I know that going to a ramen place to order a rice bowl is absolutely counterintuitive, but contrary to popular belief, men don’t always want noods. Sometimes we’re looking for some fun, sometimes we’re looking for some love, and sometimes we’re looking for some happiness. And here at @hanamaruken_sg, I found Happiness Don ($13.80++).⠀
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The Happiness Don really does spark joy with three sizeable slabs of soft bone pork ribs, which have been slowly stewed for about a day. The result is a stunningly sapid piece of pork that falls apart at the slightest provocation, and every breathtaking bite of pork is packed to the brim with unbelievable umami. The pork ribs have been stewed for so long that cartilage within the ribs have been stewed into a jelly, and these bouncy collagen rich tubes are such a delight to bite into. ⠀
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The steamed Japanese rice in the bowl is sufficiently sauced with the same stellar stock that the ribs are stewed in, while the edamame & onsen egg turn this Don into a fully fleshed out & satisfying meal. The pickled ginger was a thoughtful touch, as the sharp sourness was adept and cutting through the fatty richness of the pork & the creamy, sticky runny egg yolk. With just how sublime the Happiness Don is, I don feel so bad about skipping the ramen.⠀
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As for the six piece Gyoza, they were crisp, delicious and fantastically fried, but $8.80++ a plate is a bit of a tall ask as these gyozas are notably diminutive. They are unquestionably unctuous though, with remarkably thin skin swaddling a tasty amalgamation of minced meat (pork? Chicken? Both? We will never know) and chives. Your mileage will vary, but at the end of the day I regret nothing.⠀