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Kanshoku Ramen – Hakata Ramen, Awesome Egg. One Of The Best New Openings

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No ramen shop in Singapore can escape my sight, as I go in search for the “Best Ramen in Singapore”. Kanshoku while being new, has captured quite a bit of lunchtime crowd at Metropolis who sang praises of their noodles. (Read: 10 New Ramen Places In Singapore)

“One of the best ramen I’ve had,” as some would say. Seriously?

Kanshoku means ‘to finish eating every last bit of your food’ in Japanese, and a true test of their quality would be that customers would finish the entire bowl, without the craving for water to quench the thirst.

First things first. Metropolis is relatively easier to find, compared to other ‘polis’, right opposite Buona Vista MRT and The Star.

Kanshoku is a local brand, with owner Melvin Ang spending a couple of months both locally and overseas with different ramen chefs to learn and master the art of Ramen making. That includes cooking the broth, making the noodles, perfecting the eggs and understanding the different versions of ramen.

Their Hakata style thin straight noodles are made fresh daily. Broth is boiled with filtered water over 7 hours with no added MSG, preservatives or flavour enhancers.

The three basic mains are Tonkotsu Ramen ($12.90), Shoyu Ramen ($12.90) and Spicy Tonkotsu ($13.90) – all topped with charshu or pork belly. Ajitama egg cost an additional $2.00.

Top score goes to their Charshu, big rounded slice that melts almost like butter in the mouth, as you can feel the slippery fats lingering around.

The Ajimata egg also deserves a special mention, flavourful on its white, oozing with yolk. Almost the perfect one.

I liked the broth too, milky, not overly salty and quite umami. It could be hotter though, as some ramen broths can stay warm even if you leave it there for a while.

The spicy broth, on the other hand, was the main pitfall as it tasted clashing with the original soup base. Gyozas were also a let-down.

If I need to nit-pick, noodles could be springier. Though Melvin did say it used to be harder, but local customers preferred a softer texture. Well, the only solution would be to provide options.

No Michelin star, or some award-winning chef’s backing, but Kanshoku Ramen is easily one of the best new ramen openings in 2014. is already on its way of looking for its second store. Gambatte ne!

Kanshoku Ramen
9 North Buona Vista Drive #01-18 The Metropolis Singapore 138588 (Buona Vista MRT)
Tel: +65 66844033
https://www.facebook.com/kanshokuramen
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon-Fri)

Other Ramen Entries
10 New Ramen Places In Singapore
Chabuton (313@Somerset)
Ramen Matsuri (Boat Quay)
Sanpoutei Ramen (Holland Village)
Ramen Dining Keisuke Tokyo (Suntec)

The post Kanshoku Ramen – Hakata Ramen, Awesome Egg. One Of The Best New Openings appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.


120 Ramen Shops In Singapore – The Ultimate Ramen Guide

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120 ramen shops in Singapore. Of course, there would be more. If you are on a search for the best ramen shops, this guide sorted by area would be able to help you navigate your way through. (Related guide, read: 10 New Ramen Places In Singapore)

Singaporeans generally love the thin long Hakata style noodles (Ippudo, Ikkousha) with thick pork-based tonkotsu broth, Sapporo ramen cooked with rich miso base (Miharu), and Asahikawa ramen (Santouka) differentiated by its short, curly noodles. Though the different variants have their own following.

Presenting the 120 (and more) ramen shops in Singapore.


Ramen Keisuke Tontotsu King is one of the first stores in Singapore who started a ramen craze.

Tanjong Pagar, Chinatown
Ramen Keisuke Tontotsu King – Orchid Hotel #01-19, 1 Tras Link
Menya Sanji – Orchard Hotel #01-14, 1 Tras Link
Hakata Ikkousha Ramen – Tanjong Pagar Plaza #01-104
Ramen Keisuke Tori King – 100AM #03-15 100 Tras Street
The Noodle Story – Amoy Street Food Centre #01-39, 7 Maxwell Road
JEFU – Maxwell Food Centre #01-004
Ramen Play – Chinatown Point #01-04, 133 New Bridge Road
Tsukada Nojo – Chinatown Point #02-37, 133 New Bridge Road


Hakata Ikkousha went from a Ramen Champion stall to full-fledged shops in Tanjong Pagar and Chijmes.

City Hall, Marina Square, Suntec, MBS
Hakata Ikkousha – Chijmes #F1-07, 30 Victoria Street
Menya Musashi – Raffles City Shopping Centre #01-16, 252 North Bridge Road
Daikokuya – Raffles City Shopping Centre #B1-13, 252 North Bridge Road
Bishamon Sapporo Ramen – Funan Digital Life #01-18, 109 North Bridge Road
Menzo Butao – Marina Square #02-180 (The Dining Edition)
Ramen Dining Keisuke Tokyo – Suntec City Mall #02-391/392, 3 Temasek Boulevard
Ramen Play – Suntec City #B1-216 (at Food Republic), 3 Temasek Boulevard
Ajisen – Marina Bay Sands 2 Bayfront Ave,The Shoppes, #B2-48A/50A/51/52/53 Stall 6
Hide Yamamoto Ramen & Dining – Marina Bay Sands, 8 Bayfront Avenue #02-05


The annual voting of Ramen Champion helps decide who stays, and who goes.

River Valley
Ramen Champion – Great World City #01-22
Ippudo SG – UE Square #01-55/56, 207 River Valley Road
Tampopo Restaurant – Liang Court #01-23/24, 177 River Valley Road
Marutama – Liang Court #02-01, 177 River Valley Road
Tonkotsu Kazan Ramen – Liang Court #01-10, 177 River Valley Road
Kammui Hokkaido – Liang Court #B1-50, 177 River Valley Road


Ramen Santouka recently won an online poll as Singapore’s favourite ramen shop.

Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, Robertson Quay
Ramen Santouka – The Central #02-76, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street
Marutama – The Central #03-90, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street
Takumen – 66 Circular Road #01-01
Ramen Bar Suzuki – 61 Circular Road
Ramen Matsuri – 7 North Canal Road (Boat Quay)
Daikokuya@Robertson Quay – 30 Robertson Quay #01-05 Riverside Village Residence
Sapporo Ramen Miharu – Gallery Hotel, 1 Nanson Road #01-11/12


Home-grown ramen shop Buta Ramen with its delicious pork ribs.

Raffles Place
Buta Ramen – Far East Square #01-04
Ippudo Ramen Express – Asia Square Tower 2 #02-01, 12 Marina View
Beppu Menkan – 3 Pickering Street #01/32/33 China Square Central
Ramen Bar Suzuki – 17 Stanley Street
Men-Ya Kaiko – Marina Bay Link Mall T3, #01-01
Mentei – Robertson Center #01-01, 61 Robinson Road
Ramen Isshi – 1 Raffles Place #04-29 One Raffles Place
Menya Sanji (Express) – Foodfare @ Clifford Centre, 24 Raffles Place #B1-01/10


Nantsuttei has two shops at Orchard Road, one specialising in tonkotsu, the other in chicken-based stock.

Orchard
Ramen Kagetsu Arashi – The Cathay #B1-01/02/03, 2 Handy Road
Tsukada Nojo – Plaza Singapura #03-81, 68 Orchard Road
Ajisen – Plaza Singapura #04-01, 68 Orchard Road
Marutama Dining – 76 Killiney Road (Somerset)
Nantsuttei – Orchard Central #07-12/13, 181 Orchard Road
Hachifukumaru – Orchard Point, 160 Orchard Road #01-13
Ramen Santouka – Cuppage Terrace, 21 Cuppage Road
Ohsho – Cuppage Plaza #01-10, 5 Koek Road
Shin-Sapporo Ramen – Orchard Gateway #B2-04A/05, 277 Orchard Road
Chabuton – 313 @ Somserset #B2-01 313 Orchard Road
Ippudo SG – Mandarin Gallery #04-02/03/04, 333A Orchard Road
Tampopo – Takashimaya Ngee Ann City #B2-33, 391 Orchard Road
Baikohken – Takashimaya Food Hall, Ngee Ann City #B2-01
Ajisen – Takashimaya B210-1 (Basement 2), 391 Orchard Road
Menya Koji Ramen Dining – Paragon #B1-47, 290 Orchard Road
Menya Musashi Kodou – Ion Orchard #B3-25, 2 Orchard Turn
Men-Ya Kaiko – ION Orchard 2 Orchard Turn #B4/52/53
Ramen Ten – Far East Plaza #01-22, 14 Scotts Road
Bari Uma Ramen – Tanglin Shopping Centre #B1-01, 19 Tanglin Road
Hakata Uma Uma – Forum The Shopping Mall, 583 Orchard Road


A ramen for each season at Keisuke Tonkotsu King Four Seasons

Bugis
Keisuke Tonkotsu King Four Seasons – Bugis Village, 158 Rochor Road
Ramen Champion – Bugis+ #04-10, 201 Victoria Street
Menya Musashi – Bugis Junction #B1-07, 200 Victoria Street
Ajisen – Bugis Junction #01-01, 200 Victoria Street
The Ramen Stall – 6 Short Street (near Rochor Beancurd)


Chabuton, the ramen with the Michelin star chef backing.

East – East Coast, Bedok, Tampines, Changi
Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu King Matsuri – Parkway Parade #B1-18A, 80 Marine Parade Road
Ramen Play – 112 Katong #02-06, 112 East Coast Road
Ramen Play – Bedok Mall #B1-09, 311 New Upper Changi Road
Menya Musashi – Bedok Mall #01-69, 311 New Upper Changi Road
Ajisen – Bedok Point #01-05, 799 New Upper Changi Rd
Bishamon Sapporo Ramen – Bedok Point #02-32/34, 799 New Upper Changi Road
Shin-Sapporo Ramen – Century Square #B1-10/11, 2 Tampines Central 5
Menya Musashi – Tampines Mall, 4 Tampines Central 5, #04-02
Ajisen – Tampines Mall #04-19/20, Tampines Central 5
Chabuton – Tampines 1 #02-09/10, 10 Tampines Central 1
Ajisen – Changi City Point #01-35/36, 5 Changi Business Park Central
Shin-Sapporo Ramen – UE Biz Hub East #01-31 North Office Tower, 6 Changi Business Park Ave 1
Ramen Champion – Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 #B2-58


One of the most popular new ramen shops opened in 2014 – Sanpoutei Ramen

West – Tiong Bahru, Alexandra
Ajisen – Tiong Bahru Plaza , 302 Tiong Bahru Road
Shin-Sapporo Ramen – Alexandra Retail Centre #02-23, 460 Alexandra Road

West – Holland, Buona Vista
Sanpoutei Ramen – 235 Holland Ave #01-01
Yoshimaru Ramen Bar – Holland Village 31 Lor Liput
Ramen Kagetsu Arashi – The Star Vista #01-41, 1 Vista Exchange Green
Menya Musashi – The Star Vista #B1-08, 1 Vista Exchange Green
Kanshoku Ramen – The Metropolis #01-18, 9 North Buona Vista Drive


Menya Musashi is brought here by the same group who is behind Ajisen in Singapore.

West – Clementi, Jurong
Ramen Ten – Clementi CityVibe #02-05, 3151 Commonwealth Ave West
Ajisen – Clementi Mall #B1-34/35, 3155 Commonwealth Avenue West
Ramen Play – Jem #B1-10, 50 Jurong Gateway Road
Ippudo SG – Westgate #03-03, 3 Gateway Drive
Menya Musashi – Westgate #02-07, 3 Gateway Drive
Tsukada Nojo – Westgate #03-04, 3 Gateway Drive
Ajisen – IMM #01-113, Jurong East Street 21
Menichi Ramen – Jurong Point #B1-53/54, 1 Jurong West Central 2
Ajisen – Jurong Point #03-38/38A, 1 Jurong West Central 2
Ajisen – Lot 1 #04-11/12, 21 Choa Chu Kang Avenue 4
Bishamon Sapporo Ramen – Bt Panjang Plaza #01-64/65, 1 Jelebu Road


Tonkotsu Kazan Ramen is different from the rest with its gimmicky ‘volcanic’ ramen.

North – Novena, Thomson
Tonkotsu Kazan Ramen – Novena Square 2, #02-68/69, 10 Sinaran Drive
Ajisen – Novena Square2 #02-92/93/94, 10 Sinaran Drive
Ramen Play – Novena Velocity #01-05, 238 Thomson Road
Ramen Monster – Novena Velocity #01-53, 238 Thomson Road
Bari-Uma Ramen – United Square #B1-08, 101 Thomson Road
Menya Musashi – Thomson Plaza #01-112, 301 Upper Thomson Road

North – Bishan, Ang Mo Kio
Ajisen – Junction 8 #B1-19, 9 Bishan Place
Ramen Play – Junction 8 #01-51, 9 Bishan Place
Ajisen – AMK Hub #02-19/20/21, 53 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3

North – Yishun, Sembawang, Woodlands
Menichi Ramen – Northpoint #01-22/23, 930 Yishun Avenue 2
Ajisen – Sembawang Shopping Centre #02-29/30, 604 Sembawang Road
Ajisen – Causeway Point #B1-18, 1 Woodlands Square


BreadTalk’s group Ramen Play is almost everywhere.

Northeast – Tai Seng, Serangoon, Sengkang
Ramen Play – BreadTalk IHQ #01-03, 30 Tai Seng Street
Menichi Ramen – nex@Serangoon #B1-79, 23 Serangoon Central
Ramen Play – nex@Serangoon #B2-58, 23 Serangoon Central
Ajisen – nex@Serangoon #03-06/07, 23 Serangoon Central
Ajisen – Compass Point #02-15, 1 Sengkang Square

South – Vivocity
Menya Musashi – Vivocity #01-104, 1 Harbourfront Walk
Ajisen – Vivocity #01-157/158, 1 HarbourFront Walk
Ramen Play – Resorts World Sentosa #B1-219, 26 Sentosa Gateway

Being a ramen lover, do share if I missed out any shops. Comment below which do you think deserves to be the “Best Ramen Shop In Singapore”.

Other Guides
150 New Cafes In Singapore 2014
10 New Ramen Places In Singapore
10 Best Restaurants In Singapore – The Fine Dining Edition
Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2014
World’s 100 Best Restaurants 2014

The post 120 Ramen Shops In Singapore – The Ultimate Ramen Guide appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu King Matsuri – Probably The Best In This Part Of Singapore

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I keep getting the question, “Where is the best ramen in Singapore?” or at least “Which is your favourite?” and it would be a toss-up of a few names. (Read: 111 Ramen Shops In Singapore – The Utltimate Ramen Guide)

Ramen King Keisuke after striking gold with Tonkotsu King at Orchid Hotel continues to be one of my top few choices for ramen, though that particular branch has been wavering in standards of recent.

Chef Keisuke Takeda has moved his wings to the east, with the opening of Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu King Matsuri at Parkway. (Not to be confused with Ramen Matsuri at Boat Quay)

I had a quick check with some fellow foodies before I went, and feedback was along the lines of “not his best, but good enough”, and “probably the best ramen you can get in this part of Singapore”.

Matsuri denotes “festivity” in Japan and an Amori-style Nebuta lantern-float centrepiece adorned near the entrance of the restaurant. Very atmospheric, along with a soundtrack of Japanese traditional drumming, and staff hitting a drum every time a customer left.

What I appreciate about the Keisuke brand is every branch is distinctly different, and you cannot get the same signature item at another outlet. An example is Tori King which is true to its name.

Matsuri’s specialty Tonkotsu Ramen Awaodori ($13.90, $2 extra for flavoured egg) paired tonkotsu ramen with pork sukiyaki, resulting in a thick luscious bowl of broth complimenting tastes of a salty under-toned pork bone broth and sweetish sukiyaki.

Pleasant and not overpowering.

It may be strange for me to say this, but the Nebuta Ramen ($13.90) of mixed pork broth with Japanese dried fish stock was not ‘fishy’ enough.

I kind of enjoyed the intensity of rich fish-based broths in Japan, and Chef Keisuke might have gone milder of his infusion of Japanese Iwashi sardines to suit the local taste buds. My personal take.

Is it psychological? Even the beansprouts tasted better at Tanjong Pagar.

So I do agree. Not his best, but good enough. Matsuri is probably the best ramen you can get in this part of Singapore.

Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu King Matsuri 豚骨王 祭
80 Marine Parade Road #B1-18A Parkway Parade, Singapore 449269
Tel: +65 6440 5548
Opening Hours: 11:30am to 10pm

Other Ramen Entries
111 Ramen Shops In Singapore – The Utltimate Ramen Guide
Kanshoku Ramen (Metropolis)
Nantsuttei (Orchard Central)
Chabuton (313@Somerset)
Ramen Dining Keisuke Tokyo (Suntec)

The post Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu King Matsuri – Probably The Best In This Part Of Singapore appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Takumen – 6 Different Japanese Ramen In a Single Shop

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Takumen’s concept is rather interesting, serving 6 different Japanese ramen in a single shop at Boat Quay. Somewhat like Ramen Champion, though not exactly.

By the way, that 20 metres stretch at Circular Road has become a ramen warzone of sort with Ramen Bar Suzuki and Samurai ZIN Ramen just shops away, all fighting for the same customers. (While other ladies around there are clapping and singing for customers. Go there at night and you know why.)

Technically, CBD friends can be so spoil for choice with 8 different brands of ramen in the vicinity. Suzuki must be feeling the heat.

Established in 2010, Takumen started as an online ramen store in Japan. At “宅麺.com (Takumen.com)”, delivering ramen to customers’ homes, with over 100 varieties to choose from.

Here are what you can expect:

Do Miso Ramen ($17.90++)
Ginza brand known for its uniquely spiced miso ramen made with five types of red miso in a pork and chicken based soup blended with dashi. The soup is rich with a lot going on, which reminds me of the bowls I had in Japan. Local customers may comment that it is too intense or salty, but I think it is fine – the original unadulterated taste.

Sakutaya Ramen ($16.90++)
Run by an alumnus restaurant of famous Yokohama restaurant Rokkakuya, serving up a thick chicken and pork broth which supposedly took 15 years to perfect. Noodles are chewy, thick, flat noodles, and may not be some’s cup of tea. Personally, this bowl ranks somewhere in the middle.

Hajime Ramen ($14.90++)
This is a two-time winner of the Tokyo Ramen of the Year (TRY) prize in 2010-2011, famous for its delicately textured chicken soup ramen made with various parts of the chicken. Soup looks clear and light, but taste is still rich. My friend loved it, I didn’t as much – felt an X-factor is missing somewhere, soup didn’t ‘grab’ me. But we both agreed that the chicken pieces were tender and the best part of the bowl.

Chibakara Do Miso ($18.90)
The waitress described this as something like ‘lor mee’, and the Jiro-inspired ramen features vegetables, large slabs of cha-shu and a richly flavoured pork broth. While I liked the generous servings of vegetables, the main reason why I didn’t like this was its ‘porky’ after taste. That thick chunk of cha-shu which I couldn’t finish didn’t help.

Honda Shoten Do Miso ($15.90++)
Authentic version of the rich, savoury Tonkotsu ramen from Kurume, the birthplace of Tonkotsu ramen, , created by fusing traditional “Tonkotsu” (pork bone) broth with modern cooking techniques. Always “sold out”.

Bingiri ($19.90++)
Katsuura-style spicy Tantanmen, made with Sichuan chillies and ‘Dou Ban Jiang’.

Takumen’s ramen brands will rotate on a 6-month’s basis. The restaurant also serves up two versions of each ramen – the authentic Japanese version and a localised one which has less salt and oil. Most Singaporean customers should prefer the latter.

Takumen
66 Circular Road #01-01 Singapore 049420
Tel: +65 6536 4875
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3:00pm, 5:30pm – 10:30pm (Mon – Thurs), 11:30am – 3:00pm, 5:30pm – 12am (Fri), 5:30pm – 12am (Sat), 11:30am – 3:00pm (Sun), 11:30am – 3:00pm (Public holidays)

Other Ramen Entries
120 Ramen Shops In Singapore – The Utltimate Ramen Guide
Hakata Ikkousha (CHIJMES )
Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu King Matsuri (Parkway Parade)
Kanshoku Ramen (Metropolis)
Chabuton (313@Somerset)

The post Takumen – 6 Different Japanese Ramen In a Single Shop appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Ichiran Ramen 一蘭 – Indeed, One Of Japan’s Best Tonkotsu Ramen + How To Order An Ichiran Ramen

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[Japan] Ichiran Ramen 一蘭 is known as one of the best ramen in Japan, if not the best – mass market wise. Not exaggerating, but my friends would get the urge to fly to Tokyo just have a bowl of this rich Tonkotsu soup based noodles.

Ask any Hong Konger or even Singaporeans which is their favourite ramen from Japan, the answer is likely to be Ichiran. Though the Japanese themselves would have extremely varied replies.

The shop was founded in Hakata Fukuoka way back in the 1960s. Hakata ramen is characterised by its thin, long, firm noodles, usually whiter in colour. Also my favourite type. Think Ippudo Ramen.

Its winning formula can be attracted to the creamy smooth classic pork-based tonkotsu soup, topped with Ichiran’s original red pepper sauced mixed with 3 type of spices.

For those who have never bought ramen from a vending machine before, the experience can be quite stressful, especially when there is a long queue behind you.

Here’s what to do so that you do not get lost!

Step 1: Purchase ramen ticket from vending machine
For more crowded shops, you may have to queue even before purchasing the meal tickets from the vending machine. Get your notes and coins ready to buy the ramen ticket, and any accompanying ingredients such as egg, extra spring onions and seaweed.

Step 2: Queue
This can take anything from 10 min to half an hour or more (perhaps accompanied by other tourists with armed with guide books.) Come during off peak periods.

Step 3: Customise ramen
Circle the order chit on the preference of your ramen, such as flavour strength, richness, garlic, green onion, amount of red sauce and noodles’ texture. For first timers, pick ‘medium’ or ‘regular’ most items, and ‘half’ for red sauce.

Step 4: Look out for vacant seat panel
A lighted up panel will show which seats are available. Look out for the kanji character in blue that reflects ‘empty’, but staff should be around to help you.

Step 5: Proceed to booth
Booths are all individual seating. There is a retractable window in which all you see are the staff’s hands. They will speak to you in Japanese. Say “Hai, arigatoo!”, pass your order sheet and ramen ticket. Wait 5 minutes, and eat.

The very first time I had my Ichiran Ramen, it was a really great good bowl. Indeed one of the best. The first sip of the creamy goodness, peppered with a touch of spice, and I told myself “I can have this tomorrow again.”

Thin and springy home-made fresh noodles slide through the milky rich broth, which remained piping hot almost throughout. The sliced pork was thin, tender and tasty.

My ‘half-portion’ red sauce was spicy enough, and was indeed the all-important element which differentiated Ichiran from the-other-good-ramen-down-the-street.

What I did not like was the individual booth seats, which Ichiran claimed that customers would then just focus on slurping on their noodles without distractions. Nothing separates between you and your ramen.

But it made me feel liked I was part of some factory chain. No interaction. No feel.

The egg was ordinary in comparison. And I was sure there are many other ramen shops, perhaps off the radar, better than Ichiran. This is Japan after all.

Overall, a simply delicious bowl of ramen from Ichiran, definitely one of the best tonkotsu I ever had, but perhaps lacking some soul.

Ichiran Kyoto
Takoyakushi OKI Building 1F
598 Uraderacho Higashiiru Takoyakushidori Nakagyo-ku Kyoto-shi Kyoto-fu 604-8041
(3 minute walk from Hankyu Kyoto Main Line Kawaramachi Station Exit 9)
Opening Hours: 24 Hours

106-3 Yawataminamiyama Yawata-shi Kyoto-fu 614-8054
8 min away from Second Keihan Highway’s Interchance Yawata-higashi Exit
Opening Hours: 24 Hours

Ichiran Tokyo
Shinjuku: Peace Building B1F 3-34-11 Shinjuku Shinjuku-ku Tokyo-to 160-0022
(3 min walk from JR Shinjuku Station Higashi Exit)
Opening Hours: 24 Hours

Shibuya: Iwamoto Building B1F 1-22-7 Jinnan Sibuya-ku Tokyo-to 150-0041
(3 min walk from JR Shibuya Station Hachiko Exit)

Roppongi: Roppongi GM Building 2F 4-11-11 Roppongi Minato-ku Tokyo-to 106-0032
(2 min walk from Oedo Line Roppongi Station, 2 min walk from Hibiya Line Roppongi Station
Opening Hours: 11am – 6am

Harajuku: Sanpo Sogo Building 2F 6-5-6 Jingumae Sibuya-ku Tokyo-to 150-0001
(3 minute walk from JR Harajuku Station Omotesando Exit)
Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm

Other locations: Ueno, Shinbuya Spain-zaka, Shinbashi, Ikebukuro, Tachikawa, Machida, Shimokitazawa, Kichijoji
http://www.ichiran.co.jp

Other Related Entries
Ippudo 博多一風堂 (Ebisu, Tokyo)
Ramen Santouka 山頭火 (Shinjuku, Tokyo)
Menya Musashi 麺屋武蔵 (Shinjuku, Tokyo)
Mutekiya Ramen 無敵家 (Ikebukuro, Tokyo)
Rokurinsha 六厘舎 (Oshiage, Tokyo)

The post Ichiran Ramen 一蘭 – Indeed, One Of Japan’s Best Tonkotsu Ramen + How To Order An Ichiran Ramen appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Ippudo Shaw Centre – New Branch and Offering of Tan Tan Tonkotsu Ramen

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Ippudo remains as one of my favourite ramen restaurants. Is it the best ramen in Singapore? Still debatable, as the quality can be inconsistent from branch to branch, but at least you know there is a certain standard.

There are over 80 Ippudo restaurants throughout Japan, and the brand has found itself in countries such as New York, Hong Kong, Seoul, Taiwan, China, Sydney, Malaysia, and Thailand.

My most preferred branch is actually at Mohamed Sultan UE Square, because it has a more extensive menu including kushiyaki dishes.

I made my way to its newest branch at Shaw Centre, which many are still unaware of their revamped extension wing. (If it helps, Ippudo is above I Want My Noodle.)

Ippudo at Shaw Centre positions itself as a smart casual dining store with a brighter interior, featuring otsumami and teppan (hot plate) dishes for sharing.

Prices are unfortunately, still considered one of the highest in Singapore if you compare this against the other mass market brands.

A bowl of regular Ippudo ramen is about $16 (without taxes yet), and that is still WITHOUT the additional toppings such as a flavoured tamago egg which will set you back by another $3. (In perspective, a bowl of similar Ippudo ramen in Tokyo Japan is 750-800 yen. That is about SGD$9.00.)

The lunch set isn’t very much cheaper at $16. From what it seems, you get only an additional of non-refillable free drink.

The ramen exclusive to the Shaw Centre branch is the Tan Tan Tonkotsu ($16), with Japanese sesame paste blended with their signature tonkotsu broth, topped with spicy minced pork miso, pork loin chashu and coriander.

The broth is spicy but not overly, with a touch of zest from the fresh lemon. My favourite element is still the long and straight springy noodles.

If I were to choose a spicy ramen, I would still rather go for Akamaru Shin-Aji which has a more distinct yet less clash-y taste.

IPPUDO SG @ Shaw Centre
1 Scotts Road, #04-22/23 Shaw Centre, Singapore 228208
Tel: +65 6235 2547
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 10pm (last order for ramen at 9.30pm, last order for sides at 9.00pm)

Other Ramen Entries
120 Ramen Shops In Singapore – The Utltimate Ramen Guide
Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu King (Paya Lebar Square)
Hakata Ikkousha (CHIJMES )
Nantsuttei (Orchard Central)
Marutama Dining (Killiney Road)

The post Ippudo Shaw Centre – New Branch and Offering of Tan Tan Tonkotsu Ramen appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Afuri Ramen 阿夫利 – Tokyo’s Refreshing Yuzu Ramen

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[Tokyo, Japan] After having so many different types of tonkotsu ramen in Japan, Afuri’s 阿夫利 ligher chicken based stock with citrusy yuzu may add that blossoming in your mouth, and spring in your step.

While Afuri also serves salt based Shio (880 Yen) and soya based Shoyu (880 Yen) variants, you should really try versions with yuzu (990 Yen). (FYI, Yuzu contains 3 times more Vitamin C than a lemon, and is traditionally used in Japan for health baths.)

All the ramen dishes come with a sliced for grilled pork barbecued over charcoal, half a seasoned ajitama egg, bamboo shoots, mizuna leaves and seaweed. The water used is said to be from the wells of Mount Afuri in Kanagawa, thus the name of the shop.

You would be asked if you want your soup to be ‘tanrei’ or ‘maro’.

The ‘tanrei’ is the Afuri classic base, a full flavoured chicken based soup infused with various seafood, konbu seaweed and vegetables.

I preferred the ‘maro’ which had more chicken and vegetable oil added, and also more robust tasting.

Some of my friends (just some) are not keen on the usual Japanese tonkotsu or miso ramens. The usual gripes are: too rich, too thick, too fat, too much oil.

The additional of yuzu peel adds another dimension to Afuri’s soup. The amount of garnish used may be little, but it added that layer of part sweet, part zesty subtle taste which is refreshing.

During summer time, you can opt for Tsukemen which comes with a yuzu citrus soy sauce based dip.

The ramen house is modern, and staff look young, wearing black tees and flat caps. For travelers, English menus with full descriptions are available.

Afuri Ramen 阿夫利
B1 Roppongi Hills North Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Roppongi Station)
Tel: 03-3408-1880
Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm

Other Branches
Ebisu: 1-1-7 Ebisu, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0013
Harajuku: 3-63-1 Sendagaya, Shibuya, Tokyo
Nakameguro: 1-23 Kamimeguro, Meguro, Tokyo 153-0051
Azabu-Juban: 1-8-10 Azabu-Juban, Minato, Tokyo

Other Related Entries
Rokurinsha 六厘舎 (Oshiage, Tokyo)
Menya Musashi 麺屋武蔵 (Shinjuku, Tokyo)
Mutekiya Ramen 無敵家 (Ikebukuro, Tokyo)
Ramen Santouka 山頭火 (Shinjuku, Tokyo)
Ippudo 博多一風堂 (Ebisu, Tokyo)

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Sanpoutei Ramen – Authentic Tasting Niigata Ramen At Holland Village

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While ramen shops are opening to varying degrees of success in Singapore, Sanpoutei Ramen which just opened at Holland Avenue looks like the one which will set itself apart from its competition.

Good location (Holland Village), good ramen (at least for now when the Japanese chefs are around), good ambience (must have spent a lot of interior décor), and good service (5-6 service staff for such as small restaurant), I have no crystal ball but I predict there will be a long queue soon at Sanpoutei Ramen.

Sanpoutei is known for its classic Shoyu ramen ($14.00) which originates from Niigata (north of Tokyo) since 1967. Its broth is boiled for six hours using vegetables, chicken, pork bone and 2 types of dried sardine all imported from Japan – one of the few ramen shops in Singapore with fish base in its soup.

Oohh. The signature shoyu soup stock while looking clear and thin, packs flavour with the a light touch of fish savour without being too powering. Could present an uplifting change for those used to tonkotsu bases. The aburi chashu is melt-in-your-mouth tender. Though I rarely talk about menma (bamboo shoots), this bowl has delicious ones within.

The ramen while tasty, didn’t make me want to pull all stops, yet. The noodles which are made in-house with a $45k machine, could have been more springy and less thick and soft. But that is purely personal preferences.

Leave some space for the side dishes, such as the Deep Fried Spring Chicken with Oroshi Yuzu Ponzu Sauce ($7.80), and the must must must order Minced Chicken Niigata Rice Mini Don ($4.00). The Niigata Kurorori Rice which is imported from Japan and polished in Singapore, is probably good enough to eat on its own.

Okay.

My suspicion bells rang when I thought that this ramen tasted very familiar, as though I had it ever before. The feeling of déjà vu. In addition, after I noticed the number of service staff that they had for a small shop, definitely must have rich boss and backing.

So I did some questioning and found out …

Turns out that Sanpoutei is brought in by RamenPlay. Ah-huh. It may be strange to say this, but Sanpoutei does taste like RamenPlay when they first started in Singapore, before the store continued in a mass-market direction.

There is this charm, friendliness and closeness from smaller ramen shops that the chains cannot provide. Rest assured that Sanpoutei Ramen still feels and taste authentically Japanese, for now.

Sanpoutei Ramen
#01-01, 253 Holland Avenue (Holland MRT), Tel: +65 64637277
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 11:00pm

Other Ramen Entries
Ikkousha Ramen 博多一幸舎 (Tanjong Pagar Plaza)
Bari Uma Ramen (Tanglin Shopping Centre)
Ramen Matsuri (Boat Quay)
Buta Ramen (Far East Square)
Ippudo Singapore (UE Square)

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10 New Ramen Places In Singapore – Time To Satisfy That Ramen Craving

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Are there really that many new ramen places in Singapore? Apparantly yes. While searching for the Best Ramen in Singapore, it’s time to look beyond the usual favourites of Ippudo, Keisuke and Santouka, to check out some of the newcomers.

From Niigata styled fish soup base, localised ramen with pork ribs to sukiyaki ramen, it is not just about tonkotsu and miso any more, but every bowl a distinct flavour and character.

Here are 10 New Ramen Places in Singapore:

Sanpoutei Ramen
#01-01, 253 Holland Avenue (Holland MRT), Tel: +65 64637277
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 11:00pm Daily

Sanpoutei, probably the ‘hottest’ new ramen shop at Holland Village, is known for its classic Shoyu ramen ($14.00) which originates from Niigata (north of Tokyo) since 1967. Its broth is boiled for six hours using vegetables, chicken, pork bone and 2 types of dried sardine all imported from Japan – one of the few ramen shops in Singapore with fish base in its soup. One of the most promising new comers with authentic taste and prompt service. (Read: Sanpoutei Ramen Holland Village)

Ikkousha Hakata Ramen Singapore 博多一幸舎
Block 7, #01-104 Tanjong Pagar Plaza Singapore 081007 Tel +65 65381880
Opening Hours: 11:30 am – 10:00 pm (Mon – Sat), 11:30 am – 9:00 pm (Sun)

Ikkousha Hakata Ramen 博多一幸舎 by Kousuke Yoshimura won the Ultimate Ramen Champion twice in a row, and now has his own shop at Tanjong Pagar (surrounded by Keisuke Tonkotsu King, Menya Sanji, and Tori King). He held his own with the signature two types of ramen – the original Tonkotsu Ramen ($12.00) with thick pork broth with thin long noodles, or the God Fire ($13.50) spicy ramen specially created for the Singapore market. This is, the champion of the ramen champions. (Read: Ikkousha Ramen Tanjong Pagar Plaza)

Tsukada Nojo
#03-04 Westgate, 3 Gateaway Drive (Jurong East MRT)
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm (Ramen only available during lunch)

Beauty pot ramen! Tsukada Nojo famous for their Bijin Nabe (I know it may sound like a bad word) collagen beauty hotpot.has already been getting long queues at its Plaza Sing and Chinatown Point outlet. Few may know that they opened another branch at Westgate (good news for westies) and actually serve ramen for lunch. Their version of ramen comes with 3 choices of thin egg noodles (take this please), thick mochi-mochi and rice noodles, with soup bases of shio, curry and shoyu. The toppings come separately so you can add them on your own. I can assure you that the chicken soup broth is very very intense and rich. (Read: Tsukada Nojo Chinatown Point))

Ramen Matsuri
7 North Canal Road Singapore 048820 (Behind Boat Quay), Tel: +65 65330845
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3:00pm, 6:00pm – 10:00pm (last order 9:45pm), Closed Sun, PH

Ramen Matsuri’s Chef Ikehata was previously from Marutama Ra-Men, and created this Sakura Chicken Ramen (ie chicken is bred without antibiotics and growth hormones, contain less fat and cholesterol, and listen to Mozart). The Sakura Chicken Ramen Rich Super ($16.90) is a hearty bowl containing 3 slices of chicken, 2 slices of pork char siew, 1 egg, 2 pieces of seaweed, black fungus and spring onion. For once, I preferred the chicken soup base than its pork. (Read: Ramen Matsuri Boat Quay)

Ramen Bari-Uma ばり馬のらーめん
101 Thomson Road #B1-08 United Square Singapore 307591 Tel: +65 6354 3711
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 9.30pm (Mon – Sun)

While shoyu based ramen typically has a clear brown broth which is light on the palate, Bari Uma’s version is a richly flavoured tonkotsu shoyu soup. Hailing from Hiroshima, the recommended ramen is the Ajitama-Uma ($15), with thick cut flamed chashu, uncut egg and shoyu soup. The soup is cooked for 6 hours using both pork and chicken bones with various vegetables. This is Bari Uma’s newest and second branch at United Square. My personal take? The Tanglin original branch feels better. (Read: Bari Uma Ramen Tanglin Shopping Centre)

Buta Ramen
Far East Square, 137 Amoy Street, #01-04 (Raffles Place MRT)
Opening Hours: 11am to 8pm (Mon-Fri), Closed Sat, Sun, PH

Buta ramen at Far East Square, already quite popular with the office crowd, is developed by 3 local guy friends – Chris Tan, John Ng and Sandy Yeo. Their specialty is Boss Rib Ramen ($13.90, no GST or service charges), created as they are fans of our local bak kut teh, where the ribs are sous vide and cha shu cooked over 24 hours so that they become certainly tender. This is ramen with a local twist. (Read: Buta Ramen Far East Square)

Butaou by Chef Toshikazu Yoneda at Ramen Champion
1 Kim Seng Promenade, Great World City #01-22, Singapore 237994 Tel: +65 6235 1295
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10:30pm

This is my champion from the newest Ramen Champion Great World City. Ramen meets Sukiyaki? Win already. Butaou’s Special Sukiyaki Ramen ($16) has a sweet Sukiyaki-ish taste, coming mainly from the sliced meat (pork or beef) and is quite addictive. Love the thin noodles, but not so much of the slow boiled egg and spiciness which went slightly over-powering.

Ramen Kagetsu Arashi
2 Handy Road #B1-01/02/03 The Cathay Singapore 229233 (Dhoby Gaut MRT), Tel: +65 6736 3055
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10:00pm

Ramen Kagestsu Ramen is supposedly one of Japan’s top ramen chain, though did not receive much fanfare with local ramen lovers. It opens a 3rd branch at The Cathay Orchard, and the outlet seemed rather quiet. Its newest offering, the Ginjiro ($13.90) scores on its broth, being thick, rich and flavourful with an aftertaste of bonito. The char siew was thin and tender, no major complains. Actually can give it a chance if you are nearby.

Tonkatsu Kazan Ramen
Liang Court, #01-09/10 Tel: +65 6397 6636
Opening Hours: 11am – 10:30pm Sun-Thurs, 11am – 3am Fri-Sat

This whole idea of Volcano ramen is quite gimmicky. Ramen soup is poured into a preheated 300 stone bowl with noodles and ingredients inside, and then covered with a conical lid. Then hot steam would come out from the top of the lid, thus the ‘volcanic eruption’. There are four basic flavours: Shoyu, Kaisen-shio, miso and curry ($15.00 for small, $18.00). Get the large and share with a friend (unless you came alone). It even comes with a bowl of rice, so don’t finish all your broth yet. (Read: Tonkotsu Kazan Ramen Liang Court)

[Closed] Ramen Mitsubachi
150 Orchard Road #01-018 Orchard Plaza Singapore 238841 (Somerset MRT), Tel: +65 62353503
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 2:30pm (Mon-Fri), 6:00pm – 1:00am (Mon-Sat), Closed Sun (cash only)

This location at Orchard Plaza is where Noodle House Ken (owner fled the country) and Kitakata Ramen (short-lived stay) used to be. I worry about Ramen Mitsubachi’s fate. Only two customers during lunch, and one of them is me. The shop is small and cosy, and service sincere. The Tonkotsu Ramen ($12) while at a wallet-friendly price, had bland stock which was in between thick and thin. The texture of the noodles did not work for me as well. Let’s hope they can continue to fine-tune.

Note: The author ate every single bowl of ramen featured in this entry, sometimes more than once. He is still in a search for the Best Ramen in Singapore. Please keep him updated if you see a new ramen shop that is worthy of his calories and time. Arigatoo Gozaimasu!

Other 5/10 Best Entries
50 Singapore Hawker Food and Their Calories
10 of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2014
10 Best Salad Shops in Singapore
10 Best Dim Sum Restaurants In Hong Kong
10 Stalls To Try At The New Chinatown Food Street

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Ramen Kagetsu Arashi – Tonkotsu Ramen Shop at The Cathay

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The press release states that Ramen Kagetsu Arashi is the third most popular ramen chain in Japan. So I wonder who is one and two? Ajisen? Nagasaki Chanpon? Ippudo?

Ramen Kagetsu Arashi opens a 3rd branch The Cathay Orchard (the first two are at The Star Vista and Tampines 1), which has unfortunately become a very empty building with a lack of attractive tenants.

The ramen shop, popular for its garlic tonkotsu broth, has just released two new dishes: Ginjiro Ramen ($13.90) and Itameshi Dry Curry Rice ($12.90).

While my first experience with Ramen Kagetsu Arashi at The Star Vista had not been that positive, this time was much better.

The Ginjiro (which means ‘good silver in Japanese’) Ramen scores on its broth, being thick, rich and flavourful with an aftertaste of bonito. The char siew was thin and tender, no major complains.

Its noodles could have been springier with bite. And really, we would have liked the bowl to be served with ajitama egg. The reason (or excuse) given was the egg yolk would interfere with the taste of the bowl. Point taken. Then serve it on a separate saucer, can or not?

The Itameshi Dry Curry Rice ($12.90) is so peppery-lunchy, but unfortunately a saltier and less meaty version. There are some merits. The spices are addictive though could go lower in quantity, as it almost feels like I am consuming a pack of chips. If they placed a few slices of char siew instead of thinly cut sausages, it would have been a lot more satisfying.

An order came wrong and I ended up with the Arashi Genkotsu Barikara Ramen with Sio Broth ($14.90), and it turned out to be a beautiful mistake – it was the best ramen I had at Kagetsu.

The broth was sweet, salty and spicy with a kick, with the natural sea salt and deep red paste giving it a multi-layer taste every spoonful.

Actually, the ramen here is not too bad. Except that some of the side dishes such as Tori Karaage ($6.00) were unevenly salty, and Gyoza ($6.00 for 5) soggy. Its inconsistency may have put on some people, but if you are in luck and choose wisely, you may dine with one pleasing bowl.

Ramen Kagetsu Arashi
2 Handy Road #B1-01/02/03 The Cathay Singapore 229233 (Dhoby Gaut MRT), Tel: +65 6736 3055
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10:00pm

Other branches: The Star Vista #01-41, Tampines 1 #02-09/10

Other Related Entries
Ramen Kagetsu Arashi (The Star Vista)
Sanpoutei Ramen (Holland Village)
Buta Ramen (Far East Square)
Tonkotsu Kazan Ramen (Liang Court)
Ramen Matsuri (Boat Quay)

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10 New Ramen Places In Singapore – Oishii To Lobster, Crab, Truffle, Cheese, Volcano Ramens!

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Ramen is in trend once more in Singapore. New ramen shops are opening up frequently, with no less than 10 over the 6 months.

Hungry diners are willing to queue more than an hour (though 2 is not uncommon) JUST for a bowl of lobster or crab ramen. (That includes the person who is typing this.)

Local start-ups The Ramen Stall and Kanshoku Ramen have also opened their 2nd outlet, with an expanded menu and extended opening hours. Yes, Ramen is in again.

From lobster ramen, crab ramen, volcano ramen, cheese ramen, truffle ramen, dry ramen, chicken paitan ramen… here are 10 new ramen places in Singapore. (If you are heading to Tokyo, here is a list of 10 Must-Try Ramen at Tokyo)

Ramen Keisuke Lobster King
Clarke Quay – 3C River Valley Road #01-07 The Cannery, Singapore 179022 (Clarke Quay MRT)
Tel: +65 6255 2928
Opening Hours: 6pm – 5am (Last order 4:30am)

Specialty: Lobster Ramen
Four different styles are available at Ramen Keisuke Lobster King – Lobster Broth Ramen with Clear Soup ($13.90), Lobster Broth Ramen with Rich Creamy Soup ($14.90), Miso Lobster Broth Ramen ($14.90) and Spicy Miso Lobster Broth Ramen ($15.90).

Each bowl comes with a slice of tender pork belly, chicken char siew (surprisingly good), black pepper prawn wontons topped with crunchy bamboo shoots, all in a deep lobster bisque like soup base.

Of the bowls tried, we liked the Rich Creamy Soup best. The broth reminded me of a combination of both French style lobster bisque and Japanese ramen soup base, which can be both brimming with flavours and heavily rich.

Warning: Queues can stretch very long, and can last beyond an hour. Ramen Keisuke Lobster King (Clarke Quay)

Keisuke Kani King @ Orchard Cineleisure
8 Grange Road, #01-¬03 Cathay Cineleisure Orchard Singapore 239695 (Somerset MRT)
Opening Hours: 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm Last Order 9:45pm (Mon – Thurs),
12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 2am Last Order 1:45am (Fri and PH eve),
12pm – 2am Last Order 1:45am
12pm – 10pm Last Order 9:45pm

Specialty: Crab Ramen
Crab Broth Ramen can be considered one of Keisuke’s signatures, as he used this particular noodle dish to win the title of Ramen Champion in Japan during 2011.

There are five different styles available: Crab Broth Ramen with Clear Soup ($12.90), Crab Broth Ramen with Rich Soup ($13.90), Spicy Crab Broth Ramen ($14.90), Crab Broth with Mixed Fried Omelette Ramen ($13.90) and Crab Tsukemen ($13.90).

The Spicy Crab Broth Ramen ($14.90) was my favourite. While I don’t always enjoy the spicy versions of Keisuke’s ramen, this bowl ticks all the right boxes – intense, velvety rich, having a multitude of flavours. Not as rich as the lobster version.

I returned to queue on a weekday night, and that took me about an hour. Keisuke Kani King (Orchard Cineleisure)

Menya Takeichi
3 Temasek Boulevard, #03-313 Suntec City Mall, Singapore 038983 (City Hall, Promenade MRT)
Tel: +65 6235 3386
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 3pm (last order 2.30pm); 5.30pm – 10.30pm (last order 10pm)

Specialty: Chicken Paitan Ramen
Menya Takeichi lauded as Tokyo’s top chicken ramen, has opened at Suntec City’s Eat At Seven.

The ramen shop has consistently been ranked in the “Best 10 in Chicken Paitan Broth Ramen” category in Supleks Ramen Database, the largest ramen-related website in Japan.

The restaurant’s signature recipe is the Chicken Paitan Ramen, containing collagen-rich broth by simmering fresh chicken and chicken feet for hours.

The best sellers are the original Special Ramen ($15.50) and Special Rich Shoyu Ramen ($16.50), followed by a Special Rich Shio Ramen ($16.50), and Special Rich Spicy Ramen ($17.50).

Oh, oh, oh… the cloudy, white, velvety smooth soup base is indeed commendable, as though every spoonful is an extraction of the best parts of the chicken (fats). Menya Takeichi (Suntec City)

Kajiken 油そば専門店 歌志軒
Orchid Hotel #01-07, 1 Tras Link Singapore 078867 (Tanjong Pagar MRT)
Tel: +65 9831 0441
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3:30pm, 6:00pm – 9:30pm (Mon – Sat)

Specialty: Dry Ramen
Mazesoba? That represents soupless ramen, and “maze” in Japanese means “to mix”. More eateries in Japan are expanding their menu to include varieties of dry ramen, and Kajiken is probably Singapore’s first to dedicate an entire store to mazesoba.

Kajiken’s menu is straightforward, offering dry ramen permutations of Deep Fried Chicken ($13.80), Braised Pork ($14.80), Charsiew ($13.80), Cod Roe with Mayonnaise ($13.80) and all toppings ($15.80).

A no-fuss bowl really. I liked that there is ample chopped spring onions which provide that crunch, and sweet-saucy minced pork rather similar to the meat on mapo tofu. Kajiken (Orchid Hotel)

The Ramen Stall
787 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198755
Opening Hours: 5pm – 6am (Mon – Fri), 12pm – 6am (Sat, Sun, PH)

Specialty: Volcano Ramen
The Ramen Stall is sister restaurant to The Ramen House at Short Street. Two things to note: The Ramen Stall opens till 6am in the morning for supper-goers, and it has been certified Halal.

Their specialty is the Volcano Ramen ($11) with 3 levels of spiciness, and others such as Mushroom Ramen ($11), Beef Ramen ($12.90), Abalone Seafood Ramen ($23.90), and Vegetable Ramen ($11).

My personal recommendation is the Dry Ramen ($11) tossed in a special sauce, complemented with shoyu-marinated chicken cha-shu, braised egg, cucumber strips and dried scallops.

Kanshoku Ramen Bar
Orchard Central, 277 Orchard Road #01-06, Singapore 238858
Tel: +65 6384 4770
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Thurs, Sun), 11am – 11pm (Fri, Sat, PH)

Specialty: Truffle Ramen
Kanshoku Ramen means “to finish eating every last bit of your food’ in Japanese”. This is their 2nd outlet, the 1st at Metropolis.

This is a locally developed brand. Their broth boiled eight hours with filtered water, no added salt or preservatives, pork marinated for four hours, and Hakata style ramen made in house.

I am a fan of their noodles, though I would have still preferred it to be a tad harder. Also, there might have been some consistency issues. Generally a safe choice if you are in Orchard.

The Truffle Ramen ($16.90) is a dry version, somewhat reminding us of angel hair pasta with truffle. Kanshoku Ramen (Orchard Central)

Uma Uma Restaurant & Bar
9 Raffles Boulevard #02-06, Millenia Walk Singapore 039596
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 12am (Mon – Sat), 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 10pm (Sun)

Specialty: Bushi Tonkotsu Ramen
This Uma Uma Restaurant & Bar at Millenia Walk feature several concepts – Hakata-styled Ramen from Uma Uma Ramen, bincho-grilled Yakitori and Kushikatsu (deep-fried breaded skewers) prepared by Head Chef Shota Kaneko, with cocktails and drinks by Horse’s Mouth.

Ramen wise, the ‘old favourites’ are the Bushi Tonkotsu ($16) and Mazesoba ($14) – a dry style ramen topped with onsen egg.

The former has components bonito flakes, red ginger and lime which would add elements of zest and mild fishiness (from the bonito) that some might find refreshing. But it is an acquired taste. Uma Uma Restaurant & Bar (Millenia Walk)

Ramen & Tonkatsu Ma Maison
13 Stamford Road #B2-51 Capitol Piazza Singapore 178905 (City Hall MRT)
Tel: +65 6384 6211

Specialty: Cheese Ramen
This is Ma Maison’s first official foray to ramen in Singapore. The signature is the Ma Maison Original Creamy Cheese Ramen, where the handmade cheese is imported from a farm at Tokachi Hokkaido.

In its bowl of Shio, Shoyu or Miso Ramen ($16.80), a scoopful of cheese almost looking like grated parmesan was incorporated on the top of the soup base.

This added that twang of salty-gouda cheese, providing the broth a subtle but more-layered taste. If you are wondering, the original soup base is not exceedingly rich or thick in the first place, thus still manageable in terms of heaviness. Ramen & Tonkatsu Ma Maison (Capitol Piazza)

Otoko Ramen
Alexandra Central Mall, Park Hotel Alexandra #01-16, 323 Alexandra Road s159972 (Queenstown)
Tel: +65 6250 2889
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm Daily

Specialty: Shoyu Ramen
Three types of ramen soup bases are available – Shoyu ($12.90), Miso ($12.90), and the spicy Karamiso ($13.90). For additional toppings of pork belly, you can order the Chashu Ramen ($16.90/$17.90).

What I liked about their ramen – generous servings of fresh cabbage for that crunch, which balances that richness after a few sips of the oily soup.

The tonkotsu based shoyu soup could be more robust in flavors though, and we preferred the karamiso based broth which had a more agreeable layered taste.

The medium-thick chewy noodles can feed an after-work hungry man, while the cha shu slices were almost too thick and fatty – satisfying for meat lovers, but heavy otherwise. Otoko Ramen (Alexandra Central Mall)

Burosu Honten @ Emporium Shokuhin
6 Raffles Boulevard #01-18 Marina Square, Singapore 039594 (City Hall, Esplanade and Promenade MRT)
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10pm

Specialty: Prawn Ramen
For ramen lovers, get your fill of Tonkotsu Ramen ($12.80), Prawn Seafood ($15.80) and Kani Crab Ramen ($17.80).

The Special Ultimate Ramen ($17.80) contains a bit of every ingredient such as pork, crab and prawn, in thick tonkotsu and seafood based broth.

The noodle used is the straight Hakata-style ramen, matched with robust seafood-y soup.

Other Related Entries
Kanshoku Ramen (Orchard Central)
Menya Takeichi (Suntec City)
Ramen Keisuke Lobster King (Clarke Quay)
Keisuke Kani King (Orchard Cineleisure)
Kajiken (Orchid Hotel)

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The Ramen Stall – Japanese Restaurant Goes Halal, Opens Till 6AM!

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The Ramen Stall is sister restaurant to The Ramen House (at Short Street near the famous Rochor Beancurd), which is probably Singapore’s only Halal ramen restaurant which serves till this late.

6AM.

6am. Win already. If you are craving for ramen or sashimi in the middle of the night to jio some friends, you know where to go.

Incidentally, The Ramen House was the very first place we featured when I was filming “The Supper Places” for The 5 Show. And if you know how television shows worked, I ate many bowls of ramen then.

While the outlet at North Bridge Road (next to Hyde & Co) is called The RAMEN Stall, the offerings are a lot more than just noodles, with a wide range of Appetizers, Sushi, Sashimi, Kushiyaki, Gohan and Desserts.

One thing to note, the Japanese dishes served are generally adapted to the local palate.

Some may go, “Not quite the same as the tonkotsu ramen”.

Instead of thick intense broths expected in most Japanese style ramen, the chicken-based soup is prepared much lighter and milder, still cooked under high heat for 20 hours to achieve the milky-texture and flavours.

No artificial flavouring, no MSG, no salt, no sugar added. The slight saltiness comes from the meat and kombu dashi, while the sweetness is due to the addition of corn and vegetables.

Also, the noodles used are long, thin and slightly curly, a thicker version of the mee kia we are accustomed to.

Perhaps, we can rightly call this the Singapore-style ramen. Here are some of The Ramen Stall’s signatures you can expect.

Volcano Ramen ($11)
There are 3 levels of spiciness to choose from, with the dollops of “red hot lava” made with red chillis and dried Indian chilli padi.

One man’s spicy is another man’s mild.

Level 3 was totally manageable for me, but that’s me. I know of people who had Level 2 and broke out in sweat.

To play it safe, take a Level 1 or 2, try the soup without the chilli first, then slowly mix it in to your preference.

Dry Ramen, with spicy or non-spicy version ($11)
Of all the ramen, the dry version was what I enjoyed most. I find that the style and bite of noodles went better with its base sauce.

I see this as a cross between the Japanese Ramen, Indonesian Bakmi and local Bak Chor Mee.

Mix up with the shoyu marinated chicken cha shu, braised egg, and the cucumber strips and spring onions would add some crunch on every bite.

The braised egg happened to be quite pleasantly-flavoured, marinated with shoyu sauce with a bright yellow liquid yolk.

Beef Ramen ($12.90)
You would find this soup tastier than the other varieties because the broth is further boiled with beef shanks for another 4 hours.

I appreciated that there was also sliced beef added for varied textures, though the beef chashu was slightly on the dry and tough side.

Kaisen Don ($16.90)
This could get many going. A generous bowl of Bara Chrashi Don of salmon, tuna, mekajiki (a type of swordfish) chunks and roe on sashimi rice.

You can judge the freshness of the raw fish from the vibrancy of its colour, and this was one oishii bowl.

Kushiyaki Bento Set ($12.90)
The prices here are generally affordable for its portion.

Take for example the Kushiyaki Set – Chicken Yakitori, a skewered Prawn, Shitake Mushroom, Quail Egg with French Bean on a long rice box for only $12.90. Not commonly found at this price.

This is one box in which you can get a filling meal, with mixtures of meat, seafood and vegetables.

Another set offered here comes with Shishamo Fish, Shitake Mushroom, Chicken Yaktori, Beef Roll with Golden Mushroom and Quail Egg.

Kushiyaki (mostly $1.60 to $2.80 per stick
There is a range of skewered and grilled meat and vegetables, from Shishamo, Prawns, Chicken Wing to Chicken parts such as heart, liver and gizzard.

The best seller is the Prawn with Roe and Mayonnaise ($3.90).

Hokkaido Chicken Strips ($8.90)
Not the typical Chicken Karaage, but strips of deep fried chicken stacked up, which would go well with the accompanying light mayonnaise.

Yoghurt Soft Serve in Original or Matcha ($3.90 for small, $5.90 for big)
Have almost missed this, and I enjoyed it so much I finished it even after the extremely heavy meal. (There is no more matcha though, nevermind next time.)

The yogurt was refreshing, made with fat-free skimmed milk, portion small for the individual. The best parts were candied nuts that they included at the sides and base, adding that sweet-pleasant crunch.

The Ramen Stall which is certified Halal serves a range of Japanese fare from fresh sashimi, grilled Kushiyaki to Teppanyaki dishes, great for group outings.

In fact, the restaurant was almost full when I visited one early weekday evening, so reservation via phone is encouraged.

Admittedly, some of the Japanese dishes are altered to suit the local palate, so do manage your expectations accordingly.

The very good news is it now opens till 6am for supper goers and friends who knock off late. Ramen, Kaisen Don and Sashimi in the wee hours of the morning are now a reality.

The Ramen Stall (Halal)
787 North Bridge Road Singapore 198755 (between Bugis and Lavender MRT, Lavender is slightly nearer)
Tel: +65 6655 0800
Opening Hours: 5pm – 6am (Mon – Fri), 12pm – 6am (Sat, Sun, PH)
https://www.facebook.com/ramenstall

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with The Ramen Stall.

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Hajime Tonkatsu & Ramen – Tampopo’s Ex-Chef Starts His Own At Serangoon Garden

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When I took the first scoop of the Hajime’s Tonkatsu Ramen ($14.90), I thought ”How come taste like Tampopo like that?”.

Turns out that Chef Tan-San who is helming Hajime’s Kitchen was the founding Chef of Tampopo.

Hajime is the Japanese word for “beginning” (初め) and the short form for “Hajimemashite”, which means “Nice to meet you”.

With over 25 years of experience, Hajime’s Chef Tan-San’s journey began after a stint in Japan, and subsequently returned to helm the kitchen of Tonkichi and then Tampopo. Some of his ‘creations’ include Tampopo’s Kurobuta Pork Tonkatsu and Tonkatsu Ramen.

So the comparison becomes inevitable.

Hajime uses fresh Nama ramen noodles which are slightly thicker and chewier, compared to Tampopo’s Kyushu ramen noodles.

The Tonkotsu broth is simmered over 12 hours in-house and not purchased from production factories, while imported pork from Japan is used for the quality and tenderness.

To be fair, I haven’t had Tampopo in a while, perhaps a couple of months. BUT, I thought I preferred the soup base at Tampopo, seemed to be thicker and taster. I generally prefer a richer, creamy broth for tonkotsu ramen.

The noodles were also somewhat limpy for my liking.

On the other hand, I liked the Tonkatsu. Somehow many deep fried pork cutlets in Singapore are tough, dry or have a strong aftertaste. Hajime’s pork loin is air-flown Japanese pork, chosen for its juiciness and tenderness, and also had a good crunch without being oily.

Hajime Tonkatsu & Ramen
MyVillage @ Serangoon Garden, 1 Maju Avenue #02-07/8/9 Singapore 556679
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3:00pm, 6pm – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Other Related Entries
12 New Ramen Places In Singapore
Kanshoku Ramen (Orchard Central)
Menya Takeichi (Suntec City)
Ramen Keisuke Lobster King (Clarke Quay)
Kajiken (Orchid Hotel)

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Menya Takeichi – Tokyo’s No 1 Collagen Rice Chicken Ramen Chain At Suntec City

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Menya Takeichi lauded as Tokyo’s top chicken ramen, has opened at Suntec City’s Eat At Seven.

The ramen shop has consistently been ranked in the “Best 10 in Chicken Paitan Broth Ramen” category in Supleks Ramen Database, the largest ramen-related website in Japan.

There are also long queues outside the outlets in Japan after TV Asahi did a feature.

Okay lah, almost every ramen shop out there says that they are some kind of a champion and has taken part in some television challenge.

So I am not sure why they would claim as “Number 1” *cough cough* but anyway…

The restaurant’s signature recipe is the Chicken Paitan Ramen, containing collagen-rich broth by simmering fresh chicken and chicken feet for hours, leading it to become the best-selling dish that has led the brand to open 40 stores in Japan in just four years.

A friend calls this the Bijin Nabe – ramen version. I would agree it did taste something like that.

Four basic chicken ramen, and three types of tsukemen (shoyu, shio, spicy) are available.

The best sellers are the original Special Ramen ($15.50) and Special Rich Shoyu Ramen ($16.50), followed by a Special Rich Shio Ramen ($16.50), and Special Rich Spicy Ramen ($17.50). Note: The bowls are all named “special”.

Oh, oh, oh… the cloudy, white, velvety smooth soup base is indeed commendable, as though every spoonful is an extraction of the best parts of the chicken (fats).

The taste is not overly salty and abounding with savoury goodness.

Also, the bowl contained tender chicken slices and bouncy handmade chicken balls.

Now, if only the soup was hotter in temperature, it would be the absolute chicken ramen to look out for in Singapore.

If the collagen-rich soup is too thick for you, there is a flask of clear soup made of bonito flakes which you could add. I am used to thick ramen broths in Japan, and I didn’t see the need to add more within.

Other side dishes include Gyoza (S$6.00 for 5 pieces), Chicken Tempura Rice ($8.00) and Grilled Prawn with Anchovy Creamy Sauce (S$8).

Some people may get lost finding Menya Takeichi. It is located at Level 3, opposite the gym, a short walk from the escalators near Kushinbo, at Eat At Seven right next to Maguro Donya Miuramisakikou Sushi & Dining.

Yes, if you love those creamy, collagen-rich (beauty alert) chicken broth with long, thin, chewy noodles, you should enjoy Menya Takeichi. I will be back.

Menya Takeichi
3 Temasek Boulevard, #03-313 Suntec City Mall, Singapore 038983 (City Hall, Promenade MRT)
Tel: +65 6235 3386
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 3pm (last order 2.30pm); 5.30pm – 10.30pm (last order 10pm)

Other Related Entries
Gyoza Bar (North Canal Road)
Marutama Ra-Men (Liang Court)
Marutama Dining (Killiney Road)
Ramen Keisuke Tori King (Amara Hotel)
Ramen Keisuke Lobster King (Clarke Quay)

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Kajiken – Dry Japanese Ramen At Novena Square 2, Something Like “Bak Chor Mee”

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”Isn’t this Bak Chor Mee, but Japanese style?” Well, technically, you can say that.

Mazesoba can be explained as dry Japanese ramen (or Japanese gan mian), in which “maze” means “to mix”, and “soba” means “noodles”.

Kajiken at Orchid Hotel is the first shop dedicated to selling just Mazesoba in Singapore, and has opened its 2nd outlet at Novena Square 2.

Its signature dish is Mazesoba Nagoya Style ($12.80), in which dry ramen noodles is mixed with spicy minced pork, soft boiled egg, seafood and chopped vegetables.

No wonder people call this the Bak Chor Mee, which essentially means “minced pork noodles”.

There is a “20 seconds rule” in eating the Mazesoba:
1. Mix the ingredients for 20 seconds.
2. Want more kick? Add vinegar or chili oil!
3. Finish eating? Ask for “Oimeshi” and the staff will give you a small portion of rice to mix with the remaining sauce.

The mix of sauce reminded me of the Taiwanese style of Dan Dan Mian, with a mild level of spiciness that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients. Yet added with that umami mouth-feel as you take bites.

I liked the addition of chopped vegetables and egg – one provided the occasional crunch and refreshness; the other a layer of stickiness between the noodles.

Even though the wheat noodles seemed moderately thick, the combination was well-balanced and didn’t feel too heavy.

If you would like a variety of ingredients, you can have the Mazesoba with all toppings ($15.80) which would include char siew, soft boiled egg, deep fried chicken and bamboo shoot.

I wished there was some of that signature spicy minced pork there to add a lift.

If this is your first time to Kajiken, go for the Nagoya style if you can take spiciness because this is not commonly found in Singapore.

Kajiken 油そば専門店 歌志軒 – Novena
10 Sinaran Drive #02-03 Square Two Singapore 307506 (Novena MRT)
Tel: +65 6904 4714
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10:00pm Daily

Kajiken – Tanjong Pagar
Orchid Hotel #01-07, 1 Tras Link Singapore 078867 (Tanjong Pagar MRT)
Tel: +65 82260199
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3:30pm, 6:00pm – 9:30pm (Mon – Fri), 11:30am – 9:30pm (Sat – Sun)

Other Related Entries
Kajiken (Orchid Hotel)
Nantsuttei Ramen (Orchard Central)
Tsuta Singapore (Pacific Plaza)
Kanshoku Ramen Bar (ION Orchard)
Keisuke Kani King (Orchard Cineleisure)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary pays for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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7 Ramen Places That Originated From Singapore – Support Local

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Singapore has quite a few Japanese ramen shops that originated from our country itself – Michelin Bib Gourmand A Noodle Story, Brothers Ramen. Buta Ramen, Kanshoku Ramen, Xin Hao Ramen and Ramen Atelier.

Local start-ups, local chefs.

While the ramen purists may not have a favourable take, I am open to see some interesting synergies, that can well reflect our local culture and tastebuds.

Here are 7 Ramen Restaurants / Stalls That Originated From Singapore. Time to support local

Kanshoku Ramen Bar
ION Orchard #B3-18, 2 Orchard Turn Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6509 8221
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm, Last Order 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Kanshoku Ramen Bar
Orchard Central, 277 Orchard Road #01-06, Singapore 238858
Tel: +65 6384 4770
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm Daily

Truffle Dry & Truffle Broth Ramen Going Strong
Kanshoku Ramen means “to finish eating every last bit of your food’ in Japanese”.

Some may not know this is a locally developed brand. Their broth boiled eight hours with filtered water, no added salt or preservatives, pork marinated for four hours, and Hakata style ramen made in house.

The Truffle Ramen ($16.90) is THE ramen that propelled Kanshoku to further fame. Some friends liked it precisely because the dish of hot, straight, thin noodles reminded them of Truffle Angel Hair Pasta (of this famous French restaurant), except that this is hot.

There is a balanced combination of kombu, shaved black truffle and truffle oil – when tossed would emit that light alluring aroma.

The current incarnation also included an onsen egg and torched caramelized charshu marinated in a slight sweetish sauce. Wonderful additions. Kanshoku Ramen Bar (ION Orchard)

A Noodle Story
Amoy Street Food Centre #01-39 7 Maxwell Road Singapore 069111 (Tanjong Pagar MRT Exit G)
Opening Hours: 11:15am – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 7:30pm (Mon – Fri), 10:30am – 1:30pm (Sat) , Closed Sun, PH

Michelin Bib Gourmand Singapore Ramen
Opened by young hawkerpreneurs, A Noodle Story serves “Singapore-style ramen” ($7.00, $9.00) that was listed in the Singapore Michelin Bib Gourmand Guide. So proud of these guys.

A bowl with Japanese style charshu, soy-flavoured braised egg, Hong Kong style wontons, potato wrapper prawn fritter for that crunch.

Aesthetically pleasing and well-arranged, for a hawker stall. I like it – you don’t get a bowl like this anywhere else. You understand why there is always a long queue, every bowl was patiently cooked and arranged, and you could feel the pride in their work.

The Ramen Stall
787 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198755
Opening Hours: 5pm – 6am (Mon – Fri), 12pm – 6am (Sat, Sun, PH)

Halal Volcano Ramen
The Ramen Stall is sister restaurant to The Ramen House at Short Street. Two things to note: The Ramen Stall opens till 6am in the morning for supper-goers, and it has been certified Halal.

Their specialty is the Volcano Ramen ($11) with 3 levels of spiciness, and others such as Mushroom Ramen ($11), Beef Ramen ($12.90), Abalone Seafood Ramen ($23.90), and Vegetable Ramen ($11).

My personal recommendation is the Dry Ramen ($11) tossed in a special sauce, complemented with shoyu-marinated chicken cha-shu, braised egg, cucumber strips and dried scallops.

Brothers Ramen
10 Anson Road, International Plaza #01-20 Singapore 079903 (Tanjong Pagar MRT)
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 6:30pm – 8:30pm (Mon-Sat), Last order 8pm. Opened PH, Closed Sun

Hunky Brothers Ramen At International Plaza
Run by brothers Cai Weili and Weisheng, Brothers Ramen serve up ramen with a different take, and the owners candidly shared they learnt to cook from YouTube, and fine-tuned the recipe several hundred times.

Selection available included Brothers Ramen ($12.90), Chicken Ramen ($12.90), Spicy Ramen ($13.90), Chashu Ramen ($14.90) and the Supermen ($16.90) which would come with more pieces of pork chashu.

They handmake their own noodles, therefore the strands are more eggy and perhaps less springy, and the soup is cooked with a combination of pork, chicken, fish and vegetables, rather than just pork in the past. The soup has a ‘cleaner’ and more localized taste than the typical tonkotsu broth we would be used to.

Xin Hao Ramen
470 North Bridge Road #03-19 Bugis Cube, Singapore 188735 (Bugis MRT)
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 9:00pm (Mon-Sat), Closed Sun
https://www.facebook.com/xinhaoramen

Japanese Ramen At Bugis Cube With A Local Take
Xin Hao’s Miso Ramen ($11.00) is accompanied with grilled meat, flavoured egg, deep fried enoki mushroom and bonito flakes (Okay, I ordered one egg too many, but it was good.)

The grilled meat is the best part, tender with marinate that reminds me of a Chinese-style pork chop.

If you are not into the rich and oily type of soup base, this version which is ‘in-between’, flavourful yet not too creamy, can suit your palate. I wished there was a more distinct flavour of miso though, which did not seem pronounced enough.

Buta Ramen
Far East Square, 137 Amoy Street, #01-04 Singapore 048775 (Telok Ayer MRT, Raffles Place MRT)
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 6:00pm (Mon – Thurs), 10:30am – 8:30pm (Fri), Closed Sat, Sun, PH

Singapore Style Pork Rib Ramen At Far East Square
Their specialty is pork rib ramen, created as the owners are fans of our local bak kut teh. Their creative juices flowed and experimented to pair our local delight with noodles and soup.

On the menu include Chashu Ramen ($12.90), Boss Rib Ramen ($14.90), Spicy Chilli Chashu Ramen ($13.90), Black Garlic Chashu Ramen ($13.90), Spicy Chilli Boss Rib Ramen ($15.90), Grilled Belly Ramen ($13.90) and Black Garlic Dry Ramen ($11.90).

I tried the Spicy Boss Rib Ramen ($15.90, no GST or service charges), where the ribs are sous vide and cha shu cooked over 24 hours so that they become certainly tender.

Ramen Atelier
2 Science Park Drive, #01-34 Ascent Singapore 118222
Tel: +65 9008 3614
Opening Hours to be updated as they are closed temporary

Ramen Atelier influenced by French culinary techniques
Chef owner Andrew Ng was trained in French cuisine, and his love for Japanese food and ramen has brought him to merge his French culinary know-how with Japanese cooking techniques to create his style ramen.

Ramen Atelier’s interesting menu includes Ramen Rouge, which incorporates tomato and butter, and Ramen Noir which has a squid ink miso soup base.

Other Related Entries
Kanshoku Ramen Bar (ION Orchard)
The Ramen Stall (North Bridge Road)
Brothers Ramen (International Plaza)
Xin Hao Ramen (Bugis)
Buta Ramen (Far East Square)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary pays for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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Jimoto Ya – Ebi Ramen By Michelin Starred Chef From Mieda Arrives To Singapore

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Another ramen shop with a Michelin-star relation opens in Singapore. Jimoto Ya’s signature ramen is created by Chef Nobumasa Mieda of Michelin-Starred Kaiseki Restaurant MIEDA from Sapporo Hokkaido.

Jimoto Ya Singapore is located at the Nanking Row of China Square Central, right opposite popular Korean BBQ restaurant Wong Dae Bak.

This should make it a popular lunch spot with office workers nearby.

What makes their ramen different from the others is, the broth is made from a special blend of amaebi (sweet shrimp) and tonkotsu.

This explains the distinctive aroma reminiscent of hae mee (prawn noodle soup) upon walking into the eatery.

There are 5 basic types of ramen currently available – Ebi Shio ($16.50), Ebi Miso ($16.50), Ebi Shoyu ($16.50), Ebi Curry ($16.50) and a cold Hiyashi Cyuka ($18.50).

I ordered the Ebi Shoyu ($16.50) upon recommendation of a ramen-loving friend.

True enough, this bowl hits the right notes on almost every level.

I am habitually most particular about the temperature of the broth, because somehow in Singapore many ramen shops serve soups that turn cold too soon, too fast. (And I typically take 3 quick shots, and will go on drinking the first spoonful.)

Jimoto Ya’s sweet prawn and pork bone combination broth remained hot from start to the end, staying flavourful, robust and satisfying. The lightness of the shoyu complemented the sweetness of the prawns well.

In contrast, a rather heavy and partly salty Ebi Miso ($16.50) didn’t seem all that compatible. As though there were occasional clashes from two strong characters.

If I were to nit-pick, it felt that the bowl lacked of a melt-in-your-mouth char siu to feel more complete. It was served with minced meat and cabbage instead.

The richness of the broth somehow reminded me of Keisuke’s first shop in Singapore, which also specialised in ebi ramen. That didn’t last long. I think it just wasn’t the right timing then for local customers to accept something more fanciful.

Jimoto Ya is one of the more promising ramen shops that opened in Singapore of late, and I hope they can keep the standard there.

Jimoto Ya 海老麺総本家 地元家
3 Pickering Street, Nanking Row, 01-44/01-45 (opp Hong Lim Complex) Singapore 048660
Tel: +65 6223 3397
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10:00pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun

Other Related Entries
Tsuta Ramen (Tai Seng)
Menya Sakura (Boat Quay)
Kajiken (Novena Square 2)
Kanshoku Ramen Bar (ION Orchard)
Nantsuttei Ramen (Orchard Central)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary visited the shop unknowingly during their private tasting, and was given a treat. It sounds weird, but it’s true.

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Ippudo Ramen – Bak Kut Teh Inspired Ramen, And NEW Outlet At Tanjong Pagar Centre

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Ippudo Ramen has opened its 9th outlet at Tanjong Pagar Centre, its 2nd in the CBD other than Asia Square. (I lost count.)

Few ramen-lovin’ friends have asked me, ”How is it?”, and I possibly had given a boring-sounding “It’s Ippudo lor.”

Actually, I meant it not in a bad way, as Ippudo has by far been quite consistent in all its branches (except that I have yet to try its express outlets.).

The Tanjong Pagar Centre branch has brought back three seasonal ramen dishes, and introduced three new side dishes – though I remember seeing one of them over at Marina Bay Sands.

Three of Ippudo’s seasonal ramen creations – Spicy Black Ramen ($19 for basic, $22 with tamago), Chuka Soba ($16, $19) and Hakata Niku Soba ($17, $20) – are all brought back by popular demand.

The Spicy Black Ramen ($22, I got the egg version) features a homemade miso paste prepared with a medley of spices and peppers, which is interestingly said to be inspired by the Singapore’s iconic Bak Kut Teh.

Even though I was all-ready for spices, I found the broth on the spicy-hot side, and needed to reach out for more water than usual.

I was on the fence for this, as this ramen was even more ‘potent’ and intense than the hot Akamaru Shinaji version (fans of Ippudo would identify this by the red bowl).

While it could activate all your tastebuds, I thought the level of richness could hinder appreciation of the tonkotsu base and noodles.

The new side dishes include the Teppan Chashu Hamburg ($15) of handchopped pork patty topped with a raw egg yolk with homemade teriyaki sauce; and Salmon Katsu ($18) of raw salmon coated with breadcrumbs then then deep-fried where the inside would still be pinkish.

I had the Aburi Beef Sushi with Ikura ($18) as recommended by the service staff, featuring Hokkaido sushi rice wrapped with pan-seared prime beef slices, topped with fresh ikura.

The roe provided burst of saltiness, and I thought this was a not-bad side dish, without major surprises.

For more budget-concerned diners, lunch time ramen are available at $15 – $17, with a side dish top-up at $3.

(Oh yes, check out who I saw queuing for Ippudo Ramen… sometimes it is good to check out the competition.)

Ippudo Tanjong Pagar Centre
Tanjong Pagar Centre #01-15, 7 Wallich Street, Singapore 078884
Tel: +65 6235 2547
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 10:00pm (Sun – Thurs), 11:00am – 11:00pm (Fri – Sat)
(Last order for A La Carte 1hr before closing & Ramen at 40 mins)

Other Ippudo Singapore outlets
– Orchard: 333A Orchard Road, #04-02 /03 /04 Mandarin Gallery, Singapore 238897
– River Valley: 207 River Valley Road, #01-55 /56 (Along Mohamed Sultan Road)
– Shaw Centre: 1 Scotts Road #04-22 /23 Shaw Centre, Singapore 228208
– Asia Square: 12 Marina View #02-01 Asia Square Tower 2, Singapore 018961
– Westgate: 3 Gateway Drive #03-03 Westgate, Singapore 608532
– Changi Airport T2: 60 Airport Boulevard Changi Airport T2 Singapore 819643 (Departure/Transit Lounge Central, Kiosk L)
– Changi Airport T3: 65 Airport Boulevard #02-K3 Changi Airport T3, Singapore 819663 (Departure/ Transit Lounge South)
– Marina Bay Sands: 2 Bayfront Avenue #B2-54/55 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands Singapore 018972

Other Related Entries
Tsuta Ramen (Tai Seng)
Kajiken (Novena Square 2)
Menya Sakura (Boat Quay)
Jimoto Ya (Pickering Street)
Ramen Atelier (Science Park Drive)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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Tempura Ten Ten – Unagi Tendon And Yuzu Ramen Shop At Raffles City

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I am losing track on the number of Tendon specialty shops in Singapore. Certainly more than 10, closer to 20.

The tempura trend fuelled largely by Japanese eateries such as Tendon Ginza Itsuki and Kohaku Tendon, has resulted in many similar shops opening up.

A friend asked ”Why even all the bowls same pattern one?”

Tempura Ten Ten is one of the newest in the Singapore market, located at the slightly obscure side of Raffles City basement.

Its offerings include BOTH Tendon and Ramen, with signature items being Unatendon – Unagi & Tendon ($19.80), Special Tendon ($13.80), Jumbo Prawn Tendon ($24.80, limited to 10 bowls a day) and Unaju ($24.80).

“Unatendon” which is a combination of Unadon and Tendon, is not that common in Singapore. It is one of the most popular food item in their outlet in Japan, which is “Rokusaburou” located in Chiba.

The restaurant chef revealed that while it is easy to get cheap Unagi from China recently, the team has insisted on using Japanese Unagi from Kagoshima, while trying to keep the prices reasonable.

All the Japanese sea eel are steamed and grilled in the shop.

Sauces used for the Tendon and Unaju are also made in-house using a secret recipe.

I tried the Special Tendon ($13.80, $2 more for ajitama egg tempura) which offered an option from one of the three sauces of Original, Yuzu Pepper or Spicy. You can also request for Truffle Rice at a top up of $1.

Due to the oil and presence of other sauces, the typical aroma from truffle oil was negligible, doing little to elevate whether smell or taste.

In terms of crispiness, I would place Tempura Ten Ten somewhere in the middle among those I tried. It could do with less oiliness, but at least not as soggy as some of the other brands.

The highlight piece was a meat patty hidden somewhere in the middle.

I thought its Tonkotsu Chashu Ramen ($15.80) tasted familiar. Turns out that the ramen chef used to work at Buta God at Ramen Champion, and was previously the head chef of Menya Takeichi at Suntec City.

The Hakata style noodles were long, straight and thin with a bite that reminded me of Kanshoku Ramen Bar, broth creamy but not overly rich. Not too bad.

There is also a Yuzu Chashu Ramen ($14.80) which I would be keen to try next time.

Tempura Ten Ten
252 North Bridge Road B1-13 Raffles City Shopping Centre (City Hall MRT)
Tel: +65 6336 7457
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm, Last Order 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Other Related Entries
12 Best Tendon In Singapore
Kogane Yama (Bugis Junction)
Ami Ami (Great World City)
Tendon Kohaku (Boat Quay)
Akimitsu (Plaza Singapura)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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Zagin Soba – Apparently “Best Ramen In Hongkong” According To Many Reviews. At Happy Valley And Central

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[Hong Kong] With a competitive ramen landscape as one in Hongkong, it is really something to be given such high praises as “Best Ramen”.

Zagin Soba specialises in chicken-based broth and originates from Osaka.

The branch in Happy Valley is its first Hongkong outpost, while another branch has recently opened in Central.

The interior layout rendered the place slightly upscale and relatively posh. It was incredibly clean; with a sitting counter typical of Japanese eatery and a few tables scattered at the front and at the back of the eatery.

My first impression upon entering the restaurant was the efficient and courteous service as the waitress led us to our seats.

She immediately got out some baskets to contain our shopping bags and placed them next to our table. She then politely brought us English menu when she realized we were tourists and spoke no Cantonese.
The menu was concise with a photo placed next to each option to clearly illustrate each dish.

Diners have a choice between Chicken Soup Ramen (HKD 138, SGD$23.88), chicken soup dipping ramen (tsukemen) for HKD 148 (SGD 25.61) or Seafood and Chicken Soup Ramen (HKD 138, SGD$23.88).

There are side dishes available such as Fried Chicken (HKD 48, SGD$8.31) and Burdock Fried Rice (HKD 48, SGD$8.31).

Tea comes complimentary; you have an option between hot or cold tea which will be served when you have settled down into your seat.

Other drinks include Beer, Coke, Sprite and Yuzu sparkling wine (HKD20 – HKD58, SGD$3.46 – SGD$10.04).

A limited edition ramen which changes every month is also available. For the month of November, it was Waygu Beef Ramen that comes at HKD 198 (SGD$34.27). Diners have to go down early for the decadent exclusive bowl as there are only 5 available per day.

A bowl of Chicken Roup Ramen featured chashu, half an egg, a sliced of tender chicken breast and slices of fried burdocks.

The broth had foam on top which resembled cappuccino foam and was incredibly creamy, flavourful without being heavy or rich on the palate.

The dipping broth for the Tsukemen boasted a slightly thicker texture and heavier taste where the slices of chicken breast were found within.

The noodles are of the thick type (which I personally love) and in no way representative of ‘soba’; yet they were al dente and clung to the soup very well. I could taste the robust chicken flavor in the dipping broth.

I particularly liked the inclusion of deep fried burdocks in both types of ramen, as the meat contrasted nicely with the burdock. It also provided some crunch.

Eggs are not complimentary for Tsukemen and have to be ordered separately (HKD 15, SGD$2.60).

The Deep Fried Chicken was also delicious, crunchy on the outside and really juicy on the inside.

Finely grounded yuzu salt was provided as a dip and went well with the chicken to balance out the slight saltiness in the batter.

Though prices are on the higher side, Zagin Soba serves solid bowls of ramen, not to mention superb and attentive service throughout the meal.

Come here for a change if you feel you have had too much Cantonese food. As for me I am looking forward to my next trip here to sample their limited edition ramen.

Zagin Soba
Branch 1: 13A King Kwong St, Happy Valley, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2818 0322
Opening hours: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm Tues-Fri), 11.30am – 10.30pm (Sat – Sun), Closed Mon
Google Maps – Zagin Soba Happy Valley

Branch 2: G/F, 7 Gough Street, Central Hong Kong
Tel: +852 24771398
Opening hours: 11.30am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Google Maps – Zagin Soba Central

Other Related Entries
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SHARI SHARI Kakigori House 氷屋 (Hong Kong)

* Written by DFD’s Correspondent Hoang Anh Dang @youreatingbuddy. Anh loves sharing her eating journey from hole-in-the-wall shops to world’s best restaurants. Daniel’s Food Diary pays for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

The post Zagin Soba – Apparently “Best Ramen In Hongkong” According To Many Reviews. At Happy Valley And Central appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

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