Yummy Japanese ramen spots in Ximending area
Check out these these noodle places in the trendy shopping zone
Ximending area takes its name from Seimon-chō, the Japanese colonial-era administrative district located west of the city center at the time.
More than 80 years after Japanese rule, the now densely packed touristy area still boasts an array of Japanese eats: everything from sushi and curry to tempura and udon.
Japanese ramen — wheat noodles served in thick broth — makes for a quick, satisfying meal and pairs perfectly with Ximending’s energetic atmosphere. Why not check out one of these recommended spots?
#1: Totto Ramen
Salty chicken broths dominate the menu at this cool noodle bar
Totto Ramen, a chain with several outlets across the city, specializes in chicken options.
Bowls are mostly priced between NT$220 and NT$280, and there are appetizers such as kimchi and seaweed salad ranging from around NT$40 to NT$130.
The flavors lean salty, and there are also spicy options. Expect a thick broth with large chunks of tender chicken served quickly.
Located about 100 meters north of Ximen MRT Station's Exit 6, Totto Ramen can get busy. If the restaurant is full, you will have to add your name to a list and wait.
Like many ramen places in Taiwan, the seating is tightly packed. There is bar seating for smaller parties.
Enjoy ambient lighting and the modern interior design as you slurp down your chickeny noodle broth.
#2: Universal Tonkotsu Ramen Nagi
Thick pork broths are served in four distinctive flavors at this Tokyo-born chain
One of four outlets in Taipei, Universal Tonkotsu Ramen Nagi in the Ximending area is located on the sixth floor of a commercial building. (The entrance, which is shared with Vieshow Cinemas, is next to the big Uniqlo store on Hanzhong Street.)
Inside, it's impossible to miss the prominent red, black, and white of this Japanese brand, which describes itself as "one of the most recognizable names" on the Tokyo ramen scene.
The pork-based noodle dishes offered here come in four main flavors. The "Red King Akao" option — featuring garlic, chili oil, and cayenne pepper to create a spicier taste — was served as a thick broth that the brand is famed for.
A filling bowl of ramen costs between NT$240 to NT$270, and there are the usual-suspect side dishes on the menu as well — think fried chicken, edamame beans, etc.
The menu is available in English (though some words are romanizations of Japanese words), but the pictures mean there shouldn't be a problems for someone whose Chinese isn't quite there yet. You might have to share a table with others, but all that adds to the fun!
There may be a wait during busy periods, as the brand is popular with tourists and locals alike. But the punchy flavors and strong decor will leave you with a memorable sensory experience.
#3: Menya Ugyo
Seafood ramen served at this intimate noodle bar
Perfect for solo travelers or couples, Menya Ugyo is a small ramen joint with space for only about eight or so customers at a time.
This place specializes in seafood broths, so tuck into bowls priced between NT$280 to NT$320 featuring grouper or shrimp.
When This Is Taipei visited in December 2025, we ordered the spicy miso soup grouper and the shrimp soup bowls, both of which did not disappoint.
Order and pay using the machine to the left of the entrance (cash and coins accepted). There's English on screen (well, more or less), and the staff are friendly.
