WHAT WE ATE

• Braised Meat Tonkotsu Ramen (with level 1 white chilli), 55/100 (21 May 2022)
• Kyushu Ramen, 45/100 (21 May 2022)

Located in the bustling China Square, this eatery is known for its popularity. If you plan to visit during peak hours, it’s advisable to make reservations in advance. The menu is truly impressive, showcasing a variety of options that showcase the versatility of the same dish. Prepare to be pleasantly surprised as you discover how the diverse toppings and varying levels of spiciness can transform the entire dining experience.

BRAISED PORK TONKOTSU RAMEN (WITH LEVEL 1 WHITE CHILLI) 55/100 points

Noodle – 15/35

The noodles in this ramen are slightly thicker and possess a pleasant springiness, providing a decent bite. While they are not particularly remarkable, they contribute adequately to the overall experience.

Soup – 20/35

The soup has a slightly thin consistency, but the addition of white chili significantly transforms its taste. If you have a tolerance for spice, you’re likely to relish it. Personally, I opted for the lowest spice level, which allowed me to savor the base flavors while still enjoying the extra kick. It starts with a savory note and a subtle hint of garlic, culminating in a late spiciness that lingers in the throat. The staff describes it as being more peppery than typical chili, and while I’m unsure if I fully agree, there is indeed a blend of peppery sensations intertwined with roasted spiciness. It’s a unique profile that’s challenging to articulate, but if you have a fondness for spicy ramen, it’s certainly worth a try.

Meat – 10/20

The braised meat is plentiful and exhibits a delightful combination of sweetness and savory flavors. However, the texture falls slightly short as it tends to be a little tough. As for the regular chashu, it’s relatively average in terms of marination and texture, leaning towards the tougher side.

Toppings – 10/10

The egg boasts a pleasing texture and an intriguing taste that sets it apart. It offers a savory profile with a subtle hint of sweetness, accompanied by an unusual hint of woodiness in the middle. It may sound peculiar, especially for an egg, but it surprisingly works well within the overall dish. In addition to the customary seaweed and menma, this ramen includes corn as a less conventional topping. While the sweetness of the corn enhances the spiciness, I did notice a slight aftertaste reminiscent of raw or slightly stale vegetables, likely influenced by the interplay between the spice and the corn. Although this peculiar taste is not prominent, it adds an element of curiosity to the meal.

KYUSHU RAMEN 45/100 points

Noodle – 15/35

The noodles used in this ramen are the same as in their other dishes. The noodles in this ramen are slightly thicker and possess a pleasant springiness, providing a decent bite. While they are not particularly remarkable, they contribute adequately to the overall experience.

Soup – 15/35

While the soup does have a pleasant garlicky flavor, it falls a bit short in terms of richness and depth. It feels slightly thin and lacks a certain robustness that I look for in a satisfying bowl of ramen.

Meat – 10/20

The chashu in this ramen is identical to what they offer in their other dishes. The braised meat is plentiful and exhibits a delightful combination of sweetness and savory flavors. However, the texture falls slightly short as it tends to be a little tough. As for the regular chashu, it’s relatively average in terms of marination and texture, leaning towards the tougher side.

Toppings – 5/10

The tamago and other toppings are also the same as in their other ramen varieties, but they don’t quite complement the flavors of the broth, particularly in the context of a spicy broth. The combination doesn’t create a harmonious balance or enhance the overall experience as well as it could.

DISCLAIMER

One man’s meat is another man’s poison.
Find out more about our palettes and how we evaluate our ramen here. 😉