This is apparently one of the most popular ramens in Niigata, Japan - the broth is created using dried small sardines seasoned with soy sauce and rich mild pork fat. It sounded pretty delicious so I decided to give it a try.

To my dismay, it was not what I was hoping for. The broth tasted like a highly diluted fish broth. I could barely taste the sardines and soy sauce that the menu had promised. Basically, the broth was weak. They did add some chopped onions which added marginally to the flavour of the meal.

Nevertheless, Sanpoutei remains one of my favourite ramen places in Singapore because I love the thick, chewy texture of their ramen noodles! The texture of these noodles didn’t disappoint.

Would return to Sanpoutei, just not for this Niigata special.