WHAT WE ATE

• Golden Curry Ramen, 70/100 (16 Mar 2024, Orchard Central)
• Black Garlic Tonkotsu Ramen, 80/100 (2 Dec 2021, Orchard Central)
• Karamiso Ramen, 70/100 (2 Dec 2021, Orchard Central)

Located in the heart of the city, Nansuttei Ramen is renowned for its exquisite ramen creations that showcase the finest flavors and textures of Japan. With a commitment to quality and a dedication to authentic recipes, this esteemed establishment has garnered a loyal following of ramen enthusiasts. Whether you’re a ramen connoisseur or a curious food lover, Nansuttei Ramen Singapore promises a memorable dining experience that will leave you craving for more.

GOLDEN CURRY RAMEN 70/100 points

Noodle: 20/35

The noodles boast a pale yellow color and a medium thickness. They offer a firm, springy texture, delivering a satisfying bite with a dense feel. However, a prolonged chew reveals an undesirable kansui taste, detracting from the overall experience.

Broth: 25/35

The broth embodies the classic Japanese curry flavor, thick and rich with a mild spiciness. Its texture leans towards oily, while a hint of bitterness from the curry powder lingers in the background. Despite this, the broth remains savory and sweet, offering a fulfilling taste.

Meat: 20/20

The meat, presented in a generous slice, showcases a decent thickness with both tender lean meat and melt-in-your-mouth fatty parts. While the marination leans towards the lighter side, it complements the meal well, enhancing its overall flavor profile.

Topping: 5/10

The toppings, including sprouted beans, meat, and spring onions, are rather generic and lack uniqueness. The minced meat lacks notable flavor, while the braised egg, though adequately marinated, leaves a slightly tangy aftertaste. Overall, the toppings add little to elevate the dish.

BLACK GARLIC TONKOTSU RAMEN 80/100 points

Noodle – 20/35

The noodles in this bowl are slightly thicker compared to the typical Hakata Tonkotsu ramen. While the overall taste is decent, we found them a bit too thick for our preference. The texture lacked the desired bite that we usually enjoy from establishments like Ikkousha or Ippudo.

Soup – 35/35

The broth boasts a frothy consistency that is characteristic of a rich Tonkotsu broth. It features a delicate layer of emulsified fat that solidifies as the soup cools down. In terms of thickness and consistency, it falls between Ikkousha and Ippudo—rich without being excessively heavy. What sets this broth apart is the distinct burnt garlic flavor, which adds a strong and aromatic aftertaste. The result is a complex broth with multiple layers of flavors to savor.

Meat – 20/20

The Chashu deserves special mention—firm yet tender enough to break apart with each bite. One piece of Chashu is simply not enough, leaving us longing for more. The meat boasts a savory taste that strikes a perfect balance without being overly salty or porky. Comparatively, it rivals the quality of Bari Uma’s Chashu, which is considered top-notch.

Toppings – 5/10

The eggs were slightly disappointing, though it might be intentional for them to be more cooked. As seen in the photo, the yolk was more well-done than what we prefer. Additionally, the marination had a lighter touch in terms of flavor. The other toppings included beansprouts and spring onions, with the generous addition of beansprouts adding a pleasant crunchiness that enhanced the overall meal experience.

KARAMISO RAMEN 70/100 points

Noodle – 20/35

Similarly, the noodles in this bowl are slightly thicker than the typical Hakata Tonkotsu ramen. While the overall taste is acceptable, we found them a bit too thick for our preference. They lack the desired bite that we usually enjoy at places like Ikkousha or Ippudo.

Soup – 25/35

At Nansuttei, you have the option to choose the spiciness level of the broth. We opted for level ‘0’ to better appreciate the base flavors. It’s worth noting that even in the Karamiso variation, there’s a distinctive burnt garlic aftertaste. Upon the first sip, you’ll experience the richness of the Tonkotsu base followed by a subtle spiciness and a hint of burnt garlic. However, when it comes to spicy ramen, we still consider Ippudo and Kokoro to be the reigning champions.

Meat – 20/20

Once again, the Chashu deserves recognition. It strikes a perfect balance—firm yet tender enough to break apart with each bite. One piece of Chashu is simply not enough, leaving us longing for more. The meat’s savory taste is well-executed, avoiding excessive saltiness or an overpowering pork flavor. In comparison, only Bari Uma’s Chashu can match its quality in our opinion.

Toppings – 5/10

As mentioned earlier, the eggs were somewhat disappointing, potentially intentional for a more cooked result. As seen in the photo, the yolk was more well-done than what we prefer. Furthermore, the marination had a lighter touch in terms of flavor. Upon arrival, you’ll notice the familiar presence of beansprouts and spring onions. However, beneath the rich broth, you’ll discover minced meat bits that elevate the overall flavor profile of the meal.

WHAT MAKES THIS A GREAT EXPERIENCE

For aficionados of black Tonkotsu, this establishment serves one of the finest renditions we have ever encountered. It is expertly prepared, and every spoonful will be a delight to savor. Additionally, they offer a smaller portion size for those seeking a lighter meal. If your heart is set on indulging in exceptional ramen, this eatery will undoubtedly leave you thoroughly satisfied.

DISCLAIMER

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