I like going to restaurants I’ve never been to before and trying whatever they have to offer. Sometimes, they surprise me in a really good way.
I remember a few weeks ago, my best friend told me,
“I really don’t know where to take you for your birthday because you don’t have a favourite restaurant.”
At first, I laughed… but then I actually thought about it.
Hmmm… she was right.
I used to answer Nando’s whenever people asked me what my favourite restaurant was, but now? I honestly don’t have one because I really enjoying trying new places more than going back to the same restaurant over and over again. I like the excitement of discovering something new, looking through menus I’ve never seen before, ordering dishes I’ve never tasted, and hoping I’ll accidentally find a meal so good that I’ll be thinking about it long after I’ve left the restaurant.
So on this one random lunch day, while trying to decide where to eat, Le Shrimp Noodle Bar caught my attention.
I’ve actually been eyeing this restaurant for quite some time. Every time I walked past it, I would think, “One day, I’ll try this place.”
Well… that day finally came.
✅ Le Shrimp Noodle Bar
Le Shrimp Noodle Bar isn’t your typical ramen restaurant. It is inspired by both Japanese and Chinese culinary traditions, combining the rich, comforting flavours of Japanese ramen broth with the silky texture of Chinese la mian (hand-pulled noodles).
What makes them stand out is their signature shrimp broth. In fact, they’re known for serving Malaysia’s first Japanese shrimp broth ramen, and that’s what draws most people through their doors.
Their famous shrimp broth isn’t just made by throwing a few prawns into a pot and calling it a day. The broth is simmered for more than eight hours using fresh tiger prawns and Chinese spices to create that rich, concentrated flavour. The addition of “wok-hei” (that distinctive smoky aroma) makes it even more unique.
Le Shrimp is actually part of Singapore’s Paradise Group. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because they’re also behind restaurants like ParaThai, ParaPara Hotpot, Paradise Dynasty and Beauty in The Pot. So they’re definitely not new when it comes to creating restaurant concepts that people love.
✅ The Location and Opening Hours
I went to the outlet at IOI City Mall, Putrajaya. It’s located right next to ParaThai, which is another restaurant under the same Paradise Group.
Since it’s inside IOI City Mall, it’s actually very convenient. Parking is easy and if the restaurant happens to be packed, you can simply wander around the mall while waiting for your table. Just remember to leave your contact number with the staff and they’ll notify you once your seat is ready.
Despite serving premium-priced ramen, the vibe itself is surprisingly casual and relaxed. It doesn’t feel overly fancy or intimidating. It’s the kind of place that’s easy to stop by whenever you’re at the mall without feeling like you need a special occasion to dine there.
Location:
Lot LG-254, IOI City Mall, Putrajaya.
Opening Hours:
Daily: 10.00 AM – 10.00 (Basically, same as the mall)
✅ The Menu and What I Ordered
The main attraction here is definitely the shrimp broth, although they also offer a rich and creamy chicken broth for those who don’t eat seafood, have allergies, or just simply prefer something else.
When I looked through the menu, I noticed quite a few dishes labelled as “Must Try.” They offer both soupy and dry options, so there’s something for everyone depending on what you’re craving that day.
If you’re not in the mood for noodles, they also offer Bento & Teishoku Sets, which are basically set meals served with rice. You can also order side dishes to share, such as dumplings, spring rolls, or chicken karaage. I actually like that the menu isn’t limited to just ramen, making it a good option even if you’re dining with someone who isn’t a noodle lover.
If I remember correctly, there were three noodle options to choose from: Hokkaido noodles (slightly thicker), ramen noodles, and kway
I ordered the Prawn and Chicken Dumpling Shrimp Ramen and went with the Hokkaido noodles. For the second dish, I had the Crispy Chicken Karaage Tossed Ramen with regular ramen noodles, and because I am exactly who I am… I went for the spicy version.
Why would I choose non-spicy when spicy exists? 😂
✅ How Did It Taste?
The moment I tasted the shrimp broth, one thought immediately popped into my head. “Eh… this tastes exactly like Mee Udang.”
Please don’t take that as an insult because if you love Mee Udang, you’ll probably enjoy this. It’s like Mee Udang that decided to put on expensive clothes and move into a fancy neighbourhood.
The shrimp flavour was really strong. Not the fake seafood kind of flavour. You could genuinely taste the sweetness of the prawns, and you could tell the broth had been cooked for hours. It had depth. Every sip tasted rich and comforting.
The noodles with chicken dumplings were soft and satisfying. They didn’t feel overcooked and paired really well with the broth.
But…
My favourite was actually the tossed ramen. I am a huge fan of dry noodles, so maybe I’m a little biased here.
The Crispy Chicken Karaage Tossed Ramen came in a huge bowl. There were shredded cucumbers and scallions on top with fried garlic and chilli oil hidden underneath. Once everything was mixed together, the noodles became this delicious combination of savoury and spicy with little refreshing bites from the cucumber.
And the karaage? Oh my goodness. The chicken was crispy and juicy… exactly how karaage should be. The dipping sauce was so good too. I don’t even know how to explain it properly except that I kept dipping every single piece because it tasted that good. I genuinely enjoyed every bite of it.
✅ The Price Is Kind of Pricey
When I looked at the menu, most dishes were around RM25 to RM40 depending on what you ordered.
I won’t lie… it’s a bit pricey, especially if you’re on a budget. However, the portions were generous. The bowls were big, and they didn’t feel stingy with the ingredients. Since it’s positioned as a more premium dining experience, I do understand the pricing. You pay more, but you do get what you pay for.
However… I want to talk about the wet tissue they provided because I was genuinely shocked.
The wet tissue was already placed on the table with the cutlery when we sat down. Naturally, I thought it was complimentary because isn’t that what restaurants usually do?
Only when we paid and checked the receipt did we realise they charged RM0.80 for it. I mean, RM0.80 is cheap but excuse me? At least a little heads-up would’ve been nice before charging me for something I used to wipe my mouth after eating the food I ordered at your restaurant.
I think I was more surprised than annoyed. I literally looked at the receipt and went, “Wait… we paid for the tissue?” 😂
✅ Would I Come Again?
Probably not.
Before anyone gets angry… No, it’s not because the food was bad. I actually enjoyed the food. I left feeling full and satisfied, and I can understand why people enjoy eating here.
Personally, it just didn’t have that wow factor that made me crave it again, but I’m glad I finally tried it after eyeing it for so long. It was good, just not unforgettable.
Would I recommend it?
Yes, especially if you love seafood and want to try a premium version of Mee Udang.
Would I specifically go out of my way to eat there again? Probably not.
But I guess that’s the fun part about being adventurous with food. Not every restaurant has to become your favourite. Sometimes, it’s just about saying, “I’ve always wanted to try this place,” finally doing it, and adding another food story to the collection.
Till next time,
Auri Duham 🌻
