Sunday, 11 December 2016

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~

Monday, 28 November 2016

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

Friday, 18 November 2016

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