Ramen-Tei＠Surawong – Authentic Tonkotsu Chili Ramen in Bangkok

Ramen Taste

Right

Rich

Price

Affordable

Expensive

Atmosphere

Casual

High-End

Side Menu Variety

Limited Selection

Wide Selection

Accessibility

Difficult

Limited Selection

Introducing Ramen Tei
Inside the Restaurant
Today’s Order
The Ramen
Today’s Bill
How to Get to Ramen Tei Silom

Introducing Ramen Tei

As of March 2025, Ramen Tei operates five locations across Bangkok. Established in 1983, it remains the last survivor among a group of about ten ramen shops that opened in the area at the time. What sets Ramen Tei apart is the philosophy instilled by its Japanese chef, who consistently teaches the Thai staff to “prepare food with sincere dedication.” Thanks to this commitment to quality, Ramen Tei offers authentic ramen that has become beloved not only by Japanese customers but also by Thai locals, standing apart from larger chain restaurants.

Today, I’m excited to introduce you to the Silom branch!

Inside the Restaurant

The restaurant features 44 seats in total—9 four-person tables and 8 counter seats. The atmosphere feels like a local Chinese eatery, making it a welcoming spot for anyone. If you’re coming with a large group, keep in mind that you’ll need to split into smaller groups of four as the seating arrangement doesn’t accommodate larger gatherings.

Today’s Order

・Tonkotsu Chili Ramen
・Menma topping
・Soft-boiled egg topping

The Ramen

While Ramen Tei generally serves delicious ramen, the Tonkotsu Chili Ramen is a standout with its unique, original flavor that you won’t find elsewhere. The rich, savory taste of tonkotsu (pork bone) miso is perfectly balanced with just the right amount of chili heat. Unlike overly spicy bowls that burn your tongue and leave you unable to taste anything, this ramen offers a flavorful heat that enhances the dish without overwhelming it.

The noodles are classic egg noodles, with a vibrant color that pops.

The chili floating on top of the broth adds the perfect level of spiciness.

As for the toppings, the menma (fermented bamboo shoots) provide a nice crunch and umami flavor. Fun fact: Menma is made from bamboo shoots that are lacto-fermented, dried, and seasoned. They’re also known as “Shiinachiku.”

What’s especially unique about the Tonkotsu Chili Ramen is the large, fluffy omelette included in the dish. The omelette soaks up the rich broth, adding depth to the flavor. (Since I’m a huge fan of soft-boiled eggs, I couldn’t resist adding one as a topping!)

Today’s Bill

・Singha Beer (small): 90 THB
・Tonkotsu Chili Ramen: 290 THB
・Menma: 60 THB
・Soft-boiled egg: 30 THB
While the menma topping at 60 THB might seem a little pricey, the portion size is generous. Tea is complimentary, and the VAT is included in the prices.

How to Get to Ramen Tei Silom

・7-8 minutes’ walk from BTS Saladaeng Station
・Just under 10 minutes’ walk from MRT Sam Yan Station
The restaurant is conveniently located near the Patpong Night Market, making it the perfect spot to grab a bite before heading out to shop in the evening. There are also locations in Thaniya (the Japanese karaoke street) and three around the Japanese expat neighborhood in Phrom Phong.