Introduction
I recently visited the large ramen chain restaurant “8ban Ramen” located about a 21-minute walk from MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre Station (on Rama IV Road), and I’d like to share my review.
About the large ramen chain restaurant “8ban Ramen” originating from Ishikawa Prefecture
About a 21-minute walk from MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre Station (on Rama IV Road) lies the large shopping mall “Lotus’s Rama IV”. On its first floor, you’ll find the large ramen chain restaurant “8ban Ramen”, which originated in Ishikawa Prefecture. It has a large parking lot, so I imagine most visitors arrive by car or taxi rather than walking from the MRT station. Many people visit for errands at “Lotus’s” (for groceries and daily necessities), “Decathlon” (sports equipment), or fast-food outlets like “McDonald’s” and “KFC”.
“8ban Ramen” was founded in Ishikawa Prefecture in 1967 and now has approximately 130 stores mainly in Ishikawa, and around 160 stores in Thailand. You can find “8ban Ramen” in various parts of Bangkok, not just on Rama IV Road. Their signature bright yellow sign with a red “8” is easily recognizable.
“8ban Ramen” offers about 20 types of ramen, along with side dishes like fried rice and gyoza. It’s a ramen chain comparable to chains like Hidakaya or Kourakuen in Japan.
Menu at “8ban Ramen” (Photos, Prices, and Review)
I tried the “Kara Men” (103 THB). The Japanese description reads: “Spicy meat miso and thick noodles, with spicy and fragrant chili oil.” In short, it’s a “spicy, soupless tantanmen”. It’s possible they were playing on the name “Kara Men” (spicy noodles) or made a mistake. The signature “8” narutomaki fish cake, familiar from “8ban Ramen”, stands out in the photo. The taste was standard for a chain restaurant, but considering the price, I thought it was quite decent. It’s not overly spicy, so I believe it’s a safe choice for families with children.
I also tried the “Chahan” (fried rice) (100 THB). It was fluffy and tasty, but again, nothing particularly special.
Next, I ordered the “Gyoza Zaru Set” (180 THB), which includes gyoza and zaru ramen (cold ramen served with dipping sauce). The gyoza had a strong garlic flavor and was quite delicious – perfect with beer. The zaru ramen itself was average.
Incidentally, “8ban Ramen” has an extensive menu. There are about 20 types of ramen alone, plus around 10 types of side dishes including fried rice, gyoza, fried chicken, and takoyaki. They also offer three types of set meals, toppings, and drinks. A Heineken costs 90 THB (size not specified).
The food at “8ban Ramen”, at best, is reliably safe and consistent across all dishes. Because children can eat here without worry, it can be enjoyed like a family restaurant.
Recommendation Score for “8ban Ramen”
To be helpful, I’ll assign a score similar to Tabelog (Japan’s top restaurant-review site). For the large ramen chain “8ban Ramen” originating from Ishikawa Prefecture, I personally feel it corresponds to around a 3.0 on Tabelog. I’ll note this down.
Conclusion
The large ramen chain restaurant “8ban Ramen”, originating from Ishikawa Prefecture, is recommended for families with children. You can enjoy safe, reliable ramen and side dishes in a casual, family-restaurant style setting, similar to Hidakaya or Kourakuen.
| Restaurant Name | Ramen Chain “8ban Ramen” |
| Cuisine Type | Ramen Restaurant |
| Budget | 180 – 250 THB (1 ramen dish, 1 side dish) |
| Opening Hours | 10:30 – 22:00 |
| Access | Approx. 21-minute walk from MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre Station, Rama IV Road |
| Phone Number | 02-672-8578 |
| Address | 3300 Tesco Lotus Extra Building, 1st Floor, Rama IV Rd, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok |
| Web | http://www.hachiban.co.jp/ |
