Machida-Shoten 町田商店 at Wisma Atria [ Vegan ]

Machida-Shoten 町田商店

So Machida Shoten has recently changed their cha-shu into a leaner cut, and it hasn't been very well received. This is when I decided to try out their vegan ramen. Yes, vegan. What could go wrong with a ramen with no meat?

Apparently, quite a lot. The broth reeked of sesame oil, which might be a bit repulsive for a bit of us (well, not for me, thank god!). Vegan means no rich, meaty flavors that you would typically find in a bowl of ramen. The vegetables were fresh and crunchy, but it felt a bit... boring.

I'd still recommend it to any vegan I know of, though.

Click here for the original review



Wisma Atria #04-40,, 435 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238877
Nearest Station: Orchard

Daily: 1130 - 2300
Price Range: Below to Low 20s

Santouka 山頭火 at Clarke Quay Central

Santouka 山頭火

Santouka is a major chain of ramen restaurants around the world, which originates from Asahikawa, Hokkaido. They serve tonkotsu ramen, but not your usual Kyushu style.

In fact, they have their own Asahikawa tonkotsu style, which fuses a sweet seafood broth with the original rich Kyushu style tonkotsu broth.

So what can we expect from this quaint little bowl of ramen?

Sweet, savoury yet mild, Santouka's broth is much lighter than other Kyushu style shops like Keisuke and Ikkousha. Although this reduces some of the impact in that first mouthful, it makes crushing the bowl much easier.



The chashu was thick, yet tender. It brings a much deeper, richer flavor as compared to the broth itself. A nice break from the otherwise boring broth.

Santouka's lunch set comes with a selection of different side dishes. I had the inari sushi and gyoza, which were acceptable. Nowhere near good though.

A hearty shio-tonkotsu broth which might appeal more to those who prefer lighter flavors. Those who prefer richer, deeper flavors, though, might find it a bit too light on their appetite.

Nevertheless, one of the better (and popular) ramen shops in Singapore.

6 Eu Tong Sen Street, #02-76 The Central, Clarke Quay Central, Singapore 059817
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

Daily: 1100 - 2145
Price Range: Low 20s

Daikokuya 大黒家 at Robertson Quay

Daikokuya 大黒家

Daikokuya is one of the few places in Singapore at which you can get good tsukemen. Compared to traditional ramen, tsukemen is actually more suited for Singapore's weather. Why so?



Tsukemen is served with the cold noodles separated from the warm broth. This means that you only dip the noodles in right before you eat them, and so when it reaches your mouth, it will be just slightly warm.

This prevents that profuse sweating (it sucks really) when eating a traditional hot bowl of ramen.

Daikokuya's tsukemen is made with a fish and pork broth, and you probably wouldn't expect it to be sweet and sour.

But it is. The acidity helps cut the fattiness of the oil, and really helps bring out the flavor of the broth. It doesn't look so appetizing in the photo, but it is when you eat it.

Not really that amazing, but give it a try.



30 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238251
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

Tuesday to Sunday/1130-2200
Closed on Mondays
Price Range: 15~