I was never into ramen. Like, at all.
Every time I saw a steaming bowl of ramen, all I could think of was instant noodles. Something quick, cheap, and honestly… kind of boring. So whenever people went on and on about their love for ramen, I simply couldn’t relate. I truly didn’t understand what all the fuss was about.
I’ve always been more of a rice person. If there’s rice on the menu, there’s a very good chance that’s what I’ll be ordering. I tend to stick to what I know I’ll enjoy when eating out, and that definitely didn’t include a bowl of noodles swimming in soup.
The funny thing is, I wasn’t just uninterested in ramen. I was convinced I didn’t like it. I never ordered it, never felt curious enough to try it, and certainly never imagined I’d become someone who willingly craves it today.
Then I met someone who really loves ramen.
That eventually changed everything.
✅ About Seirock-Ya
Seirock-Ya is a halal-certified Japanese ramen restaurant that first opened in Tsukuba City, Japan, in 2009. After building a presence across Japan, the brand expanded overseas, opening its first international outlet in Jakarta in 2014 before later making its way to Malaysia.
The restaurant is best known for its chicken-based ramen, particularly its rich Toripaitan (rich and creamy chicken broth). Unlike many traditional ramen shops that rely on pork-based soup, Seirock-Ya focuses on chicken while still aiming to preserve the taste and quality of authentic Japanese ramen.
The menu includes several ramen styles, from the creamy Toripaitan Shoyu, Shio, and Miso options to Tokyo Ramen, Tan-Tan Men, spicy ramen, and tsukemen. And for people like the old me who still preferred rice over noodles, they also serve dishes such as chahan, chicken katsu don, and curry rice.
✅ The First Visit To Seirock Ya
I still remember the first time my partner brought me here. We were still in the early stages of our relationship. That day, he was craving ramen and suggested we grab lunch at this ramen spot he really liked. “Seirock Ya”, he said. I wasn’t exactly thrilled. Ramen wasn’t my thing after all, but because he was craving it, I agreed to go along. I figured, worst-case scenario, I’d just find something else on the menu.
So I did what I usually do when I’m unsure. I played it safe. Very safe. I went with rice and chicken teriyaki. (Classic me, honestly.)
And to be fair, it was good! No complaints at all. The portion was just right, the flavours were nicely balanced, and the chicken was cooked perfectly; juicy and full of flavour. I enjoyed my meal for what it was.
But as I sat there, watching him dig into his bowl of ramen with so much joy and satisfaction, I still felt… nothing. No curiosity, no food envy. Just me, happily munching on my rice while thinking, “Yup, still not a ramen fan.”
✅ The Day I Finally Said “Okay, Fine” to Ramen
Fast forward to another visit.
I wasn’t feeling well that day and wanted something warm, comforting, and a little lighter. That’s when my partner, very gently, suggested, “Why not try ramen this time?”
He looked so hopeful, and honestly, I didn’t have the energy to overthink. So I gave in. I decided to finally give ramen a chance.
And that turned out to be the moment everything changed.
Since it was my very first time actually ordering ramen for myself, I decided to play it safe. There were a few broth options to choose from, including creamy, miso-based, and clear broth. I eventually went with the clear broth and thin noodles.
Oh, and of course… I made it spicy.
Baby steps, but still very much me.
And OMG.
It was love at first slurp.
I still remember that first spoonful of broth, so unexpectedly flavourful. The kind of soup that makes you pause mid-bite because you didn’t expect it to be that good. The clear broth was light, and the kick from the spicy red seasoning brought it to another level.
It was very spicy… like, eyes-watering, nose-running, face-turning-red kind of spicy. But somehow, that only made it better. Every sip was addictively good, and I couldn’t stop myself. I finished the entire bowl, right down to the last drop.
The noodles had the perfect texture; thin, springy, and satisfying to chew… and the toppings complemented the whole dish beautifully. Everything just came together in such a comforting, flavourful way.
That bowl of ramen changed my perspective completely.
✅ My Go-To Bowl Today
Ever since that day, Seirock Ya has quietly earned a spot on my list of comfort restaurants. It’s the place I think about whenever I’m feeling under the weather or just not in the mood for anything heavy.
And the funniest part? I never imagined ramen would be something I’d actually crave. Yup, the same girl who used to roll her eyes at ramen is now willingly, even excitedly, ordering it.
Since that turning point, I’ve explored a few different variations from their menu, but my absolute go-to has to be their Traditional Tokyo Style: Tokyo Ramen Spicy. This is the most traditional ramen style with soy sauce flavor. The broth variation is called “Chintan broth.” It’s made from chicken carcass and 5 kinds of vegetables. Light yet incredibly rich in umami.
And the spice? That’s what seals the deal for me. The kick from the karatama (spicy red seasoning) adds the perfect heat, making every slurp exciting. It’s the kind of ramen that warms you from the inside out, a bowl I keep coming back to again and again.
✅ Price & Value for Money
Seirock-Ya sits somewhere in the mid-range category when it comes to casual dining. Depending on what you order, most ramen bowls are priced between RM20 and RM35, with rice dishes, sides, and drinks available if you’d like to build a more complete meal.
Personally, I think the prices are fair for the quality, portion sizes, and overall dining experience. The broth is clearly prepared with care, the ingredients are fresh, and the portions have always left me feeling satisfied.
More importantly, I’ve never left Seirock-Ya feeling like I didn’t get my money’s worth.
Considering how many times I’ve returned over the years, I’d say it’s a place that’s well worth the occasional treat.
✅ Would I Recommend Seirock-Ya?
Absolutely.
The funniest part about writing this article is realising just how wrong I was about ramen.
If someone had told me a few years ago that I’d happily finish an entire bowl of ramen, right down to the very last drop of broth, I probably would’ve laughed.
And yet, here we are.
The same girl who once ordered rice at a ramen restaurant is now voluntarily suggesting ramen whenever we’re deciding what to eat.
Character development at its finest, I suppose.
So if you’ve been insisting that you don’t like ramen all this while, perhaps it’s time to let yourself be pleasantly surprised.
I certainly was.
Wanderhoney Rating ★★★★★ (5/5)
Until then.
X, Auri 🌻
