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