Big Han Ramen: Ipoh’s New Comfort Bowl
At the 50-year-old food court in Ipoh Garden, Kamwan Aneka Selera (金山冬菇亭美食中心), a new food story is brewing.
Eileen Cheng is well-known for manning her family’s third-generation famous curry noodles stall, but the spotlight now is on something different. Better known as “Sweet Sweet”, she has handed over the business to her younger brother and started something entirely new: Big Han Ramen.
It’s a bold move, especially when her stall is just next to the famous Hainan Ramen. But Sweet Sweet has never been lacking in guts, and her passion for Korean flavours has created something truly special.
A Love For Korean Cuisine
Sweet Sweet is no stranger to improvisation in the kitchen. A Korean cuisine enthusiast herself, she tried her hand at adapting recipes until it was just right. Her ramen bowls have a Korean flair but with a Malaysian touch.
She insists on using Shin Ramyun noodles, with a springy texture and richer seasonings. Each portion is large, each topping generous – the kind of meal that is profoundly satisfying and leaves no space for midnight snacking.
The Eight-Hour Broth That Sets It Apart
At the centre of Big Han Ramen is the broth, something that Sweet Sweet will not compromise. Whereas most ramen stalls rely on chicken bones for its broth, Sweet Sweet goes the tough way: eight-hour pork bone simmering. The resulting broth is rich, smooth, and inherently sweet (鮮甜).
For extra authenticity, she also purchases homemade kimchi from a Korean supplier. Spicily flavoured but not too fiery, it offers a kick without overwhelming one’s tastebuds.
Also, instead of the usual ramen half-boiled egg, Sweet Sweet places soft scrambled egg on top of her noodles or rice, still runny at the centre, before adding the toppings.
A Menu of Temptations
There’s plenty to explore at Big Han Ramen, and it’s not limited to noodles. Diners can opt for rice bowls too. Toppings are the real highlight, and you’ll find a line-up that feels almost luxurious:
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Each bowl is vibrant, generous, and full of character.
Chicken Fillet with a Twist
Korean fried chicken is typically wings smothered in hot sauces. Big Han Ramen is different: chicken fillets that are crispy, topped with their own sweet-spicy sauce. It’s less greasy, easier to eat, and best suited to Malaysian palates.
Value in Every Bowl
Despite the labour-intensive preparation, which includes an eight-hour broth, Big Han Ramen caps its pricing at RM30. This puts it among the highest-value stops for a meal that tastes a whole lot more expensive than its price suggests.
Big Han Ramen offers a fresh take on Korean comfort food, crafted with care and a love for flavour. Whether you want a hearty ramen, a satisfying rice bowl, or Korean-inspired crispy chicken, this stall delivers warmth and taste in every bite.
Video: Big Han Ramen in Ipoh
Plan Your Visit
Big Han Ramen
Add: Kamwan Aneka Selera (金山冬菇亭美食中心), Ipoh Garden
Opening hours: 12.30pm – 9pm daily
Also available on GrabFood: Big Han Ramen
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579549010522
Phone: +6014-307 7806
Note: Post a review on Big Han Ramen Facebook, include photo(s) in your review and you’ll be rewarded with a mystery gift at the stall.
