Tsukemen

🥢 Covered with Bonito Flakes, Chashu, Cabbage, Spring Onions, Black Garlic Oil and Egg

🧾 SGD$9.90

✍🏻 ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆〘6/10〙*

💬 A mountain of wiggling bonito flakes on top of my ramen was a sight to behold. It did set off an umami bomb but as the tonkotsu soup base was too light, I was not sure they blended well together (also might have been better if it was a tonkotsu-fish based broth instead). With the broth on the blander side and the garlic flavour slightly mild, the noodles naturally tasted bland as well. Grilled chashu was kinda tough but had a nice crisp with a high fat to meat ratio. There were also added cabbages for their crunchy texture. Overall I felt that it lacked the richness that is characteristic of a good tonkotsu, but forgivable at the price point. Not the best but for about $10? Sure why not if I am in the area.

*ramen priced ≤$10 are awarded with a bonus ★ for affordability

🥢 To be dipped in a Tonkotsu Gyokai Broth, with a slice of Chashu Pork, Narutomaki, Menma, Spring Onions and a Nitamago on top

🧾 SGD$14.90

✍🏻 ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆〘6/10〙

💬 The dipping broth was a mixture of pork and fish; packed full of umami-ness. It was not overly concentrated or salty, hence I could drink the leftovers up without adding any dashi soup. However, I felt that it was on the oilier side and had this grainy mouthfeel to it (not a huge fan). The noodles were amazing though, so thick and chewy- the best kind to slurp up with. There was also a single slice of chashu on top which looked rather pitiful but it tasted pretty good with a nice meat-to-fat ratio. The egg ($2) looked and tasted so similar to 711's ready-to-eat Hanjuku eggs that I was pretty convinced that they either had their recipe or receipt. Honestly, I had higher expectations for the famous Tetsu from Japan but seeing how it was opened in a food court, the standard matches. Here's hoping Tetsu can open a full-fledged restaurant here!

🥢 To be dipped in a rich bonito fish flakes plus pork broth blend and topped with Pork Belly, Narutomaki, Spring Onion, Bamboo Shoot and calcium printed Seaweed

🧾 SGD$22.00

✍🏻 ★★★★★★★☆☆☆〘7/10〙

💬 The noodles were thick but cooked al dente with a very good chewy texture, definitely the star of the show. They were served cold alongside a piping hot dipping broth. I was on the fence for the broth as although it had a strong bonito flavor, I felt it could have been richer and more concentrated if it had been less watery. There was also a sour-y note to it as well. As for the chashu, it was rather tender and had a nice chew to it even though they were significantly thicker than in their Shiromaru Motoaji ramen. I was pleasantly surprised by the calcium printed seaweed wishing customers a Merry Christmas; it is small gestures like these that makes the dining experience very memorable.

🥢 To be dipped in a rich Sardine and Bonito broth, with Bamboo Shoots and a Soy-Marinated Egg on the side

🧾 SGD$16.00

✍🏻 ★★★★★★★★★☆〘9/10〙

💬 One of my favourite tsukemen around! The noodles were chewy with a nice bite to them and always cooked perfectly. They know you would love the noodles so the noodles automatically comes in a x1.5 portion. The broth is made with dried sardines and bonito which jam-packs it with umami-ness and a robust flavour! I'm already salivating just by writing this!

(Unfortunately I can't upload two photos into a single post here, but no worries the photo of the dipping broth is on Instagram, go check it out!)