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~

Menya Sanji 麺屋三士 at Orchid Hotel

Menya Sanji 麺屋三士

Menya Sanji is located at Orchid Hotel, just around the corner from the popular Keisuke Tonkotsu King. Perhaps due of lack of publicity, this shop has much less customers than its counterpart around the corner.

Menya Sanji (麺屋三士) refers to the "three warriors" during the meiji restoration, thus their warrior-like designs in the interior of the shop.

Bamboo swords line up the wall, giving a feel of being inside a dojo.

But how was the ramen? Menya Sanji does Kagoshima-style ramen, which is kinda like tonkotsu ramen, but not quite.

It's noodles are medium thick, unlike the usual thin Hakata-style noodles you'd get at an authentic tonkotsu ramen shop. The broth is also a lot more milky and opaque, albeit less rich and intense than the usual tonkotsu broth.

Well, it was nothing exceptional. The broth had healthy levels of sodium, but this means a light and not so flavoursome soup. It also had a lingering taste of beansprouts, something that turned me off quite a lot.

However, the main pitfall is their absurdly dry chashu. It was so tough I had a rough time biting through it. Ugh.

A decent shop, however greatly overshadowed by the other immensely popular shop around the corner. I too, can't see why someone would pick to eat here instead of going over there.



01-14 Orchid Hotel, 1 Tras Link, Singapore 078867
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Daily 1130 - 2300
Price Range: 14~

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