Ramen

𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐲𝐮 𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧 (3 ⭐️ $11.90) - Was less impressed by this lighter rendition. The soup had a thinner consistency with a refreshing ginger element, reminding us more of Chinese pork soups. We couldn’t discern any ‘scorched’ element (wherein the soup is first scorched to impart a smoky element) and found their yellow Sapporo-style noodles to be on the softer side. Not a bad bowl per se but just not anything memorable.

Insta: cafehoppingkids

𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐨 𝐭𝐬𝐮𝐤𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧 (4 ⭐️; $13.90) - Have always enjoyed a good tsukemen and this had a unique twist of adding Miso, providing a deeper umami flavour without being overly salty. We enjoyed the firmer, thicker noodles that were well-coated by the broth.

Insta: cafehoppingkids

Ranking high in our favourite ramen, definitely try their Tsukemen.

Always believed that a good measure of a Japanese restaurant is when it’s frequented by Japanese patrons. Sanpoutei serves up authentic ramen and is among our favourite ramen joints for their freshly made QQ and al-dente noodles of delicious flavour.

#happyburpday

𝐓𝐨𝐫𝐢 𝐱 𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐮𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐨 (3.5 ⭐️; $16) - Simmered over 8 hours and combined with their original miso blend, we enjoyed the rich chicken broth enhanced by the soybean aroma but would have appreciated it slightly less salty. We were let down by the tough stewed pork belly slices. In terms of texture, we liked these less than the tsukumen’s as they lost some of their firmness and spring, probably from soaking up the soup.

Insta: cafehoppingkids

Always believed that a good measure of a Japanese restaurant is when it’s frequented by Japanese patrons. Sanpoutei serves up authentic ramen and is among our favourite ramen joints for their freshly made QQ and al-dente noodles of delicious flavour.

𝐓𝐬𝐮𝐤𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧 (4.5 ⭐️; $16) - Definitely recommend their tsukemen! The dipping sauce is a tasty complex mix of sardines and bonito with delicious melt-in-the-mouth charred pork belly pieces. It’s not too fishy and has a refreshing balance from what we guess to be yuzu. Love that they provide wari soup (hot dashi broth) to achieve one’s desired salty level. Adding it at the end also allows for enjoyment of every last drop as a fragrant soup.

Insta: cafehoppingkids

Quickly headed down upon hearing about their 1-1 promotion (until 13 July) despite knowing that ramen is not one to travel well. While the enjoyment was muted compared to eating the noodles fresh and piping warm, we were impressed that they retained their QQ al-dente texture despite delivery (albeit clumping together).

Insta: cafehoppingkids

Ajitama uma ($14.90) ⭐️ 4.5/5 ⭐️
Gyoza ($4.90 combo) ⭐️ 4/5 ⭐️
🍴One of the more authentic ramen places around serving comforting, classic bowls. Their Tonkotsu broth was punchy with its complex mix of pork and chicken bones, along with various herbs and vegetables. Loved that the broth retained a certain lightness (unlike some richer & thicker versions) that allowed one to continue drinking without feeling gelat; both of us lapped up every drop! For added flavour and subtle spice, one can also request for chilli oil.

They serve fresh al dente ramen noodles that was made in-house. Their ramen egg was the epitome of “don’t judge the book by it’s cover” - despite the pale colour and less runny yolk, the flavour was excellent - sweet and salty with an umami burst from what we suspect was the use of sake and mirin in the marination. Paired with thick-cut charsiu that was expertly charred to have crispy edges, crunchy sweet bamboo shoots, and fresh spring onion, this was an enjoyable meal. If nitpicking, we did find the meat to be on the fattier side and wished it was rendered better so that the piece was holistically more melt-in-the-mouth.

We also added on the lunch combo of gyoza and green tea. Enjoyed the crispy bottom layer of their gyoza but did wish for more fillings:skin ratio.

📍 @bariuma_sg, B1-01/02, Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909

Insta: cafehoppingkids

Ebi prawn paste shrimp ($15.80) ⭐️ 4/5 ⭐️
Prawn dumpling tonkotsu ($13.50) ⭐️ 3.5/5 ⭐️
🍴Now that BIAP no longer offers their shrimp broth, guess we will be heading to Le Shrimp more often for their Japanese inspired Chinese La mian 😅. We are huge fans of their rich and flavourful prawn soup that has a hint of smokiness from the charring of vegetables. Comparatively, the tonkotsu broth is more creamy and light compared to most Japanese ramen broths. We tend to enjoy getting 1 shrimp and 1 tonkotsu to share among 2 as the shrimp broth can get a bit too rich by itself and we enjoy having both for a more balanced and less ‘jelat’ meal. We do find that their food isn’t the most consistent (just from two visits in the past month, both at Sunday noon). In our first visit, we didn’t quite enjoy the handmade ebi prawn balls that were a bit tough but they were much softer the second time around, with the nice distinct crunch of the ebi. We also found the tonkotsu broth to be less rich and tasty in the second visit (almost diluted) as compared to the first visit. If choosing between prawn balls and prawn dumplings, we generally preferred the dumpling version with the soft pastry skin encasing juicy and tasty prawns.
⚠️#paradisegrp members can redeem discount vouchers ($10 off $20, $20 off $40) until 30 Nov ☺️. Or check out #shopbackgo for flash deals - I got the shrimp ramen for only $7.80.
📍Le Shrimp Ramen, B1-42, Paragon, Singapore

Truffle wagyu ($20)
Tsukemen ($14)
Wagyu chips ($8)
⭐️ 4.5/5 ⭐️
🍴 Been seeing glowing reviews of this place and glad I gave it a try as we thoroughly enjoyed both dry ramens.

While pricey, the #trufflewagyu was well-executed and had generous portion of tender wagyu meat. Loved that the onsen egg & truffle sauce gave a nice creaminess and the ramen wasn’t dry or overly rich as some of the other dry truffle versions I’ve tried (I.e kanshouku, suparakki). The addition of seaweed, spring onion, and chili oil also gave a nice balance and complexity to the usual truffle flavour.

The #tsukemen “Singapore best” had a deliciously rich seafood-tonkotsu dipping sauce. It tasted like a more complex and elevated bonito stock and was so yummy we were tempted to drink it, if not for how salty it was by itself 😅. Only issue was that the lean charcoal pork was a bit tough rather than tender.

The #wagyuchips were pricey given the tiny serving, but sinfully delicious with the thin crisp chips being cooked in wagyu fat and served with actual tiny truffle bits. Already looking forward to returning to try their soup versions and other ramen!

⚠️ Would recommend making a reservation early via Chope to secure indoor seating. Despite calling in for a reservation, mine was somehow lost but thankfully there was still outdoor seating available. That said, plus points to the super efficient and attentive service ☺️
📍@torashosg, 32 Tras Street, Singapore
#cafehoppingkidsxramen #cafehoppingtanjongpagar

Tonkotsu Ramen ($10.80) ⭐️ 3.5/5 ⭐️
Gyoza ($6) ⭐️ 3/5 ⭐️
🍴Havent been to #nantsuttei in awhile and we feel that their quality has dropped, with the broth being less rich and flavourful as we remember. While still good with a nice balance of garlic, we personally would have liked for it to be creamier and stronger in flavour. For the price, we also found it to be quite small in portion, only having one slice of pork meat (which while tender was forgettable) and what felt like smaller portion of noodles than other places. We did really enjoy their #ramenegg (+$1.50) that was nicely marinated with mix of soy & mirin, and perfectly timed to have a flowy interior. The pan-fried #gyozas were also average and while the fillings were tasty, we would have preferred more juice & greater amount of filling to balance the thicker skin.
⚠️ Note: there’s 20% cashback (first visit boost) with #shopbackgo. On weekdays, they also offer a lunch set where an added $1 gets you a free side & drink
📍@nantsutteii_singapore, 07-12/13, Orchard Central, Singapore

Dry truffle ramen ($6.90) ⭐️ 3.5/5 ⭐️
Original tonkotsu ($7.90) ⭐️ 3/5 ⭐️
Black garlic tonkotsu ($9.90) ⭐️ 3/5 ⭐️
🍴Been seeing these super affordable under $10 ramen and had to give them a try. Would say it’s good if you’re craving ramen and on a tight budget, but would not recommend them otherwise as you get what you pay for 😅. The tonkotsus came with generous portions of chasiew but the sliced meat was pretty forgettable in taste and the ramen eggs were sadly overcooked and bordered on being hard boiled eggs rather than flavoured ramen eggs. The noodles, while al dente in texture, could be more springy. In terms of broths, the original tonkotsu broth was creamy and light, lacking the thick pork flavour we enjoy from usual ramen places. Instead, it had muted flavour and saltiness which I suspect to come from adding of vegetable stock. While the black garlic broth was more flavourful and would suit garlic lovers, the garlic overpowered the tonkotsu slightly and there was a burnt aroma (probably from actually burning the garlic as seen from some floating burnt bits). Would say my favourite among the 3, and the only ramen I would return for when on a budget, is the #truffleramen. Besides being the most affordable, it had a nice truffle aroma (but from truffle oil) and marinated diced pork. While the sauce was a tad sweet and the truffle can be jelat, it was highly enjoyable at this price point and would suit the truffle lovers out there.
📍@suparakkiramen, B2-03, Westgate, Singapore (other outlets at Northpoint & Cityhall)
#cafehoppingjurongeast #cafehoppingkidsxramen

Insta: cafehoppingkids