Ramen – DanielFoodDiary.com

Singaporeans are typically fond of their tonkotsu-style ramen, and some may still be unfamiliar with Mazesoba. Some people describe this as ”Japanese Bak Chor Mee” – not that wrong either.

Mazesoba, literally translated as “mixed noodles” is a type of broth-less ramen, particularly popular during the hotter summer months.

So even though there is “soba” in its name, the dish is technically “ramen”.

To me, the appeal in the noodles is about the mixture of all toppings and sauces. Even though there are many ingredients and so much going on, when all are mixed together, they create this complex but blended flavour with satisfying mouthfeel.

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

Here are 8 Best Places To Get Your Mazesoba Fix in Singapore:

Menya Kokoro
3 Temasek Boulevard # 03-313 Suntec City Mall Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 6235 3386
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/menyakokorosg/

Japan’s Most Popular Mazesoba Chain Opens In Singapore At Suntec City
The Japanese dry ramen brand has opened 27 outlets worldwide within a short number of years, including Japan, Indonesia, Spain, Thailand and Vancouver, and looks set to expand further.

The local store in Singapore is helmed by the founder Chef Takuma Ishikawa himself, who trained under the originator creators of Mazesoba, and once won the Best Mazesoba Award in Japan. Therefore, you will be assured of the ‘Japanese-quality’.

The five types of Mazesoba on Singapore’s menu range from the original Tokyo Maze-Soba, Cheese Maze-Soba, Curry Maze-Soba, Spicy Maze-Soba and Vegan-Maze-Soba, together with some Singapore-exclusive creations

The Spicy Maze-Soba ($11.80++) is my favourite bowl, but the spiciness is likely to divide people. Some of us shared this bowl – a couple enjoyed the kick, the shiokness which result in some sweat to break out.

There were others who thought this might have been too fiery for their liking.

And here I am, asking them to add more of those spicy oil. When the spices and meat sauce coat the noodles, the sensation was like having a good-old bowl of comforting Mapo-Tofu. Menya Kokoro (Suntec City)

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 (Mon – Sun)

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)

1st Mazesoba Specialty Shop In Singapore
Kajiken at Orchid Hotel is the first shop dedicated to selling just Mazesoba in Singapore.

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.

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. Kajiken (Novena Square 2)

Ramen Champion – Bugis+
201 Victoria Street, Bugis+ #04-10 Singapore 188607
Tel: +65 6238 1011
Opening Hours: 11am – 10.30pm (Mon – Fri), 10:30am – 10:30pm (Sat, Sun, PH)
https://www.facebook.com/RamenChampionSingapore

Mazesoba Created By 3 Ramen Masters
The Chef Horikawa Maze Soba ($12.80+) is created after a 3-way collaboration between Tsukemen Masters Chef Tomiyama and Chef Ohashi from Japan; and Chef Horikawa from Ramen Champion.

Chef Horikawa uses his original maze soba sauce blend to bring the authentic taste of classic Japanese maze soba.

Accompanied with sliced spring onions, spicy minced pork, matchsticks of nori seaweed, creamy mentaiko, a dollop of mayo, and topped with an onsen tamago.

Break the runny egg yolk to make your maze soba creamier and milder in spice. Toss the ingredients together to create a gloopy mix before you dig in.

Enjoy a generous portion of chewy, springy noodles mixed with the medley of ingredients. Available at Teppan no Hoshi stall in Ramen Champion Bugis+. Ramen Champion (Bugis+)

Kaneta Shoten
133 New Bridge Road, B1-44/45 Chinatown Point Singapore 059413 (Chinatown MRT)
Tel: +65 6443 8366
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 3:00pm, 5:00pm – 10:00pm (Mon – Fri), 11:00am – 10:00pm (Sat, Sun, PH)

Truffle Mazesoba At Chinatown Point
The signature Kaneta Mazesoba ($13.90) is a truffle scented dry ramen with special sauce.

I find the pricing reasonable (some ramen are quite ridiculously priced nowadays), especially when this comes free up size, free eggs and free flow pickled spicy pineapple.

There was a good mix of flavours and texture, from the spicy minced pork and soft mushrooms. The truffle does not ‘hit’ you immediately, but comes as a subtle aroma upon every bite.

Compared to Kanshoku Ramen Bar, this uses thicker noodles and has a more ‘complicated’ overall taste. Think each will have their own following. Kaneta Shoten (Chinatown Point)

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)

Mazesoba at Forum Galleria and Millenia Walk
A brief background of Uma Uma Ramen: A ramen chain from Fukuoka Japan, established n 1953, its name a play on “umami”, and Singapore’s Forum Galleria outlet is its first venture overseas.

The Mazesoba ($17) contains springy noodles added with chasiu, bamboo shoots, leek and sprinkling of spring onions. You may get hooked on the sauce.

There is also a vegetarian option with chasiu at $15.

Menya Sakura
1 Tras Link Road, #01-07, Orchid Hotel, Singapore 078867
Tel: +65 9469 3366
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10:30pm, Last Orders 10:00pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun, PH

Nagoya Style Ramen and Mazesoba At Tanjong Pagar
Menya Sakura at Orchid Hotel Tanjong Pagar (previously at 64 Boat Quay) is the group’s first outlet in Singapore, and it specialises in Nagoya-style ramen.

Its Abura Soba ($9.90) is affordably priced, containing cubes of pork char siew, bamboo shoots, spring onions and ajitama egg. There is also a Spicy Abura Soba version ($10.90).

The special blended sauce at the bottom is made with 3 different soy sauces, and tasted refreshing and ‘clean’.

As for the noodles, they are cooked quite el dente with a delicious chewy bite. Overall, the mixture is not that heavy. Menya Sakura (Tanjong Pagar)

Menya Sanji Singapore
1 Tras Link, #01-14 Orchid Hotel, Singapore 078867
Tel: +65 6604 8891
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 11:00pm (Mon – Sun)

Dry Ramen With Spicy Miso Sauce
Another ramen store found at Orchid Hotel. Menya Sanji serves up Japanese style Sanji Mazesoba ($9.80++) topped with stir-fried pork, half and egg and vegetables.

Its special components are the tasty soy sauce base, mixed along with spicy miso sauce.

The accompany soup is said to be cooked for 20 hours in Kagoshima before being imported into Singapore.

Daily Noodles
Amoy Street Food Centre, #02-130 Singapore 069111
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 3:00pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun

Mazesoba Found at A Hawker Centre
It is not that common to find Mazesoba sold in a food centre. The stall-owners behind Daily Noodles wanted to sell their noodles at a price range in which everyone can enjoy.

”I recall a ramen master once said that ramen should be sold at a price point where a convenient store part-timer’s one hour salary can afford.”

Their Nagoya Dry Ramen is sold at an inexpensive $6.00, containing springy noodles, toppings of minced meat, fried shallots and runny egg. Tip: add a sprinkling of vinegar, and it would taste even more like ”Bak Chor Mee”.

I would personally recommend the Chashu Mazesoba ($6.50) which includes slices of pork belly with smoky flavour.

* 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.

The post 8 Best Mazesoba aka “Japanese Bak Chor Mee” In Singapore, including A $6 Mazesoba Found At Amoy Street Food Centre appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

If you are searching for ramen at Jewel Changi Airport, you can consider Shiki Hototogisu Ramen.

What is note-worthy is that its shop Sobahouse Kiniro Hototogisu 金色不如帰 from Tokyo was awarded a Michelin Star in the Tokyo Michelin Guide – the 3rd ramen shop in Tokyo to receive the honours.

The Jewel Changi Airport branch called “Shiki Hototogisu Ramen”, is located at basement 1 with a view of the Vortex.

Its first store in Singapore Konjiki Hototogisu located at CHIJMES, has received quite positive feedback, known for its base cooked using Hamaguri clams and pork broth.

The ramen shop has also opened at Great World City and Orchard Paragon, each with a slightly different concept.

Shiki Hototogisu Ramen has a “Four Seasons Ramen” menu, although this may just remind you of Keisuke Tonkotsu King Four Seasons at Bugis Village

The four signature ramen dishes features seasonal ingredients, namely Cherry Blossom (Spring), Young Bittergourd and Bamboo Shoot (Summer), Mushrooms and Porcini (Autumn), and Salmon (Winter).

Each bowl is priced at $15.90.

The Spring Bowl interestingly comes with “cherry blossom oil” infused soup, though its flavour was neither distinct nor strong enough to leave an impressionable note.

So I would recommend first taking a sip of the soup before mixing everything up.

The pink ‘flowers’ that are placed on top, are edible sakura-shaped pasta.

The Autumn Bowl with 6 types of mushrooms including porcini, eringi (king oyster mushrooms), shitake, enoki, shimeiji and oyster mushrooms was the more outstanding bowl.

It was partly due to the mixture of textures and earthy flavour in the broth; and the alluring black truffle scent that would arrive at your nose before sipping the hot soup.

I had Hototogitsu Ramen at different branches. While this was still an above-average ramen, I thought that the noodles were cooked too soft here, and ajitama egg lacking in flavours over at the Jewel outlet.

Also available is a range of matcha desserts, sourced from sister-brand brand, Kagurazaka Saryo 神楽坂茶寮.

Other signature items include Frozen Smores and Cha-Nabe, a one-pot soup dish served in colourful Le Creuset pots.

Shiki Hototogitsu Ramen – Jewel Changi Airport
Jewel Changi Airport #B1-300 78 Airport Boulevard Singapore 819666
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Hototogisu Ramen – Great World City
1 Kim Seng Promenade, Great World City, #01-143, Singapore 237994
Opening Hours: 12pm – 3pm, 5:3pm – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Konjiki Hototogisu – CHIJMES
CHIJMES #01-17, 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996 (City Hall MRT)
Opening Hours: 12pm – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 10.00pm (Mon – Thurs), 12pm – 10pm (Fri – Sun)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

Mazesoba, literally translated as “mixed noodles” is a type of broth-less ramen, particularly popular during the hotter summer months.

So even though there is “soba” in its name, the dish is technically “ramen”.

Japan’s most popular and largest restaurant Mazesoba chain Menya Kokoro is located at has arrived Suntec City Mall Level 3, Eat at Seven.

The Mazesoba specialist has included 3 new bowls recently, which are the Spicy Sakura Ebi Maze-Soba, Tokyo Beef Maze-Soba, and Curry Beef Mazedon, and 2 new side dishes. Here are the recommended items from Menya Kokoro Singapore:

Spicy Sakura Ebi Maze-Soba ($13.80++)
Sweet, fresh sakura ebi and fried whitebait are all tossed together in a heady combination of spring onions, chives, XO sauce, bonito flakes, garlic, ground saba fish powder, signature minced meat sauce, onsen egg, and tobiko for a flavour-packed dish.

I enjoy the crunch of the sakura ebi. While some people could find this a tad spicy, it was manageable for me but the kick still sent some sweat trickling down.

Tokyo Beef Maze-Soba ($15.80++)
Signature chewy maze soba topped with tender savoury-sweet sliced beef, Kokoro’s signature minced meat sauce, flowy onsen egg, ground saba fish powder and garnish.

Give the bowl a good mix and toss before consumption.

The most appealing part is the richly favoured minced meat sauce, slow-cooked Japanese-style with a secret recipe.

This may remind some of ”Zha Jiang Noodles” with a hint of spice, with a good deal of crunch coming from the chopped vegetables.

Curry Beef Mazeon Don ($15.80++)
The Singapore exclusives uses 100% Japanese rice instead of noodles, and topped with Maze-Soba toppings.

Special rice flown straight in from Hokkaido and Niigata is used, polished only upon order to preserve the aroma. Known as the “King of Japanese Rice”, the fluffy short-grained rice is compatible with stronger and richer flavours like the Maze-Soba toppings.

With curry sauce specially made in-house, succulent beef slices, signature minced meat sauce, onsen egg and toppings on fragrant Japanese rice.

Mentai Tamagoyaki ($4.80++)
One of my new favourites, of Japanese rolled omelette deep fried, and drizzled with in-house mentai mayo sauce for a touch of creaminess meets spiciness.

Japanese Oden ($4.80++)
Comforting bowl of Oden with traditional ingredients such as chikuwa, fresh daikon, satsuma age, and konbu in a hearty bowl of shoyu-based dashi broth.

Menya Kokoro Weekday Promotion (From 6th May 2019)
From 6 May onwards, diners can get 50% OFF their 2nd bowl of Maze-soba or Maze-don during dinner from 5:30pm to 9:00pm, from Mondays to Thursdays.

T&C:
– Promotion valid when 1st bowl ordered is thew new Spicy Sakura Ebi, Tokyo Beef Maze-Soba, or Curry Beef Maze-Don.
– 50% applies to the lower-priced bowl.
– Not applicable on eve of PH & PH.

You can also enjoy the Asahi Happy Hour Special with the “Buy 2 Get 1 FREE, Buy 6 Get 4 FREE” drink promotion from 1 May, available for the whole day. Each Asahi bottle U.P. $9.50.

Menya Kokoro
3 Temasek Boulevard # 03-313 Suntec City Mall Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 6235 3386
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/menyakokorosg/

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Menya Kokoro.

[Sydney] Gogyo Ramen known for specialty ‘burnt kogashi ramen’ with miso or soy based broth cooked in 300°C lard, remains as one of my favourites in Kyoto.

When I found out about this Gogyo Ramen at Sydney’s Surry Hills (near all the café-hopping spots), I knew this is where I needed to head to.

The Surry Hills location is the 6th for the Gogyo brand, and they have five other stores across Japan and Hong Kong.

The brand is originally founded by Shigemi Kawahara, who has been dubbed the “Ramen king” in 2003. He is also the founder of Ippudo, one of the most popular ramen chains in the world.

Something about the ramen culture in Japan is customers typically head there for a quick one-bowl meal (perhaps plus a side or two), seated on counters where the meal is completed in rather quick time.

However in other parts of the world, ramen-dining can be a more considered and group affair, where friends hang out for ramen, sides and drinks after work izakaya-style.

Thus, the ambience of the Sydney’s outlet is quite like Japanese casual-bar dining.

The restaurant was designed by Paul Kelly, with lots of attention paid to detail as they use colourful ramen bowls (black, white and red to indicate the types), as well as premium glassware, Japanese baskets to place your belongings.

In terms of the interior, it is quite dark with exposed brick, polished concrete floor, dark wooden tables and chairs, lighter wooden panelling above the dining area for contrast as well as light wood tall bar stools.

The space is welcoming, cosy and quite expansive. There is a big bar as well as capacity for 80 people to be seated.

Diners can choose to sit at the table or watch the chefs preparing the Kogashi-style ramen by sitting at counter stools.

In terms of ramen, people go for the Kogashi Miso (AUD18) of charred miso base with original chicken broth, half umami egg, pork belly chashu served with Noodles; Kogashi Shoyu (AUD18) of charred shoyu base, original chicken broth, half umami egg, pork belly chashu; and Chilli Shoyu (AUD17) spicy chicken broth, habanero pork mince, bamboo shoots, tomato coriander, pork belly chashu served with noodles.

Some of the other small dishes offered include Goma Kingfish (AUD22), Salmon Sashimi (AUD18), Japanesian Coleslaw (AUD10), Sweet Sticky Pork Belly (AUD24), and Wagyu Flank Sumiyaki (AUD32).

Most people go here for the signature Kogashi Ramen (AUD18).

The noodles is also called “burnt ramen”, where the base tare sauce is heated to 300 degrees (base can be made from red and white miso OR shoyu), after which then the main soup stock is added.

However, I didn’t see very big fires produced in the kitchen like in the Japanese branches. The team here uses a laser thermometer to help produce it as the temperature needs to be 300 degrees Celsius.

The char adds a very unique smokey, fragrant and bittersweet flavour which is a signature taste for Gogyo and what people come for.

The cooking process is unique, (some) flames if you hand out by the counter and quite exciting to watch.

While the broth was still deep and rich, it didn’t have the some kind of heat and impact as the bowls I had in Japan.

Their noodles have a higher level of alkalinity and hardness and are a bit flatter than the usual say, Ippudo’s Hakata style of noodle.

The reason for this is because the broth is more intense, so the noodles do a better job of absorbing the flavour and maintain their hardness.

For something safer, you can always head for the Gogyo Tonkotsu (AUD17) of creamy pork broth, half umami egg, bamboo shoots, and pork belly chashu.

This is a casual dining place where you can go with friends to enjoy a drink at the bar with some bites (shared snacks, sashimi dishes, robata grilled mains), then end with ramen.

Gogyo Ramen
52-54 Albion St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Tel: +61 (02) 9212 0003
Opening Hours: 12:00pm – 3:00pm, 5:30pm-10:00pm (Mon – Thu, stays open until 10:30 on Fri), 11:30am – 3:00pm (Sat – Sun), 5:30pm – 10:30pm (Sat), 5:00pm – 8:30pm (Sun)
Google Maps – Gogyo Ramen

Click HERE for other SYDNEY Food Entries

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Fans of THIS RAMEN are likely to be ecstatic over this piece of news. Afuri Ramen 阿夫利 is coming to Singapore.

Afuri is known for its light fresh chicken broth with a splash of citrusy yuzu, and I would consider it one of the 10 must-try ramen in Tokyo.

The Singapore location is set to be at the basement of the revamped Funan Centre, though the exact date of operation has yet to be announced.

(Funan Centre is reopening on the 28th of June.)

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

Even while I am typically a fan of the rich, creamy tonkotsu based broth, I found Afuri’s soup light and refreshing, with the yuzu adding the delicate-tangy-bitterness to the fresh chicken broth.

While Afuri also serves salt-based Shio and soya based Shoyu variants, you should really try versions with yuzu.

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.

Over in Japan, 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.

The “Hoso Men” thin noodles used is a blend of premium Hokkaido whole grain wheat “Haru yo Koi” and rye.

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 added another dimension to Afuri’s soup.

The amount of garnish used might have been little, but it added that layer of part sweet, part zesty subtle taste which was refreshing.

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

Welcome to Singapore, Afuri! (Look out for DanielFoodDiary.com for more details in time to come.)

Afuri Ramen Singapore
Funan Centre #B1-29 107 North Bridge Road Singapore 179105

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

Looks like the MALA fever in Singapore is not stopping yet, with Menya Kokoro the introduction of Singapore’s 1st Mala Mazesoba and Ramen.

In Singapore, the clamour for Mazesoba is so strong, that a second Menya Kokoro outlet has also opened at 100AM, Tanjong Pagar (mall next to Amara Hotel).

Literally translated as “mixed noodle”, Mazesoba is actually ramen minus the soup.

The “Kororo” brand is the brainchild of Japanese Chef Takuma Ishikawa, who learned the art of making Mazesoba so well he won the Best Mazesoba Award in Japan in 2014.

With the new 100AM outlet, make sure you witness the launch of (and taste!) their new dishes, which includes Furious Mala Mazesoba, Furious Mala Ramen Soup, Cold Yuzu Chashu Maze, Vegan Yuzu Maze, and Tokyo Mega Maze Soba:

Furious Mala Maze-Soba (Dry) ($14.80/regular, $16.80/large)
The first-of-its-kind in Singapore, the Furious Mala Mazesoba has three levels of spiciness to give justice to its name.

This fiery mala-esque flavour profile is the result of combining aromatic Szechuan peppers, dried chili strings, and chili oil. Together, they electrify the al dente buckwheat noodles making them tongue-tingly to the bite.

Adding texture and flavour to the dish are onions, chopped spring onions, nori strips, and a perfectly prepared onsen egg.

As a recommendation, I would say go for the Level 1 or 2 as start, so that you can savour more of the original taste of the grilled pork chashu and noodles; and then feel free to go for the Level 3 when you are ready and want to take on the ‘challenge’.

By the way, if MALA is really in your blood, Menya Kokoro is giving out for FREE a special spicy Ultimate Furious Mala Mazesoba (which is not even on the main menu) to the 4th diner in a group of 4. More details below.

Furious Mala Ramen Soup ($14.80)
If you cannot not have soup in your ramen AND crave for spice, the Furious Mala Ramen Soup is for you.

You will get the same 3 levels of tongue-numbing heat from the trio of heat blasters Szechuan peppers, dried chili strings, and chili oil.

Additional toppings include sliced pork chashu, minced onions, chopped green onions, an onsen egg, crunchy nori sheets.

But like a traditional ramen, this bowl is filled with rich and slightly creamy tonkotsu-based soup.

You can slurp its flavourful and spicy broth while biting into the springy noodles. Shiok and a Level 3 will cause you to break out in sweat.

Cold Yuzu Chashu Maze ($13.80)
This new cold noodle dish carries an invigorating citrusy taste, thanks to the yuzu sauce and shreds of yuzu zest incorporated to the maze.

The ramen noodles are topped with different veggies like julienned tomato, cucumber, and spring onions.

Joining the bunch are thin slices of tender chashu, thin strips of omelette, crunchy tempura crisps, and a well-executed onsen egg.

A great choice when the weather is just too warm for a piping hot ramen, complete with a tangy-mustardy touch.

Vegan Yuzu Maze ($13.80)
As an alternative maze for those who can’t or don’t feel like having meat for the day, Menya Kokoro has launched the Vegan Yuzu Maze.

Like the non-vegan version, this maze is also perked up with citrus notes from the yuzu sauce and shredded yuzu peel.

My favourite parts of the bowl are the sweet inari (seasoned deep-fried tofu pockets), crunchy grilled baby corn and tempura crisps which added some crunch.

The yellow sauce on top that replaces the onsen egg is a special tofu sauce.

Tokyo Mega Maze Soba ($12.80/regular, $14.80/large)
Though your attention will be on the 4 new dishes, something more ‘regular’ would be their signature dish Tokyo Mega Maze Soba.

This is an upgraded version of their signature dish – some Singaporean diners call this the Japanese Bak Chor Mee.

Made even heftier, it now comes with an additional grilled pork chashu which is both smoky-tasting and succulent, aside from the usual ground saba fish, nori, green onions, chives, minced garlic, and onsen egg.

The tender, melt-in-your mouth sliced pork combined with secret-recipe minced meat sauce makes this maze extra special.

Using Japanese techniques, the minced meat sauce is slow-cooked for 4 hours. This process adds a complex depth of flavour to the ramen.

Salted Konbu Cabbage ($3.80)
Order this side dish slash salad and get refreshingly crunchy cabbage tossed in Kokoro’s in-house dressing.

Adding a salty dimension to this salad are strips of sun-dried Japanese brown seaweed (konbu) sprinkled on top.

Much needed as an accompaniment to the fiery Mala noodles.

Nagoya Kakiage ($3.80)
A popular form of tempura, this kakiage is made with thin strips of onion, sweet potato, carrot, and green peppers.

Once battered, they are plunged in a hot oil for deep-frying. These crunchy strips are served with a drizzling of Menya Kokoro’s special Nagoya-style sauce.

Its savoury-spicy taste has hints of spice making this kakiage a delicious appetizer.

Emma Soft Serve and Floats
Seen those gravity-defying Japanese soft serve on social media?

Menya Kokoro is sharing space with popular Japanese brand Emma Soft Serve.

Other than Boba Taco Softie ($6.80) or Okinawa Brown Sugar Boba Japanese Soft Serve in Wafer Shell, I would recommend the Charcoal Cheese in Charcoal Cone ($5.50).

Think Japanese soft serve, topped with Okinawa brown sugar pearls and housed in crispy wafer taco shell.

Also available is a series of Soft Serve Floats exclusive to the 100AM outlet, which includes Sunny Soft Float ($6.50), Virgin Mojito Soft Float ($6.50), Pink Lady Soft Float ($6.50), Green Tapioca Soft Float ($6.30), and Black Tapioca Soft Float ($6.30).

The Black Tapioca Soft Float ($6.30) literally combines the trending bubble tea with soft serve, which includes Okinawa brown sugar pearls at the bottom, black tea, and Japanese soft serve to sweeten things up.

The non-alcoholic Virgin Mojito Soft Float ($6.50) with lime, mint leaves, and ginger ale also makes a refreshing drink for takeaways. I would say finish up the soft serve first, and bring the rest of the drink back to office to savour slowly.

Menya Kokoro 100AM Opening Promotion (Promotion only valid at 100AM outlet)
Get a special spicy Ultimate Furious Mala Mazesoba FREE – this is even spicier than all the 3 levels of Mala Mazesoba available and is not even found in the menu.

This bowl will come FREE with purchase of any 3 mains, from the selection of Mazesoba, Ramen or Maze Don.

So come in a group of four, and the 4th diner can have a complimentary bowl.

Menya Kokoro – 100AM
100 Tras Street #02-10 Singapore 079027
Tel: +65 6443 1727
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm (Sun – Thurs), 11am – 10pm (Fri – Sat)
Last order half hour before closing
https://www.facebook.com/menyakokorosg

Menya Kokoro – Suntec City
Eat At Seven Suntec City, 3 Temasek Boulevard #03-313 Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 6235 3386
Opening Hours: 11am – 3pm, 5:30pm – 9:30pm (Mon – Thurs), 11am – 3pm, 5:30pm – 10pm (Fri), 11am – 10pm (Sat), 11am – 9:30pm (Sun)
Last order half hour before closing

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Menya Kokoro.

When you put “2 Michelin stars”, “uni” and “ramen” in the same line – which will be an excellent marketing tool, people will be curious about what’s being offered.

Seizan Uni Ramen is an Uni Ramen kiosk set up within Wisma’s Atria Picnic – a Marche-style food hall. You get an ordering mechanism, order at the stall, and pay at the end.

It is not “Michelin ramen” per se though.

There are only three 1-Michelin starred ramen eateries from Tokyo – Tsuta 蔦, Nakiryu and Konjiki Hototogisu, though two brands have already arrived in Singapore.

The association came about as Seizan Uni Ramen is an offshoot of the 2-Michelin starred Seizan which is a kaiseki restaurant. There is also Nabe Seizan, a Japanese hotpot restaurant located at Japan Food Town Singapore upstairs.

I didn’t head down immediately to try (especially when I love ramen so much) because I heard reviews on both ends.

Some gave the noodles and broth extremely high praise; while there is a sizable number of people who thought it was average at best.

There are three main items sold here, the Uni Ramen ($21), Kumamoto Wagyu Ramen ($20), and Dashi Somen ($18).

The signature Uni Ramen is cooked up from the “2-Michelin star Dashi” which is prepared over 10 hours, and fresh Bafu Uni melted into the stock.

What you get is a creamy-orangey base matched with specially-made curly ramen noodles, topped with cha shu, egg, leeks, spring onion, spinach and seaweed.

Diners are advised not to spend too long on photo-taking as the noodles would quickly absorb the stock.

Okay. The stock itself had that mildly-sweet taste and creamy texture that could remind some of say pumpkin soup.

The distinctive flavour of the briny uni was faint and subtle, so you wished there was more of that.

Noodles were cooked soft (maybe too soft) and limpy, perhaps cooked this way to better match the thicker broth, though I would have preferred if there was more bite.

It wasn’t as life-changing as I would have expected, but would say it was a not bad bowl.

Thankfully, I also ordered the Kumamoto Wagyu Ramen ($21) which balanced out the richness of the meal overall.

The light saltiness of the broth reminded me of a certain type of Taiwanese Beef Noodles interestingly.

My friend wondered why the shop would be set up within a foodcourt rather than a standalone eatery. Because you may not get the type of “Japanese service” or even consistency across bowls. I suspect it would be gauge response before moving on to bigger things.

Seizan Uni Ramen
Wisma Atria, Picnic #03-15, 435 Orchard Road, Singapore 238877
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

Ramen lovers, hold your breaths. Ichiran Ramen 一蘭 is coming to Singapore.

Though not as a permanent store, but as a pop-up concept at “Japan Food Matsuri” event at Takashimaya Square in October.

The pop-up will take place from Oct 3 (Thurs) to Oct 20 (Sun), as part of the third edition of the annual ramen festival Ramen Revolution.

The ramen priced at $12 per bowl, will be limited to 700 servings a day.

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

Ichiran Ramen was founded in Hakata Fukuoka way back in the 1960s.

Its winning formula can be attributed to thin, long, firm Hakata-style noodles; creamy smooth classic pork-based tonkotsu soup, topped with Ichiran’s original red pepper sauced mixed with 3 types of spices.

The ordering experience is also one of a kind: You buy a meal ticket via the vending machine, customise your ramen find a vacant seat, and sit in individual booths where you would be attended by a staff.

The concept of eating alone is so that you concentrate on nothing but your ramen. It will be difficult for Singaporeans to not take a photo or two or three or four.

So this pop-up will not allow people who have yet to try Ichiran to have the ‘full experience’, as part of its iconic elements include the individual booths, music and systematic way of queuing.

Also instant noodles rather than fresh noodles will be used, and no cha siu or egg will be added. (Okay, then what’s the point – you may wonder.)

Many believe that ‘pop-ups’ are sometimes used to ‘test water’ in a market. Well, who knows if the permanent store will come soon? We shall see.

Are you ready for a maze-soba extravaganza in global proportions?

Menya Kokoro, Japan’s largest maze-soba chain is hosting “Top of the World”, Singapore’s biggest maze-soba party.

Now you have the chance to meet the brand’s 6 best-sellers curated from its international menus – Tokyo, Jakarta, Manila, Bangkok, Vancouver, and Singapore. All under one roof.

You can choose to have them from any Menya Kokoro’s 3 outlets at Suntec City (Eat At Seven), 100AM Mall, and its newest outlet at Plaza Singapura.

Menya Kokoro began when a Japanese Chef named Takuma Ishikawa created Kokoro Maze-Soba in Tokyo, Japan. His maze-soba, unparalleled in taste and quality, has spread its popularity all over Japan.

It even won the Best Maze-Soba Award in 2014.

Within 5 years, Menya Kokoro has opened a total of 29 outlets around the world. As it continues to expand, more foodies will have access to its award-winning signature dish.

Visit its latest outlet in Singapore at Basement 2 of Plaza Singapura and discover the 6 global top-sellers from 6 countries. Here they are:

Furious Mala Ramen – Top-seller in Singapore ($14.80, $16.80)
Singapore’s very own bestseller is the Furious Mala Ramen, not surprisingly a spicy choice since mala is still trending.

Like a traditional ramen, this bowl is filled with rich and slightly creamy tonkotsu-based soup.

But what differentiates it from the usual, is that the bowl is packed with intense flavors from the trio of Szechuan peppers, dried chili strings and chili oil.

The al dente cooked ramen is doused in the fiery mala soup, then topped with seaweed, chopped spring onions, and an onsen egg cooked to precision.

Up for a tongue numbing challenge? This is the dish to pick. If you are up for a bigger challenge, inform the staff to increase the “mala level”.

(Also available is a dry-version of the Furious Mala Maze-Soba, with the same type of ‘heat’.)

Tokyo Maze-soba – Top-seller in Bangkok ($10.80, $12.80)
In the heart of this winning dish is Menya Kokoro’s signature secret-recipe minced meat sauce.

Prepared using Japanese techniques through a 4-hour slow cooking process, it has deep flavours that well complement the maze-soba ingredients.

Once tossed, these ingredients – ramen, ground Saba fish, nori, poached egg, green onion, garlic, and chives – deliver a fusion of flavours enhanced by the minced meat sauce.

If you are a first-timer to Menya Kokoro, I would say go for this classic bowl or the Zenbu Maze-soba (more below on the Zenbu).

Double Cheese Maze-soba – Top-seller in Jakarta ($13.80, $15.80)
Attention, cheese lovers. This maze-soba boasts of double cheese for twice the fun, making it impossible to resist.

A top-seller among Jakarta-based foodies, this dish is a variant of the Tokyo Maze-soba, upgraded with a blanket of melted cheese.

Do give the noodles a good toss when the bowl freshly arrives and cheese is melty. Then savour the rich flavour and creaminess when the cheesy sauce coats the strands all over.

Kokoro Tantanmen – Top-seller in Tokyo ($13.80, $15.80)
This particular ramen racks up in popularity in Tokyo, where it prepares the noodles deliciously swimming in an aromatic tonkotsu-based broth.

Featuring Menya Kokoro’s signature secret recipe minced meat, this tantanmen also includes tender char shu slices and chopped fresh spring onion.

Of all the new additions, I like this best. There is more going on with mild spiciness from the chilli oil along with mellow nutty sweetness.

Mentai Ebi Maze-soba – Top-seller in Vancouver ($13.80, $15.80)
Have a taste of this Canadian bestseller from Vancouver, the Mentai Ebi Maze-soba.

This dish features a combination of prawns, ebiko, seaweed, onsen egg, and a couple of greens – the herbaceous and pungent shiso leaf and the crisp and peppery rocket or arugula.

What’s especially delectable is the savoury mentai butter coating the entire dish with its creaminess.

This sauce is on the rich and thick side, almost feel like you are having carbonara.

Zenbu Maze-soba – Top-seller in Manila ($14.80, $16.80)
This maze-soba is not called “Zenbu” for nothing. Living up to its name (‘Zenbu’ means ‘everything in’), this dish brims with ingredients, showcasing its signature Japanese-style slow-braised minced meat sauce.

This Manila bestseller also includes char shu along with ground Saba fish, two eggs (one poached, one onsen), nori seaweed, chopped green onions, minced garlic, chives, and bamboo shoot.

Quite value-for-its money as you get a bit of everything in a bowl, especially when you get two types of pork (minced meat and char shu) and two types of eggs.

In addition, you get a free mushroom kombu-based soup and high-quality oimeshi rice (upon request) for every order of maze-soba.

Need to add more sides? Menya Kokoro offers new additions to your maze-soba party, including Aji Fry (Fried Horse Mackerel) ($3.80 per piece) and Pumpkin Croquette ($2.80 per piece)

Aji Fry (Fried Horse Mackerel) ($3.80 per piece)
Typically eaten during summer in Japan, the horse mackerel provides stamina to the body. Menya Kokoro has prepared it deep-fried as side dish to your maze-soba.

It is coated in crispy breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch, then served with an accompanying in-house sauce.

Pumpkin Croquette ($2.80 per piece)
Made with Japanese kabocha squash, these croquettes are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. You will love how the filling is naturally sweet and savoury, a blend of flavours your taste buds will easily love.

Menya Kokoro – Plaza Singapura
Plaza Singapura #B2-53 68 Orchard Road, Singapore 238839
Opening Hours: 11am – 3:30pm, 5pm – 9:30pm (Mon – Thurs, Sun), 11am – 10pm (Fri – Sat)
Last order half hour before closing
https://www.facebook.com/menyakokorosg

Menya Kokoro – 100AM
100 Tras Street #02-10 Singapore 079027
Tel: +65 6443 1727
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm (Sun – Thurs), 11am – 10pm (Fri – Sat)
Last order half hour before closing

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Menya Kokoro.

So do people working around Tanjong Pagar like to dine alone?

From my observation, the office crowd around here enjoy dining in groups; or they would quickly tabao something from nearby Tanjong Pagar Food Centre.

Well, much has been talked about Gangsta Ramen being the first ramen eatery in Singapore to offer private booth seats – probably inspired by Ichiran Ramen.

With that said, Ichiran Ramen has an entire seamless process in place from getting orders from a vending machine, paying before dining etc, so it makes sense for an individual diner who wants a quick, fuss-free meal.

During my visit to Gangsta Ramen, I was the only customer utilising the private booth seats, while the rest chose the shared tables. I am one of those who doesn’t mind dining alone, not afraid to be ‘judged’ by curious eyes.

Gangsta Ramen offers quite affordable bowls, with the Original Ramen priced at $10.

Other choices include Signature Ramen with Cheese ($12), Black Truffle Ramen ($16), Spicy Ramen ($12), and Miso Ramen ($12).

I wanted to see how the classic was like, and so ordered the Original Ramen which came tonkotsu-style. After which, I waited in the booth till the cat cloth covering was lifted up which caught me by a little surprise.

To be really honest, there are many ramen eateries in the Tanjong Pagar area known for their tonkotsu broth, for example Keisuke Tontotsu King and Ikkousha Ramen 博多一幸舎 which are just a short walk away.

The broth here was on the lighter side (still salty) but lacking in the tonkotsu rich-creaminess one would expect.

Noodles were cooked soft and limp, and didn’t have the delicious bite of freshly-made noodles.

For a Singapore ramen brand to stand out for its food, perhaps introducing something unique or different from nearby competitors could help (such as Kanshoku’s dry Truffle Ramen.

Side dishes (priced at $2.50 each) such as Chicken Wings, Chicken Cutlet, Smoked Duck and Gyoza are available. Wasn’t too sure if mayonnaise (without providing vinegar and soy sauce) would be the best accompaniment for soft Gyoza in this case.

Gangsta Ramen does seem to put a lot of effort in terms in doing up the place, and service staff was friendly to explain the dishes.

But with an Ichiran-style individual booth seats and concept, perhaps customers could come expecting close to ‘Ichiran-quality’.

Gangsta Ramen
1, #02-10 Tanjong Pagar Plaza, Singapore 082001
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 8:30pm (Mon – Fri), 11:30am – 2:30pm (Sat), Closed Sun

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

Taking a flight out, or intending to dine at Changi Airport Terminal 1?

ANA Airlines has a new outlet of Japan Gourmet Hall SORA at T1, modelled after a business class lounge.

Remember its first outlet at Terminal 2? This time it will showcase the best Japanese dishes from three prefectures: Fukuoka, Hokkaido, and Kanagawa.

The new 116-seater SORA at Terminal 1 will feature classic favourites and exclusive dishes from three renowned Japanese restaurants: Ikkousha (ramen), Yoshimi (tonkatsu and curry) and Megumi Maru (maze don).

If you value the convenience of getting some Yatai-style ramen, katsu curry and maze don, all in one place, then you’ll love the concept of SORA.

Plus, you have easy access to wonderful desserts like Hokkaido soft-serve ice cream and pancakes to mellow those sweet cravings.

Ikkousha
Popular Japanese ramen which offers traditional Yatai-style ramen
You should have heard of Ikkousha, that popular ramen restaurant in Japan that attracts long queues, founded and operated by Chef Yoshimura Kousuke.

Named after 3 characters: ichi (one), ko (happy), and sha (place), this one happy place has 62 outlets around the world, including Japan, Indonesia, China, Taiwan, Australia, Hong Kong, and USA.

The SORA outlet is its 3rd location in Singapore.

What really clicks with the diners is the signature Tonkotsu Ramen, a specialty of Hakata-ku Fukuoka.

Traditionally, this ramen is crafted and served by vendors of open-air food stands aka Yatai. Hakata is also the place in Japan where Ikkousha originated so their ramen is often called “Hakata ramen”.

You will find a thick, creamy and bubbly tonkotsu made by boiling carefully cleaned pork bones for over 12 hours every day. The long and thin noodles are made in-house to match the soup, while the chashu is thinly sliced and well-seasoned to achieve that balance between ramen and toppings.

Special Tonkotsu Ramen ($18.70)
This special ramen features Ikkousha’s signature tonkotsu with its mild flavour not overpowered by the pork bones’ umami and sweet notes.

The collagen-rich broth is served with a balance of thin ramen noodles and toppings, including thin slices of tender cha-shu, flavoured egg, black fungus, and spring onions.

This is the first time Ikkousha has launched Yatai-style ramen in Singapore, exclusively available at SORA. As I tried the other 2 branches before, the difference is that this broth has a lighter and milder flavour, with sweetness coming from the pork bones (the usual Ikkousha Tonkotsu has a creamier texture and bolder flavour.)

Special Red Chili Ramen ($20.90)
Another exclusive ramen, this genuine Yatai-style uses the same signature thick and creamy tonkotsu broth but made red because of a secret ingredient, Ikkousha’s secret brand of “Spicy Fire”.

It also has thin ramen noodles, topped with slices of tender pork cha-shu, black fungus, spring onions, plus some dried seaweed.

Special Black Garlic Ramen ($20.90)
What makes this ramen different is the addition of a special house-made fried garlic paste. Not only does it impart an intense biting flavour but also turns the original tonkotsu soup dark-coloured.

Yoshimi
Katsu curry specialist Yoshimi opens 1st overseas outlet in Singapore
Hokkaido is the second of three Japanese prefectures featured in SORA, and represented by Yoshimi a katsu curry specialty restaurant from Sapporo, Hokkaido.

If you love dishes like Katsu rice, Katsu Curry Rice, Omurice Curry and Katsu Sandwich, you’re in luck as these are specials of the house.

Named after its creator Chef Yoshimi Katsuyama, Yoshimi is a product of the chef’s travels in the United States. He had this philosophy that “having fun is delicious” and so he wanted to create a place where he could serve dishes that please both palate and eyes.

Yoshimi grew and became popular, and now has more than 19 outlets across Japan.

Some of the menu mainstays include Pork Loin Katsu Set ($23.80), Mille-feuille Katsu Set ($26.80), Omurice Curry ($16), Beef Curry Rice ($17.90), along with Hokkaido-style desserts.

Mille-feuille Katsu Set ($26.80)
Mille-feuille literally means “thousand-sheets”, and this time you’ll find the multiple layers in a savoury katsu set.

Enjoy the crunchy exterior of the deep-fried katsu as you marvel at all the tender layers inside. Served with finely shredded cabbage and classic katsu sauces.

Omurice Curry ($16.00)
This contemporary Japanese omelette rice is served with a brown curry sauce that goes well with the rest of the ingredients.

A spoonful of that runny omelette, fluffy Japanese rice and curry sauce all come together in one big bite.

I particularly enjoyed the curry which was rich and bold, with just a tinge of spice.

Mixed Berry Pancake ($19.80)
This beautifully dressed up dessert pancake is almost a prize for reaching the finish line of your meal.

Pillow-soft and fluffy pancakes are topped with assorted types of berries, a cream sauce, and zigzagged drizzles of strawberry syrup.

But if you’re more of a chocolate person, you’d probably like the Chocolate & Banana Pancake ($18.00) even more. And just for today, skip your diet regimen and add their Hokkaido Soft-Serve Ice Cream ($6.90).

Megumi Maru
Singapore’s first-ever Maze Don concept created by Misaki Megumi Suisan
The healthy and delicious maze don shop by Megumi Maru is Singapore’s first-ever maze don concept.

It is created by Misaki Megumi Suisan, a wholesaler of fresh and top-quality maguro and sashimi in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.

Before the fresh maguro and sashimi reaches your bowl, the fish undergo super freezing (minus 60 degrees Celsius) on-board the fishing vessels at Misaki Port. Megumi Maru then imports the fish directly to Singapore via ANA Airlines’ air freight service.

This means you’re getting the freshest fish from the seas of Japan. Sashimi lovers, read on for a preview of what you should order at SORA.

Aburitoro Maze Don ($35.10)
The Aburitoro Maze Don is a jumble of torched otoro (tuna belly) and vegetables atop a bed of sushi rice.

The colourful veggies include purple cabbage and ladyfinger, making this a pretty mix of ingredients in a bowl. You also get an onsen tamago that adds another layer of flavour and silky texture.

There are other versions of this using different kinds of seafood, such as Unagi Maze Don ($20.10) with eel, Ebi Mentai Maze Don ($17.90) with prawns, and Maguro and Salmon Maze Don ($17.30) with a duo of tuna and salmon.

Kaisen Maze Don ($18.80)
The Kaisen Maze Don combines sashimi cubes of akami, salmon, boiled prawn, unagi, takuan, and onsen tamago on top of Japanese sushi rice.

The individual ingredients are fresh and tasty on their own but the dressing helps draw them together as a unified dish. Made with sea urchin and shoyu, the dressing imparts that desired umami flavour to the naturally sweet taste of seafood.

Those who want to add healthy fats in their meal should consider the Spicy Maguro Maze Don ($16.90) which has avocado paired up with tuna. Sidekicks include purple cabbage, cucumber, and onsen tamago served with spicy sauce made with tobiko and shichimi.

Or consider the Otoro Maze Don ($35.10) which uses otoro, the most desirable part of the tuna belly, the fattiest part that simply melts in your mouth. Dab some of the sauce, a mixture of sugar, sesame and soya sauce. Oishii!

Maguro Mentai Roll ($15.90)
To help fill you up, rolls are the way to go. Go for the Maguro Mentai Roll ($15.90) which includes tuna sashimi, pollock roe sauce, fish roe with cucumber, and crabstick mayo sauce.

Try the Salmon Cheese Roll ($16.90), Caterpillar Roll ($13.70), or Anago Roll ($17.90). Maki rolls are crowd-favourites, and do get some friends to share.

Japan Gourmet Hall SORA @ Terminal 1
Changi Airport Terminal 1, #03-21, Singapore 819642
Tel: +65 6242 9087
Opening Hours: 10am – 11pm, Last Order 10:15pm (Mon – Sun)

Japan Gourmet Hall SORA @ Terminal 2
Changi Airport Terminal 2 Level 3, Airport Blvd, #036-058, Singapore 819643
Tel: +65 6386 7005
Opening Hours: 10am – 11pm, Last order 10.15pm (Mon – Sun)

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Japan Gourmet Hall SORA.

Japanese food lovers who love a wide variety of food at affordable pricing got to make their way to the West of Singapore.

A brand-new Daily Dining Destination &JOY Dining Hall has just opened at Jurong Point Basement 1, occupying half of the Japanese food street.

This is literally where you can enjoy Japanese restaurant quality food without hurting your wallet, as prices are kept inexpensive.

There are 8 destinations to look forward to: 6 Japanese stalls located at the common dining hall food; and 2 new-to-market concepts in individual quick-concept restaurants.

If Osaka seems too far away, two renowned brands from the prefecture – ROMAN.TEI and RAMEN KIOU have set up their first Singapore outpost at &JOY Dining Hall.

With that many offerings, you may get lost during your first visit there. Read on to check out what exciting things they have to offer:

ROMAN.TEI
If you have been to Osaka, you may have come across ROMAN.TEI, known for its savoury cuts of quality beef with special sauces at reasonable pricing.

It is a concept by direct meat specialist and wholesaler – Okayama Food Service Co. Ltd. Similar to its stores in Japan, prices of the beef boxes are kept below $20 nett.

The Double Beef Zen ($17.90) comes highly recommended. This is for those who love your luxurious combo dish of beef steak and beef slices over fluffy rice, in which you can savour tender medium rare steak slices alongside beef broiled in a savoury broth.

The rice is served with a “golden ratio” in a Jyu box, accompanied with a side salad, condiments and extra soup.

RAMEN KIOU
This is RAMEN KIOU’s first outlet in Singapore, backed by Osaka’s all-time favourite Japanese-Chinese cuisine chain operator Daishin Jitsugyo. It has over 22 outlets in Japan, along with presence in Thailand.

Okay, I may show my bias for this stall since I love my ramen, and the interesting Tomato Cheese Ramen ($14.90) and just become my new favourite.

Tomato Cheese Ramen was in the rage over Instagram, and there is some surprise why many stores in Singapore don’t serve it yet.

The bowl comes with a luxuriously-thick tomato base with ramen noodles, topped with cheese and torched. Give it a good mix and you would enjoy the tangy-sweetness of the base.

It may remind you of tomato-based pasta, except that this is saucier and not-too-heavy since long, thin strands of ramen noodles are used.

Tip: Do not finish the sauce yet, as you can choose to top-up to get a bowl of rice with garlic to be mixed in. Other than ‘pasta’, you can have your fill of ‘risotto’.

If you prefer something more conventional, the signature ramen is the KIOU Ramen ($13.90), a salted-based tonkotsu broth with 2 pieces of house-made chashu.

This bowl contains milky pork bone broth, springy noodles, and tender roasted chashu which is melt-in-the-mouth.

Also available on its menu are the Chashu Ramen ($17.90) included with 5 pieces of chashu; Shoyu Tonkotsu Ramen ($12.90) with a soy sauce base; and Abura Soba ($11.90) comprising of thick dry noodles in-house special sauce.

Apart from the 2 Japanese partner brands, there will be 3 original concepts making their debut at &JOY Dining Hall – Sushi-GO (restaurant), Pittarino (restaurant) and My Gohan (common dining area).

Sushi-GO (located as individual restaurant)
Sushi-GO is a fuss-free quick service restaurant, with food delivered to diners’ table on mini conveyor trains which adds the fun element.

The restaurant serves up a more than 130 items priced from $1.80, from sushi pieces such as nigiri, gunkan, maki, to sashimi, appetisers, rice, noodles, desserts and drink.

For something slightly unconventional, head for the “GO-Series”. Its star “GO” items include Salmon Mentai-GO ($3.80), Spicy Salmon-GO ($3.80), Unagi-GO ($3.80), Lobster Salad-GO ($3.80), Salmon-GO ($3.20), and Ebi-GO ($3.20).

My favourite was the Salmon Mentai-GO ($3.80), with toppings of topped salmon pieces in a creamy and spicy rod roe sauce that could be very addictive.

For salmon lovers, the Salmon-GO ($3.20) should fulfil your cravings with three types of salmon sushi – salmon, mentai mayo salmon and cheese salmon – the later two slightly aburi-ed for some smokiness.

Pittarino (located as individual restaurant)
Pizza in under 2 minutes?

Pittarino uses a special oven whereby the pizza would be cooked in 90 seconds. The fast timing also helps to lock in the juice of the ingredients.

The Neapolitan pizzas are freshly made, hand-stretched from a dough, topped with variety of ingredients, then baked on the spot. The pizza crust in on the thin and chewy side, while its edges are airy with ‘leopard spots’.

Get the Bismark ($14.90) – a cream base pizza topped with ham, spinach, egg, Parmigiano and Mozzarella; or Prosciutto & Rocket ($17.90) of a tomato pizza base added with prosciutto, rocket and Grana Padano.

As for pasta dishes, fresh Nama pasta from Japan is used to produce a smooth yet chewy al dente texture with rich wheat flavour.

The Yuzu Vongole ($14.90) with vongole sauce, Asari, cherry tomato, rocket, chilli and yuzu; and Ebi Genovese Cream ($14.90) of cream sauce, pesto, prawn, broccoli and cherry tomato comes recommended for Italian-style pasta with a Japanese twist.

My Gohan
My Gohan which means “My Meal” offers Japanese home-style meal which can be customised to include a main, soup, rice and souzai (side dishes).

The idea is as though you are having a Japanese home-cooked meal which is both healthy and filling.

What you get is variety of Japanese ala-carte mains with choices such as salt-grilled saba fish, miso-marinated grilled red perch, grilled salmon belly with teriyaki sauce, grilled silver cod with salt, grilled unagi with sweet soy sauce and more.

You get the flexibility of including 2 souzai (hot or cold) or tempura, along with rice or udon.

If customisation is not your thing, then go straight for the signature sets such as the Akauo Saikyo Yaki ($14.90) – grilled red perch with miso paste with 2 sides of the day, rice and miso soup; or Hokke Hiraki ($16.90) – grilled dried atka mackerel with 2 sides of the day, rice and miso soup.

Wadori
For a quick sit-down meal or takeaways, then Yakitori can be your answer. Wadori offers charcoal-grilled meat sticks, with a rice base as a lunchbox option or meal on-the-go.

With you come with your family or group of friends, then I say go straight for the Fiesta Platter ($6.50) included with sticks of Pork Belly, Yakitori Chicken, Deep-Fried Chicken, Chicken Meatball, and Chicken Cheeseball.

&JOY Eats and &JOY Drinks
&JOY Eats features Ready-to-Eat items such as sushi, dango balls and Japanese snacks you can buy back to the coffee.

On the other side, there is &JOY Drinks offering an interesting range of canned flavoured drinks from Japan, bottled drinks and coffee.

“Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) system
&JOY Dining Hall also provides a fully-digitalised ordering experience at both restaurants and the common dining area.

Diners will be able to browse and order their meals through their mobile phones while sitting comfortably by either scanning a QR code on the tables or connecting to the free Wi-Fi provided.

Otherwise, you can head to the ordering booths next to each stall and make your orders conveniently. Food ready for collection will be flashed on the television screens around.

&JOY Dining Hall
B1 Jurong Point, Japanese Food Street, 65 Jurong West Central 3, Singapore 648332 (Boon Lay MRT)
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with &JOY Dining Hall.

Have you heard about the snaking queues that Kanada-Ya is attracting in Japan and London?

Now Singaporeans can experience Fukuoka’s ultimate ramen chain as it launches its flagship outlet at Paya Lebar Quarter Mall (PLQ)

You must taste their multi-awarded Truffle Ramen – which I think is probably the best soup-based Truffle Ramen in Singapore, featuring a rich and flavourful pork bone broth boiled for 18 hours.

I first experienced the Truffle Ramen at Kanada-Ya’s outlet at Piccadilly, London, and was hoping it would come.

Wishes do come true, and happy to announce that the taste here is quite consistent.

What makes the soup base special is the added secret sauce, hand-made by Kanada-Ya’s founder Mr. Kanada – a former pro keirin racer-turned-self-taught chef. This sauce is imported directly from the original restaurant in Japan to safeguard its authenticity.

A little on its background: Kanada-Ya began in 2009 in the small town of Yukuhashi, Fukuoka, Japan, the founder’s home town. Since then, the ramen brand has spread to 13 international outlets – 2 in Japan, 3 in London, 6 in Hong Kong, 1 in Barcelona, and now to Singapore.

For many years, it was voted Best Ramen in Fukuoka Prefecture by the Japanese Food Critic site Tabelog. In London, it was once ranked as the No. 1 Ramen Restaurant.

Visit the new Singapore outlet and find out what their famous range of ramen is all about.

You’ll get to taste its popular side dishes, plus other menu items (such as Gyu Don and Chicken Teriyaki Don) to complete your Kanada-Ya experience.

Truffle Ramen ($22.90 for basic, $24.90 for regular, $26.90 for special)
This truffle-centric ramen is London’s favourite, a simple yet stunning Hakata style ramen topped with belly chashu, asparagus, and nori.

The distinctive aroma will definitely ‘arrive’ before the bowl does as diners wait in anticipation.

Its fragrance and flavour come from the black truffle oil mixed with the signature tonkotsu soup base, and the black truffle jelly topping made with black truffle paste.

Even the chashu is truffle marinated for that ultimate truffle flavour.

Equally important as the soup base, Kanada-Ya’s noodles are made using a specific type of wheat flour with exact protein content and alkaline salts.

As a result, you get firm yet springy noodles to pair with their signature pork bone broth. If you like the thin and long Hakata style noodles with a firm bite, this will be right up your alley.

Only 20 bowls of Truffle Ramen are available daily. Make sure to catch this limited item.

Chashu Tonkotsu Ramen ($16.90 for basic, $18.90 for regular, $20.90 for special)
For the most classic bowl, go for the Kotteri Tonkotsu Ramen which features Chef Kanada’s original recipe.

A deluxe version of Kotteri Tonkotsu Ramen, the Chashu Tonkotsu Ramen includes a generous portion of collar instead of belly chashu.

Apart from the tender pork, it includes wood ear fungus mushroom, nori, and chopped spring onions, Hakata-style ramen, all complementing the deep and flavourful pork bone extract.

Go for the special and get an additional Hanjuku egg, 1 slice of chashu, and 1 big nori.

Even if you have had many tonkotsu ramen in Singapore, I think you should find this version unbelievably milky and lightly-frothy, tasty enough to finish the entire bowl on its own.

Spicy Yuzu Ramen ($16.90 for basic, $18.90 for regular, $20.90 for special)
This is one of the top-sellers from the Hong Kong outlet, which combines its signature pork bone broth with corn-fed chicken broth for the soup base.

The Hakata-style ramen is topped with tender collar chashu, bean sprouts, chopped spring onions, pickled red onions, nori, and a home-made spicy miso paste.

This Spicy Yuzu Ramen delivers a kick of heat balanced with the refreshing citrusy scent of yuzu.

I enjoyed that the spiciness was just nice and not over, such that you can still relish the original flavours of the broth.

Wasabi Mayo Gyoza ($6.90)
As the most popular side dish for ramen, gyoza gets an upgrade with a drizzle of Kanada-Ya’s home-made wasabi-flavoured mayonnaise.

You get 4 pieces of gyoza, all locally-made following a Japanese recipe for that authentic taste.

For purists, get the “naked” gyoza without the dressing for $5.90.

Chicken Karaage ($7.90)
Add a crunchy layer to your meal with Chicken Karaage, a serving of large chunks of chicken deep-fried.

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, this home-made fried chicken is a classic side dish to pair with your ramen of choice.

Crab Cream Korokke ($9.90)
The crunchy pair of croquettes is made with mashed potato, seasoned and shaped to encapsulate a crab meat cream.

As you bite into it, you’ll feel the richness of the filling without it being overpowering in taste and texture.

Oyster Age ($8.90)
Get a couple of breaded oysters, cooked with precision to ensure the oyster is still juicy in the centre.

These sweet oysters are imported from Japan, and sports a hint of sea salt flavour.

Kanada-Ya Singapore
10 Paya Lebar Road, #03-30, Paya Lebar Quarter Mall (PLQ) Singapore 409057
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/kanadaya.sg

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Kanada-Ya.

It seems like ramen continue to enjoy popularity in Singapore, with famous names such as Afuri Ramen and Kanada-Ya opening up overseas outlets in Singapore.

Other new ramen eateries that launched in Singapore this year include Enishi Ramen at International Plaza, Kiwamai at Tanjong Pagar Centre, Mala Ramen Matsuri at Orchid Hotel Marutama Ra-Men at Tiong Bahru Plaza, Tsuta Ramen at Vivocity and Funan, Men House Yamamoto at Raffles City, Konjiki Hototogisu at Causeway Point and Supparakki Ramen at Yishun.

Loads of varieties, lots of choices.

Here are 10 other NEW Ramen Eateries that opened in Singapore this year:

Kanada-Ya Singapore
10 Paya Lebar Road, #03-30, Paya Lebar Quarter Mall (PLQ) Singapore 409057
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Singaporeans can experience Fukuoka’s ultimate ramen chain as it launches its flagship outlet at Paya Lebar Quarter Mall (PLQ).

The Truffle Ramen ($22.90 for basic, $24.90 for regular, $26.90 for special) is London’s favourite, a simple yet stunning Hakata style ramen topped with belly chashu, asparagus, and nori.

The distinctive aroma will definitely ‘arrive’ before the bowl does as diners wait in anticipation.

Its fragrance and flavour come from the black truffle oil mixed with the signature tonkotsu soup base, and the black truffle jelly topping made with black truffle paste.

Equally important as the soup base, Kanada-Ya’s noodles are made using a specific type of wheat flour with exact protein content and alkaline salts.

As a result, you get firm yet springy noodles to pair with their signature pork bone broth. If you like the thin and long Hakata style noodles with a firm bite, this will be right up your alley. Kanada-Ya (Paya Lebar Quarter)

RAMEN KIOU
B1 Jurong Point, Japanese Food Street, 65 Jurong West Central 3, Singapore 648332 (Boon Lay MRT)
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

This is RAMEN KIOU’s first outlet in Singapore, backed by Osaka’s all-time favourite Japanese-Chinese cuisine chain operator Daishin Jitsugyo. It has over 22 outlets in Japan, along with presence in Thailand.

The Tomato Cheese Ramen ($14.90) came with a luxuriously-thick tomato base with ramen noodles, topped with cheese and torched. Give it a good mix and you would enjoy the tangy-sweetness of the base.

It may remind you of tomato-based pasta, except that this is saucier and not-too-heavy since long, thin strands of ramen noodles are used.

Tip: Do not finish the sauce yet, as you can choose to top-up to get a bowl of rice with garlic to be mixed in. Other than ‘pasta’, you can have your fill of ‘risotto’.

If you prefer something more conventional, the signature ramen is the KIOU Ramen ($13.90), a salted-based tonkotsu broth with 2 pieces of house-made chashu.

Menya Kokoro has opened at Plaza Singapura basement 2. Singapore’s very own bestseller is the Furious Mala Ramen ($14.80, $16.80), not surprisingly a spicy choice since mala is still trending.

Like a traditional ramen, this bowl is filled with rich and slightly creamy tonkotsu-based soup.

But what differentiates it from the usual, is that the bowl is packed with intense flavors from the trio of Szechuan peppers, dried chili strings and chili oil.

The al dente cooked ramen is doused in the fiery mala soup, then topped with seaweed, chopped spring onions, and an onsen egg cooked to precision.

Up for a tongue numbing challenge? This is the dish to pick. If you are up for a bigger challenge, inform the staff to increase the “mala level”. Menya Kokoro (Plaza Singapura)

Seizan Uni Ramen
Wisma Atria, Picnic #03-15, 435 Orchard Road, Singapore 238877
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Seizan Uni Ramen is an Uni Ramen kiosk set up within Wisma’s Atria Picnic – a Marche-style food hall. You get an ordering mechanism, order at the stall, and pay at the end.

There are three main items sold here, the Uni Ramen ($21), Kumamoto Wagyu Ramen ($20), and Dashi Somen ($18).

The signature Uni Ramen is cooked up from the “2-Michelin star Dashi” which is prepared over 10 hours, and fresh Bafu Uni melted into the stock.

What you get is a creamy-orangey base matched with specially-made curly ramen noodles, topped with cha shu, egg, leeks, spring onion, spinach and seaweed.

Noodles were cooked soft (maybe too soft) and limpy, perhaps cooked this way to better match the thicker broth, though I would have preferred if there was more bite.

It wasn’t as life-changing as I would have expected, but would say it was a not bad bowl. Seizan Uni Ramen (Wisma Atria)

Afuri Ramen Singapore
Funan #B1-29 107 North Bridge Road Singapore 179105
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3:30pm, 5:30pm – 9pm (Mon – Sun)

Afuri is known for its light fresh chicken broth with a splash of citrusy yuzu, and I would consider it one of the 10 must-try ramen in Tokyo.

The water used in Japan’s outlets is said to be from the wells of Mount Afuri in Kanagawa, thus the name of the shop.

Though diners for the Singapore outlet may not be able to taste exactly that same standard.

The signature Yuzu Ramen available in Singapore include Yuzu Shio Ramen ($15.90), soya-sauce flavoured Yuzu Shoyu Ramen ($15.90), and spicy Yuzu Ratan Ramen ($15.90).

The thin noodles used reminded me of the type found at Hototogisu Ramen, to the softer side and could have been more springier.

The weakest link could have been the char siu. While the slice in Japan had a delectable smokey flavour because those were freshly grilled over charcoal, this local version was more ordinary and slightly dry. Afuri Ramen (Funan)

Shiki Hototogitsu Ramen – Jewel Changi Airport
Jewel Changi Airport #B1-300 78 Airport Boulevard Singapore 819666
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Shiki Hototogisu Ramen has a “Four Seasons Ramen” menu, although this may just remind you of Keisuke Tonkotsu King Four Seasons at Bugis Village.

The four signature ramen dishes feature seasonal ingredients, namely Cherry Blossom (Spring), Young Bittergourd and Bamboo Shoot (Summer), Mushrooms and Porcini (Autumn), and Salmon (Winter). Each bowl is priced at $15.90.

The Spring Bowl interestingly comes with “cherry blossom oil” infused soup, though its flavour was neither distinct nor strong enough to leave an impressionable note.

Hajime Tonkatsu & Ramen
301 Upper Thomson Road 01-110 Thomson Plaza, Singapore 574408

Owner Chef Tan-San first started Hajime Tonkatsu & Ramen at myVillage at Serangoon Garden. This Thomson Plaza outlet recently opened in December 2019.

The recommended is the Ebi Fry Ramen. The 12-hour Tonkotsu broth is infused with a secret Sakura ebi paste made in-house.

Paired with a flavourful Loin Rib Chasu and Chef Tan-San’s famous crunchy Ebi Fry, it is topped with Japanese seasoning menma, bean sprouts, greens, a dash of Japanese chili oil (la-yu), and a sprinkle of crispy Sakura ebi.

The soup which that distinct sweetness coming from the prawns, is the clear winner.

Gangsta Ramen
1, #02-10 Tanjong Pagar Plaza, Singapore 082001
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 8:30pm (Mon – Fri), 11:30am – 2:30pm (Sat), Closed Sun

Much has been talked about Gangsta Ramen being the first ramen eatery in Singapore to offer private booth seats – probably inspired by Ichiran Ramen.

Gangsta Ramen offers quite affordable bowls, with the Original Ramen priced at $10. Other choices include Signature Ramen with Cheese ($12), Black Truffle Ramen ($16), Spicy Ramen ($12), and Miso Ramen ($12).

The broth here was on the lighter side (still salty) but lacking in the tonkotsu rich-creaminess one would expect.

Noodles were cooked soft and limp, and didn’t have the delicious bite of freshly-made noodles. Gangsta Ramen (Tanjong Pagar Plaza)

Ikkousha @ Japan Gourmet Hall SORA
Changi Airport Terminal 1, #03-21, Singapore 819642
Tel: +65 6242 9087
Opening Hours: 10am – 11pm, Last Order 10:15pm (Mon – Sun)

You should have heard of Ikkousha, that popular ramen restaurant in Japan that attracts long queues, founded and operated by Chef Yoshimura Kousuke.

Named after 3 characters: ichi (one), ko (happy), and sha (place), this one happy place has 62 outlets around the world, including Japan, Indonesia, China, Taiwan, Australia, Hong Kong, and USA.

The SORA outlet is its 3rd location in Singapore.

What really clicks with the diners is the signature Tonkotsu Ramen, a specialty of Hakata-ku Fukuoka.

You will find a thick, creamy and bubbly tonkotsu made by boiling carefully cleaned pork bones for over 12 hours every day.

The long and thin noodles are made in-house to match the soup, while the chashu is thinly sliced and well-seasoned to achieve that balance between ramen and toppings. Japan Gourmet Hall SORA (Changi Airport T1

Le Shrimp Ramen
Changi Airport Terminal 3 #B2-49
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 11pm, Last order 10:15pm (Mon – Sun)

Le Shrimp Ramen serves up a blend of Chinese and Japanese cultures, combining its two iconic food item: Chinese la mian and Japanese ramen broth.

It is the first of its kind creation. The ingredients used are simple yet the flavours are rich and elaborate, trademarks of Asian cuisines.

For the broths, they offer two specialties – shrimp broth and the Japanese-inspired tonkotsu broth.

If you prefer the shrimp broth, go for the Le Signature Trio Shrimp Ramen ($19.90), a piping hot bowl of shrimp extravaganza featuring the intensely prawn-flavoured broth.

The shrimp broth is specially prepared using big, fresh prawns, pork bones and Chinese spices. You can see in its tangerine-orange-ness how intensely flavourful the broth is.

Otherwise, the Red Garoupa with Picked Vegetable Tonkotsu Ramen ($19.90) should soothe you with its creamy, comforting tonkotsu broth.

The tonkotsu broth is a creamy, milk-whitish collagen-rich broth. It is the result of long hours of simmering with pork bones giving it that distinctly Japanese flavour.

You would have seen videos of Menbaka’s Fire Ramen over social media, in which diners sit around the counter in anticipation, with their bowls lighted up with big flames.

Ah, that shocked expressions on their faces. (And eye brows remaining intact.)

Its original outlet is at Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto.

For diners who want to have a go at that, you do not need to wait too long for this ‘spectacular’ ramen experience as Menbaka Fire Ramen will open its 2nd branch… right here in Singapore.

The location will be at Cineleisure Orchard Level 5.

The signature from Menbaka is the Fire Ramen, an original take with light shoyu broth (cooked with a combination of chicken, pork, and fish), then topped with abundant portion of green onions.

Pouring the burning oil just before eating, apparently helps to bring out the aroma and flavour of the green onions.

Customers have the option to pass over the mobile photos, to capture that special moment when the burning oil is poured in, with big flames and even bigger facial expressions.

Menbaka Fire Ramen is anticipated to open on the 8th of April 2020. Look out here for more details.

Menbaka Fire Ramen
8 Grange Road #05-03 Cineleisure Orchard, Singapore 239695

(Photo credit: Menbaka Fire Ramen Facebook)

Truffle Ramen at $6.90+ only? Fill your day with more luck when you visit Suparakki Ramen.

That is because “Superakki” means “super lucky” in Japanese, and the popular home-grown ramen eatery is introducing its guests with two new, exciting Wagyu dons to be launched 20th of July.

This promo is exclusive to the CityLink Mall outlet, available for dine-in, takeaway and island-wide delivery. More on that later.

Known for its authentic Hakata-style ramen, Suparakki Ramen offers quality food using premium ingredients, yet at inexpensive prices.

We are talking about Truffle Ramen at $6.90+ and Original Tonkotsu Ramen at $7.90+. No service charge.

One of the reasons why they are able to keep prices low is that they make those al dente noodles entirely in their own factory; and even the soup bases is produced right in their kitchens.

The cost savings is thereby ‘transferred’ to customers, so that they can have it on a more regular basis.

Hakata-style ramen is characterised by extra-thin noodles, silky-smooth pork bone broth, and cha siu toppings.

All the ramen dishes here are made with all-natural ingredients. Here are recommended Suparakki Ramen dishes to try during your visit:

Original Tonkotsu Ramen ($7.90+)
Adults and kids alike love the Original Tonkotsu Ramen, making it Suparakki’s bestseller.

Available in spicy and non-spicy versions, this ramen has a bold flavour that comes from its velvety, collagen-rich tonkotsu made from pork bone stock.

For 6 hours, pork bones (hocks and trotter) are boiled with various herbs and spices. No milk is added, yet the broth is naturally opaque white and creamy.

You get two slices of chashu, made from locally-sourced pork belly. Then meat is cooked sous vide for 24 hours at 68 degrees Celsius, resulting in tender pieces that’s cooked in a special homemade sauce. Served topped with nori, black mushrooms, chopped spring onions, and ajitama egg.

You may be wondering if something so affordable would have its quality compromised. Actually it was really not bad.

The noodles produced using high-grade Japanese flour manufactured in Suparakki’s own factory, had a pretty QQ and semi-firm bite, swimming in delectable broth.

For those who are afraid of soup bases which tend to be on the saltier end, this was slurp-worthy and not too rich (that you could even finish the entire bowl). You are also assured no MSG is added.

Dry Truffle Ramen ($6.90+)
Not in the mood to slurp hot soup? Go for the Dry Truffle Ramen packed with savoury umami flavours.

The secret of this dry-type ramen lies in its potent sauce, a mixture of aromatic Italian truffle oil, chashu sauce, and Suparakki’s homemade base sauce.

You still get the same al dente extra-thin ramen noodles, ready for tossing in the sauce, minus the broth. Be ready for the truffle oil aroma to fill the air.

Other ramen choices here include Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen ($7.90), Tonkotu Gyokai Ramen ($8.80) – mixture of fish and pork broth, and Tonkotsu Black Garlic Ramen ($9.90).

SUPA Wagyu Don ($14.80+) (To be officially launched 20th July 2020, Mon)
Suparakki has introduced the SUPA Wagyu Don which features an A4 grade Wagyu beef.

A beautiful marbling and three-step cooking process make this meat so tender to the bite.

After the beef is cooked sous vide-style, it is pan-seared to lock in its juices. Finally, it is glazed with a homemade marinade for more than 6 hours for maximum flavour.

Served with a sous vide egg, and do give it a good mix.

SUPA Wagyu with Foie Gras Don ($19.80+) (To be officially launched 20th July 2020, Mon)
An upgrade of the first don is the SUPA Wagyu with Foie Gras Don.

Go beyond the premium Wagyu beef and raise the luxe bar higher with the addition of foie gras, to indulge in this rice bowl with super-sized flavours and textures.

Each order not only comes with a tender, fatty, umami-rich steak but also 50g of this rich and buttery goose liver delicacy.

Side Dishes of Karaage, Gyoza, or Ebi Fry ($4.50+ each)
Complement your choice of ramen or don with a side order of Karaage. For the price of $4.50+, you get five pieces of lightly-coated, marinated, and deep-fried chicken chunks. Crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside.

Another popular side dish that goes well with a ramen or a done is Gyoza. Bite into this thin-dough Japanese dumpling and taste the flavourful filling of ground meat and veggies.

Get five pieces for an order of these crispy gyozas with juicy interior to contrast its texture.

SUPASIZE Family Combo ($40+, U.P $50.50)
Suparakki Ramen has launched the Supasize Family Combo (which comprises upsized meat portion, Hakata-style ramen, famous Japanese appetisers as well as bubble milk.

The set meal is available for islandwide delivery at https://suparakki.oddle.me. A delivery fee of $5 applies.

SUPASIZE Family Combo includes:
– Original Tonkotsu Ramen (Upsize: 3 extra pcs of Cha Shu)
– Dry Truffle Ramen (Upsize: extra portion of pulled pork)
– Dry Truffle Ramen (Kid Size)
– Any 2 Sides (Choose from Karaage, Takoyaki or Gyoza)
– 2 Supa Boba Milk

Suparakki Boba Milk with Pearls
After slurping down your hot bowl of soup, refresh and cool down with a glass of Boba Milk with Pearls. Both an accompanying beverage and a sweet meal-ender, this has creamy milk and chewy tapioca balls seeped in brown sugar. Quite legit.

Here’s the catch: The Suparakki Boba Milk is only available for delivery or takeaways only with:
– Suparakki’s Supa Boba Milk Single Combo – Original Tonkotsu Ramen with Boba Milk ($13.90 for delivery pre-order, U.P $16.30)
– Suparakki’s Supa Boba Milk Couple Combo – 2X Original Tonkotsu Ramen with Boba Milk ($27.80 for delivery pre-order, U.P $32.80)
– Supasize Family Combo ($40+, U.P $50.50)

Suparakki Ramen
Citylink Mall #B1-65 Singapore 039393 (City Hall MRT)
North Point City (South Wing) #B2-154, Singapore 769098 (Yishun MRT)
Westgate #B2-03 Singapore 608532 (Jurong East MRT)
Opening Hours: 10.30am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suparakkiramen
Delivery Website: https://suparakki.oddle.me

* This post is brought to you in partnership with Suparakki Ramen.

Chicken-based ramen full of collagen? Kure Menya is a modern Japanese noodle joint specialising in inexpensive chicken ramen and more.

A Tori Paitan-style Chashu Ramen is priced at only $11.90 Nett. No GST or service charge.

You may have spotted the eatery previously at I12 Katong, and it has relocated to Fraser Towers Level 2 in the heart of the CBD. To find it, it is just across the road from Amoy Street Food Centre, a few minutes’ walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT station.

Using only Halal-certified ingredients, this no-pork, no-lard restaurant offers a line-up of specialty ramen dishes, along with rice, noodle and side dishes.

Follow Kure Menya’s Facebook or Instagram and get a FREE Ajitama Egg (worth $2) for dine-in orders. Valid till end Sep 2020.

Due to the “Circuit Breaker”, they have also developed an online ordering platform at https://www.kuremenya.com/delivery-pickup.

If you prefer to stay indoors and have your ramen delivered, there is islandwide delivery fee available at $9 (FREE delivery for orders $55 and above.) They are also on foodpanda for residents in the Tanjong Pagar vicinity.

Tori Fest Ramen – Original or Spicy ($17.50 Nett)
At the heart of each bowl of ramen is a collagen-rich chicken broth, meticulously prepared with attention, knowledge and precision for more than 8 hours.

The cloudiness in the soup is achieved from cooking chicken bones at a higher temperature with more robust boiling – no additional milk is included.

To bring out the true flavour of fresh ingredients, Kure Menya never uses MSG to season its cooking. Instead, it focuses on using ingredients to deliver unique taste profiles and umami.

This nutritious-tasting broth is the foundation of a signature Kure Menya ramen. I found the soup semi-rich (compared to the usual tonkotsu), surprisingly not salty, and therefore drinkable to the last drop.

Enjoy a festival of yummy toppings with Tori Fest Ramen, a starred item in the menu.

Compared to the regular ramen, this comes with way more meat – chicken chashu and chicken braised sukiyaki style. Served with Ajitama egg and fresh chopped spring onions.

Tori Chashu Ramen – Original or Spicy ($11.90 Nett)
This is Kure Menya’s classic chashu ramen featuring two thin slices of meat so tender you would think twice if they are chicken. Because they are purposefully shaped this way as well.

A to-try for first timers at Kure Menya.

Steeped in the signature collagen-rich broth are soft yet springy ramen noodles topped with thin strips of black fungus and lots of chopped spring onions.

Ratio of noodles to broth is just right, though I would personally prefer the noodles to have more springiness as it was cooked too soft.

If you like things spicy, this is also available in spicy version for an extra dose of Kure Menya’s In-house Sichuan-style chili (they also sell the chilli oil for $5.00 for a bottle of 200ml).

Tori Sukiyaki Ramen – Original or Spicy ($11.90 Nett)
Don’t miss this specialty ramen featuring braised chicken prepared sukiyaki-style – part sweet and savoury.

An order gives you 4-5 pieces of large, juicy chunks of chicken cubes, along with thin strips of black fungus and chopped spring onions.

All these are served atop a bowl of ramen noodles in a light, tasty milky broth.

Maze-men – Original or Spicy ($11.90 Nett)
Don’t feel like slurping hot broth? Go for a dry ramen. Instead of the collagen-rich broth, maze-men (Japanese for “mix” + “noodles”) puts together ramen noodles, toppings and a homemade black sauce.

This no-broth ramen is topped with a couple of tori chashu, black fungus strips, spring onions, and a sprinkling of roasted sesame seeds.

Mala Abalone Ramen ($29.90 Nett)
Do you know they have an off-menu ramen? Order this fiery ramen made with superior ingredient and delicacy abalone.

While the bowl looked pricy, there were quite a number of pieces of abalone. There were five?

Some people may not like the chewiness of abalone, but this was surprisingly soft in texture.

Instead of coming in a soup-based, the noodles were tossed in a Sichuan-style rich sauce fused with spices and peppercorns for that numbing flavour.

It turned out that the chef used to be from a popular Sichuan restaurant in Singapore, and decided to put his skills and experience to good use.

Slurp your way to a deliciously hot ramen, served with tender chicken chashu slices.

Fried Rice ($8.80 Nett)
A classic fried rice dish served with slices of chicken, bits of scrambled egg and spring onions.

Despite its simplicity, it was packed with wok-hei from stir-frying in intense heat.

You can tell that each grain of rice is tossed well so that they have that eggy-ness yet do not clump or stick.

Available in original and spicy.

Cheesy Gyoza ($6.80 Nett for 4pcs)
Complement your ramen with deep-fried gyoza, a recommended side dish with a crunchy exterior and tender minced filling.

Served with melted nacho cheese on top, these plump handmade Japanese dumplings give you a crisp bite mellowed by a smooth mouthfeel.

The gyozas are all handmade in-house, and if you like to bring some home, they are available in frozen packs of chicken ($10 for 10 pieces) or beef ($10 for 8 pieces).

Tori Nacho Bomb ($6.80 Nett for 3 pcs)
These homemade Tori Nacho Bombs are breaded meatballs stuffed with nacho cheese.

Bite into its crunchy-fried exterior to reveal a tender, moist chicken filling and an explosion of melted cheese. A party in the mouth for cheese lovers.

Other side dishes available include Deep-Fried Gyoza ($5.50 for 4pcs), Chicken Karaage ($5.50 for 4pcs), and Tori Sukiyaki ($5.50).

Remember to follow Kure Menya’s Facebook or Instagram and get a FREE Ajitama Egg (worth $2) for dine-in orders. Valid till end Sep 2020.

Islandwide Delivery
Available via online ordering platform https://www.kuremenya.com/delivery-pickup.
– $9 islandwide delivery
– FREE islandwide delivery for orders $55 and above

Also available on BYSGFORSG App:
– $5 Islandwide delivery + $3 Small order fee for orders below $20
– $5 Islandwide delivery for orders between $20 to $55
– FREE islandwide delivery for orders $55 and above

Kure Menya
182 Cecil Street Frasers Tower #02-11, Singapore 069547 (Tanjong Pagar MRT)
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)
Delivery: https://www.kuremenya.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/kuremenya/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/kuremenya/

* This post is brought to you in partnership with Kure Menya.

For beef bowl and tomato ramen lovers, two renowned F&B brands from Osaka RAMEN KIOU and ROMAN.TEI, have opened their first-ever Singapore outlets at &JOY Dining Hall.

This is also where you can get fresh sashimi air-flown from Osaka’s fish market to Singapore (thrice a week), and price is at least 30% cheaper than in a usual restaurant setting.

&JOY Dining Hall first opened at Jurong Point, followed by another location at the revamped Great World basement this year.

The multi-brand concept offers unique Japanese specialties all in one destination.

Besides dine-in concepts, &JOY Dining Hall also offers delivery, takeaway, a retail grocery store and a bakery.

The concepts include:
– ROMAN.TEI
– RAMEN KIOU
– Kuriya Japanese Market
– Pittarino
– Ichiban Express
– Gokoku Japanese Bakery

ROMAN.TEI
ROMAN.TEI is a Japanese casual dining concept serving an array of yakiniku grilled meats and beef jyu (rice box).

Known as a meat specialist from Osaka, it specialises in tender beef steak over rice.

Their signature savoury beef steak is juicy and flavourful, sporting a memorable taste and a “golden ratio” of rice and tender beef steak.

The best-seller here is the Double Beef Zen ($17.90). Get twice the value with two kinds of beef in one dish, a duo of beef steak and sliced beef.

The thick juicy cuts of beef are served atop fluffy Japanese rice in jyu boxes. A special homemade sauce adds flavour and silkier texture to the rice. Make it ochazuke by pouring dashi over your rice, topped with pickles, umeboshi (salted Japanese plums), nori, furikake and sesame seeds.

New on the menu is the Japanese Wagyu Miyazaki A4 available ala carte ($31.90) or in a Jyu rice box ($34.90).

Relish the award-winning wagyu bred from Miyazaki prefecture. This A4 graded striploin doesn’t only offer exceptional marbling, but is also packed with rich distinctive flavour.

Also new to ROMAN.TEI is the Pork Ribs with Ginger Sauce ($6.90) which comes with two pieces succulent ribs pan fried on a hot teppan, giving them a crisp exterior. Complement the pork’s delectable fried taste with accompanying Japanese ginger sauce.

RAMEN KIOU
Operating since 1995 at Osaka, RAMEN KIOU is known for its appetizing ramen staples, in particular the Tomato Chashu Ramen ($14.90) and Tomato Cheese Ramen ($14.90).

Order the Deluxe Shoyu Tonkotsu Ramen ($14.50) and taste the house-special tonkotsu drawing salty flavours from the added soy sauce tare which makes this a classic Tokyo-style ramen.

Its signature house-made tonkotsu or bone broth is creamy and fragrant, a great pairing with its tender pork belly chashu slices braised in age-old tare. Their ramen noodles are soft yet firm with a springy texture.

Complete with assorted toppings including ajitama, nori, and negi or chopped green onions.

Kuriya Japanese Market
Kuriya Japanese Market is a one-stop shop for Japanese items including sake, frozen food items, sauces, seasonings, and condiments.

It is the exclusive retailer for Gyomu Super, a popular 800+ supermarket chain of outlets in Japan. With a wide range of dry items, frozen foods, and plenty of snack items, you can be spoilt for choice.

What’s interesting here is you can get the freshest sashimi as premium fish and seafood are air-flown to Singapore from Osaka Central Wholesale Market thrice a week. Yet compared to other dine-in restos, sashimi prices are at least 30% cheaper.

Expand your choices by getting the catch of the day – you can have it sashimi-style or grilled over charcoals.

I had the Houbou aka Red Gurnard or Sea Robin ($17.25 for 176g – market price) which was recommended sashimi-style, a fish known for its white and pink colours, light sweetness, and full-bodied texture.

Pick a Kodai from the display counter and ask the staff for a Charcoal Salt Grilled Kodai (About $16 – market price + $10 grilling service).

This cooking method adds a smoky char to the Sea Bream’s skin while keeping its natural juices within.

Pittarino
The Italian-inspired concept Pittarino (Japanese for “just right”) serves up Japanese-style pizzas and pastas.

It specialises in hand-stretched Neapolitan pizzas and pasta fused with distinctively Japanese flavours. Exuding a fun and hip vibe, Pittarino makes all its pizza from scratch and baked at exactly two minutes to cook the toppings just right.

Pizza choices include Pepperoni ($15.90), Margherita ($13.90), Truffle Mushroom ($18.90), Frutti di Mare ($20.90), Salmone ($19.90), Bismark ($15.90) and more.

Go for the Teriyaki Chicken & Scallion Pizza ($17.90) made with its signature hand-stretched dough laden with teriyaki sauce, mayonnaise and shredded mozzarella. Toppings are a mix of teriyaki chicken and spring onions, with an added egg in the centre.

Couple it with an order of Yuzu Vongole ($14.90), Mentaiko Giapponese ($15.90), Ebi Aglio Oilio ($15.90) or Carbonara Pasta ($13.90) featuring fresh spaghetti with a smooth, almost mochi-like texture.

Pasta here is always nama (fresh) imported from Japan – you won’t find store-bought dry pasta anywhere in their kitchen.

For the Carbonara, the smooth pasta is blended in a cream sauce with cuts of bacon, egg, and Parmigiano cheese. Drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and freshly-ground black pepper just before serving.

Ichiban Express
Ichiban Express at &Joy Dining Hall is a convenient food kiosk for the foodie-on-the-go.

Have a feast at home with their donburi and udon available for takeaway at value-for-money pricing.

These include Chicken Teriyaki Don ($9.90), Salmon Mentai Don ($15.90), Chicken Katsu Don ($9.90), Kitsune Udon ($8.90), Tenzaru Chasoba ($13.90) and Niku Udon ($11.90).

Recommended is the Tempura Udon ($13.90) a combo of udon noodles in broth and assorted tempura.

The Japanese noodles are made in-house, a product of Ichiban Boshi’s chefs’ original recipe. Enjoy this hot noodle soup topped with narutomaki and negi.

Gokoku Japanese Bakery
Gokoku Shichifuku (Japanese for “five grains and seven fortunes”) is a bakery concept from Kobe, Japan.

This authentic Japanese bakery has been baking breads for almost 60 years, serving customers healthy buns made with hearty grains.

If you are looking for high-quality breads, drop by Gokoku Japanese Bakery for your daily supply of baked goods. They use Japanese flour and traditional ingredients like brown rice and sakadane aka fermented dough.

You must order the signature Gokoku Shichifuku Pan ($2.10) baked using a blend of Japanese brown rice and rye flours. It is combined with malt and oatmeal, plus linseed, sunflower seeds, and soy beans. A bread roll rich in dietary fibre and minerals for a heathy boost.

Look out for the Mochi Mochi Cheese ($2.40), a delightful unison of mochi’s chewiness and cheese’s melty goodness. This soft and chewy bun is interspersed with diced cheese melted as designed.

Don’t miss their top-sellers Malt Kurumi Pan ($2.10), a soft bun with malt, oatmeal, soybeans and chopped walnuts; Mochi Mochi Cranberry ($1.90), a soft and chewy cranberry-dotted bun with a light buttery flavour; and Teriyaki Chicken Pizza ($2.10), a chewy pizza-bun topped with teriyaki chicken, onions, cheese and mayo.

To end the meal, head to &JOY Bar to drink to your hearts’ content with various alcohol choices starting from $5. Yes, a glass of highball at $5 and Sapporo Premium Malts draught beer at 2-for-$20, all day every day. ”Kanpai!”

Special Promo with Oddle
Get $10 OFF when you order online (with min spend of $80). Limited to first 1,000 redemptions from 1 – 20 Oct 2020 only. This promotion is available at &JOY Dining Hall Great World and Jurong Point.

Island-wide Delivery from $5 – $8. Free Delivery for orders above $120. Store Pick-up available with no min order. For more information, visit https://order.njoydininghall.com.sg/en_SG/.

&JOY Dining Hall – Great World
1 Kim Seng Promenade, Great World #B1-133 Singapore 237994
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

&JOY Dining Hall – Jurong Point
1 Jurong West Central 2, Jurong Point #B1-47, Singapore 648886
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)

* This post is brought to you in partnership with &JOY Dining Hall.

Ramen Keisuke needs little introduction to ramen-lovin’ Singaporeans.

They have opened quite a number of concepts such as Ramen Dining Keisuke Tokyo, Beef Sukiyaki Don Keisuke, Ramen Keisuke Lobster King, and Keisuke Kani King, Teppanyaki Hamburg Nihonbashi Keisuke Bettei, Gyoza King and Omurice Keisuke.

Admittedly, some of the previous ones didn’t work as well. Anyone remembers the Tonkatsu or Champon outlets?

Niku King which replaced the older concepts at Paya Lebar Square is inspired by its popular sister outlet in Japan – Niku Soba has 5 outlets across the country.

When I visited early evening though, the queue was quite long and I waited about 30 minutes (or slightly more) before I got a seat.

As “Niku” means “meat” in Japanese, that would include that the ramen will be topped and filled to the brim with more meat.

However, diners who prefer the older concept still order from the sister outlet Tonkotsu King here.

Niku King’s pptions include Niku King Miso Ramen ($12.90), Niku King Tonkotsu Ramen ($13.90), and Niku King Shoyu Ramen ($11.90). Add $1 to change to a spicy version.

I must say that the prices remain friendly for its quality, plus complimentary eggs, beansprouts and water. (Finally some where which doesn’t charge exorbitantly for water, with frequent top-ups.)

Comparatively, Niku King’s ramen broth is thicker, creamier with more umami as the meats used here are fattier and juicier.

I found the tonkotsu broth generally smoother and milkier, but not overly salty. Can be jelat for some.

The ramen noodles are thicker, larger, and curlier which I found heavier especially after it absorbs some of the thick soup.

If you prefer the usual thin, long, and straight type, get the Tonkotsu King bowls.

These come topped with stir-fried pork belly, available in Tonkotsu ($13.90), Black Spicy ($14.90), and Red Spicy ($14.90).

The soup didn’t taste as rich and flavourful as Niku King’s, though I found it easier to finish up with a less queasy feeling.

Look out for the exclusive side dishes only available at this outlet – Salmon Rare Katsu ($8.90) which is sashimi grade salmon, and Deep Fried Pork Chop ($7.90).

The surprise find is the Keisuke Egg Rice ($3.90) featuring fluffy scrambled egg-like blanket. Underneath that egg is imported Hokkaido rice topped with pork chashu drizzled in Keisuke Special Sauce.

If they serve this eggy rice in a bigger donburi bowl with substantial meat in other future concepts, it would probably have quite a good take-up rate.

Niku King – Ramen Keisuke
60 Paya Lebar Road #01-02/03/04 Paya Lebar Square Singapore 409051
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3pm, 5:30pm – 10pm (Mon – Fri), 11:30am – 10pm (Sat, Sun, PH)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

There are a fair number of new ramen restaurants in Singapore, but this opening should stand out a little more, especially for prawn ramen lovers.

Make your oishii food wishes come true at Menya Kanae, as this is a café-by-day, Izakaya-by-night dual concept eatery. And it specialises in rich prawn broth ramen, which is not that commonly found in Singapore.

Plus, look out for the 1-For-1 Ramen Grand Opening Promotion from 16 Oct – 18 Oct 2020 (Fri – Sun)

With a Japanese-style café and ramen bar in a one place, you can have your Karaage Waffles and Ebi Sando (prawn sandwich) or even classic Hokkaido Miso Ramen, depending on what you are feeling that day.

If you need help with directions, Menya Kanae (“Kanae” means “make your wishes come true”) is located at Novena Regency, a short walk from Novena MRT station and right opposite Novena Church.

Here’s what you can expect from this Hokkaido-style specialty ramen bar, izakaya and café dining concept:

Tokusei Sapporo Ebi Tonkotsu Ramen ($19.80)
Satisfy your noodle cravings with Menya Kanae’s specialty prawn broth ramen, featuring a rich and creamy tonkotsu base infused with a blend of seafood flavours.

Prawn heads combined with lobster bisque intensifies the bold taste of this thick pork bone broth which is cooked for more than four hours.

This bowl is loaded with bean sprouts, bamboo shoot, black fungus; then topped with a couple each of tender chashu, flame-seared Tiger prawns, and half an ajitama egg.

Then finished off with a sprinkle of spring onions, crunchy Sakura ebi tempura flakes, and crispy shallots.

If you prefer the thin Hakata-style noodles, then you are in luck. The ones here are QQ springy, though I would personally wish for a slightly-harder bite and less noodles – can be pretty filling.

The star of the bowl is the prawn + pork broth with umami oomph.

Does it remind me of the Singapore Hae Mee? It does to an extent, except that this has a milkier mouthfeel due to the pork bones. The tempura flakes add a delightful crunch as well – don’t soak them too much in the soup.

Also available are the classic Sapporo Ebi Chashu Ramen ($14.80) or Sapporo Ebi Chashu Ajitama Ramen ($16.80).

If you are wondering what “Tokusei” means, it can imply “specially made” or “with everything” – what you would describe a deluxe bowl. The “Tokusei” comes with more ingredients such as chashu and Tiger prawns, which makes it more value-for-its-money.

Spicy Sapporo Ebi Chashu Ramen ($14.80)
Add life to a humdrum day and choose the spicy version for a fiery flavoured ramen.

Behind the intense heat is Menya Kanae’s Original Red Spicy Paste, a spice totally made from scratch. It takes more than 3 (laborious but worth it) hours to prepare this special paste and achieve the right consistency and flavour profile.

The extra slivers of red chili garnish pump up the spice level even more.

There is also a “Tokusei” version ($19.80) with the added ingredients.

So, the question is: Classic or Spicy?

My friends and I differed in views half-half – I preferred the Original. The Spicy tasted more bold, intense and flavourful; but if you would like a cleaner taste with more nuances of the seafood, then go for the non-spicy version.

Birikara The Spiciest Miso Ramen ($16.80)
Talking about spicy, this is another bowl even more fiery than the last.

Specially made with two special blends of miso imported from Hokkaido, Japan, this tongue numbing ramen can be worth trying.

Dubbed as the spiciest miso ramen, expect to break a sweat as your taste buds savour the rich, deep taste of Hokkaido miso broth.

Menya Kanae’s Original Red Spicy Paste with its 8 spices make this ramen numbly yummy. Also topped with juicy chunks of thick cut chashu and aromatic black garlic oil.

Tokusei Hokkaido Tonkotsu Miso Ramen ($17.80)
If you are for the classic Hokkaido style ramen with corn and butter, then this is for you.

This curly noodle ramen is included with four pieces of tender chashu, minced pork, sweet corn, bamboo shoots, black fungus, pickled vegetables, beansprouts, and an ajitama egg.

Complementing the rich pork bone broth is Menya Kanae’s Hokkaido-sourced miso, delightfully savoury, salty and slightly sweet.

Together with corn kernels and a slab of butter, the broth comes together to deliver satisfaction.

Signature Handmade Ebi Tartar Sando ($14.80)
This Japanese-inspired sandwich features a hearty ebi katsu, made from chunky pieces of lightly-breaded deep-fried prawn cutlet handmade from 100% Black Tiger prawns.

Two grilled slices of Hokkaido milk bread keep the thick and juicy patty in place, accompanied with crunchy coleslaw to balance the textures.

Enjoy this signature dish with a side of house greens and crisp shoestring potato fries.

Also available are Mentai Tamago Sando ($10.80) and Yawaraka Katsu Sando ($14.80) but I would say give the more uncommon (at least in Singapore’s context) prawn cutlet sandwich a try.

Zangi Karaage Waffles ($15.80)
While chicken + waffles are one of typical and popular brunch items, Menya Kanae’s version comes with four chunky pieces of Tori Karaage.

Marinated in Menya Kanae’s original sauce, these chicken pieces are packed with appetising umami flavours.

Enjoy four large pieces of deep-fried chicken, its tender and juicy meat covered with a crispy exterior for that crunchy bite. Warning: can be very filling, so get a friend(s) to share this.

Tori Zangi Karaage ($6.20)
Moving on to the side dishes… Actually, I would describe these as “large chicken balls”. These are not the typical frozen then deep-fried type, but made from fresh chicken chunks marinated and rolled to a ball, then deep-fried.

Therefore, they are larger than usual and sufficiently moist.

Homemade Gyoza ($6.20)
This best-selling side dish is made fresh every day. Get 5 pieces per order of this homemade Japanese dumplings that go well with either Mazesoba or Ramen.

Takoyaki Balls ($6.20)
The popular Osaka style street food comes with delicately thin crisp exterior, and soft creamy batter within those little round balls, drizzled with Japanese mayo and topped with bonito flakes.

Tobiko Mayo Tamagoyaki ($6.20)
Snack away with this Japanese omelette, made by carefully rolling several thin layers of fried egg.

This soft and delicate textured egg roll tempura is served with mentaiko mayo.

Matcha or Houjicha Kuromitsu Bubble Milk Tea ($6.00 each)
No cafe concept is complete without some drinks. Other than Iced Latte ($6), Iced Houjicha ($4.50), Iced Sencha ($4.50) and Iced Mixed Fruit Tea ($6), the beverage to have is the Kuromitsu Bubble Milk Tea available in Original, Matcha or Houjicha flavours.

They are included with “Kuromitsu” which literally translates to “black honey” – a thin and dark syrup made from Japanese unrefined kurozato (“black sugar”) often used in the making of Japanese sweets.

“Okinawa brown sugar pearls” are also used, cooked with a combination of Okinawan brown sugar and kuromitsu which gives it a distinctive caramelised-sweetness.

Menya Kanae 1-For-1 Ramen Grand Opening Promotion (16 – 18 Oct 2020)
Grab a friend or family member to snag this 1-for-1 deal on Menya Kanae’s signature Hokkaido style ramen, from ebi specials of Tokusei Sapporo Ebi Tonkotsu Ramen ($19.80), Sapporo Ebi Chashu Ajitama Ramen ($16.80) and Sapporo Ebi Chashu Ramen ($14.80), to Birikara The Spiciest Miso Ramen ($16.80) and Tokusei Karauma Red Tonkotsu Ramen ($16.80).

Promotion available for dine-in only. The free ramen will be of equal or lower value.

$5 Sapporo Beer Promotion (340ml, U.P.$10.00) (19 Oct – 30 Nov 2020)
Available from 5pm until closing.

Menya Kanae
275 Thomson Rd, Novena Regency #01-08, Singapore 307645
Tel: +65 6261 6205
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/MenyaKanae

* This post is brought to you in partnership with Menya Kanae.

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