Two years ago, if you’d asked me what my favourite ramen was, I probably wouldn’t have had an answer. Ramen wasn’t really something I went out of my way to eat until my partner introduced me to it. Since then, it’s quietly become one of my favourite comfort foods, especially on days when I’m craving something warm, hearty, and satisfying.
For my birthday this year, I had something a little different in mind.
A few months earlier, I’d casually told him that I wanted to go to a fine dining restaurant for my birthday. But after my partner had already surprised me with a birthday gift, I changed my mind. I didn’t want him to spend even more on me, so I kept my birthday request simple.
Just give me a really good bowl of ramen.
Not our usual spot, though. I wanted to try somewhere we’d never been before. Somewhere with great reviews and a menu that felt a little different from the ramen we’d already tried.
After a little searching, my partner suggested Torino Toriko at Lot 10, and I didn’t even need to think twice.
He’s introduced me to so many great restaurants over the years that whenever he says, “Let’s try this place,” I already know I’m probably going to leave happy.
So off we went… hoping it would become another favourite.
✅ About Torino Toriko
Torino Toriko is a ramen brand that originated near Ginza, Tokyo, with one simple goal: to bring out the pure flavour of chicken through a bowl of carefully crafted ramen.
Instead of relying on pork bones like many traditional ramen restaurants, Torino Toriko specialises in a rich chicken broth that’s slowly simmered. It’s then combined with traditional Japanese dashi made from kombu (kelp) and bonito, creating a deep layer of umami.
Among their most popular bowls are the Deep Shoyu Umami and Deep Miso Umami ramen, both of which have earned the Gold Award at the Japan Food Selection, reflecting the brand’s commitment to quality and authentic Japanese flavours.
One thing I really appreciate is that the Malaysian outlets prepare every bowl without pork, lard, or alcohol, making authentic Japanese ramen accessible to even more people without compromising on flavour.
After trying it for myself, I could immediately understand why Torino Toriko has been attracting so much attention since arriving in Kuala Lumpur.
✅ First Impressions
The moment we stepped inside, we were welcomed with a cheerful “Irasshaimase!”, the traditional Japanese greeting you’ll often hear when entering a restaurant in Japan. It was such a simple gesture, but it immediately made the experience feel warm and authentic.
The interior follows a modern Japanese style, with warm wooden furniture, soft lighting, and beautiful Japanese lanterns hanging throughout the restaurant. The décor isn’t over the top, but every little detail comes together nicely to create a cosy space that makes you want to slow down and enjoy your meal.
Another thing I noticed that I found interesting was the selection of seasonings already prepared on every table.
Alongside black pepper, there were also Japanese pepper (sansho), Chinese pepper, and vinegar for anyone who wanted to customise their bowl of ramen. I thought it was a thoughtful touch because it lets you adjust the flavour of the broth to suit your own preference as you eat.
Although the restaurant was fairly busy during our visit, the atmosphere never felt hectic. The staff worked efficiently, tables were cleared quickly, and everything felt organised despite the steady flow of customers. It was exactly the kind of place where you simply sit back, enjoy a bowl of ramen, and forget about the busy shopping mall just outside.
✅ The Menu & What We Ordered
One thing I noticed straight away was that Torino Toriko gives you plenty of ways to customise your bowl.
Instead of offering just one signature ramen, the menu is built around four different broths: Deep Shoyu Umami, Deep Miso Umami, Deep Shrimp Umami, and Wagyu Umami. Most of them can be ordered in either Normal or Spicy, so you can decide how much of a kick you want.
If ramen isn’t what you’re craving that day, they also serve a selection of Japanese curry rice, fried chicken, gyoza (dumpling), and other side dishes, making it easy to find something for everyone.
By now, there wasn’t much debate about what I wanted to order. For my birthday lunch, I decided to stick with another creamy bowl instead of going back to my usual clear broth.
🍜 What We Ordered
For our lunch, we ordered:
- Ajitama Egg Ramen (Rich Chicken Ramen with Deep Shoyu Umami)
This was exactly the kind of ramen I had been hoping for.
Although it falls under the Rich Chicken Ramen category, the broth wasn’t overwhelmingly creamy. It was smooth, rich, and deeply savoury without feeling too heavy, making it incredibly easy to finish every last drop.
What impressed me next were the noodles. They were cooked perfectly, with just the right amount of springiness that gave every bite a satisfying texture and paired beautifully with the broth.
Then there was the ajitama egg, which quickly became one of my favourite parts of the bowl. The yolk was soft and creamy, while the egg itself had absorbed just enough seasoning to give it a subtle savoury flavour that complemented the broth beautifully.
- Umami Fried Chicken Ramen (Rich Chicken Ramen with Deep Miso Umami)
My partner chose the Umami Fried Chicken Ramen, made with the restaurant’s Deep Miso Umami broth.
I usually don’t enjoy miso-based ramen because I find it a little richer than I prefer, but I have to admit… this one surprised me. The broth was noticeably creamier than mine, yet it still tasted well balanced without becoming overwhelming.
The highlight for me, though, was the fried chicken. It stayed wonderfully crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside, adding a delicious contrast to the silky broth. If you’re someone who enjoys fried chicken with your ramen, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a try.
One detail that immediately caught my attention was the light layer of white foam floating on top of every bowl.
At first, I honestly thought it was there purely for presentation. It almost looked like the foam on top of a cappuccino. After stirring it into the broth, though, I realised it actually changed the texture of the soup, making it feel lighter, silkier, and almost airy while still keeping all the rich flavour. It was such a small detail, but one that made the whole bowl feel a little more special.
✅ Is Torino Toriko Worth the Price?
I think Torino Toriko offers good value for the quality of food you’re getting.
Most of the ramen bowls are priced between RM22 and RM30, depending on your choice of broth and toppings. The only exception is the Wagyu ramen, which sits at a higher price point, but that’s pretty much what you’d expect when premium wagyu is involved. If ramen isn’t your thing, the Japanese curry dishes are priced in a similar range, while side dishes and drinks are reasonably affordable if you’d like to complete your meal.
For our birthday lunch, I ordered the Ajitama Egg Ramen (RM21.90), while my partner chose the Umami Fried Chicken Ramen (RM28.90). We also ordered a cup of Japanese green tea, bringing our total bill to around RM70.
Considering the quality of the ingredients, the rich and deeply flavourful broth, the authentic Japanese atmosphere, and the attentive service, I thought the price was more than reasonable.
If you’re looking for more than just a bowl of ramen, Torino Toriko is well worth spending a little extra on. From the carefully crafted broth and quality ingredients to the signature silky foam and warm Japanese hospitality, every detail comes together to create an experience that’s both satisfying and memorable.
✅ Location & Opening Hours
Torino Toriko is located inside Lot 10 Shopping Centre, right in the heart of Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. You’ll find it on the Japanese dining floor, making it a convenient stop if you’re shopping around the city or exploring the area on foot.
One of the reasons we picked Torino Toriko was because it gave us an excuse to spend the rest of the afternoon around Bukit Bintang. After lunch, we wandered through Lot 10, made a quick stop at Don Don Donki where I happily picked up my favourite mochi ice cream, then drove to a nearby café for dessert. It turned into one of those slow afternoons that somehow become the ones you remember most.
📍 Torino Toriko
Lot 10 Shopping Centre,
50, Jalan Sultan Ismail,
Bukit Bintang,
50250 Kuala Lumpur.
🕒 Opening Hours
Daily: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (adjust if different)
Opening hours may vary during public holidays, so it’s always a good idea to check Torino Toriko’s official social media before visiting.
✅ Would I Come Again?
Without a doubt.
Torino Toriko turned out to be exactly the kind of birthday lunch I had been hoping for. From the warm Japanese welcome and cosy atmosphere to the comforting bowls of ramen, every part of the experience made the afternoon feel special.
More than anything, it reminded me just how much my taste in ramen has changed.
When I first started eating ramen, I always played it safe with clear broth. It felt lighter, cleaner, and less intimidating than the rich, creamy bowls. Whenever my partner ordered one, I’d happily steal a spoonful, but I’d always go back to my usual choice.
Torino Toriko reminded me that a creamy broth doesn’t have to feel heavy to be satisfying. It can still be rich, warming, and full of flavour while staying beautifully balanced. Looking at the bowl in front of me, I couldn’t help but smile at how much my taste had changed over the past two years.
Now, I’m already looking forward to my next bowl of creamy ramen.
Wanderhoney Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5)
Until our next food adventure,
Love, Auri 🌻
