The Latest Ramen Scene in Jakarta, Indonesia (Comparison of Japanese and Local Ramen Chains)
- Publish
- 2024/12/24
- Update
- 2025/08/16
- You can read this article in 6minutes
Indonesia’s food industry has been rapidly evolving, and over the past decade, ramen has become one of the most prominent gourmet trends. In particular, Japanese ramen chains have become very popular with Indonesians, and many chains have attempted to enter the market.
This article organizes the ramen scene in Indonesia, focusing on Jakarta, as reference information for Japanese companies considering entering this market. It also introduces popular Japanese and local ramen chains, as well as examples of failures in the Indonesian ramen business. If you are considering expanding into Indonesia, please read through this article for useful insights.
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Popularity of Ramen in Indonesia
Not long ago, “ramen” in Indonesia was a rare dish, available only at a limited number of Japanese restaurants. However, today, local ramen chains have been increasing, and ramen has become more than just a “foreign cuisine” in the country.
Looking at Google Trends over the past 10 years, we can see a gradual increase in interest in ramen (as shown in the image above). In fact, in major cities like Jakarta and Surabaya, it is not difficult to find ramen specialty shops in shopping malls or on the streets. Ramen has become a common meal choice, especially among the younger generation.
Precautions when conducting an on-site inspection in Indonesia
Some visitors consider, "My primary purpose is to conduct maintenance work at the factory, but the visa application process appears cumbersome. I will simply enter on a Visa on Arrival (VOA) and carry out the work discreetly."
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Popular Japanese Ramen Chains in Indonesia
Several Japanese ramen shops have already entered the Indonesian market and are expanding their stores. Here, we highlight some of the Japanese ramen chains actively expanding in Indonesia, mainly in Jakarta. Please note that the menu prices listed below are based on the time of writing and may differ from the actual prices in-store.
Ippudo
Ippudo, a leading Japanese ramen chain, entered Indonesia in 2014. As of 2024, it has 8 stores in Jakarta and Surabaya. In addition to the classic “Shiromaru” and “Akamaru” ramen, there are also spicy menu items like “Tantanmen.” Furthermore, in addition to its main tonkotsu ramen, Ippudo also offers chicken ramen.
Although Ippudo is a relatively new entrant in the Japanese ramen scene, it has maintained a stable taste since its launch, a hallmark of a large ramen group. Ippudo in Indonesia is located in upscale shopping malls, and in addition to ramen, it also serves steak, chirashi sushi, and desserts, allowing customers to enjoy a full Japanese dining experience.
Sample Menu:
- AKAMARU REGULAR / 90,000 IDR (870 JPY)
- SHIROMARU REGULAR / 82,000 IDR (800 JPY)
- PAN FRIED CHICKEN GYOZA 5pcs / 38,000 IDR (370 JPY)
- SAIKORO STEAK / 138,000 IDR (1,320 JPY)
Website: https://www.ippudo.co.id
Hakata Ikkousha
Hakata Ikkousha, a ramen shop originating in Fukuoka, Japan, entered Indonesia in 2011 and is one of the pioneers among Japanese ramen chains. As of 2024, it operates 18 stores nationwide in Indonesia, with 8 of them specializing in tonkotsu ramen, while the other 10 offer non-pork options.
Initially, the shop focused on tonkotsu ramen in areas with a large Chinese community. However, due to the limited areas where tonkotsu ramen could be sold, the chain is expanding with more chicken ramen options. In recent years, the menu has undergone significant localization.
Sample Menu:
- RAMEN AYAM SPECIAL / 68,000 IDR (660 JPY)
- RAMEN AYAM TAMTAM / 71,000 IDR (690 JPY)
- GYOZA AYAM BAKAR 5pcs / 39,000 IDR (380 JPY)
- CHASHU DON AYAM / 38,000 IDR (370 JPY)
Website: http://ikkousha.co.id/
Bari Uma Ramen
Bari Uma Ramen is a tonkotsu ramen shop originating from Hiroshima, Japan. It entered Indonesia in 2015 and currently operates 8 stores in Jakarta as of 2024. While specializing in tonkotsu ramen, the chain also offers chicken ramen with separate utensils for Muslim customers.
Bari Uma Ramen in Indonesia also offers unique and attention-grabbing items like vegetarian ramen and curry ramen.
Sample Menu:
- AJITAMA UMA / 84,000 IDR (820 JPY)
- TORI AJITAMA UMA / 79,000 IDR (770 JPY)
- HANETSUKI GYOZA 5pcs / 45,000 IDR (440 JPY)
- ISHIYAKI CHAOFAN CHASHU / 59,000 IDR (570 JPY)
Website: https://www.bariuma.asia
Seirock-ya
Seirock-ya entered Indonesia in 2014 and currently operates 19 stores in Jakarta as of 2024. Originally a tonkotsu ramen shop from Ibaraki, Japan, Seirock-ya in Indonesia serves chicken paitan ramen. The restaurant has obtained halal certification, making it one of the representatives of “Halal Japanese Ramen” in Indonesia. Additionally, its pricing is slightly lower than other Japanese ramen shops.
Though some may worry that halal ramen might not appeal to Japanese tastes, Seirock-ya’s halal ramen is well-balanced and enjoyable, not only for Indonesians but also for Japanese customers who are accustomed to ramen.
Sample Menu:
- TORIPAITAN EKSTRIM / 70,000 IDR (680 JPY)
- TORIPAITAN SHOYU / 62,000 IDR (600 JPY)
- GYOZA PANGGANG 5pcs / 35,000 IDR (340 JPY)
- CHAHAN / 37,000 IDR (360 JPY)
Website: https://www.seirock-ya.asia
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Popular Local Ramen Shops in Indonesia
In addition to Japanese ramen chains, local ramen chains are also quite popular in Indonesia. Here are some local ramen chains with a significant number of stores, primarily focusing on ramen.
Ramen Sanpachi (Ramen 38)
Ramen 38, founded by a Japanese individual in 2003, is often considered the birthplace of Japanese-style ramen in Indonesia. As of 2024, it operates 7 stores primarily in Jakarta.
In addition to a wide variety of ramen, the shop offers many a la carte items such as stir-fried vegetables and fried chicken, as well as rice bowls, making it similar to a set meal restaurant. Though the prices are close to those of Japanese ramen chains, it is not considered cheap by local standards, yet it enjoys a strong following.
Since it was established with the Indonesian market in mind, its menu and flavoring are tailored to suit local preferences.
Sample Menu:
- SHOYU RAMEN / 62,000 IDR
- ENMA RAMEN / 70,000 IDR
- GYOZA 8pcs / 55,000 IDR
- BUTA SHOGA YAKI DON / 59,000 IDR
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ramen38official/?hl=ja
IKKUDO ICHI
IKKUDO ICHI, which opened its first store in 2012, has since expanded to 15 stores primarily in Jakarta as of 2024. While initially focusing on tonkotsu ramen, the chain has recently begun offering chicken ramen at some locations.
If Ramen 38 is considered the pioneer of ramen in Indonesia, IKKUDO ICHI can be seen as the one that developed and expanded upon that initial success. The menu and flavoring are deeply attuned to local preferences.
Sample Menu:
- SIGNATURE PORK RAMEN / 60,500 IDR (590 JPY)
- SIGNATURE TORI RAMEN / 52,000 IDR (500 JPY)
- AGE GYOZA 4pcs / 35,000 IDR (340 JPY)
- Truffle Caviar Chicken Ramen / 121,000 IDR (1,170 JPY)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ikkudoichi
RAMEN YA!
RAMEN YA! was launched in 2018 by Yansen Salim, a former member of the IKKUDO ICHI team. It has since expanded rapidly, opening numerous stores in shopping malls across Indonesia. By 2024, RAMEN YA! operates nearly 100 stores nationwide.
With a price range starting at around 33,000 IDR (approx. 320 JPY), RAMEN YA! offers a more affordable option compared to Japanese ramen chains. The restaurant also features many spicy menu items, which appeal to younger customers.
Sample Menu:
- LEGENDARY CHICKEN RAMEN / 33,000 IDR (320 JPY)
- HOT RAMEN / 45,000 IDR (440 JPY)
- GRILLED GYOZA 2pcs / 9,800 IDR (95 JPY)
- CHICKEN DON / 38,000 IDR (370 JPY)
Website: https://ramenya.id
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Recruitment Agency
We set up a domestic capital company in Indonesia using the name of a former employee from Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker program. At first, communication was smooth, but once the business became profitable, they claimed ownership, seized bank accounts and contracts, and disrupted client relations. A contract was in place but ineffective, leaving us to regret relying solely on trust.
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Machinery Manufacturer
We hired a local consulting firm to set up our foreign-owned company in Indonesia, but responses were slow and explanations kept changing. Repeated requests for extra documents and shifting requirements disrupted our schedule, and the process took nearly a year, delaying our business launch. We learned the importance of clearly defining project management and responsibilities in the contract.
Failures in the Ramen Business in Indonesia
While many ramen shops have successfully expanded their number of stores, there have also been numerous failures.
Overly Authentic Japanese Taste
One failure example is a Japanese ramen shop that offered “seafood ramen” made with bonito. While it was popular among Japanese customers, it did not appeal to the local Indonesian market, eventually leading to closure.
Opening in Locations with Low Demand
Some ramen shops opened in outdated local malls frequented by lower-income residents and later closed due to insufficient demand. In a city like Jakarta, where traffic congestion narrows customer catchment areas, location selection is crucial.
Overpriced Products
A ramen shop that imported soup from Japan and insisted on authenticity struggled due to high pricing—about 1.5 times the average. Even in luxury malls, it failed to attract sufficient customers and eventually shut down.
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Future Potential of the Ramen Business in Indonesia
Japanese-style ramen has gained traction in Indonesia over the past decade. While the market may appear saturated, Indonesia’s large population still offers potential opportunities.
There is a clear gap between urban and suburban areas. Outside of urban centers, ramen is still seen as rare and special. Indonesia’s status as the second-largest consumer of instant noodles globally suggests a strong cultural affinity with noodle-based dishes.
Ramen remains one of the most promising Japanese food categories in the Indonesian market.
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Have Japanese ramen restaurants expanded into Indonesia?
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Many Japanese ramen chains have expanded into Indonesia, including Ippudo, Bari Uma Ramen, and Seirock-ya.
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What types of ramen are popular in Indonesia?
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Due to the large Muslim population in Indonesia, chicken-based ramen is the mainstream choice, but tonkotsu (pork-based) ramen is also popular depending on the area. Spicy ramen is also well-liked.
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What are some examples of local ramen chains in Indonesia?
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Well-known local ramen chains in Indonesia include Ramen 38, Ikkudo Ichi, and RAMEN YA!.
