WHAT WE ATE

• Buta Shogayaki Tonkotsu Ramen, 85/100 (03 Jul 2022, Harbourfront)
• Tonkotsu Ramen, 70/100 (03 Jul 2022, Harbourfront)
• Garlic Tonkotsu Ramen, 75/100 (03 Jul 2022, Harbourfront)

Founded by two local chefs who previously worked at Keisuke, the Hitoyoshi chain has experienced considerable success. They have ventured beyond ramen, offering a diverse menu that includes donburi and more. One commendable aspect is their ability to maintain consistent quality across multiple outlets, ensuring a reliable ramen experience.

BUTA SHOGAYAKI TONKOTSU RAMEN 85/100 points

Noodle – 25/35

The noodles in this ramen are the long, thin Hakata type, offering a satisfying chew. However, their flavor appears slightly subtle when compared to the incredibly rich broth.

Soup – 30/35

While the chefs behind this dish hail from Keisuke, the broth reminds me more of Ikkousha with its pronounced porkiness. The broth’s thick consistency and layer of emulsified fats beautifully highlight its richness. The stir-fried marinated pork slices add an additional layer of flavor, creating a delightful depth. It’s a highly enjoyable combination, but a further boost in porkiness would have earned a perfect score.

Meat – 20/20

The meat in this ramen is tender, sweet, and savory, accompanied by a delightful stir-fry aroma. The sweetness of the soy sauce marinade is skillfully balanced, enhancing the dish without overwhelming it. A touch more ginger flavor would elevate the overall experience. The meat pairs exceptionally well with the broth.

Toppings – 10/10

The marinated eggs are perfectly executed, featuring a golden, runny yolk. Similarly to Keisuke, the ramen includes complimentary marinated bean sprouts, although I personally prefer Keisuke’s version, which stands as a dish on its own due to its richer flavor. The bean sprouts here offer a slight spiciness but are less flavorful.

In addition to the bean sprouts, sweet corn is served as a topping. When added midway into the soup, it significantly transforms the flavor profile in a delightful manner. This combination works exceptionally well with the intensely rich broth, preventing taste fatigue and allowing for a prolonged enjoyment of the dish.

TONKOTSU RAMEN – Score: 70/100

Noodle – 25/35
The noodles used here are the same long, thin Hakata type as before. They provide a satisfying bite, but the flavor is slightly subtle when compared to the super rich broth.

Broth – 25/35
In the Tonkotsu version, the porkiness is more pronounced since the broth is not layered. The richness of the broth is enjoyable, but the intense pork flavor can become overwhelming quickly. However, if you add some sweet corn to your broth, it acts as a palate cleanser and balances the taste well.

Meat – 10/20
The Chashu is tender and soft, although it doesn’t quite “melt in your mouth.” Unfortunately, the pork’s flavor doesn’t stand out enough from the strong broth.

Toppings – 10/10
The tamago remains the same as before. Additionally, you’ll find black fungus and negi in the dish. Extra marinated beansprouts and sweet corn are provided as complimentary toppings.

GARLIC TONKOTSU RAMEN 75/100 points

Noodle – 25/35
The noodles used here are the same long, thin Hakata type as before. They provide a satisfying bite, but the flavor is slightly subtle against the super rich broth.

Broth – 30/35
In the Garlic version, the porkiness is less prominent. The garlic flavor is well-balanced and complements the broth nicely. It may be a bit oily for some, but we personally found it to be really good. The addition of sweet corn and beansprouts toppings adds extra layers of flavor and enhances the overall experience.

Meat – 10/20
The Chashu remains the same as in the classic Tonkotsu version. It is soft and tender, although not the type that “melts in your mouth.” However, the pork flavor doesn’t stand out enough from the strong broth.

Toppings – 10/10
The tamago remains consistent in quality. You’ll also find black fungus and negi in the dish. Extra marinated beansprouts and sweet corn are provided as complimentary toppings.

DISCLAIMER

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