Post by Chiefeater VK

Continuing our food search around KL Chinatown, Jen and I found ourselves wandering into RexKL, a cultural hub housed in what was once the iconic Rex Cinema. This beloved cinema, a cornerstone of old KL, has now been given a new lease of life as a vibrant community space. It’s home to not just a food court, but also an event space, a book store, and a collection of artistic merchandise from local creators, all housed above the bustling food area. With its eclectic mix of food and culture, RexKL has become a haven for both foodies and creatives alike.

Among the many dining options, we stumbled upon Ranjin Ramen, which had garnered some attention on social media. Eager to see if it lived up to the hype, I decided to try their Kuro Ramen (RM28). Kuro Ramen, or “Black Ramen,” is known for its deep, rich flavour, created by adding black garlic oil (mayu) to a tonkotsu base. This oil adds an extra layer of umami, with a slight bitterness that elevates the creamy pork broth, offering a complex and satisfying bowl of ramen.

You can either sit at their dedicated space or choose one of the many available tables or shops around the RexKL food court. I decided to sit at the wine bar.

When I placed my order, they let me know upfront that it would take around 20 minutes to prepare, a nice touch in managing expectations. True to their word, my bowl of Kuro Ramen arrived soon after, its milky white broth topped with that signature black garlic oil. The broth was rich and full-bodied, with the black garlic oil providing a deep, slightly smoky flavour that blended well with the creamy tonkotsu base.

The chashu was an interesting twist—more akin to a slice of York Ham than the usual fatty, tender pork belly you’d expect. It had a firmer texture, which surprisingly worked well in this dish, offering a bit of contrast to the soft noodles and the rich broth. While it wasn’t the traditional chashu experience, I actually enjoyed this change of pace.

The noodles themselves were slightly softer than I usually prefer. I tend to favour them with a bit more bite but Jen thought they were just right. The noodles soaked up the broth nicely, making every bite flavourful. It's all down to personal preference when it comes to texture.

The Kuro Ramen at Ranjin Ramen was a solid choice, and at RM28, it was a fair price for the quality and portion.

Business Hours
Tuesday to Sunday
12:00 pm to 03:30 pm
05:30 pm to 10:00 pm

Closed on Monday