Limited light-style umami: Tokyo’s hard-to-book “Ramenya Shima” opens its first overseas shop, bringing its freshly made noodles and soul-soothing broth to Hong Kong
You can already imagine how crazy the lines are going to be!
If you’re a ramen fan, you’re probably no stranger to Japan’s “legendary” restaurants with Tabelog ratings above 4. One of Tokyo’s “Big Three” ramen shops, Ramenya Shima (らぁ麺や嶋), has finally announced, after much anticipation from diners, that it will open its first overseas location in Hong Kong. Set to open in Causeway Bay in early March, are ramen fans ready to make a run for it?
- Related reading: The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops for 2026: The Full Ranking and Judging Criteria… Meet the “Michelin Guide of Coffee”!
From Shibuya, Tokyo, to the world: A craftsperson’s pursuit of perfection
Since opening in Shibuya, Tokyo, in 2020, Ramenya Shima has racked up awards. It won the TRY Newcomer Grand Prize right out of the gate, has been named to Tabelog’s Top 100 Restaurants list for five consecutive years, and received the Tabelog Bronze Award twice, in 2022 and 2026.
View this post on Instagram
Founder Hiroshi Morishima also comes from an impressive background. He trained under Minoru Sano of the legendary Ramen no Oni, honing traditional techniques into an art-like craft. For the Hong Kong opening, Morishima will personally travel to Hong Kong to oversee the operation, aiming to bring its craftsperson’s spirit of limited daily servings and strict quality standards intact.
Hong Kong Highlight 1: A “tanrei-style” signature broth simmered with nearly 30 ingredients
Ramenya Shima’s biggest draw is its clear, fresh broth with remarkable depth. The Hong Kong location will use the Tokyo flagship’s secret recipe, carefully simmering nearly 30 ingredients, including Japanese chicken, scallops, clams, aged bonito flakes, sea bream heads, kombu, other seafood, and fresh vegetables.
The Hong Kong location will offer three distinct broth styles:
Shoyu broth: Blended with a special soy sauce for a rich, deep flavor.
View this post on Instagram
White shoyu broth: A balanced blend of saltiness and soy sauce aroma, finished with white truffle oil and black truffle paste for a long-lasting finish.
View this post on Instagram
Shio broth: Pure and simple, allowing the ingredients’ natural umami to shine through.
View this post on Instagram
Hong Kong Highlight 2: Additive-free handmade noodles made with five Japanese flours
Beyond the broth, the noodles are the lifeblood of ramen. Morishima is bringing the noodle-making skills he developed during his apprenticeship to Hong Kong, using five premium flours imported from Japan, including Hokuho-nami wheat, one of Hokkaido’s signature varieties. Most importantly, the noodles contain no additives or alcohol. With just the right amount of chew, they hold the fresh, rich broth beautifully.
Hong Kong Highlight 3: Four carefully prepared chashu varieties and handmade wontons
The toppings are given the same care. The restaurant offers four types of chashu, each prepared differently, showcasing the chef’s versatile skills. There are also freshly wrapped shrimp and pork wontons made daily, whose crisp, bouncy texture and fresh flavor come together with the noodles for an exceptional taste experience.
A Japanese-inspired space tucked away in Causeway Bay
Located at Sugar+, the Hong Kong location spans about 1,200 square feet and seats 24. Its design blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with a modern style, using classic noren curtains and soft wood tones to create the simple, warm atmosphere of a small Japanese ramen shop. Chef Morishima also said he chose Causeway Bay for its energy and convenience, which align with Tokyo’s local character.
This celebrated Tokyo restaurant, which serves just 60 bowls a day and is exceptionally difficult to book, is about to arrive close to home. It looks like Causeway Bay will be in for a “ramen war” this March!
Ramenya Shima Hong Kong
Address: Shop 1, G/F, Sugar+, 31 Sugar Street, Causeway Bay
Opening date: Early March 2026
Opening hours: 11:30 – 21:30
Join POPBEE Circle and subscribe to the POPBEE newsletter for the latest updates, and be among the first to learn about exclusive member perks and discounts! Beyond this article, here are a few recent stories worth checking out:
- A sentiment that never wilts: Cj Hendry’s plush flower shop lands in Hong Kong, with single stems from HK$75
- A warm get-together in his birthday month! G-DRAGON limited-time pop-up lands in Hong Kong with exclusive mint-colored merch
- Stationery addicts and lifestyle-goods lovers, the wait is finally over! Japan’s beloved variety store LOFT is coming to Mong Kok’s MOKO in August, making its long-awaited return to Hong Kong
