Cover Tsuta Singapore's original truffle shoyu soba (Photo: Facebook)
Tsuta Singapore's original truffle shoyu soba (Photo: Facebook)
1 / 1
It's currently sweater weather in Singapore so here are our go-to spots for a comforting bowl of ramen
It is safe to say that we Singaporeans love anything and everything to do with Japanese—from food to drams, you name it and we probably love it. That is why it’s not surprising that the island is home to several reputable ramen joints ranging from the Hokkaido-style version to Nagoya mazesoba (Japanese soupless ramen).
While you can’t go wrong with classic Japanese ramen chains like Ippudo and Sanppoutei, why not shake things up and try something new? With such a wide range of joints to choose from, we asked the team at Tatler Singapore to share their favourite spots when their soupy cravings hit—especially on a rainy day.
Don't miss: 7 best places to get your ramen noodle fix in Singapore
1. Tokyo Shokudo
“Just as temperatures dip in recent days, the craving for rich, flavourful broths (ramen!) heightens. Thankfully for me, there are increasingly numerous options for halal ramen. One halal-certified restaurant is Tokyo Shokudo, which specialises in ramen and its signature tendon rice bowls. While the original chicken cha shu ramen, with its collagen-rich chicken broth, is a must-try, my go-to order is the asari yuzu ramen. The umami-laden broth is light(er), slightly sweet and fragrant, and topped with Manila clams, burdock roots and a whole onsen egg, wrapping you in a warm and comforting hug. For the more adventurous, there are the spicy and black mayu (black garlic oil) broths to try, with duck, beef and seafood as the protein options.”
—Hashirin Nurin Hashimi, senior editor
Tokyo Shokudo (multiple locations), 3 Gateway Drive, 03-09 Westgate, S(608532), +65 6465 9383
2. Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
“In Japan, ramen is a quick, cheap and reliable meal that’s conveniently available pretty much anywhere, at any time of the day. Many ramen joints are open 24/7, and some have ticket vending machine systems as well as individual booths for solo diners. It’s a vastly different dining experience from how ramen is enjoyed in Singapore, where the Japanese noodles are priced higher and more of an occasional treat—at least for me. And when I’m looking for that hot, steaming bowl of comfort that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser (for whoever I’m dining with), Hokkaido Ramen Santouka is my go-to.
Tucked away in a quiet corner of The Central, in Clarke Quay, the restaurant specialises in tonkotsu broth, which you can get in different flavours: shio, shoyu, miso and spicy miso. While Hokkaido Ramen Santouka’s standard bowl of ramen is good, since I’m treating myself I always go for the signature Tokusen Toroniku ramen, which is served with extremely tender pork cheek, as opposed to the usual pork fillet. I opt for the shio broth, which I find to be very well-balanced; rich, creamy and salty without being too heavy. They complement the springy noodles and not a drop is left when I’m done. Depending on your appetite, you can also choose a small or medium sized ramen for most items on the menu.”
—Annabel Tan, associate editor
6 Eu Tong Sen Street, 02-76 The Central, Singapore 059817, +65 6224 0668
3. Kajiken
“Mazesoba, or dry ramen, is a big deal in Japan. You can find out why by paying a visit to any Kajiken outlet in Singapore. The Japanese ramen shop offers quite a few variations of the hearty dish that you can dig into, but those new to the concept should try their signature Mazesoba Nagoya-style noodles. Expect a burst of flavours from the spicy minced pork, the onsen egg and the springy yellow noodles offered exclusively at Kajiken.
You’ll discover that “dry” is a misleading way to describe the dish once you mix the ingredients together, as Kajiken adds a special (and delicious) sauce that lets you slurp up all the goodness. You’ll also get your fill of greens through the abundance of nori and spring onions in the bowl. When you return to Kajiken (which you will, we assure you), take your tastebuds on another adventure with the Hokkaido Mazesoba, which switches out the char siew for salmon roe and flakes, or the indulgent Grilled Cheese with Cod Roe Mazesoba. You can also customise your ramen order with your choice of toppings, including chicken karaage, kimchi and bamboo shoots.”
—Pameyla Cambe, assistant digital editor
Kajiken (multiple locations), 1 Tras Link, 01-03 Orchid Hotel, S(078867)
4. Afuri
“I remember first visiting Afuri some years back in Shibuya; the humble kerbside eatery in Tokyo made an impression with its use of yuzu in its chicken based broth. So I was delighted to hear about its Singapore opening in Funan in 2019, and have been a regular since. My go-to is the Yuzu Tsukemen, as I like how the citrus flavour imparts a refreshing contrast to the dashi and shoyu-based dip.”
—Hong Xinying, regional managing editor, Tatler Homes
Afuri Ramen, 107 North Bridge Road, B1-29, S(179105),+65 6970 1386
In case you missed it: Editors’ Picks: The most romantic restaurants to visit for a memorable date
5. Tsuta
“A hot bowl of Tsuta’s original truffle shoyu soba is like a warm hug. Umami-filled broth and al dente noodles—these are all you need in a bowl of ramen. Each serving sees a light and flavourful broth made from a combination of dashi, oils, and sauce from the Wakayama prefecture. It brims with bouncy noodles, succulent char siu, bamboo shoot, and spring onions. A generous drizzle of truffle oil completes the dish. Here, each component perfectly complements each other, resulting in a comforting bowl of ramen that will keep you coming back for more.”
—Amanda Goh, digital writer
Tsuta (multiple locations), 391 Orchard Rd, B2-36A, S(238872), +65 9666 3768
6. Hakata Ikkousha Ramen
“When I’m craving a good, hot bowl of ramen, a rich broth and springy noodles are essential—and Hakata Ikkousha Ramen serves up just that. The Tonkotsu Special comes with the restaurant’s authentic pork bone broth which is exquisitely boiled over a long period of time. The result? A creamy, silky broth that's delectable for the tastebuds. What I look forward to in the bowl, apart from the star ingredients, is its soy sauce-marinated ramen eggs. The restaurant is also situated on the stunning grounds of Chijmes, a perfect location to tuck into a flavoursome bowl of ramen.”
—Gabrielle Chua, writer
Hakata Ikkousha Ramen (multiple locations), 30 Victoria Street, F1-07, Chijmes, S(187996), +65 6338 8460
Don't miss: Famed chef Yoshihiro Narisawa to helm Mandala Masters’ next culinary residency
7. Kanshoku Ramen Bar
“Craving a bowl of ramen while you’re out shopping on Orchard Road? This cosy spot is a great option for you to wind down afterwards. There’s a range of flavours to choose from including truffle—personally, the truffle broth ramen is a must-try. If you have the stomach for it, top it off with your favourite side and a free-flow green tea.”
—Margaux Levy, writer, Tatler Homes
Kanshoku Ramen Bar (multiple locations), 2 Orchard Turn, B3-18, S(238801), +65 6509 8221
8. Konjiki Hototogisu Singapore
“My Japanese friend, who is the ultimate foodie, recommended this ramen joint which hails from Tokyo, Japan. What I like about the place is its umami-packed pork bone broth, which is also cooked with Hamaguri clams to balance out the rich and meaty flavours. I often opt for the iberico shoyu ramen, which comes with tender char siu and springy noodles.”
—Dudi Aureus, senior editor, Tatler Dining
Konjiki Hototogisu Singapore, 1 Kim Seng Promenade, 01-143 Great World City, Singapore 237994, 6256 3155
9. Gyoza no Ohsho Singapore
“Gyoza no Ohsho is my go-to for a hearty bowl of ramen. Here, each bowl is made with an authentic pork broth that's neither too salty nor creamy for my taste. The Hakodate Shio ramen is a favourite that comes sees chewy noodles bathed in its flavourful broth. The bowl is topped with juicy slices of char siew. What's more, the joint opens late into the night on Fridays and Saturdays, making it a great spot for late-night ramen cravings.”
—Nicola Ng, senior videographer and production manager
Gyoza no Ohsho Singapore, 5 Koek Road, 01-10, S(228796)
Amanda Goh was the former senior writer for Tatler Singapore.
