Two weeks ago I received an email invitation from a Japanese lady to her husband's new ramen shop in Boat Quay area. Being an avid ramen fan myself, an undercover investigation was properly in order.
If you have been to Tonkotsu King in Tanjong Pagar, this will be déjà vu for you - the all-so-familiar order tickets, egg basket (free of charge), free flow of garlic chip and my favourite, the pickled beansprouts.
Lunch menu for now consists of the three industrial standard ramen broths (white, black and red), with the options of addtional toppings like chashuu, soft-boiled egg et cetera.
Pure White Tonkutsu Ramen ($15.2)
Despite that I opted for a firmer texture, the fine noodle threads were not as springy as I would like them to be. The milky white broth was nevertheless rich and gratifying.
Then I wished there were more chashuu slices.
Jet Black Tonkotsu Ramen ($13.9)
The wicked black broth here was the unique combination of squid ink and pan-fried garlic.
On a separate trip I tried their dinner-only seafood tonkotsu tsukemen, which is exclusively limited to 10 servings per day.
Seafood Tonkotsu Ramen ($17.2)
The tsukemen here was in ways quite similar to the one I had at Daikokuya some time ago. It was later that I found out the owner was once the executive chef of the chain.
Perhaps I took too long trying to get my 'perfect shot', by the time I tucked in the thick noodles had turned too mushy to my likings. The broth dip on the other hand was very flavoursome, thanks to their home-made fish powder (katsuobushi?).
(scooping up the treasures underneath)
While I wish there were some nibbles on the menu, Ramen Bar Suzuki is the clear winner if I'm to compare it with Baikohken in the same neighborhood. Give it a try today.
Load yourself with enough cash in case their credit card readers are not ready for service yet.
らーめんすず木
61 Circular Rd #01-01
Lunch, 11.30am - 3pm
Dinner, 6pm - 10pm
Closed on Sundays and PH
On my way to the MRT station along the river, a rockstar was singing the night away.