Keisuke Tokyo けいすけ東京 at Suntec City

Keisuke Tokyo けいすけ東京



Keisuke is probably the most famous (and biggest) ramen chain in Singapore, and of course, it goes without doubt that it dishes out some nice bowls.



Keisuke Tokyo is smack right near the entrance of Suntec City, and isn't that inconspicuous comapred to it's other brances. Keisuke Tokyo features 2 exclusive flavours - the Niboshi ramen and the Miso Tonkotsu ramen.



You won't go wrong with it's signature Tonkotsu ramen, although I'm not so sure about the rest.



Typical creamy Tonkotsu broth done well, their lean pieces of cha-shu tender yet flavourful. The only downside to the ramen was that the aji-tama was a bit too well-done, but still acceptable.



You can probably have this bowl at all the branches, but I'd recommend the main branch at Tanjong Pagar or this branch over here at Suntec for the quality assurance.



A solid bowl, worth going for if you're near the area.





3 Temasek Blvd, 391-392 Suntec City, Singapore 038983
Nearest Station: Esplanade


Mon-Fri: 1130-1500 / 1700-2200
Sat, Sun, PH: 1130-2200
Price Range: 16~

Tsuta 蔦 at Pacific Plaza

Tsuta 蔦



So nearly everyone have heard of the first ramen shop to earn a Michelin star - Tsuta. But being tucked away in Sugamo, Tokyo in Japan, not many of us might've a chance to try it.

That's when Yuki Onishi, the owner of Tsuta, was invited to open a branch in Singapore. And he did.



The wait for a bowl at Tsuta can go up to 2 hours during peak periods, but you can have a try during 3-5pm in the afternoon, where the wait is much shorter.

So what separates Tsuta from the rest? Well, mostly brand and fame, but also because it serves fusion ramen. Yes, expect truffle oil in your bowl of shoyu blend.



So then, how was it? Not quite jaw-dropping, but yes, it is a wonderful bowl. Deep shoyu flavours mixed in with the aromatic truffle oil is indeed a delight to behold. It gets better with every mouth, as you find yourself noticing more and more notes encompassed in their wonderful broth.



The cha-shu was lean yet tender, and a bit similar to prosciutto. It goes well with the fusion theme.



The egg was a tad too runny and soft, but still good.



One thing is for sure though, this bowl is nowhere near the one I had in Sugamo. So no, this is not a Michelin starred bowl of ramen. It is good though, although I would rather term it as consomme with noodles than real hearty ramen.



Open kitchen concept is rather nice, though I would've preferred a more traditional design.





Nonetheless, this is a bowl you shouldn't miss. It might not fit my palate, but it might be perfect for yours. Onishi-san is only working here till 21st Jan 2017, so the quality might deteriorate after he leaves... or not. Anyways go before he goes lol.





#01-01 Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Road, 228210 Singapore, Singapore
Nearest Station: Orchard

Daily 1100 - 2200
Price Range: 15~23
P.S. First pic is from www.ramenadventures.com

Tonkotsu King Matsuri at Parkway Parade

Tonkotsu King Matsuri



Keisuke's Tonkotsu Matsuri King is located quite conveniently at Parkway Parade, but it also has the poorest reputation among his branches. I have walked past it many times without actually going in to taste, and have never felt the urge to do so.

So when my friend suggested to have lunch here, I thought, why not? Nothing to lose from giving a try.



Tonkotsu King Matsuri has some interesting decor featuring the festivals of Japan. This one right here is my favourite, colourful and vibrant.



So what about the ramen? Well, I have to say it was underwhelming. More is not better. The pork belly was a tad too dry, and the broth one-dimensional and lacking. The additional aji-tama and cha-shu though, is good.



My verdict? Wouldn't hurt if you're in the area, but not worth taking a trip for. Just stick with the main outlet at Tanjong Pagar.



80 Marine Parade Road, #B1-18A Parkway Parade, Din Tai Fung, Singapore 449269
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar/Dakota

Daily: 1130 - 2200
Price Range: Below to Low 20s

Ikkousha Hakata Ramen 博多一幸舎 at CHIJMES

Ikkousha 一幸舎



Ikkousha serves traditional no-fuss Tonkotsu Ramen, and is one of the higher ranked shops on my list. Silky smooth, rich and flavourful broth with tender slices of chashu just does it everytime.



The first thing you see is, yes, the huge slices of chashu. It tastes milder compared to other chashu, but does not lose out to the rich broth. Of course, dipping it in the broth brings it to even greater heights.



The negi and black fungus helps add some interesting notes to the bowl, but in the end, it is the creamy delectable broth that stands out. Something I would not mind drinking daily, if not for the high sodium levels.



Just try it yourself, and you will return for more.







30 Victoria St, #F1-07, Chijmes, Singapore 187996
Nearest Station: City Hall

Daily: 1130 - 2200
Price Range: Below to Low 20s

Machida-Shoten 町田商店 at Wisma Atria

Machida-Shoten 町田商店



I'll get to the ramen, which was amazing, in a minute.



My food adventures aren't limited to ramen alone, and I've walked past this shop front a few times before stepping in.

The Japan Food Town in Wisma Atria homes quite a few gems, although I wouldn't go as far to say all of them are great. Sushi Takewaka offers some nice sushi for an affordable price, but that's another story.



So what was my first impression upon stepping in? Well, it sounded lively and vibrant like what you'd expect in a ramen shop, but I must say the shop decor didn't really give off the vibe of a great adventure - until I took a sip.



To be honest, the addition of spinach in their ramen and the absence of menma really lowered my expectations of how good it was gonna be. I mean, who puts spinach in their ramen?

But it was a hit. The immensely rich flavourful soup was contained in each of these greens, and it actually helped heighten the soup's flavour (well not so if you don't like your greens, but still it's innovative).



The most distinct difference that separated Machida Shoten's Tonkotsu Shoyu ramen from the rest was the absence of that ever-so-slightly unpleasing stench you would find in a bowl of Tonkotsu ramen, yes, the stench comes from the pork bone.

The cha-shu was also exceptionally tender; it broke apart upon picking it up. The succulent fats melted in my mouth the moment it went in. Ooh, that was good. Yeah, baby.

But what suprised me was actually the Aji-Tama. The yolk was perfectly runny, and I haven't had a perfectly runny Aji-Tama before. I could literally drink the yolk. Damn.



So that kinda concludes my first of many (future) visits to Machida-Shoten. I mean, it was so good I crushed it before I knew it.



Of course, a customary glass of beer to go with my ramen. What's better, it goes for only $4.80 due to their promotion.

P.s. Oh, and the service was great too. Talk to the Japanese guy who probably greeted you at the entrance and serviced your bill, he's a fun and interesting dude :D



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

Daily: 1130 - 2300
Price Range: Below to Low 20s
Subjective Opinion: Best I've had in Singapore

Ramen & Tonkatsu Ma Maison at Capitol Piazza

Ramen & Tonkatsu Ma Maison



This was one of the bowls I've wanted to try for a very long time, but didn't do so.

To be honest, I didn't regret not trying it earlier.



In my bowl of Miso Tonkotsu ramen, the broth was creamy, yes, savoury, yes, but it lacked that oomph you would've normally gotten with a good bowl.

What was surprisingly good though, was it's menma, or bamboo shoots. Those were one of the most crunchiest bamboo shoots I've had at a ramen shop. It makes up for the slightly boring broth, although it wasn't that bad, actually. (Just me and my sensitivity)



It's real saving grace was it's Tonkatsu, one of the best I've had to date. Tender, juicy and slightly fatty on the sides, it possesses the qualities you would find in a good fried pork cutlet.

What really brought it apart from the rest though, in my opinion, was the Tonkatsu sauce. It blends and melds so perfectly with their Tonkatsu, not too sweet or too sour.

Not a bowl I'd go back for, but maybe one day, their Tonkatsu.





13 Capitol Piazza, Stamford Rd, Capitol Piazza, Singapore 178884
Nearest Station: City Hall

Daily: 1130 - 2200
Price Range: Around $20
*Last picture was taken from Daniel's Food Diary, I forgot to take one myself

Shirokiya 白木屋 at CHIJMES

Shirokiya 白木屋



Shirokiya is one of my favourite fuss-free restaurants in Singapore - simple yet delicious.

It's my 5th time here (or at least) and I've always opted for the chicken cutlet with scrambled egg.



The tender yet crispy chicken cutlet paired with the fluffy scrambled egg never ceases to amaze me.

The rich soy sauce adds depth, yet not overpowering their natural flavours, bringing out the best of the oyako (lit. parent-and-child) combo.

Even the rice that came with it was fragrant. I could consume the sweet white pearls on their own.



Although the set consisted of a bowl of rice, miso soup and salad, I was feeling a bit peckish that day and decided to order some takoyakis.

Not the best in town, I can say, but it's decent enough to be served at a restaurant.



Shirokiya at CHIJMES has a happy hour every day except Friday from 12pm to 6pm.

The frozen beer goes for 6 bucks per glass, and there are different flavours like tomato, mango, orange, ginger ale and even calpis.



Strawberry beer? Nah, it's just rose-tinted.



I really like the sleek black design of the restaurant, it makes it feel much more spacious than it really is.

Will definitely return again.





#01-05/06 CHIJMES, 30 Victoria St, Singapore 187996
Closest Station: City Hall

12pm-11pm (Sun-Thu/Public Holidays)
12pm-1am (Fri/Sat/PH Eve)

Tampopo タンポポ at Ngee Ann City

Tampopo タンポポ



I've always eaten the original Tonkotsu Tonkatsu Ramen at Tampopo, and today I opted for a change - the Miso Tonkatsu Ramen.



The first mouthful was surprisingly savoury - the kind you would expect at any good ramen shop.

But that was it. The taste was kinda one dimensional and lacked depth. It felt like those premium instant ramen you can get at supermarkets - for a tenth of the price.



Fortunately, the Tonkatsu saved it big time. The batter was crispy and not too oily, while the pork inside was juicy and sweet. Could've been more tender though, but this is good enough.

My verdict? Stick to the original Tonkotsu Ramen if you don't wanna get disappointed. It's still a good shop though.





391 Orchard Rd, Ngee Ann City, Singapore 238872
Closest Station: Orchard

Daily: 11:00 - 22:00