WHAT WE ATE
- Shoyu Ramen, 60/100 (23 Feb 2022)
The website claims to be “born in Osaka,” but the following line states “from Singapore to the world,” which creates some confusion regarding its origin. However, let’s not dwell on that too much because ultimately, the taste is what matters, right? Even before Menbaka arrived in our sunny shores, it was the original pioneer of entertainment ramen in Singapore. The sight of a bright red cone resembling a volcano atop your piping hot ramen was truly mouth-watering. Unfortunately, I don’t have a photo of the volcano to share in this review, but you can easily find it by conducting a quick search on Google. 😉
SHOYU RAMEN 60/100 points
Noodle – 20/35
In contrast to other Shoyu ramen, the noodles here resemble the long, straight Hakata style. The texture is decent, although it lacks a bit of firmness. Overall, the noodles taste fresh with a subtle fragrance.
Soup – 20/35
Visually, the broth is appealing, but it could benefit from more layers and complexity. The flavors in the base don’t come through strongly, and the Shoyu lacks the distinctive aroma found in some Shoyu Ramen. Overall, the soup can become somewhat bland as you progress through the meal.
Meat – 15/20
The Chashu slice is generous and I appreciate that. The thickness is just right, providing a satisfying chew, and the flavors infused in the meat become more pronounced with each bite. It’s one of the best Chashu I’ve had.
Toppings – 5/10
Despite only half an egg and its slightly flattened appearance, it turned out decent. The yolk has a delightful gooey texture, as any well-prepared egg should. The marination is well-balanced and complements the dish nicely. The beansprouts make for a good accompaniment, although the bamboo shoot could use some improvement as some pieces tend to be slightly tough. Some may have encountered the fibrous nature of bamboo shoots before.
During my weekday lunch visit, there was a promotion offering a free side dish, and I chose the gyoza. Unfortunately, I regretted my choice. I believe the picture speaks for itself—it requires some refinement.
Conclusion
The ramen here is more than satisfactory and stands above many others. What adds an entertaining element is the inclusion of the “volcano” presentation, although it’s important to note that not all dishes come with this feature. It may be seen as a gimmick, but nonetheless, it adds an enjoyable aspect to the dining experience. It’s certainly a spectacle worth watching! 😉
DISCLAIMER
One man’s meat is another man’s poison.
Find out more about our palettes and how we evaluate our ramen here. 😉
