ONO Ramen opened on September 1, 2024, at 734 North Bridge Road in Kampong Gelam, representing the realization of owner Haris Ahmad's lifelong dream of opening a ramen shop. The culinary mastermind behind the famed Kulon bakmi spot in Bali Lane, Haris now runs this 100% Muslim-owned, fully halal ramen restaurant alongside his mother, combining Japanese ramen techniques with bold Indonesian flavours.
The name "Ono" (pronounced on-naw) means "have" in Javanese, creating the playful translation "have ramen" that captures the restaurant's welcoming, unpretentious spirit. The menu stays refreshingly concise with six ramen variations, five sides, and two desserts, with nothing exceeding $15. Bestsellers include the Tauto (Pulled Beef) Ramen and Gulai (Chicken Katsu) Ramen, both priced at $14.90, showcasing how Indonesian flavour profiles can enhance Japanese ramen without overwhelming its essential character.
The restaurant operates entirely self-service, with customers collecting their orders through a small window overlooking the kitchen. Haris has injected personality into the space with cat decor, hiding 11 cat figurines throughout the shop for customers to discover. This Muslim-Japanese-Indonesian fusion concept fills a gap in Singapore's ramen landscape, offering halal-certified ramen that doesn't compromise on the depth and complexity that makes great ramen memorable. The affordable pricing and unique flavour combinations have quickly established ONO Ramen as a destination for both ramen enthusiasts and those seeking quality halal dining in the Kampong Gelam area.