Ramen Keisuke Tori King (100 AM)

Ramen Keisuke Tori King is an eatery that serves authentic Japanese ramen opened by Mr Keisuke Takeda who has won several ramen competitions. Mr Keisuke Takeda has opened several ramen eateries in Singapore such as the Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu King (Orchid Hotel and Bugis) and Gyoza King (Orchid Hotel). 

As we were at the 100AM shopping mall (Tanjong Pagar), we decided to give this a try. We were there at 630pm and there was no queue. But by the time we left at close to 8pm, there was a short queue. 

Menu

The menu.

There would be a bottle of cold marinated bean sprouts and basket of boiled eggs on every table. There would also be slip of paper for each individual to fill in their orders along with a small bowl and a wooden stick for grinding the sesame seeds (just like Saboten). Pepper and bonito flakes are available at each table too. 

Hard Boiled eggs

Free flow of hard boiled eggs. 

Bean Sprout

Free flow of cold marinated bean sprouts. Do not under estimate this dish dish. It was very addictive. So tasty and so crunchy. We kept on opening the bottle to take more out! 

Tori King Ramen Special (All Toppings) $15.90

The partner ordered Tori King Ramen Special (All Toppings) $15.90. It included all the toppings such as seaweed, flavoured egg and pork.  

Black Spicy Tori King Ramen Special (All Toppings) $16.90

I ordered the Black Spicy Tori King Ramen Special (All Toppings) $16.90. The main different was that this was the spicy version. To be frank, both of us did not like these two bowls of ramen. The stock was too thick and the saltiness just overwhelmed the other flavours in the stock. The only positive aspect was the drumstick which was meaty and tender. Other than that the other ingredients were average.

Ironically, we preferred the marinated bean sprouts more than the main dish. Service wise, the staff were very attentive! 

Ramen Keisuke Tori King (100 AM)

100 AM (next to Amara Hotel)

100 Tras St #03-15

Singapore 079027 

Tel: 6604 6861

Opening Hours: 1130am to 10pm

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Koh Grill & Sushi Bar (Wisma Atria)

Koh Grill & Sushi Bar located at level 4 of Wisma Atria Shopping Centre, next to Food Republic Food Court probably needs no introduction. It's Shiok!!! Maki has been highly raved about on the social media. This sushi bar can get very crowded during peak periods and it is advisable to make reservations during these periods. 

I have heard so much about Koh Grill & Sushi Bar for quite a few years but had not have the chance to visit although it is centrally located; near ION Orchard. After much procrastination, we made reservations and proceed to visit during lunch on a weekday. I was surprised that there was no queue. 

Pitan Tofu $4

The Pitan (Century Egg) Tofu $4; chilled tofu served with homemade paste was unique. 

Pitan Tofu $4

The paste had a very strong unique century egg flavour. It provided a strong taste to the bland tofu. In addition, the tobiko (roe) provided a distinct crunchy texture of the soft tofu. I quite like the taste of this dish. Do note if you are not a fan of century egg, you are likely to dislike this dish as the flavour of the century egg is overwhelming. 

Aspara Buta Maki $3

The Aspara Buta Maki $3 was essentially charcoal grilled Asparagus Pork Belly Roll.

Aspara Buta Maki $3

Although it was slightly charrred on the other side, I liked the fact that the asparagus retained its crunchiness providing a different texture. In addition, it had a smoky flavour. 

Shiok!!! Maki $16.80

We ordered the highly raved about signature Shiok!!! Maki $16.80 sushi. Its photo appears in nearly 80% of all photos in Instagram and Facebook tagged with the name of this restaurant. Priced at $16.80, the Shiok!!! Maki was not cheap. It comprised of a combination of charcoal grilled eel, avocado, sushi rice wrapped with lightly roasted salmon and topped with cheesy mayonnaise and generous serving of tobiko (roe). 

Shiok!!! Maki $16.80

After trying a piece of Shiok!!! Maki, I was won over. The combination of taste and texture was heavenly. It was hard to stop at one. Now I know why this had been widely raved about. Its never too late! 

Sukiyaki Beef with Ramen $16

The Sukiyaki Beef with Ramen $16 consisted of a mixture of assorted vegetables, tofu, beef and ramen in broth. 

Sukiyaki Beef with Ramen $16

This was easily the worst dish. Nothing fantastic and it did not appeal to us. The other 3 dishes were just too outstanding. It did not help that the homemade broth was on the salty end. 

Overall, the food was decent. I liked three out of the four dishes ordered. Mainly, because we did our research before coming (it was not hard, there are so many reviews on this place). We will be back for more! 

Koh Grill & Sushi Bar (Wisma Atria) 

435 Orchard Rd 

#04-23 Wisma Atria Shopping Centre 

Singapore 238877 

Tel: 9180 3805

Opening Hours: Daily 1130am to 1030pm

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A Noodle Story 超好面 (Amoy Street Food Centre)

A Noodle Story 超好面 located in Amoy Street Food Centre has differentiated itself by being the first and only Singapore-style ramen. This is the brain child of two Shatec trained friends who decided to create ultimate noodles dish through a combination of modern European techniques and Asian flavours providing gourmet quality noodles at hawker prices. 

A Noodle Story has announced on Jan this year that due to increase in operating cost (rental and cost of raw ingredients), their prices have increased by 50 cents. Hence, please note to increase the prices by 50 cents for all the prices stated in this blog post. 

Singapore Style Ramen $6

The Singapore Style Ramen $6 consisted of Noodles, Hot Spring Egg, Cha Su, Potato Wrapped Prawn, and HK Style Wanton topped with scallions. The soup was served separately in a small bowl. The noodles were very springy and were similar to mee kia. 

Singapore Style Ramen $6

Potato Wrapped Prawn

Cha Su

Hot Spring Egg

The noodles were cluttered together in a lump making it hard to eat. The chilli added at the side lacked spiciness and fragrance and was too dry. The ingredients such as the Potato Wrapped Prawn, Cha Su and Hot Spring Egg were quite good whereas the HK Style Wanton was ordinary with nothing much to shout about.

As a whole, the presentation and concept of this Singapore Style Ramen was unique. It looked real good. But taste wise, it was not mind blowing. Nevertheless, I still must say that I admire the spirit of these two young men for their innovation in creating such a dish. Moreover, the effort taken to arrange the ingredients in the bowl although this was not a restaurant.  

A Noodle Story 超好面 (Amoy Street Food Centre)

7 Maxwell Road 

MND Building Annex B 

#01-39 Amoy Street Food Centre

Tel: 9027 6289

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 11am - 230pm, 330pm - 730pm

                         Closed on Weekends and PHs

Website

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Liang Court Wednesdays' Food Tasting Trails: Marutama Ramen and Saizeriya

Liang Court is currently having an event called Wednesdays' Food Tasting Trails which will be held till 7 August 2013. Diners can purchase the Food Trail Coupon for $30 at the Customer Service Counter and get to enjoy 3 different set meals from 3 different restaurants in Liang Court and also a free beer. 

Wednesdays' Food Tasting Trails Coupon & Food Trail Guide

The first restaurant  has been pre-selected, diners can choose their second and third stops from  any of the remaining 11 participating F&B shops. I received a copy of the Food Trail Guide and two complimentary Wednesdays' Food Tasting Trails Coupons. As shown above, the coupon shows that my first restaurant (pre-selected) is Tamoya. 

Marutama Ramen

Looking through all the set meals in the Guide, I decide to try Marutama Ramen first (there is no need to utilise the coupon in sequence). 

Marutama Ramen

The Liang Court's Wednesdays' Food Trail Coupon allowed me to try the Zenbu-nose (U.P. $18). It was essentially the signature Marutama Ramen with all toppings! The toppings are the Kakuni (Stewed Pork Belly), Sliced Roasted Pork, Aosa (Seaweed), Negi (Spring Onions) and Half-Boiled Seasoned Egg. 

Those who frequent Marutama Ramen would know that the signature Marutama Ramen (without toppings) would have cost $12 and an addition $6 is required if all toppings were added. 

Zenbu-nose

 The Zenbu-nose; with all toppings added!

Roasted Pork (Char Siew)

Three big pieces of Sliced Roasted Pork (Char Siew) were given. The roasted pork had quite a good balance of lean meat and fat ratio. So much so that it was tender.

Kakuni (Stewed Pork Belly)

The Kakuni (Stewed Pork Belly) as it should be had a higher proportion of fats to lean meat compared to the Char Siew.

Half-boiled Seasoned Egg

The Half-boiled Seasoned Egg would have been perfect if its yolk was runny as they had got the marination right. It was a pity that it was slightly overcooked and the yolk was not runny.

Zenbu-nose

This bowl of Zenbu-nose ramen came with lots of ingredients like how it should be. If you were to take the cost of the Food Trail Coupon (i.e. $30) and divide by 3 restaurants, it means that essentially, you are paying for $10 per restaurant (do not forget, there's a free beer too).

Chew on this: Having this bowl of Zenbu-nose ramen would have covered more than 50% of your purchase of the coupon. 

The Italian Restaurant Saizeriya is one of the 12 participating restaurants.

Diners with Liang Court's Wednesdays' Food Trail Coupon can get to try the US Sirlion Steak (U.P. $11.90) with Salad and Free-flow Drink Bar (U.P. $3.90).

US Sirloin Steak

The amount of food served with this coupon was astonishing. So generous! There was even a plate of rice!

Salad

 The salad which was served almost immediately after I had ordered the food.

US Sirloin Steak

The US Sirloin Steak was average. It was the most expensive on Saizeriya's menu. I felt that the steak was a tad too dry and hard. The portion of the serving was big considering the price.

So far I have tried the set meals at two participating outlets. I am impressed by the portions. I would have expected that the servings would likely be 'downsized'. But well, I was wrong. I am glad that the serving was the same as what a normal customer (without coupon) would have been served. Kudos to Liang Court and participating restaurants! The little things that matters.

I must say, this Wednesdays' Food Trail Coupon is value for money. If you had not bought it and are interested in buying this coupon, its not too late. You can still utilise the vouchers on 31st July and 7 August 2013! I am definitely going back to try the other restaurants on 7 Aug!

Thank you Kase  from AsiaMalls Management for the two coupons. 

Liang Court Wednesdays' Food Tasting Trails: Marutama Ramen and Saizeriya
Liang Court, 177 River Valley Road
Singapore 179030
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Tampopo Restaurant (Liang Court)

Tampopo Restaurant is one of my favourite restaurant when it comes satisfying my ramen craving. It has been around for sometime, starting off with an outlet in Liang Court. Today, it is a restaurant chain serving Japanese Cuisine and has expanded to Takashimaya and also opened the Tampopo Deli at the basement of Liang Court. Tampopo is popular for its black pig ramen and first started in Liang Court.

We arrived at the restaurant at 1130am on a weekday. We were their first customer that day. Before long, the 2nd and third group of customers arrived. We were able to place our orders fairly quickly as we knew what to order before hand. We were served the green tea and the ramen without much delay.

Original Kyushu Ramen $13.50

Original Kyushu Ramen $13.50

The partner ordered the Original Kyushu Ramen. Besides the Kyushu ramen which was thin and hard, the bowl of ramen was served with tamago, black fungus, fish roe, soy sauce pork slice (char siew) and spring onions The Char Siew with a decent fat to lean meat ratio provided a melt in the mouth sensation.

The pork broth which required two days to made was made from pork bone! The pork broth was light, milky and tasty. I felt that it was a tad too salty. Nevertheless, it was still one of the better Japanese ramen around and at $13.50, it was value for money!

Deluxe Tampopo Black Pig Shabu Ramen $16.30

Deluxe Tampopo Black Pig Shabu Ramen $16.30

I ordered the Deluxe Tampopo Black Pig Shabu Ramen which was served with tampopo, corns, bamboo shoots, slices of black pig and lettuce. It was topped with lots of chilli flakes and some spring onions. The flavour of the chilli flakes did not overwhelm the taste of the pork bone broth. The broth was tasty yet forgiving. Compared to the broth from the Original Kyushu Ramen, I thought that this was more flavourful. The ramen was well cooked, retained its springiness and was not hard. It was a joy slurping the ramen along with the broth.

As the name black pig shabu suggests, the black pig was sliced thinly (paper thin) with little or no marination so that one can taste the original taste of the meat. Each piece had the right balance of fats and meat and was so soft and tender that they provided a melt in the mouth sensation. If only they gave more slices of the black pig shabu. Oishii!!!  Black Pig aka Berkshire Pig is the oldest breed of pig known originating from  Reading-Berkshire in England. It is the highest prized pork in Japan and regarded as the best quality of pork in the world. 

The Tamago (Japanese half boiled egg) was excellent. A firm and nice consistent dark brown colour on the outside. On the inside, it was soft and the egg yolk was runny - just the way a Tamago should be like. If you are keen to make your very own Tamago, you can click here for the recipe.

Overall, I felt that Tampopo's ramen was as good as Santouka's! Besides the dishes mentioned in this post, the Tonkatsu Ramen, Scoop Cake and Matcha Chiffon Cake are worth a try too. Service wise, the staff were prompt in refilling the green tea and the food got served pretty fast. To be fair, I should add that as we arrived at 1130am on a weekday, there was virtually no crowd in the restaurant. 

Tampopo Restaurant (Liang Court) 

177 River Valley Road

#01-23/24 Liang Court

Tel: 6338 3186

Opening Hours: Mon to Sat 1130am - 1030pm (last order 10pm)

                        Sunday and Public Holidays 11am - 1030pm (last order 10pm)

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Location

Tampopo Restaurant (Takashimaya) 

B2-33 Takashimaya Shopping Centre

Tel: 6235 2318

Opening Hours: Daily 11am to 10pm

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka (Orchard Cuppage Terrace)

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka is a Japanese ramen chain, started by Hitoshi Hatanaka in 1988, in Asahikawa, Hokkaido. It all began because Hitoshi Hatanaka was not satisfied with the taste of a ramen he had at a ramen shop. Hence, he used his own recipe and started off small with only 9 seats and one item on the menu. Today, almost 25 years later, Hokkaido Ramen Santouka operates 54 ramen restaurants worldwide in Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Canada as well as United States of America. 

So what made them so successful? Read on to find out.

Visited the outlet at Orchard Cuppage Terrace, next to OG Orchard Point and Centrepoint. Although it was a weekend afternoon, the restaurant was only half full, with plenty of seats available. There were more seats available outdoors compared to indoors (where it is air-conditioned). 

Chawanmushi $3.50

The Chawanmushi; steamed egg pudding with salmon roe was impressive. It was very smooth and wobbly. In terms of taste, it was amazingly aromatic and tasty! One of the better Chawanmushi I have had. Reminds me of the one from Shin Yuu Japanese Restaurant.

Shin-Aji Shoyu Ramen $3.50

I ordered the Shin-Aji Shoyu Ramen. The ramen (noodle) was quite good. Thin, curly and chewy with a smooth texture. More the ramen was springy (QQ) springy and not soggy. The broth was clear, rich and robust. Light brown in colour because soy sauce was used (hence the word 'Shoyu'). It was so aromatic with sweetness and saltiness well-balanced.

Three big pieces of Char Siew were given. They sliced at the ideal thickness for me to get a good bite on it; not too thinly sliced. The Char Siew was incredibly tender with the right ratio of meat and fats that provided it with a melt in the mouth sensation. The bamboo shoots were crunchy providing a good texture to this bowl of ramen.

The Flavored Egg / Ajitsuke (Hanjuku) Tamago / Japanese Runny Egg was perfectly cooked. Firm on the outside and yet inside, it was so soft with almost all its yolk (molten) oozing out. One of the best I around here in Singapore. If you are wondering how you can make this on your own, click here for the recipe.

All in all, the Shin-Aji Shoyu Ramen was well executed  All the ingredients used in it were superb! It was a joy savouring and slurping this bowl of ramen.

Awase-Aji (Mixed Soup Ramen) $14

Awase-Aji (Mixed Soup Ramen) $14

The partner ordered the Awase-Aji; a mixed soup ramen, served with a bowl of Japanese rice topped with crunchy fried bits had a combination of salt, soy sauce and soybean in its broth. After finishing the ramen, the Japanese rice can be added into the soup. 

After this meal, I know why there has been so many rave reviews of Ramen Santouka. It's ramen is truly outstanding. Looks like this is the Best Ramen in Singapore thus far. It overtakes Nantsuttei (Parco Marina Bay) as my favourite Japanese Ramen restaurant. Forget about Ippudo and the Ramen stalls at Bugis+ Ramen Champion in the meantime. Ramen Santouka is the place for a decent bowl of Japanese ramen!

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka (Orchard Cuppage Terrace)

21 Cuppage Road

Cuppage Terrace

Tel: 6235 1059

Opening Hours: Mon to Fri 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 12am

                         Sat 12pm - 12am

                         Sun 12pm - 930pm

Website

Location

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka (The Central)

6 Eu Tong Sen Street
#02-76 The Central

Tel: 6224 0668

Opening Hours: Daily 11am to 1030pm

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