Talking about the commonly used word of late – “pivot”, and perhaps a real-life example of a couple overcoming many odds are the owners of Takagi Ramen.
Owners Yang and his wife Ai Takagi used to be behind the now-defunct website The Real Singapore (TRS), then switched into something completely different – F&B and found success.
Their motto is to serve “Ramen for the Average Singaporean”, keeping prices low enough just for anyone.
A bowl of ramen starts from $6.90 nett in an air-conditioned setting, can be said about half the price of most other ramen restaurants in Singapore.
Since their incorporation in 2015, they have sold over 3 million bowls of ramen. (Perhaps I was the one who had the 3,000,001th bowl.)
There are now 8 Takagi Ramen outlets in Singapore, at Ang Mo Kio, Pasir Ris Close, Jurong West, Clementi (Tic Tech Center K2), Woodlands (Woodlands Square), one-north, Chong Pang, and soon at Simei (opening November).
The new Simei outlet for the Takagi Ramen chain is located in Eastpoint Mall beside Simei MRT, and is their 6th eatery that is opened 24/7.
On the menu are ramen bowls including Awabi Shoyu Ramen ($7.80), Miso Ramen ($7.50), Karakamen ($7.50), Butashoga Ramen ($8.50), Chashumen ($8.50), Black Tonkotsu ($7.90), Tantanmen ($6.50), Jjajiamen ($5.50) and Mazemen ($6.90).
Prices are nett.
Crowd favourite dishes include their popular seasonal Chilli Crab Ramen ($12.90) and Salted Egg Crab Ramen ($12.90) featuring a whole Hokkaido soft-shell crab.
There are also beverages of Fruity Milk Series using real fruits and 100% fresh milk.
I went for a meal at one-north, and had their classic Takagi Ramen ($6.90) which featured Japanese Tonkotsu (pork bone) broth enhanced with a light shio seasoning infused with the subtle aroma of kombu and bonito.
The bowl was further topped with slow-braised chashu pork slices, thinly sliced green scallions and blanched silver sprouts.
The tonkotsu broth would be considered on the lighter side (as contrasted with some of the others which are richer and more heavy-bodied). If you enjoy something not too heavy or greasy, this can be a good option for fuss-free ramen.
I also had the Black Tonkotsu ($7.90) served with slow-braised chashu pork slices, premium, crunchy black fungus strips, sweet braised bamboo shoots, thinly sliced green scallions and blanched silver sprouts.
Quite generous ingredients with a moderately creamy-rich soup, and I would have enjoyed it better if the black garlic aroma and flavours were stronger.
They use Hakata-style ramen noodles which are thin and long, though I would have preferred if the noodles were cooked slightly firmer.
With that said, the price is $7.90 and can be considered a tasty-decent bowl.
Even though Takagi Ramen does not charge service charge, I thought that the service staff was quite friendly and earnest in serving.
Takagi Ramen
Ang Mo Kio – 51 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3 #01-01C, Singapore 569922
Opening Hours: 24/7
Pasir Ris – 1 Pasir Ris Close #02-316 Singapore 519599
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Jurong West – Blk 492 Jurong West St 41 #01-74, Singapore 640492
Opening Hours: 24/7
Clementi – Tic Tech Center K2, 25 Pandan Cres, Singapore 128477
Opening Hours: 24/7
Woodlands – 6 Woodlands Square #01-04, Singapore 737737
Opening Hours: 24/7
one-north – 1 Fusionopolis Way, #B1-12 Singapore 138632
Opening Hours: 10am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)
Chong Pang – Blk 101 Yishun Ave 5 #01-27, Singapore 760101
Opening Hours: 24/7
Simei – 3 Simei Street 6, Eastpoint #01-31, Singapore 528833
Opening Hours: 24/7
Other Related Entries
Kanada-Ya (Paragon)
IPPUDO Singapore (Guoco Tower)
Tsuta Japanese Dining (313@somerset)
Menbaka Ramen Singapore (Orchard Cineleisure)
Menya Kanae (Novena Regency)
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