Oreno Ramen Insa Review – Michelin Bib Gourmand Pick

Creamy ramen noodles lifted at Oreno Ramen Insa with wood ear mushrooms

Exploring the charming streets of Insadong? You’re in for a treat! While you’re soaking in the history and traditional vibes, don’t miss a truly exceptional culinary detour. Tucked away in this very neighborhood is Oreno Ramen Insa, a Michelin Bib Gourmand spot that offers a surprisingly refined and utterly delicious ramen experience. Indeed, it’s the perfect, high-quality meal to complement your exploration of Seoul’s cultural heart.

Klook ad banner encouraging pre-booking of Seoul's hottest shows and activities. Features Namsan Tower and a hanok illustration.

Tucked Away in Historic Charm: Finding Oreno Ramen Insa

Stepping out of Anguk Station, you’re immediately in one of Seoul’s most charming areas. Beautiful traditional hanok houses meet modern cafes here, creating a unique atmosphere.

Just a short walk (about 50 meters) from Anguk Station Exit 1, down a picturesque alleyway, you’ll find Oreno Ramen Insa.

Stairway entrance to Oreno Ramen Insa near Anguk Station

It might seem unexpected to discover a Japanese ramen shop – especially one with a Michelin Bib Gourmand award – nestled in a historic Korean neighborhood like Insadong. However, that’s precisely its charm! This delightful blend of old and new offers a unique cultural experience.

Oreno Ramen Insa exterior signboard with name in Korean and English

When I arrived, a few groups were already waiting. This, for me, was a promising sign of the delicious meal to come. Ultimately, the anticipation only made the first bite even more rewarding.

My Oreno Ramen Insa Journey: From Queue to Pure Bliss

Vertical Oreno Ramen Insa signboard glowing softly outside the restaurant

When I arrived at Oreno Ramen Insa, I was told about five teams were waiting ahead. But don’t let that deter you! They have a pretty quick turnover, so the wait genuinely wasn’t long. While waiting, I happily read the instructions and menu details posted outside, getting excited about my order.

Inside the Cozy Oreno Ramen Space

Counter seating area at Oreno Ramen Insa with utensils and napkins

The inside is cozy but incredibly efficient. It makes the most of the space. Most seating, in fact, is at a bar-style counter. This is perfect if you’re dining solo or on a date! Sitting at the bar, you can even watch the chefs at work. This not only adds to the experience but also assures you of their high standards.

Self-serve station at Oreno Ramen Insa with water, utensils, and dishes

Ordering is super easy using a convenient kiosk. At your table, you’ll find pickled radishes, water, cups, and a small plate already set up. Additionally, if you like, you can also ask for kimchi!

Ordering kiosk screen at Oreno Ramen Insa with ramen menu options

Choosing My Bowl of Oreno Ramen

Oreno Ramen Insa offers two main ramen varieties: Toripaitan Ramen and Karapaitan Ramen. Each bowl costs ₩12,000 (around $9 USD).

Being a fan of deep, rich flavors, I went for the Toripaitan. This is their signature creamy white ramen. It’s made by simmering a whole chicken until the broth is incredibly thick and flavorful. It truly is “deep and rich” with a “creamy texture.” Moreover, it tastes almost like a slightly salted Samgyetang – savory, hearty, and utterly comforting.

Full bowl of Toripaitan chicken ramen at Oreno Ramen Insa — Toripaitan Ramen

My friend, on the other hand, ordered the Karapaitan Ramen. This is the Toripaitan with a spicy kick. It has a “spicy pork soup-like depth,” but here’s the best part for my fellow “spice-lightweights”: it’s not overly spicy! Indeed, it’s “just the right amount of spiciness.” Even those who can’t handle too much spice can enjoy it.

Karapaitan spicy chicken ramen bowl at Oreno Ramen Insa — Karapaitan ramen

The vibrant red chili oil froth also makes for a visually stunning dish. This careful balance of spice ensures it enhances the broth’s flavor without overpowering it. Consequently, it makes the dish accessible to a wider range of diners.

A Symphony of Flavors at Oreno Ramen

The noodles were perfectly “chewy yet slightly soft” and “al dente.” They paired flawlessly with the rich broth. And the chicken breast? Oh my goodness, it was “truly soft.” It was almost as if it had been sous-vided, with “hardly any visible fibers.” It just melted in my mouth!

The combination of the “crunchy wood ear mushrooms,” fresh green onions, and even caramelized onions added a wonderful textural symphony to each bite. This attention to varied textures truly elevates the ramen. It turns a good meal into an extraordinary dining experience. No wonder it’s called “life-changing ramen”!

Soft-boiled ramen egg at Oreno Ramen Insa before being cut open

Even the complimentary soft-boiled egg was perfectly done. It was so rich and flavorful that I didn’t even feel the need to order an extra one (though you can add one for ₩1,000, or about $0.75 USD). Other optional additions include extra chashu (pork slices, though Oreno Ramen uses chicken) for ₩2,000 (~$1.50 USD). You can also grab a Coke for ₩2,000 (~$1.50 USD) or a Highball for ₩6,000 (~$4.50 USD).

Perfectly soft-boiled egg at Oreno Ramen Insa with a rich, runny yolk

Oreno Ramen’s Amazing Free Refill Policy

One of Oreno Ramen Insa’s biggest advantages, and honestly, something I rarely see elsewhere, is their free refill policy! You can get more noodles, broth, rice, and even chicken breast replenished at no extra charge.

Steamed rice offered at Oreno Ramen Insa for mixing with leftover ramen broth

Yes, you read that right – extra chicken breast! This isn’t just about getting more. It truly shows Oreno Ramen’s dedication to making sure every customer leaves completely satisfied. It’s incredible value. Ultimately, it makes the experience even more enjoyable and ensures you never leave hungry.

Rice mixed into creamy chicken ramen broth at Oreno Ramen Insa

After finishing the noodles, I highly recommend pouring some rice into the leftover broth, Korean Gukbap style. The rich chicken broth soaking into the rice felt incredibly comforting. It was truly “like a body-boosting meal.” A little tip: you can also add the free chili pepper to adjust the spice level. Or, enjoy some kimchi on the side to cut through the richness of the broth. It’s pure perfection!

Oreno Ramen’s Secret: Michelin Fame Meets Korean Flavor

Oreno Ramen isn’t just popular; it’s critically acclaimed! It’s earned the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand award for an incredible four years in a row. For those unfamiliar, Bib Gourmand isn’t about fancy, expensive dining. Instead, it’s about finding fantastic food at great value. This is a real badge of honor that tells you you’re getting amazing quality without overspending.

Michelin Guide display featuring Oreno Ramen Insa

And get this: Oreno Ramen was the very first ramen restaurant in Korea to receive this esteemed award! How cool is that?

The brilliant mind behind this culinary masterpiece is Chef Shin Dong-woo. With two decades of ramen experience, including eight years of training in Japan, Chef Shin opened Oreno Ramen in 2017. His clear goal: to create “my own ramen, the only one of its kind among countless ramen dishes.” That dedication to his craft truly shines through in every single bowl.

The Signature Oreno Ramen Chicken Broth

So, what’s their secret ingredient? It all boils down to their signature chicken broth base. While Chef Shin refined his skills in Japan, his ramen is often described as “not so much Japanese, but a ramen fine-tuned to an extremely Korean taste.” This is because the rich, hearty chicken broth perfectly caters to Korean palates. Indeed, it reminds many of comforting local soups like Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup).

Spoonful of creamy chicken broth at Oreno Ramen Insa

It’s more than just an imitation of Japanese ramen. Instead, it’s a brilliant reinterpretation, infused with local flavors and sensibilities. This successful local adaptation has been a huge part of its widespread appeal and its consistent Michelin recognition.

The Innovative Oreno Ramen Froth Broth

And then there’s the famous “froth broth.” This isn’t just for show! Chef Shin developed a technique where the broth is frothed with a hand mixer just before serving. This blends fat and air into a creamy, luxurious texture. This process gives the broth an incredibly smooth, melt-in-your-mouth quality and seriously boosts its already rich flavor.

Stirred ramen noodles in chicken broth at Oreno Ramen Insa

It’s a testament to the constant innovation and artistry that goes into every bowl here. Beyond the broth, the noodles and toppings are crafted with equal care. The fresh noodles, made daily using a top-of-the-line Japanese noodle machine and aged for a day, boast a wonderful chewy texture. This pairs flawlessly with the broth.

And the toppings? You get incredibly tender chicken breast (seriously, it’s unbelievably soft!), crunchy wood ear mushrooms, seaweed, and a perfectly cooked soft-boiled egg. All of these come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. The fact that the Michelin Bib Gourmand specifically recognizes Oreno Ramen for “good cuisine at a reasonable price” truly highlights the exceptional value and satisfaction you get here.

Why You Should Make Oreno Ramen a Must-Visit

While Oreno Ramen has several branches across Seoul – including Hapjeong (their original location), Gangnam, Songpa, Mangwon, Eunpyeong, and Insadong – it’s remarkable how consistent the taste is across all of them. This means you can trust that you’ll get the same incredible quality, no matter which branch you visit.

Menu poster at Oreno Ramen Insa describing Toripaitan and Karapaitan

This consistency is a true testament to their strict quality control and dedication to their craft. It builds strong customer loyalty, making you want to come back again and again. Plus, the staff are super friendly and provide “kind service,” making the whole dining experience even better.

What truly makes Oreno Ramen Insa a standout, however, is its location. The Anguk Station area itself is a fantastic tourist spot! You’re right next to the Seoul Museum of Craft Art, the famous Insadong traditional cultural street, and other fun places like the Colorful Museum.

There are also beautiful hanok cafes like Onion Anguk and Fritz Wonseo nearby. This means a meal at Oreno Ramen can be the perfect start or end to a day of cultural exploration or cafe hopping. It’s more than just a delicious ramen shop; it becomes a memorable part of your cultural journey through Seoul.

And whether you’re traveling solo or on a date, the cozy yet versatile space works for everyone.

For your convenience, Oreno Ramen Insa is located at 1F, 49-4 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul. They’re open daily from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM, with the last order at 8:30 PM. Just be aware of their break time between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM.

The Last Slurp: A Bowl Full of Heart

My meal at Oreno Ramen Insa was simply exceptional. From the rich broth to the tender chicken and generous refills, it’s clear why it holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand title. If you’re in Insadong or Anguk, you truly can’t miss this extraordinary chicken ramen. It’s an experience you won’t regret!