WHAT WE ATE
- Nikutosake Signature Dry Ramen, 95/100 (30 Apr 2025, PLQ Mall)
Nikutosake is a modern Japanese eatery at PLQ Mall in Paya Lebar that blends casual ramen dining with vibrant izakaya vibes. Brought to you by the EN Group—the folks behind Aburi-EN and Tempura Makino—this ramen spot in Singapore serves up comforting bowls by day and transforms into a sake-fuelled hangout by night.
You wouldn’t think much walking past it, but Nikutosake at PLQ Mall dishes out surprisingly satisfying ramen, especially if you’re into dry-style bowls with punchy flavours.
Nikutosake Signature Dry Ramen – 95/100
Noodle: 35/35
These bright yellow, medium-thick curly noodles absolutely slap. They’ve got that perfect mochi mochi bite—firm, dense, just the right amount of chew. On top of that, there’s a lovely earthy wheat flavour that really lingers. Just really satisfying noodles all around.
Sauce: 30/35
No soup here, so it’s all about the sauce—and it delivers. The thin yakiniku-style sauce has a sharp, salty savouriness with a bit of oil mixed in, which helps coat the noodles nicely. What makes it pop is the smoky, grilled meat aroma that sneaks in as you chew. Simple, well-balanced, not overwhelming, and really brings everything together. Could it be even more complex? Maybe—but it’s already doing a great job.
Meat: 20/20
For $10.90, the portion is more than generous. You get thick-cut pork belly that’s juicy, slightly chewy, and packed with flavour. The savoury-sweet marinade hits just right, and you still get that natural sweetness of the pork cutting through. There’s also a smokiness that ties in beautifully with the sauce.
Topping: 10/10
Looks simple at first, but every topping earns its keep:
- Those crispy brown bits (fried garlic, I think?) deliver a strong salty punch and a burst of garlicky aroma.
- The thinly sliced marinated ginger is genius—adds this bright, tangy contrast that keeps each bite fresh.
- The negi could be sharper, but it still adds a light lift to round it off.
Summary: This is how you do dry ramen. Everything feels considered, from the sauce to the toppings to the texture of the noodles. There’s depth, balance, and generosity. Honestly, it punches way above its price point.
DISCLAIMER
One man’s meat is another man’s poison.
Find out more about our palettes and how we evaluate our ramen here. 😉
