1. Setagaya Ramen
Hailing from Japan, Setagaya Ramen offers five types of ramen, divided into standard and deluxe DX versions. If you’re craving a soft-boiled egg and extra slices of pork, the deluxe DX version is highly recommended. Upon entering Taiwan, the flavor of Setagaya Ramen was adjusted to suit local palates, making it a great option for those who find traditional Japanese ramen too salty. What keeps people coming back is their melt-in-your-mouth yet chewy pork slices—an addictive treat. When hunger strikes, go for their rich and aromatic pork bone broth ramen.

Address: No. 15, Lane 27, Lane 216, Section 4, Zhongxiao East Road, Da’an District, Taipei City
Phone: (02) 2731-1958
Business Hours: Mon–Fri 11:00–14:00, 17:00–21:00; Sat–Sun 11:00–21:00

▲ Tokyo Takadanobaba Taka Ryu Ramen. (Photo / Wisely)

2. Tokyo Takadanobaba Taka Ryu Ramen
Taka Ryu Ramen is known for having the richest ramen in Taiwan. Made with natural ingredients like pork bones, chicken bones, and vegetables, the broth is packed with collagen that’s great for your skin—filling and beautifying at the same time. It’s also dubbed “beauty-enhancing ramen” by netizens. Their ultra-rich Tokyo soy sauce pork bone ramen comes with seaweed, dried bamboo shoots, scallions, and refreshing vegetables. The highlight is the special oolong tea soft-boiled egg and melt-in-your-mouth pork belly slices. Paired with healthy wheat noodles made from Hokkaido flour, it’s a nutritious feast.

Address: No. 14, Lane 27, Lane 216, Section 4, Zhongxiao East Road, Da’an District, Taipei City
Phone: (02) 2778-1177
Business Hours: Mon–Sun 11:30–22:00

▲ Menya Musashi. (Photo / Screenshot fromMenya Musashi’s official fan page)

3. Menya Musashi “Tiger Roar”
Menya Musashi has multiple branches, but each one adheres to three core principles: “Adaptability,” “Execution,” and “Creativity.” They constantly challenge traditional Japanese ramen concepts and develop seasonal specials. Each branch has its own exclusive ramen. At the Menya Musashi Tiger Roar location in Lane 216, don’t miss their daily limited-edition Musashi Dual-Wield Ramen—only 20 bowls available for lunch and dinner each, so you’ll need to be quick. “Dual-Wield” refers to the large pork ribs placed on top of the ramen, an impressive sight. The chewy noodles paired with a pork bone broth create an aromatic experience, and the generous portion might even be too much for big eaters—it’s truly astonishing.

Address: No. 4, Lane 11, Lane 216, Section 4, Zhongxiao East Road, Da’an District, Taipei City
Phone: (02) 8771-9222
Business Hours: Mon–Sun 11:30–22:00

▲ Jokei Tei. (Photo / Reporter Huang Shiyuan)

4. Jokei Tei
Jokei Tei, which won first place in Japan’s TV show “Iron Chef: Cooking Battle,” opened its first Taiwan branch late last year. Its most famous dish is the Black Garlic Oil Ramen, topped with seven-layer black garlic oil. This oil is made by blending seven different layers of fried garlic in specific proportions, then grinding them into powder and mixing with sesame oil. The broth has an intense aroma while reducing greasiness, resulting in a smoother taste. You can also try their Creamy Seafood Ramen, where the traditional pork bone broth is enhanced with a rich mix of stir-fried crab essence and milk—sweet yet distinctly savory. For a unique ramen experience, this is the one to pick.

Address: No. 10, Lane 8, Lane 216, Section 4, Zhongxiao East Road, Da’an District, Taipei City
Phone: (02)8771-3988
Business Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:30–14:30, 17:30–21:30

▲ Sapporo Enjin Ramen. (Photo / Reporter Huang Shengmin)

5. Sapporo Enjin Ramen
Sapporo Enjin Ramen has secured its place in Sapporo’s competitive ramen scene not only by sticking to locally sourced ingredients but also through its unique and eye-catching flame-cooking method. The Enjin Ramen is cooked using a 1300-degree high-temperature torch, where the flames instantly blend the fat and broth, resulting in a rich and aromatic soup. The Flame Miso Ramen 2012 is the shop's popular item — the broth is simmered with potatoes and onions, giving it a mildly sweet flavor. The diced pork cubes offer a satisfying texture, and the noodles, soaked in the broth, are springy and smooth, allowing you to fully enjoy the depth of the soup. It’s truly a warming meal during cold fronts.

Address: No. 49, Lane 280, Guangfu South Road, Da’an District, Taipei City
Phone: (02)2775-2783
Business Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:30–14:30, 17:30–21:00 (Friday and Saturday until 21:30)