WHAT WE ATE

• Kurobishio Tonkotsu, 30/100 (Punggol Northshore Plaza, 20 Aug 2022)
• Tonkotsu Soba, 30/100 (Punggol Northshore Plaza, 20 Aug 2022)

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.

KUROBISHIO TONKOTSU 30/100 points

Noodle – 5/35

The noodles lacked texture and were clumpy, possibly due to being packed in a takeaway container. They were overcooked and didn’t have a satisfying bite. While the taste was decent, it left much to be desired. If this was our experience with delivery, we could only imagine how the noodles would fare if we had ordered them for dining at home.

Soup – 15/35

The base broth was thin, and the addition of peppery garlic made it overly oily. The expected “burnt” aroma of garlic was lacking, leaving only bitterness. However, the black pepper provided a nice kick at the end of each sip.

Meat – 5/20

The meat was ordinary, with a thin texture but an acceptable taste. It had a firmness to it but nothing remarkable.

Toppings – 5/10

The toppings, particularly the ‘golden’ goodness, maintained their quality and consistent taste from the restaurant experience. The marination leaned towards a sweeter profile, with the prominent flavor of Mirin. However, the overpowering bitterness and pepper masked the taste of the other ingredients like black fungus and beansprouts.

Overall, the Kurobishio Tonkotsu ramen fell short in several aspects, from the clumpy noodles to the lackluster broth and ordinary meat. The toppings had potential, but their flavors were overshadowed by bitterness and pepper.

TONKOTSU SOBA 30/100 points

Noodle – 5/35

The noodles in the Tonkotsu Soba failed to meet expectations. They were disappointingly soft and lacked the desired chewy texture that is characteristic of good ramen noodles. The lack of bite made the overall noodle experience quite underwhelming.

Broth – 15/35

The broth had a watery consistency, which was a letdown considering the rich and creamy nature expected from a Tonkotsu broth. While it initially showcased a strong porky flavor, it quickly lost its impact and became flat and lackluster. The absence of depth and complexity in the broth was a notable drawback.

Meat – 5/20

The meat component of the Tonkotsu Soba did not stand out in any significant way. The thinly sliced meat lacked remarkable tenderness and flavor. Its texture leaned towards being firmer, which detracted from the desired melt-in-your-mouth experience often associated with high-quality ramen meats.

Toppings – 5/10

The toppings provided little redemption for the dish. They remained ordinary and failed to elevate the overall experience. The lack of exciting or standout ingredients left the impression that the toppings were merely there to fulfill the standard requirements rather than enhancing the flavors or adding any unique elements to the dish.

In summary, the Tonkotsu Soba fell short in multiple aspects. The noodles lacked the desired texture and chewiness, the broth failed to deliver the richness and complexity expected from a Tonkotsu broth, and the meat and toppings provided little excitement or memorable flavors. It’s safe to say that this particular dish did not leave a lasting impression.

CONCLUSION

I wonder why they didn’t opt for a different name like “Tsuta Express” considering the notable differences in experience, service, price, and menu compared to their full-fledged restaurants. During our visit, it was apparent that the outlet operated with limited staff, with a single person managing both the kitchen and the counter. This setup gave more of an impression of an express-style ramen joint, akin to Ippudo Express, rather than a traditional ramen restaurant. However, one positive aspect is that the lower prices aligned with the overall standards observed.

DISCLAIMER

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