Hello, noodle hunters! Welcome back to Hidden Gem Seoul, your trusted compass for navigating the absolute best culinary treasures in the city. 💎
When people think of Japanese ramen, they usually imagine the heavy, pork-based Tonkotsu broth. But what if we told you that one of the most famous ramen shops in Seoul—and a consecutive Michelin Bib Gourmand winner—specializes in chicken?
Today, we are heading to Hapjeong to slurp down the legendary, frothy bowls at Oreno Ramen. Known for its incredibly rich 'Tori Paitan' broth and melt-in-your-mouth sous-vide chicken, this place will completely change the way you look at ramen. Let's dive in! 🕵️♂️
📍 Oreno Ramen (Hapjeong Main Branch): Basic Information
(Note: They also have branches in Gangnam, Insa, and Songpa, but the Hapjeong main branch is where the magic started!)
- Location: 14 Dongmak-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (About a 5-minute walk from Hapjeong Station, Exit 7)
- Opening Hours: Every day 11:00 AM ~ 9:00 PM (Break time: 3:00 PM ~ 5:00 PM / Last order at 8:30 PM)
- Phone Number: 0507-1375-3539
- Google Maps Link: Click here to view Oreno Ramen on Google Maps
📝 Waiting & Ordering Tips: The Kiosk System
Oreno Ramen is incredibly popular, so you will almost certainly see a line outside. But don't panic!
- How to Wait: You do NOT just stand in line. First, walk inside to the ordering kiosk machine, place your order, and get your ticket. Then, you step back outside and give your ticket to the staff, who will call you when your seat is ready.
- 💡 Hidden Tip: The restaurant only serves ramen, so the turnover rate is extremely fast. Even a line of 10 people usually clears out in about 15 to 20 minutes!
🏛️ The Vibe: Cozy, Authentic, and Focused
Walking into Oreno Ramen feels exactly like stepping into a hidden alleyway ramen bar in Tokyo. It is a small, intimate space with a wrap-around wooden counter (bar seating) facing the open kitchen. You can watch the chefs masterfully blending the broth with hand blenders to create their signature foam. It is warm, unpretentious, and purely focused on delivering the perfect bowl of noodles.
🍜 Signature Menu & Prices (Subject to change)
- Tori Paitan Ramen (Rich White Chicken Broth): ~ 12,000 KRW
- Kara Paitan Ramen (Spicy Rich Chicken Broth): ~ 12,000 KRW
- Shoyu Ramen (Clear Soy Sauce Chicken Broth): ~ 12,000 KRW
- Shio Ramen (Clear Salt Chicken Broth): ~ 12,000 KRW
🍽️ The Honest Taste Review!
1. The Signature: 'Tori Paitan Ramen' This is the bowl that earned them their Michelin stars. The broth is boiled down using massive amounts of chicken bones, resulting in a soup that is as thick and rich as traditional pork Tonkotsu, but much cleaner and less greasy. Right before serving, they froth the top of the broth with a blender. This foamy layer locks in the heat and gives the soup a luxuriously creamy, velvety texture. It is absolute umami heaven.
2. The Unbelievable Sous-Vide Chicken Breast Forget dry, boring chicken breast. The toppings at Oreno Ramen are legendary. They use a sous-vide method (slow-cooking in a vacuum bag) to prepare the chicken breast topping, making it ridiculously tender. It literally melts in your mouth like soft tofu. Paired with crunchy wood ear mushrooms (kikurage) and a perfectly soft-boiled, soy-marinated egg, every bite offers a beautiful contrast of textures.
3. A Kick of Heat: 'Kara Paitan Ramen' If you love spicy food, the Kara Paitan is a must-try. It takes the rich, creamy Tori Paitan base and adds a fiery, flavorful chili oil blend. The spice cuts through the richness of the chicken broth perfectly, making it incredibly addictive.
4. The Best Part: Unlimited Free Refills! Still hungry after polishing off your bowl? Just let the chef know! Oreno Ramen generously offers unlimited free refills for both noodles and rice. They even bring the refill noodles out perfectly cooked with a little extra scallion and chicken meat on top. Mixing a scoop of white rice into the leftover creamy broth is the ultimate insider way to finish the meal.
💎 Hidden Gem Seoul’s Final Verdict
- Taste: ★★★★★ (A masterclass in rich, creamy chicken ramen)
- Atmosphere: ★★★★☆ (Cozy and authentic, perfect for solo dining or small groups)
- Waiting Difficulty: Easy ⏳ (The kiosk system is efficient and the line moves very fast)
One-Line Summary: "Frothy, rich, and utterly comforting—the ultimate Michelin-approved chicken ramen experience!"
If you want to taste a bowl of ramen that will have you dreaming about its broth for days, head over to Oreno Ramen. It is guaranteed to hit the spot!