“Oh, Chijmes had quite a revamp!” Many of my friends won’t know that, since Chijmes had fallen out of radar for some time. But I loved the new look, new restaurants, especially with many Japanese restaurants in a single row – Gyu-Kaku Prime, Shabu Shabu On-Yasai, Shirokiya Healthy Japanese Dining, Tatsu and Tonzaemon by Ma Maison.
We were there for Hakata Ikkousha Ramen, better known as THE Ultimate Ramen Champion in 2012 and 2013 when it was at Bugis+.
The shop helmed by Chef Kousuke Yosjimura somehow managed to earn its unique voice and branding in the Singapore market with its opening of a stand alone place at Tanjong Pagar Plaza.
To be frank, I wasn’t that most impressed when I tried their ramen the first time. It just wasn’t as distinctive and memorable as some of the other better known brands. Maybe the broth lacked character.
But after trying again and again, the taste grows on you, and they have actually improved since their earlier days.
Their Hakata style thin long noodles may not be as springy and chewy as Ippudo’s, soup not as densely rich as Keisuke’s or Nantsuttei’s, but there was a certain lightness and pleasantness that you won’t mind having this often on a regular basis. (Whereas some others could be too intense.)
The original Tonkotsu ($12.00) remains as my favourite with its full-bodied, lightly milky pork bone soup, while I also didn’t quite mind the Black Tonkotsu ($13.50) topped with special fried garlic paste which added some smoky flavour.
If you are up to the fiery challenge, you can try breaking the record of Ikkousha’s Spicy Tonkotsu ramen by finishing the entire bowl. It stands at Level 13 now (whatever that would mean).
Hakata Ikkousha CHIJMES
30 Victoria Street, #01-07 CHIJMES, Singapore 187996
Operating Hours: 11.30 am – 10 pm, last order 9.45 pm (Mon-Sat), 11.30 am – 9 pm (last order 8.45 pm (Sun)
Other branches:
Tanjong Pagar: Block 7, #01-104 Tanjong Pagar Plaza Singapore 081007 Tel +65 65381880
Opening Hours: 11:30 am – 10:00 pm (Mon – Sat), 11:30 am – 9:00 pm (Sun)
Changi Airport: 65 Airport Boulevard #B2-58 Terminal 3 Singapore Changi Airport Singapore 819663 In Ramen Champion at T3
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 10:00pm Daily
Other Ramen Entries
111 Ramen Shops In Singapore – The Utltimate Ramen Guide
Ikkousha Ramen 博多一幸舎 (Tanjong Pagar Plaza)
Nantsuttei (Orchard Central)
Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu King Matsuri (Parkway Parade)
Chabuton (313@Somerset)
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