Singapore

With the abundance of Hototogisu outlets nowadays, it’s easy to get a bit bewildered at times. Ha-Oh Hototogisu stands out with its specialty, the Crab Ramen. Setting it apart from other typical Crab Ramen offerings, this unique combination of seemingly unconventional ingredients leaves you pondering how they manage to harmonize so well and create a truly delightful flavor experience.

We were pleasantly surprised to discover a Tsuta outlet at Northshore Plaza, bringing this popular ramen joint to the heartlands. Intrigued by the opportunity, we decided to give it a try. However, it’s important to note that our experience was slightly affected by the confusing user interface at Nomstar, leading us to order takeaway even though we were dining in. As a result, the actual score of our experience might be slightly higher. It’s worth mentioning that the Nomstar outlet does not offer Tsuta’s signature ramen, the Shoyu Soba.

Takagi Ramen boasts an appealing brand story – Ramen made for the everyday Singaporean. Absolutely spot on! Who says delicious ramen has to come with a hefty price tag? Hardworking Singaporeans deserve to enjoy a satisfying bowl of ramen as well. Since most of their outlets are quite far from our location, we opted to visit the one that appeared busiest… Ang Mo Kio!

Although the broth may appear slightly watery, its taste reassures you that it’s a rich and flavorful bowl. It carries a savory and mildly spicy profile with hints of sesame and garlic. While the squid ink flavor doesn’t stand out, it adds an extra umami layer. Overall, it’s a pretty good broth.

Ramen made with chicken stock as the base tends to have a lighter flavor, resembling the taste of familiar chicken-flavored instant noodles. Fortunately, that’s not the case here. Despite its lighter profile compared to other types of ramen, it still maintains a satisfying richness. It’s easy to understand why this place is popular; the ramen pairs well with drinks. However, what’s even better is their Mazesoba. I wasn’t a fan when I tried it years ago, but I’m glad to have discovered a newfound love for it here.

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.

Imagine a hassle-free, express version of Ippudo that provides a quick taste of their renowned ramen when you can’t find the time for a full dining experience. It’s like Ippudo lite, offering a convenient way to enjoy the essence of their delicious ramen without compromising on quality.