Get Stuffed for 20k! This 'Student-Price' Ramen in Pekanbaru is My End-of-Month Lifesaver
qponx
2026-03-06
Discover Ramen Papabear in Pekanbaru, a true lifesaver for your wallet! This cozy spot serves up delicious ramen for under 20k, delivering five-star taste at street-side prices. Don't miss the signature Tori Paitan Ramen with its rich, creamy broth, or the bold Spicy Cheese Ramen for a richer flavor. The crispy and juicy Chicken Karage is also a must-try side dish. It's the perfect place for a satisfying, budget-friendly meal with friends.
Anjay, what a heavenly spot I found in Pekanbaru! My friend dragged me to this ramen shop called Ramen Papabear, and at first, I was thinking, how can there be any authentic ramen in a place like this? But then I looked at the menu, and the Tori Paitan Ramen was only 18k??? I almost thought I had traveled back in time... I went in with a "you get what you pay for" attitude, but I was so proven wrong!
First, let's talk about the signature Tori Paitan Ramen[1] I ordered. The broth is this rich, creamy white color. One sip, and the savory chicken flavor (umami!) just explodes in your mouth, but it's not greasy at all—it has a very comfortable, refreshing feel. The noodles were also cooked just right, so chewy! My friend's Spicy Cheese Ramen[2] was also top-notch. The cheese and spiciness were perfectly balanced; heavy flavor lovers will absolutely die for it. We also added some side dishes, and that Chicken Karage[3] was seriously Mantap! The outside was crispy, and the chicken inside was still juicy—they really know how to fry!
The shop isn't big, but it's very cozy. It's divided into indoor and outdoor areas. If you can't stand the heat, just head straight for the air-conditioned indoor section. It smells nice, the music playlist is on point, and it's perfect for coming to Nongkrong and chat with friends. Plus, the waiters and waitresses were all super nice, smiling the whole time. A big thumbs up for them[4]!
But to be fair, the portion size isn't huge. One bowl might not be enough for guys[5]. But they are quite generous with the toppings. Also, during peak meal times, it feels like the staff gets a bit overwhelmed, so you might have to wait a bit for your food. Impatient darlings, take note.
Editor's Highlights ✍️
- Wallet-Friendly: The ramen mains are mostly around 20k, a lifesaver for those who are broke at the end of the month! Truly "street-side prices, five-star taste"[6].
- Ordering Guide: For your first visit, just go for the Tori Paitan Ramen without a second thought. If you like rich flavors, try the Spicy Cheese Ramen. The must-order side dish is the Chicken Karage!
- Avoid the Crowds: It gets crowded during meal times, so if you don't want to wait for a table, try going during off-peak hours.
- Parking Notice: For those driving, be aware that there aren't many parking spots in front of the shop. You can park in front of the neighboring stores[7].
- A Must for Heat-Haters: The outdoor area gets really hot during the day. If you're afraid of the sun and heat, just choose an air-conditioned seat indoors[8]
- Tori Paitan Ramen: Rich, creamy broth bursting with chicken flavor, yet light [1]. A total steal at just 18k!
- Spicy Cheese Ramen is a cheesy, spicy dream. Pair with the crispy, juicy Chicken Karage for a god-tier combo [2][3].
- Great playlist and chill vibes for Nongkrong in the A/C. The staff is super friendly with constant smiles [4].
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