WHAT WE ATE
- Butao Special Ramen (Black), 55/100 (09 Sep 2023, Changi City Point)
- Tonkotsu Pork Shabu Ramen, 55/100 (09 Sep 2023, Changi City Point)
Founded in 1936, Menzo Butao is renowned for its expertise in crafting Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen, boasting an extensive menu featuring over 20 ramen dishes. While we won’t get to see the full variety in Singapore, it is operated by JFH group, which means you get to make use of its loyalty points system when dining here.
BUTAO SPECIAL RAMEN (BLACK) 55/100
Noodle – 15/35
These noodles have a medium-thin thickness, which sets them apart from the usual Hakata-style noodles. However, they lack the desired springiness and have a slightly clayish texture. In terms of taste, they are fairly average and don’t exhibit any distinctive characteristics. During this visit, the noodles were cooked to a much softer texture, reminiscent of those served at Ajisen Singapore.
Soup – 20/35
Initially, the soup may feel thin, but it thickens as it cools down. It offers a savory profile with an underlying sweetness and a delightful garlic aroma. The black pepper marinade from the pork imparts a subtle spicy kick towards the end, settling at the bottom of the bowl.
Meat – 15/20
This dish features two types of meat toppings. The black pepper pork is firm and chewy, bursting with flavor due to its sweet marination and subtle spiciness. The mild pepper taste adds a refreshing layer of complexity. On the other hand, the regular chashu is less impressive, lacking robust flavor, and leaning towards a tougher, drier texture.
Toppings – 5/30
Additional toppings include seaweed, negi (green onions), crunchy bamboo shoots, and black fungus. The egg is of average quality.
TONKOTSU PORK SHABU RAMEN 55/100
Noodle – 15/35
The noodles used here are the same as before, featuring a medium-thin thickness that distinguishes them from typical Hakata-style noodles. They fall short in terms of springiness, and their texture tends to be slightly clayish. Taste-wise, they’re rather ordinary, lacking any distinctiveness. During this visit, the noodles were cooked to a softer texture, akin to what you’d find at Ajisen Singapore.
Soup – 20/35
The soup offers a savory-sweet profile reminiscent of the classic Tonkotsu broth. It’s not bad, with a pleasingly familiar taste of classic Tonkotsu ramen. The flavor is characterized by its savory sweetness.
Meat – 15/20
Thin slices of shabu pork adorn this dish. They strike a balance between chewiness and tenderness and are marinated with a sweet glaze that carries subtle hints of ginger. This complements the soup nicely.
Topping – 5/10
Additional toppings include negi (green onions), black fungus, and bamboo shoots. The egg is rather average in quality.
DISCLAIMER
One man’s meat is another man’s poison.
Find out more about our palettes and how we evaluate our ramen here. 😉
