A couple of talented Singaporeans decided that ramen can be served at hawker prices, $5/6/7, and created this delightful version. Think springy wanton noodles coated in a garlic, ginger, onion infused oil, wantons, soy-flavoured hot spring egg, slices of melt-in-your-mouth chashu, and shrimp wrapped in crispy potato. This creative dish certainly is half the price, but easily as satisfying. Of course, don't expect this to replace your usual ramen!
The robust tonkotsu broth, springy thin noodles and tender chashu easily make Santouka one of Singapore's best places for ramen. Go for the Shio (salt-based) version of the Pork Cheek (Tokusen Toroniku) Ramen, the real star being the pork cheek. Braised to perfection and served in perfect slices, it is so tender it's been compared to Toro, or fatty tuna. It is no wonder the queues are so long.
Located in the heart of the CBD, Ramen Bar Suzuki sees a long queue and a full restaurant at lunch times. There are 5 flavours to choose from, and you may customize the toppings and texture of noodle. Go for either the Pure White (standard) or Jet Black (squid ink and roasted garlic) Tonkotsu Ramen. There's a station of free rice (at lunch), bean sprouts, eggs, garlic chips, sesame and fried pork lard. Every lunch and dinner, there are specials limited to the first 10 bowls! If you do get a chance, try the tsukemen.
This humble 20-seater ramen shop may just serve you the best bowl of tonkotsu broth you've ever had. Arguably one of the best in town, you will feel transported once you step in to this cosy space. There are 3 flavours to choose from - Original, Black Spicy (recommended!) and Red Spicy. You may also indicate light, normal or strong soup. Go for the Tonkotsu Ramen Special with all toppings! The free-flow bean sprouts and hard-boiled eggs are just the cherry on top ;) Be prepared to queue!
Claiming the title of Singapore's Ramen Champion two years in a row, it's probably no surprise that Ikkousha made the list. When in doubt, order the Special Tonkotsu ($16) which comes with chashu, flavoured egg, seaweed, fungus and spring onion in favourful pork broth. As Tastemaker Poh Peng remarks, 'the broth was excellent and this two main aspects were good enough for me to give them the thumbs up! The charshu was pretty satisfying with varying taste with each slice'. To suit a more Singaporean tastebud, they also serve a spicy tonkotsu variation ($13.50).
Their ingredients are airflow from Japan and food is cooked with spring water. Cosy setting with a max of 12 pax at any one time. Price is very reasonable at $100++ for omakase. P.s. Must order their #foiegras #hotate (alacart), it melts in your mouth! Highly recommend! #foodcoma
There's really a lot of cafés opening around Singapore lately, but Whisk & Paddle seemed to have that vibe that I had been looking for. Spacious, cozy with full view of a reservoir. Indulge in some cakes while admiring the view and enjoying that breeze, or go for some all-day breakfast or pasta if you are feeling hungry. A great place for some solitude indeed ...
What went down very well for me was the scrambled eggs with scallion cream cheese. Loved how little chunks of the creamy, savoury cheese would suddenly announce their presence in the most delicious way whilst I was munching on the eggs. The mixed leaves salad and smoked salmon were delightful too.
What I wasn't that fond of was the struggle cutting through the bagel (which by the way there's only half of per serving). Yeah, bagels are kind of chewy, and maybe my knife was in a TGIF mood or something because it took forever to saw a piece off. Perhaps a better plating idea is to perch the bagel on top of everything else. So diners can simply pick it up, hold it in one hand to bite, while forking up the scrambled eggs and smoked salmon with the other. That's what I did and it worked very well :)
A key attraction of dining at Riders Cafe is how relaxed and pretty the whole area is. Being surrounded by open spaces of greenery is rare in Singapore, so it is quite a treat.
The Honey Brick Toast is Shibuya-inspired (Shibuya Toast is one dessert which you HAVE to try when you visit Bangkok, if you do not know what I am referring to), and compared to Shibuya, Shibuya will still win. But this version is the crispy version, and slightly sweeter so it makes a good choice for anyone with the sweet tooth!
Soft, fluffy bun with thick, flavourful pork patty and tangy apple sauce. The patty tastes like chorizo in patty form. The chips, seasoned with salt & black pepper, were crispy and addictive. So addictive that we ordered another plate of chips to share. 😋
Slightly different from the one I had from saveur some time ago, this one packs a myriad of tastes in its lobster foam, prawn roe and much springy noodles! Especially liked this one!
Haemul Panjeon, or Korean seafood pancake, is a must-order for me here.
