Premium Tonkotsu Ramen Must really say that TASTE Orchard has probably provided the folks around the Orchard / Somerset area quite a number of interesting dining options to go for. For those whom have not been to TASTE Orchard, they are located at where OG Orchard Point used to be — a concept by the same folks behind HAO mart, TASTE Orchard also features quite a handful of F&B offerings within its premises that includes brands like Killiney Kopitiam, BHC Chicken, and Warabimochi Kamakura. The supermarket had recently seen the addition of two (2) new F&B tenants — this would include Bon Bon Coffee and Bon Ramen. For those whom are not aware, the two concepts are by the same folks behind the now-defunct Manpuku Sando that used to share its space with Dosukoi x Donpachi in Cuppage Plaza. While Bon Bon Coffee sticks closely to the roots of Manpuku Sando offering a limited variety of Sando offerings alongside specialty coffee, Bon Ramen focuses on serving up ramen. Offering only one item on its menu, patrons can either opt for the Premium Tonkotsu Ramen ala-carte, or make a top-up to add rice, gyoza or Kaedama (i.e. additional noodles) to their bowl of ramen.
While Bon Ramen does not really describe the elements that are included in their bowl of Premium Tonkotsu Ramen, it can be observed from our order that the bowl does come with three (3) pieces of Japanese Chashu, noodles, half on an egg and spring onions — accompanying the bowl would be two (2) different types of Japanese pickles and also a Japanese spicy sauce; the latter being quite an interesting addition since it is an element that is rarely found to be served with Japanese Ramen. Bon Ramen also does provide patrons with two different types of noodles to choose from; the “white” ramen and the “yellow” ramen — more on this later. Digging into the bowl, one thing we found ourselves really in love with in this bowl of Japanese Ramen would be the Tonkotsu broth itself — we are typically ones whom would skip on Tonkotsu broth and opt for the Spicy / Garlic Japanese ramen at most establishments considering how heavy and salty some Tonkotsu broth can be; that being said, the Tonkotsu broth here is creamy without being overly salty. The broth carried a nutty, roasty and a slight earthiness amidst its savoury notes — one that we found ourselves gladly sipping on even after finishing everything else in the bowl.
Our choice of ramen was for the “white” ramen that turns out to be great for those whom enjoy their ramen noodles to come with a harder texture as compared to the “yelllow” noodles that are softer and springier. The Cha Shu here comes sliced thinly and is one that comes surprisingly tender without being too lean, though the egg that came alongside was a little off from the usual Ajitama (i.e. Japanese Ramen Egg) that one would expect — the doneness being closer to that of a braised egg and lacks the molten egg yolk that one would expect out of the typical Ajitama. With the ramen priced at $15.90, we would say that the quality of the ramen here does resonate with the price it commands — we also do consider the price to be fairly reasonable to what other establishments serving up Japanese ramen charges as well. Definitely one spot which we would consider to return to if we are craving for a good and accessible bowl of Tonkotsu ramen whilst being in the heart of town!