Choi Ramen | Rich Tonkotsu Ramen & Savory Mazesoba
Hello! Today, I’d like to introduce a restaurant I checked out when I suddenly found myself craving a bowl of rich ramen for lunch. My girlfriend told me Choi Ramen was well known for its tonkotsu ramen and mazesoba, so we headed over to give it a try.
This was 초이라멘 (Choi Ramen) in Dongdaemun.
Even from outside, the large yellow banner boldly calling itself a Dongdaemun favorite stood out. The place gave off a confident vibe before we even stepped in. We arrived a little before noon and luckily didn’t have to wait, but right after 12 o’clock a line started forming. By the time we finished eating, the queue had gotten pretty long.
⛩️ Stepping into a Cozy Space With Wooden Signboards
As soon as we walked in, it felt like we’d stepped into a small ramen shop tucked away in a Japanese back alley. Unlike the exterior, the inside felt cozy, charming, and inviting.
The warm wood-toned interior was filled with wooden signboards hanging along both walls and beneath the ceiling. Looking closer, I realized they were actually drawings created by customers. There were so many talented artists!
The walls were packed with cute anime characters and handwritten comments about how delicious the food was. My girlfriend and I had a great time looking around while waiting for our meal. The restaurant still provides wooden boards and coloring supplies for anyone who wants to contribute. Since there’s no more room at this branch, they display new creations at other locations.
The restaurant wasn’t particularly large. It had counter seating and a few tables farther inside, creating a compact space. The wooden signboards really gave it the feeling of a hidden hangout spot.
At each table, seasonings like shichimi, chili powder, black pepper, and a special spicy sauce were neatly prepared, making it easy to customize each bite.
We ordered the restaurant’s signature dishes: tonkotsu ramen and mazesoba. Both were M size.
You could choose from S, M, L, and XL sizes, with different prices for each. I thought it was a pretty reasonable system.
🍜 Diving into Choi Ramen With Deep Broth and Tender Chashu
First up was the tonkotsu ramen I ordered.
The huge sous-vide chashu hanging over the edge of the bowl looked incredible. It honestly felt like something straight out of a manga.
The bowl came with four slices of pork loin chashu plus one thick and savory pork belly chashu, making a total of five slices. The portion was extremely satisfying.
I started with a spoonful of the broth. Since it was simmered with pork bones, chicken bones, and anchovies, the flavor came through rich and full-bodied while still finishing clean without any greasiness or unwanted smell. If the broth is great, a bowl of ramen is already halfway to perfection.
The sous-vide chashu practically melted away the moment it hit my mouth. The chewy noodles soaked up the savory broth beautifully, and I kept slurping away without slowing down.
I could easily see why people praised this tonkotsu ramen so highly. The depth of the broth was something I hadn’t come across very often in Seoul. The restaurant’s confidence in its food felt completely justified.
🥢 Digging into Savory Mazesoba With Explosive Umami
Next was the mazesoba my girlfriend ordered. The bowl was covered with vibrant garlic chives and green onions, while a glossy egg yolk sat in the center. It definitely grabbed attention right away. Just like the tonkotsu ramen, the mazesoba also came with sous-vide chashu served on the side.
Even though it was an M size, the bowl was piled high with ingredients. For a moment, I wondered if they’d accidentally brought out an L size instead.
After breaking the egg yolk, we mixed everything together thoroughly: tuna, diced onions, scallions, bonito flakes, and shredded seaweed. The umami packed into every bite was seriously impressive.
The sweet and tangy seasoning paired perfectly with the rich flavor of the tuna that popped up throughout each mouthful. It was the kind of dish that made it hard to put your chopsticks down. I ordered the tonkotsu ramen, but honestly, I ended up stealing quite a few bites of the mazesoba.
Many mazesoba restaurants usually use minced meat, but using tuna felt surprisingly fitting and added a unique twist to the dish.
Partway through the meal, you could mix in some of the sauces or vinegar from the table to switch up the flavor profile.
The owner recommended seasoned vinegar, mayonnaise, and curry powder. All three worked wonderfully with the dish. Since each condiment changed the flavor in a different way, I’d definitely recommend trying them.
The portions were much larger than we expected, and we couldn’t even finish everything. We wanted to keep eating because it was so good, but we were completely full.
Reluctantly, we got up and promised ourselves we’d come back another time.
💡 Who Should Come Here?
1. Anyone looking for a cute and cozy lunch date spot near Dongdaemun.
2. Anyone wanting to properly enjoy rich tonkotsu ramen with deep broth and flavorful, thick mazesoba.
✨ Wrapping Up With a Satisfying Ramen Lunch
It turned out to be a perfect lunch. We got to enjoy ramen made with years of experience and care in a charming setting filled with personality.
The atmosphere was great for a relaxed conversation, and the food quality was excellent. I felt like I’d be thinking about this place whenever I visited Dongdaemun in the future. If you’re craving a hearty bowl of ramen around Dongdaemun, this spot is well worth checking out.
At a glance 📍 Location: Near Exit 10 of Dongdaemun Station ⏰ Hours: 11:00–21:00 (Break Time 16:00–17:00) 💰 Price Range: Tonkotsu Ramen M 13,000 KRW / Mazesoba M 13,000 KRW 🅿️ Parking: Public transportation recommended
After getting off at Dongdaemun Station and walking along the main road, you’ll spot the bright yellow “Choi Ramen Dongdaemun Favorite” banner as soon as you glance toward the alley, making the restaurant easy to find.
Choi Ramen
290-2 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Verified self-paid visit
83 Jongno 6-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul
For receipt-type visit information showing only a total amount, item details should not be displayed.
Tonkotsu Ramen M and 1 additional item
2026.05.
