JtheJon: January 2015

Food Review: Ramen Hopping: Ikkousha Hakata Remen, Hachifukumaru Ramen Shop by Nantsuttei, Menya Musashi, Ippudo Tao, Tonkotsu King, Marutama, Ramen Play

Jthejon ramen hopping review.

First Stop, Ikkousha Hakata Remen.

Ikkousha Hakata Ramen 博多一幸舎 by Kousuke Yoshimura is one of the best ramen in Singapore. Winning the Ultimate Ramen Champion twice in a row. Hakata Ikkousha opened its first outlet at tanjong pagar and within a year, its opened their second outlet in CHIJMES, offering a cosy dining experience.

Ajitama Tonkotsu

The broth was rich, smooth, creamy and flavorful. The chashu was well seasoned, tender and soft. The Ajitama (seasoned egg) didn’t have a flowy lava yolk and was just a little overdone. But it was a good ramen

Red Tonkotsu,

The broth was a bit salty instead of spicy. The rest was similar to Ajitama Ramen.

Food: 4/5

Ambience: 3/5

Service: 4/5

Hakata Ikkousha Global Standard at CHIJMES

30 Victoria Street,

#01-07 CHIJMES,

Singapore 187996

Operating Hours:

Monday – Saturday: 11.30 am – 10 pm (last order at 9.45 pm)

Sunday: 11.30 am – 9 pm (last order at 8.45 pm)

Second Stop, Hachifukumaru Ramen Shop by Nantsuttei.

The Nantsuttei Group's second venture in Singapore is dedicated to serve ramen made from pure chicken based paitan broth. Its signature Hachifukumaru Ramen consists of cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, ginger, nira, corn, negi, and garlic with a creamy chicken soup.

Hachifukumaru Ramen,

The ramen contains the eight bounties of nature, cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, ginger, nira, corn, negi, and garlic. Rich in nutrients, the flavors of these ingredients combined with the creamy salt-based soup create a delicious harmony of flavors.

Chashu Hachifukumaru Ramen,

The basic Hachi Fuku Maru Ramen topped with a generous topping of Hachi Fuku Maru’s specialty chashu (simmered pork) made with high quality pork loin. The broth was rich, and flavorful but it was not that spicy. Noodle texture was smooth and chewy.

Food: 3.5/5
Ambience: 3/5
Service: 2.5/5

Hachifukumaru Ramen Shop
OG Orchard Point #01-130
Tel: (65) 6737 9713
Daily: 11am - 10pm.

Third Stop, Menya Musashi.

Menya Mumashi was named after the legendary samurai, Miyamoto Musashi, who was famed for his distinctive "double sword style", the award winning Menya Musashi has gained quite a cult following among ramen fans in Japan and abroad since making its debut in Tokyo in 1996.

Menya Musashi strives to bring new experiences to customers through their ramen. Featuring a creamier soup base than most ramen, it comes in white, red and black versions.

Yuzu Juice,

Sweet, Sour, and refreshing.

White Cha Shu Ramen (Top),

The signature white tonkotsu broth was a bit bland. The noodles texture was too soft, the cha shu was tender but was a bit salty.

Red Cha Shu Ramen (Bottom),

The red ramen broth was rich, creamy and flavorful but it was not that spicy. If only the spiciness can increase a little bit more. Noodles texture was a bit too soft.

White (original), red (spicy), black (fried garlic and onion) soup stock.

Food: 3/5

Ambience: 3/5

Service: 4/5

I think different outlet has different menu and type of ramen.

Menya Musashi Kodou 麺屋武蔵虎洞 (Ion Orchard)
2 Orchard Turn #B3-25 Ion Orchard (Nearest MRT Orchard)

Tel: +65 6509 9394
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10:00pm

Fourth Stop, Ippudo Tao.

Located in Mandarin Gallery, Ippudo SG is poised to be an upscale and modern ramen brasserie experience where diners can enjoy many types of authentic Japanese dishes before tucking into a bowl of hearty ramen.

Spicy Miso Ramen,

Hot salty broth, tender seasoned pork belly, perfect egg. The noodles retains its chewy texture until the last bite.

Shiromaru Special,

The broth is thick and flavorful, the texture of the ramen can be chosen, from soft, normal, or hard. The Cha shu meat was soft and tender. The egg was flavorful and the egg york was soft and watery.

Food: 4/5
Ambience: 3.5/5
Service: 4/5

Ippudo Tao
333A Orchard Road #04-02/03/04 Mandarin Gallery,
Singapore,Singapore (Orchard Road).

Tel: (65) 6235 2797
Opening hours: Mon – Sat: 11:00 – 23:00
Sun: 11:00 – 22:00

Fifth Stop, Tonkotsu King.

Famous Tokyo ramen chain Keisuke Tokyo has set up a few outlet in Singapore. Instead of offering its eclectic styles of ramen offered at the Parco outlet, Tonkotsu King is a specialist of ramen with pork bone broth. Tonkotsu King at orchid hotel has about 20 seats and is constantly full due to its small capacity.

Free flow of hard boiled egg.

Tonkotsu Ramen,

The broth was very rich and flavorful but it was also rather salty. The cha shu was tender but normal same goes to the egg. The noodles was thin, non-curly and firmer to the bite like hakata ramen.

Red Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen,

There are 2 spicy ramens, ‘black’ and ‘spicy red’, the red is spicier than black which is the only difference.

The spicy red broth was a bit too hot and dulls. The noodles was thin, non-curly and firmer to the bite like hakata ramen.

Food: 3.5/5
Ambience: 2/5
Service: 2.5/5

Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu King

1 Tras Link #01-19 Orchid Hotel
Tel: +65 6636 0855
Daily: 11.30am - 10.30pm

Sixth Stop, Marutama.

Marutama specialty is the thin Japanese noodle, in one of four soup bases (chicken, spicy chicken, prawn or nuts). The soups are mildly flavoured and almost caramelin tone, an ideal template for the wheaty flavour of the ramen.

Marutama Ramen,

The chicken broth was rich and flavorful. The noodle texture was thin and springy, Cha shu was Cha Shu was thick and substantial.

Nama Karashi Ramen,

Spicy chicken broth was thick greasy flavorful but a bit salty. Cha Shu was thick and substantial.

Food: 3/5

Ambience: 4/5

Service: 3/5

Marutama Ramen

6 Eu Tong Sen Street

#03-90/91

The Central @ Clarke Quay

Tel: 6534 8090

Opening Hours:

Daily

11am – 10pm

Seventh Stop, Ramen Play.

RamenPlay is a modern, authentic Japanese ramen restaurant serving ramen dishes in an upbeat and lively setting with bright lights. RamenPlay is a collaboration between Singapore’s BreadTalk Group Limited and Japanese Sanpou Co. Ltd which has decades of experience in the Japanese food and beverage industry.

Ramen Play Ramen comes in 3 soup bases to chose from:

Shonyu - clear soup base

Tonkotsu - thick creamy soup base

Double - mixture of Shonyu & Tonkotsu.

Sanpou Tonkotsu Ramen,

The broth was rich and flavorful, but it was salty. The noodle texture was too soft, the meat was a bit tough and plain.

Corn Miso Ramen,

The miso broth was salty and plain. Noodle texture was too soft, and the cha shu was tough. Not really appetizing.

Food: 2.5/5
Ambience: 3/5
Service: 2.5/5

There's a few outlet in Singapore.

Ramen Play at I12Katong as follows-
112 East Coast Road #02-06
Singapore 428802
Tel: 6636 3460
Open 11am - 10pm daily

That's all for this entry.
Hope you guys enjoyed reading it.
Any feedback or esquires feel free to email me at jonathanjonnn@gmail.com .

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, by Jthejon

Buffet

Food Review: Japanese Cuisine: Shokudo Japanese coffee house, Hifumi Japanese Restaurant, Irodori, Ramen Champion, Ajisen, Nihon Mura, Sakae Sushi, Sushi Tei, Akashi, Danro

Jthejon food adventure on Japanese food cuisine begin!!!

First stop, Shokudo Japanese Coffee House.

A brand by ThaiExpress Concepts Pte Ltd, Shokudo Japanese Coffee House is best known for its Yoshoku-style Japanese cuisine, a style of Western-influenced Japanese cuisine.

Iced Yuzu Tea,

Refreshing drink but a bit sour.

Mount Fuji Curry Omu Rice,

The curry was thick and flavorful but it was a bit salty. The hamburger steak was thick and juicy.

Mentaiko Pasta,

It served with scallop, pasta with mentaiko.

The pasta was a bit bland and the scallop was fresh and soft but it was quite plain. The mentaiko was a bit too little or the flavor is not strong enough to bring it out.

Food: 3.5/5

Ambience: 4/5

Service: 2.5/5

Shokudo Japanese Coffee House
Bugis Junction #01-53 (Bugis MRT) Tel: +65 6338 9216
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 11pm (Sun to Thurs), 11.30am – 12am (Fri & Sat, Eve of PH)

Cathay Cineleisure Orchard #02-06A/B (Somerset MRT) Tel: +65 6736 0971
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 2am (Sun to Thurs), 11.30am – 3am (Fri, Sat & Eve of PH)

Second Stop, Hifumi Japanese Restaurant.

Hifumi serves inexpensive bento sets and what’s interesting about them is that every order of bento sets allows you unlimited access to their appetizer bar (with over 10 varieties).

Self-service free-flow drinks for additional S$1.90 with your set meal. Beer is not free-flow.

All-You-Can-Eat buffet appetizers bar.

Salmon TarTar,

Salmon was overcooked but the taste still acceptable. The tartar totally don't blend in with the salmon. I felt that it kind of weird eating salmon with tartar.

Japanese Chicken Curry,

The curry was pretty good as it was spicy, fragrant, and rich. The chicken was well fried and tender.

Bara Chirashi (Mixed Raw Fish Set),

The worst dish over here. The ingredient wasn't fresh and the salmon was not cold and it wasn't tasty. It feel quite disgusting if the raw food wasn't fresh.

Food: 3/5
Ambience: 3.5/5
Service: 2.5/5

Note: Between 3pm to 5pm daily, only beverages are available while the kitchen staff are busily preparing the dinner buffet. They only start serving dinner after 5pm.

Hifumi Japanese Restaurant
68 Orchard Road #04-68, Singapore 238839, Tel: +65 6338 4712 (Dhoby Gaut MRT)
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10:00pm

Third Stop, Irodori Japanese restaurant.

Irodori is a simple and chic-looking Japanese restaurant that promises good food at decent prices. Expect quality food and to be sure, from their a la carte buffet menu of Japanese cuisine mainstays. Conveniently located at Havelock Road.

Pork Gyoza,

The gyoza skin texture was a bit soft as it supposed be crisp. The pork meat was just normal.

Mixed Tempura (Prawn, Egg plant, Mushroom),

The prawn was fantastic. It was fresh, well fried and was really delicious. The other was just normal or maybe i don't really like veggie.

Shishamo,

Grilled Japanese Smelt. It was amazing good, although it don't really look appetizing but it was really good.

Ebi Mentai Mayo,

Grilled prawn with mayo, it was tasty, fresh. Simple, and uncomplicated.

Mix Sashimi Platter,

Sashimi was really fresh and tasty.

Grilled Chicken wings,

It was just normal chicken wings.

Tori karaage,

Fried Chicken. It wasn't that good as it was a bit tough and not crispy enough.

Yakitori,

The meat was tender and juicy.The sauce was sweet an salty, that make it more appetizing.

Salmon Steak,

It was pretty bad as the salmon was overcooked and dry.

Food: 3.5/5

Ambience: 4.5/5

Service: 3/5

Sorry for the bad quality photos as it was taken almost a year back.

Irodori Japanese Restaurant
382 Havelock Road
#03-01 River View Hotel
Tel: 67372002
Fax: 67350301
Operating Hours: (Daily) Lunch: 11:30 - 14:30 Dinner: 18:00 - 22:30
Buffet Lunch & Dinner Adult: $35++, Child: $22++ (Below the age of 10)
Website: http://www.irodorijapaneserestaurant.com.sg/

Fourth Stop, Ramen Champion.

Ramen Champion was introducted to Singapore about three years back,and it bring along the best of Japanese Ramen Chefs.

It’s a free-seating, large area, with stalls selling the same thing – Ramen. Ramen Champion is a competition in bid to crown the Ultimate Ramen Champion, dishing out the best Ramen in town.

Tap cards were given to each customer where food ordered will be scanned in. The cards were to be hand over to the cashier for payment before leaving.

Nikumashi Ramen from Batu God,

Tonkotsu base. The pork broth was light and flavourful, it was even better when you mixed with the eggyolk.

Special Tonkotsu Ramen from Itto,

The pork broth was strong and flavorful, the noodle texture was chewy and thin. Pork meat was soft and tender.

Food: 3.5/5

Ambience: 3/5

Service: N.A

For more information, visit Ramen Champion Singapore at www.ramenchampion.com.sg or Facebook page athttps://www.facebook.com/RamenChampionSingapore. P/s. they are running a big-eater contest too. Check out their site for more information!

Ramen Champion (Bugis+)

Add: 201 Victoria Street, Bugis+ #04-10, Singapore 188067 (Near BUGIS MRT Station)
Tel: +65 6238 1011
Hrs: DAILY 11:30 am to 10:30 pm

Fifth Stop, Ajisen Ramen.

Ajisen Ramen, started in November 1997, it opened the first Ramen shop at Bugis Junction. and is now the largest Ramen chain in Singapore.

Spicy Cha Shu Ramen,

The broth was just normal, and the cha shu wasn't that good. It was quite tough and plain. The noodle texture was too soft.

Volcano Ramen,

I thought it was really spicy, but it didn't. It not really spicy and the chilli it was more to salty than spicy.

Seafood Katsu,

It was normal, nothing special about it.

California Maki,

It was pretty bad!!

Food: 1/5

Ambience: 2.5/5

Service: 2.5/5

Sixth Stop, Nihon Mura.

Nihon Mura means "Japanese village", which also captures the concept of this Japanese marketplace-style eatery. You use ice cream sticks to place your order as you roam form stall to stall, and your meal will be prepared right in front of you at the open-concept kitchen. There's also very affordable conveyor-belt sushi.

Sashimi,

Sashimi was fresh and juicy. You will definitely order more of it.

Salmon Hotpot,

Salmon was fresh and juicy but the salmon slice was a bit thick. The miso soup broth was rich, smooth and flavorful. Ingredients was fresh and good.

Salmon Don,

Salmon was fresh and juicy, Rice was fragrant and sticky.

Food: 3.5/5

Ambience: 1/5

Service: 3/5

Seventh Stop, Sakae Sushi.

Sakae Sushi is known to be the first in Singapore to set up the kaiten conveyor belt sushi system way back in 1997. Their name “Sakae” actually means “growth”, hence the leaping frog mascot.

Salmon Sashimi,

Salmon was fresh but the slice was a bit too thick.

Grilled Corn with cheese sushi,

It tasted weird when grilled corn with cheese.

Unagi Sushi,

The unagi sushi was pretty good, freshness was there and it was tasty.

Cheese Salmon Sushi,

Salmon was fresh and thickness was just right but it doesn't goes well with cheese.

Cha Soba,

Noodle texture was too soft and the sauce was too plain.

Chawanmushi,

Steamed egg was pretty good as it was smooth and fresh.

Food: 2.5/5
Ambience: 3.5/5
Service: 4/5

Eighth Stop, Sushi Tei.

Sushi Tei's actually a branch and franchise from its original restaurant in Singapore, its first restaurant was opened around 1994 and in Indonesia it's first introduced in 2003.

Sashimi Salad,

Ingredients was fresh and good. Salmon was thickly cut and the sesame dressing was good.

Tamago Sushi,

Egg was well pan fried, and the taste was amazing good.

Salmon Mentaiyaki,

The best dish at Sushi Tei. The mentaiko sauce was good, it goes well with salmon. You will definitely like it.

Aburi roll,

Aburi roll was just average, the aburi was well pan fried but the avocado doesn't goes well with it.

Salmon Sashimi,

Salmon was fresh and juicy.

Nabeyaki Udon,

The miso broth was sweet, smooth and tasty. Ingredients was fresh and the udon texture was chewy.

Food: 3.5/5

Ambience: 4/5

Service: 3/5

Ninth Stop, Akashi.

Akashi Japanese Restaurant was introduced in 1995 in tanglin shopping centre. Sushi Goshin is part of Akashi’s group of restaurants (they also own Gyoza-ya and Grandma’s by the way).They have 3 branches, Orchard Parade Hotel, Paragon Shopping Centre and Vivocity.

Yasai Itame,

Stir-fried mixed vegetables was pretty good as the crunchiness of the sweet cabbage and other fresh produce was there the portion was quite big too.

Batu Katuni,

Stewed till level of wobbly tenderness, the sweetish pork belly drove us to throw caution to the wind and plunge in with gusto. Lip-smacking and lip-sticking fatty goodness worth every calories.

Cod Fish soup,

The broth was smooth, rich and flavorful. The cod fish was fresh, soft and tender.

Tori Katsu,

Pork Cutlet was tender and crispy. It was well fried.

Nigiri Chasobba Set,

The sushi was fresh but the tamago was a bit too dry and plain. The cha soba was pretty good as the cha soba was fragrant and smooth. The sauce was salty and tasty.

Food: 4.25/5

Ambience: 2.5/5

Service: 4/5

Akashi Japanese Restaurant Pte Ltd

1. VivoCity #B2-07/08/09, 1 Harbourfront Walk 098585

Tel 6376 9972

2. Orchard Parade Hotel Ground Floor, 1 Tanglin Road 247905

Tel 6732 4438

3. Paragon #B1-01/02, 290 Orchard Road 238859

Tel 6735 8887

Tenth Stop, Danro.

Danro Japanese Hot Pot from MOF is the first hot pot restaurant in Singapore serving specialty hot pots from five different regions in Japan. Making an introduction to our local menus is the Kiritanpo, a grilled rice skewer served alongside the hot pots.

there were nine soup bases to choose from, each representing a different prefecture in Japan.

Onsen Egg

Akita Wafu Broth x Nara chicken & milk Broth,

Akita wafu broth (cooked with pork, chicken, shrimp and assorted vege) and Nara chicken & milk broth (cooked with milk, chicken, shrimp, onion and other vege).

I like wafu broth as it was sweet and light and gradually turns more and more flavorful after cooking various ingredients in it.

Food: 3/5

Ambience: 3/5

Service: 2.5/5

Danro Japanese Hot Pot Buffet (Serangoon NEX)

#02-04/06 Serangoon NEX

23 Serangoon Central

Singapore 556083

Tel: 6634 4608
Opening Hours: Mon to Fri: 11:30 am - 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Sat to Sun: 11:30 am - 3:30 pm, 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm

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That's all for this entry.
Stay tune for more jthejon foodie adventure.