Looks like the MALA fever in Singapore is not stopping yet, with Menya Kokoro the introduction of Singapore’s 1st Mala Mazesoba and Ramen.
In Singapore, the clamour for Mazesoba is so strong, that a second Menya Kokoro outlet has also opened at 100AM, Tanjong Pagar (mall next to Amara Hotel).
Literally translated as “mixed noodle”, Mazesoba is actually ramen minus the soup.
The “Kororo” brand is the brainchild of Japanese Chef Takuma Ishikawa, who learned the art of making Mazesoba so well he won the Best Mazesoba Award in Japan in 2014.
With the new 100AM outlet, make sure you witness the launch of (and taste!) their new dishes, which includes Furious Mala Mazesoba, Furious Mala Ramen Soup, Cold Yuzu Chashu Maze, Vegan Yuzu Maze, and Tokyo Mega Maze Soba:
Furious Mala Maze-Soba (Dry) ($14.80/regular, $16.80/large)
The first-of-its-kind in Singapore, the Furious Mala Mazesoba has three levels of spiciness to give justice to its name.
This fiery mala-esque flavour profile is the result of combining aromatic Szechuan peppers, dried chili strings, and chili oil. Together, they electrify the al dente buckwheat noodles making them tongue-tingly to the bite.
Adding texture and flavour to the dish are onions, chopped spring onions, nori strips, and a perfectly prepared onsen egg.
As a recommendation, I would say go for the Level 1 or 2 as start, so that you can savour more of the original taste of the grilled pork chashu and noodles; and then feel free to go for the Level 3 when you are ready and want to take on the ‘challenge’.
By the way, if MALA is really in your blood, Menya Kokoro is giving out for FREE a special spicy Ultimate Furious Mala Mazesoba (which is not even on the main menu) to the 4th diner in a group of 4. More details below.
Furious Mala Ramen Soup ($14.80)
If you cannot not have soup in your ramen AND crave for spice, the Furious Mala Ramen Soup is for you.
You will get the same 3 levels of tongue-numbing heat from the trio of heat blasters Szechuan peppers, dried chili strings, and chili oil.
Additional toppings include sliced pork chashu, minced onions, chopped green onions, an onsen egg, crunchy nori sheets.
But like a traditional ramen, this bowl is filled with rich and slightly creamy tonkotsu-based soup.
You can slurp its flavourful and spicy broth while biting into the springy noodles. Shiok and a Level 3 will cause you to break out in sweat.
Cold Yuzu Chashu Maze ($13.80)
This new cold noodle dish carries an invigorating citrusy taste, thanks to the yuzu sauce and shreds of yuzu zest incorporated to the maze.
The ramen noodles are topped with different veggies like julienned tomato, cucumber, and spring onions.
Joining the bunch are thin slices of tender chashu, thin strips of omelette, crunchy tempura crisps, and a well-executed onsen egg.
A great choice when the weather is just too warm for a piping hot ramen, complete with a tangy-mustardy touch.
Vegan Yuzu Maze ($13.80)
As an alternative maze for those who can’t or don’t feel like having meat for the day, Menya Kokoro has launched the Vegan Yuzu Maze.
Like the non-vegan version, this maze is also perked up with citrus notes from the yuzu sauce and shredded yuzu peel.
My favourite parts of the bowl are the sweet inari (seasoned deep-fried tofu pockets), crunchy grilled baby corn and tempura crisps which added some crunch.
The yellow sauce on top that replaces the onsen egg is a special tofu sauce.
Tokyo Mega Maze Soba ($12.80/regular, $14.80/large)
Though your attention will be on the 4 new dishes, something more ‘regular’ would be their signature dish Tokyo Mega Maze Soba.
This is an upgraded version of their signature dish – some Singaporean diners call this the Japanese Bak Chor Mee.
Made even heftier, it now comes with an additional grilled pork chashu which is both smoky-tasting and succulent, aside from the usual ground saba fish, nori, green onions, chives, minced garlic, and onsen egg.
The tender, melt-in-your mouth sliced pork combined with secret-recipe minced meat sauce makes this maze extra special.
Using Japanese techniques, the minced meat sauce is slow-cooked for 4 hours. This process adds a complex depth of flavour to the ramen.
Salted Konbu Cabbage ($3.80)
Order this side dish slash salad and get refreshingly crunchy cabbage tossed in Kokoro’s in-house dressing.
Adding a salty dimension to this salad are strips of sun-dried Japanese brown seaweed (konbu) sprinkled on top.
Much needed as an accompaniment to the fiery Mala noodles.
Nagoya Kakiage ($3.80)
A popular form of tempura, this kakiage is made with thin strips of onion, sweet potato, carrot, and green peppers.
Once battered, they are plunged in a hot oil for deep-frying. These crunchy strips are served with a drizzling of Menya Kokoro’s special Nagoya-style sauce.
Its savoury-spicy taste has hints of spice making this kakiage a delicious appetizer.
Emma Soft Serve and Floats
Seen those gravity-defying Japanese soft serve on social media?
Menya Kokoro is sharing space with popular Japanese brand Emma Soft Serve.
Other than Boba Taco Softie ($6.80) or Okinawa Brown Sugar Boba Japanese Soft Serve in Wafer Shell, I would recommend the Charcoal Cheese in Charcoal Cone ($5.50).
Think Japanese soft serve, topped with Okinawa brown sugar pearls and housed in crispy wafer taco shell.
Also available is a series of Soft Serve Floats exclusive to the 100AM outlet, which includes Sunny Soft Float ($6.50), Virgin Mojito Soft Float ($6.50), Pink Lady Soft Float ($6.50), Green Tapioca Soft Float ($6.30), and Black Tapioca Soft Float ($6.30).
The Black Tapioca Soft Float ($6.30) literally combines the trending bubble tea with soft serve, which includes Okinawa brown sugar pearls at the bottom, black tea, and Japanese soft serve to sweeten things up.
The non-alcoholic Virgin Mojito Soft Float ($6.50) with lime, mint leaves, and ginger ale also makes a refreshing drink for takeaways. I would say finish up the soft serve first, and bring the rest of the drink back to office to savour slowly.
Menya Kokoro 100AM Opening Promotion (Promotion only valid at 100AM outlet)
Get a special spicy Ultimate Furious Mala Mazesoba FREE – this is even spicier than all the 3 levels of Mala Mazesoba available and is not even found in the menu.
This bowl will come FREE with purchase of any 3 mains, from the selection of Mazesoba, Ramen or Maze Don.
So come in a group of four, and the 4th diner can have a complimentary bowl.
Menya Kokoro – 100AM
100 Tras Street #02-10 Singapore 079027
Tel: +65 6443 1727
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm (Sun – Thurs), 11am – 10pm (Fri – Sat)
Last order half hour before closing
https://www.facebook.com/menyakokorosg
Menya Kokoro – Suntec City
Eat At Seven Suntec City, 3 Temasek Boulevard #03-313 Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 6235 3386
Opening Hours: 11am – 3pm, 5:30pm – 9:30pm (Mon – Thurs), 11am – 3pm, 5:30pm – 10pm (Fri), 11am – 10pm (Sat), 11am – 9:30pm (Sun)
Last order half hour before closing
* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Menya Kokoro.