WHAT WE ATE

• Garlic Tonkotsu Ramen, 70/100 (17 Feb 2023)
• Miso Ramen, 70/100 (17 Feb 2023)

Nestled in Novena United Square Mall is another promising ramen that seems to have popped up not long ago. On their JPassport page, it seems that they are planning to open a 2nd outlet at Shaw Plaza in March 2023. The shop also operates somewhat like ramen stalls in Japan where you have to order your food from a ticketing machine first before you are seated.

GARLIC TONKOTSU RAMEN 70/100

Noodle – 30/35
Noodles are thin and straight Hakata style noodles. The noodles were served al dente, the texture is firm and the bite is good. There’s a nice fullness to the noodles as it hits the right spot in your stomach.

Soup – 20/35
The broth is a peculiar case. It has a classic frothy look with clear signs of emulsified fats as it forms a thin film over the soup when it cools down. Drizzled with the black garlic sauce which gives it a nice aroma. However, the broth also seems more watery than what you will expect from classic Tonkotsu – showing up as 8.5 on the Brix meters as well, compared to a typical 10.0 for classic Tonkotsu broth. Besides the fragrant garlic taste, it lacks a punch and has a rather flat saltiness to it. The umami taste is also somewhat lacking.

Note: You can read what this refractometer reading is about here.

Meat – 15/20
The meat is thinly sliced but still quite generous in portion. The texture is firm but tender as you chew into it. The marination of the meat come out quite nicely – not too salty and porky odour is handled well.

Toppings – 5/10
Marination of the egg is a little on the strong side but complements the meal well. Not too salty as well. Some black fungus and negi. Nothing really special here.

MISO RAMEN 70/100

Noodle – 25/35
The noodles are thick and curly Sapporo ramen type noodles. The texture is springy and slightly chewy. Overall slurps well with the broth. While the texture and bite are good, it could be better if the flavour of the noodles come through a little more.

Soup – 30/35
The broth is miso based and is quite rich and savoury with a subtle sweetness of miso. The umami taste comes through quite nicely and the slight graininess of the miso also adds a nice texture to the overall meal.

Meat – 10/20
A generous thick slab of chashu is used here. I won’t say the meat is tough but texture wise is a little on the firm side and requires quite a fair bit of chewing on the more fibrous part. The marination is nicely done and flavour comes through as you chew. Could be better if the meat is a little more tender.

Topping – 5/10
Same eggs used here. Some cabbage and negi. Nothing really special here.

DISCLAIMER

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