Taiyo no Tomato Ramen Gangnam: A Unique Japanese Ramen Experience in Seoul

Taiyo
no Tomato Ramen Gangnam: A Unique Japanese Ramen Experience in
Seoul

If you think ramen can only come in soy, miso, or tonkotsu broth,
Taiyo no Tomato Ramen is here to change your mind. This Japanese ramen
specialist has been serving tomato-based ramen for over 20 years, and
their Gangnam branch in Seoul is a local favorite — especially among
office workers looking for a satisfying lunch.

Quick Info

Why Visit Taiyo no Tomato
Ramen?

Tomato ramen might sound unusual, but it works surprisingly well. The
broth combines rich tomato sauce with a light chicken stock, creating
something that tastes like a cross between Italian pasta and Japanese
ramen. If you enjoy tomato-based soups or pasta, there’s a good chance
you’ll love this.

The Gangnam location has built a loyal following for good reason:
consistent quality, a comfortable solo-dining setup, and a 20-year-old
Japanese recipe that has stood the test of time.

Getting There

The restaurant is located closer to Sinnonhyeon Station (Exit
6) than Gangnam Station, despite being in the Gangnam area.
Head toward the back alley near CGV Gangnam and look
for the large signage — it’s hard to miss. The restaurant is on the
2nd floor, so take the stairs up from the street
level.

Interior & Atmosphere

Inside, the space is larger than you’d expect. The seating is a mix
of: – Counter seats (great for solo diners) –
2-person and 4-person tables

Large windows run along one side of the room, keeping the atmosphere
open and airy rather than cramped. It’s a popular spot for solo lunch —
the counter seating makes it completely comfortable to dine alone
without feeling awkward.

Ordering and payment are done via tablet at your
table, which is convenient and removes any language barrier
concerns for non-Korean speakers.

Menu & Prices

⚠️ Prices are based on information available at the time of writing
and may have changed. Please check the restaurant’s current menu before
visiting.

Menu Highlights

Cheese Tomato Ramen
— The Signature (10,500 KRW)

The most popular item on the menu. Thin noodles sit in a rich
tomato-chicken broth, topped with melted cheese, chicken slices, and
ham. Mix everything together before eating for the full effect.

Cheese Challenge: Feeling bold? You can order extra
cheese at ×1.5, ×2, ×2.5, or ×3 the standard amount (up to 13,500 KRW
for triple cheese).

Taste profile: Rich, savory, slightly tangy. Think
tomato pasta in ramen form.

Concentrated
Shrimp Cream Tomato Ramen — The Special (14,000 KRW)

This one is available in limited quantities (10 bowls per
day), so arrive early if you want to try it. The broth is
thicker and creamier, topped with grilled vegetables (potato, broccoli,
lotus root, zucchini) and plump shrimp.

Stir in the cream cheese until it dissolves into the broth — the
texture becomes rich and almost risotto-like. Strong shrimp aroma, bold
flavor.

Taste profile: Creamy, seafood-forward,
indulgent.

Other Notable Options

• Vongole Tomato Ramen (12,000 KRW): A
  seafood twist with clam-based broth.
• Chinese-style Hot & Sour Tomato Ramen
  (13,000 KRW): A bold, tangy option for spice lovers.
• Spicy Tomato Ramen (9,500 KRW): The most
  affordable way to try a different flavor profile.

Karaage
(Japanese Fried Chicken) — The Side Dish (3,500 KRW)

Order this as a starter. The karaage here is properly crispy on the
outside and juicy inside — not an afterthought. Highly recommended as a
side.

Rarizo — Rice in the Broth
(1,000 KRW)

Once you’ve finished your ramen, add rice to the remaining broth and
eat it like risotto. For just 1,000 KRW, it’s excellent value. The
restaurant also offers free rice if you leave a Naver
photo review (check the Naver Place page for current promotions).

Practical Tips

• Avoid the lunch rush: The restaurant gets busy
  until around 1:30 PM on weekdays. After that, it quiets down
  significantly.
• Check for coupons: The Naver Place page
  occasionally offers coupons (like a free drink). Download before you
  visit.
• Waiting system: During busy periods, use the
  Tableing kiosk at the entrance to join the waitlist remotely.
• Solo-friendly: Counter seating makes this one of
  the more comfortable solo dining spots in the area.
• Hair ties provided: A small but thoughtful touch —
  hair ties are available at each table so your hair doesn’t get in the
  way while eating.

FAQ

Is Taiyo no Tomato Ramen good for people who don’t like
tomatoes? Surprisingly, yes. The tomato flavor is present but
not overpowering — it blends with the chicken broth to create a more
balanced, savory taste. Several visitors who aren’t tomato fans have
found it enjoyable.

Is it easy to find from Gangnam Station? The
restaurant is actually closer to Sinnonhyeon Station (Exit 6, Line 9).
From Gangnam Station, it’s about a 10-minute walk. Head toward CGV
Gangnam and look for the large second-floor signage.

Can I eat here alone? Absolutely. The restaurant has
plenty of counter seating designed for solo diners, and ordering is done
by tablet so there’s no pressure at the counter.

Is the shrimp cream ramen worth the extra effort? If
it’s available, yes. It sells out quickly (limited to 10 bowls per day),
so arrive before noon to have the best chance of getting it.

Do they accept English orders? Ordering is done via
tablet at your seat, which includes images of each dish. No Korean
language skills required.

Verdict

Taiyo no Tomato Ramen is a solid choice for anyone visiting Gangnam
who wants something different from the standard ramen options. The
tomato-based broth is genuinely unique, the solo dining setup is
comfortable, and the limited shrimp cream ramen is worth seeking out. It
won’t be for everyone — if you dislike tomato-based flavors, this isn’t
your spot — but for those open to trying something new, it’s a
worthwhile lunch stop.

Rating: 4/5 Best for: Solo diners, office lunch,
adventurous eaters Skip if: You strongly dislike tomato-based dishes