WHAT WE ATE

• Signature Collagen Chicken Ramen, 30/100 (2 Sep 2023, Delivery from Rivervale Mall)
• Signature Collagen Chicken Karai Ramen, 25/100 (2 Sep 2023, Delivery from Rivervale Mall)

This Tokusei Ramen isn’t the same as the “Tokusei Ramen Box” or the now-closed “Tokusei Souper Ramen” – or perhaps it is… though the specifics remain uncertain. “Tokusei Ramen” is exclusively available through food delivery apps as it operates as a virtual brand.

If you’re not acquainted with the term “virtual brands,” they refer to food concepts that lack physical storefronts and instead run from “cloud/ghost kitchens” situated throughout the city.

SIGNATURE COLLAGEN CHICKEN RAMEN 30/100

Noodle – 5/35

The noodles in this dish are of medium thickness and have a wavy texture. However, they leave much to be desired. The noodles are disappointingly soft and lack the desired bite, resembling an overcooked and clay-like texture. To make matters worse, there’s a pronounced sharp sourish metallic taste that detracts from the overall experience.

Soup – 10/35

The soup in this ramen is undeniably rich, boasting a higher brix value than your classic Tonkotsu. The thickness of the soup is immediately apparent, and it leaves a sticky sensation on your lips. However, the richness doesn’t translate to great taste. It starts with a subtle sweetness and the flavor of chicken, but it quickly descends into the same sourish metallic taste that plagued the noodles. As a result, the meal becomes monotonous rather swiftly, lacking the complexity and layers one expects in a satisfying bowl of ramen.

Meat – 10/20

The toppings for this ramen include several slices of Teriyaki chicken chashu. The meat is well-marinated, offering robust flavors that complement the dish effectively. However, it tastes more like Shoyu-braised meat than Teriyaki. The texture strikes a balance between firmness and tenderness, although it leans slightly towards the dry side.

Toppings – 5/10

Among the additional toppings are a marinated egg, black fungus, and bamboo shoots. Unfortunately, the black fungus turns out mushy and lacks the desired refreshing crunch. The bamboo shoots, on the other hand, are relatively pleasant – they bring a sweet and crunchy element to the bowl. However, the marinated egg disappoints with its excessive saltiness and over-marination. Its strong sweetness and savory notes, along with a pronounced taste of soy sauce, overpower the dish. The sharp sourish taste that pervades the dish makes one wonder if mirin and sake were substituted with something else.

SIGNATURE COLLAGEN CHICKEN KARAI RAMEN 25/100

Noodle – 5/35

Same noodles used here. Medium thickness with a wavy texture. Soft and lack the desired bite, resembling an overcooked and clay-like texture. Sharp sourish metallic taste that detracts from the overall experience.

Soup – 10/35

Soup – 5/35

The soup experience begins with a fiery spicy kick, which then segues into an even more pronounced sourish note, culminating in a lingering burn in the throat. The spiciness in this dish is sharp and sinus-clearing. Unfortunately, despite the impactful spiciness, there’s an absence of other flavor profile to discuss.

Meat – 10/20

Same Chashu used here. Well-marinated, offering robust flavors that complement the dish effectively. Tasted more like Shoyu-braised meat than Teriyaki. The texture strikes a balance between firmness and tenderness, although it leans slightly towards the dry side.

Toppings – 5/10

Same toppings here. Black fungus turns out mushy and lacks the desired refreshing crunch. The bamboo shoots, on the other hand, are relatively pleasant – they bring a sweet and crunchy element to the bowl. However, the marinated egg disappoints with its excessive saltiness and over-marination. Its strong sweetness and savory notes, along with a pronounced taste of soy sauce, overpower the dish.

DISCLAIMER

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