Can somebody please explain why, when I was doing my STPM, I couldn’t come up with a single business idea? The only thing I wanted was to go home the second the bell rang. Meanwhile, these Penang students are out here running a ramen stall after class, and it’s all over my feed.
They call it Degamen, and it’s become somewhat of a weekend sensation among locals.
The stall sits at a corner along Jalan Terengganu, right in front of Penang’s tiniest roundabout near Heng Ee High School. It’s not hard to find, just look for the crowd. I showed up at 6pm, thinking I was early, but there was already a queue forming. I was tempted to squeeze my way to the front just to talk to the guy behind the counter, but I waited like everyone else.
That guy is Dega Wang, a 19-year-old STPM student who runs the stall with his two siblings and a few close friends. When I asked him why he started the business, he smiled and said, “Because I love ramen a lot.” Plain, straight from the heart.
Image Credit: Darius Lim on Google Review (Right)
He explained that good ramen can be pricey, especially for students, and he wanted to make something delicious yet affordable. What started as a small idea quickly grew into something bigger, and now they’re serving bowls to long lines every weekend.
Small stall, big energy
The stall itself operates out of a little kopitiam owned by a friend. From the outside, it looks like any other corner spot, you’ll find a few tables where customers are slurping and chatting happily away. The space may be small, but the atmosphere is lively.
Since everyone in the team is still studying, they only open four days a week, from Thursday to Sunday. They started out making 50 bowls a night but now go up to 80 or even 100, depending on the crowd. Business starts around 6pm and usually winds down by 11pm, though it really depends on how fast they sell out. On the night I went, the orders just didn’t stop coming.
School in the morning, broth at dawn
What impressed me most was how they manage their daily routine. Dega wakes up at 7.30am to prepare the broth before school. “It simmers until I’m back around 5pm,” he said proudly. The base uses generous amounts of chicken and pork bones. It’s nothing fancy, just honest comfort food made with patience.
They also handle their own grocery runs. “We go to the market early to get what we need before class,” Dega added. It’s a full cycle of study, shop, cook, serve, and repeat. When I asked how he manages his time, he laughed and said, “A lot of work leh.”
I teased him about his results, “How’s your grades then?” He grinned before answering, “Second semester 3.25.” Not bad at all for someone juggling textbooks and ramen bowls at the same time.
Taste test
The menu is direct and student-friendly. They have three types of ramen: Paitan, Kuro, and Tsurai, priced between RM11 and RM15 depending on ingredients. Naturally, I ordered all three because after seeing that queue, I wasn’t about to miss out.
The Paitan came first, creamy and rich, full of comforting chicken flavour that felt like a warm hug after a long day. The Kuro had a smoky garlic aroma that instantly, bold and definitely for those who like strong flavours. Finally, the Tsurai, their spicy ramen stole the show. The heat was balanced, not overwhelming, just enough to keep you going bite after bite.
What’s next for Degamen?
Image Credit: Darius Lim on Google Review (Right), Shawn Tan on Google Review (Left)
For a team of young students running this with heart, it’s seriously impressive. Every part of the operation, from the setup to the flavours, feels thoughtful and full of personal effort.
When I asked Dega what’s next, the group burst out laughing before he said, “Not sure yet.” Maybe they’ll keep it going, maybe they’ll move on to other things, but something tells me this experience will stick with them. Running a stall while studying isn’t easy, but it’s taught them lessons you can’t get from any textbook, such as teamwork, time management, and what it really means to follow your passion.
So if you ever find yourself in Penang on a weekend evening, drop by and support these students. They’ve turned a simple love for ramen into something that brings people together.
I wish only the best to Dega and his team. May their broths always stay rich, and their noodles never overcook.
Degamen PG
Instagram: @degamen.pg
📍 Jalan Trengganu, Taman Kampar, 10460 George Town, Pulau Pinang
🕕 Thurs–Sun (6pm-10pm – last call 9.30pm)
You should also check out: You won’t even believe me if I tell you there’s halal ramen in Lot 10 that’s only RM9.90
