This is the most customizable bowl in the set, letting you calibrate broth weight and noodle chew down to exact personal preferences. It stands out against the Bình Thạnh counter spots as the roomier, more relaxed option across the river.

Go here if

you want complete control over your broth richness and noodle texture

Skip if

you prefer dry noodles or a tight counter-only vibe

1 insider tip

Nguyen Quang Dung Director · curator · Danbo Ramen Thao Dien

Broth here follows southern Fukuoka style and can taste quite rich. Ask the staff for less salt if you prefer a lighter profile. The fragrant sesame ramen and mild spicy ramen are regular choices, and children often pair them with boneless fried chicken and fried rice.

While the other two focus squarely on traditional steaming broths, this spot anchors the list around soupless noodles tossed in concentrated tare and seasoned oil. It is the boldest departure from standard ramen on this circuit.

Go here if

you crave intense sauce-coated noodles without heavy hot soup

Skip if

you judge a ramen shop entirely by the depth of its broth

1 insider tip

Nguyen Quang Dung Director · curator · MÌ KHÔ NHẬT BẢN KIRINJI

This shop specializes in Tokyo-style abura soba, serving thick brothless noodles without accompanying soup. Mix the undercooked, runny egg yolk thoroughly into the warm noodles to coat them in a rich sauce. Street parking here is tight, so arriving on foot is easiest.

Standing beside Kirinji in the city's second Japanese dining enclave, this spot represents the purest counter-service tradition on the list. The daily in-house noodle prep gives it a craft focus unmatched by larger suburban shops.

Go here if

you want classic counter seating with direct views of noodles made on site

Skip if

you are dining in a large party that needs facing tables

1 insider tip

Nguyen Quang Dung Director · curator · TOMIDAYA Ramen

The kitchen prepares four noodle varieties, including tsukemen dipping noodles and spicy black sesame ramen. Most bowls come in sizes S, M, and L, though black sesame is served only in size L. If you park at the nearby apartment lot, confirm parking fees in advance to avoid paying 50,000 VND.