Who says that a hearty bowl of al dente noodles topped off with pieces of sexy-charred cha shu always comes with a hefty price tag? These local spots have shown that these enjoyable bowls of ramen can be equal parts affordable and promising.
1. Takagi Ramen
A fool-proof solution to those random ramen cravings – Takagi Ramen sits in an unassuming coffee shop in one of our oldest estates. Take a try at their Black Tonkotsu Ramen ($6.50) – dollops of charred garlic oil served with black fungus and bamboo shoots accompany the lighter, refreshing pork broth. With just an additional $1 for an onsen egg and $3 for a full plate of gyozas, they executed beyond their motto of “Ramen for the Average Singaporean”.
Address: #01-2817 Broadway Kopitiam 721 Ang Mo Kio Ave 8, Singapore 560721
Opening hours: Daily 1100 – 2200
2. Buta Kin
Located just a few doors down from the famous Top 1 Home Made Noodle, Buta Kin takes pride in their Special Tonkotsu Ramen that comes at just $6.90. Generous portion of silky smooth noodles dancing in a broth that is lighter than the usual ones we get outside, yet still as palatable with substantial flavour. How could we complain though – the lava eggs have the perfect flowy consistency, the 3 thick pieces of pork belly were well-grilled while the black fungus and seaweed sheet sealed up the combo under just seven bucks. If variety is how you like it, these peeps also do curry rice and tonkotsu udon ($3.50 – $6.00).
Address: #04-41 Beauty World Centre 144 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 588177
Opening hours: Tuesday 1130 – 1600, Wednesday – Sunday 1130 – 2030
3. Ramen Taisho
Only expect sub-par ramen from a foodcourt? This humble stall proved otherwise. The Ramen Deluxe ($8.90) features a rich and creamy pork broth blanketing their thin, chewy noodles which are made fresh daily in the shop. With the ideal molten egg, 5 huge pieces of chashu, crunchy black fungus and nori topped off with tasty spring onions and fragrant sesame seeds, food court affair can be a luxurious one.
Address: #04-20/22 NTUC Foodfare Clementi Mall 3155 Commonwealth Avenue West, Singapore 128588
Opening hours: Daily 1000 – 2200
4. Gyoza-Ya
This chain that serves affordable japanese dishes with their highly popular renditions of traditional gyozas might ring a bell, given it has opened 3 outlets right in the heart of Orchard. At a price point of $6.80++, their Special Pork Bone Soup with Ramen is served with a large slab of pork belly, perfect for anyone seeking a comforting bowl of decent, slurpy goodness in town. Be sure to try their Pan-Fried Dumpling with Mentaiko Sauce ($8.80++) – being one of the pioneers to offer this twist on traditional gyozas, this is their specialty for good reasons.
Address:
#B1-02A Robinsons Heeren 260 Orchard Road, Singapore 238855
#B4-56 ION Orchard 2 Orchard Turn Singapore 238801
#B1-43 The Paragon 290 Orchard Road Singapore 238859
Opening hours: Daily 1130 – 2200
5. CHOW FUN Bar & Restaurant
For those who are feeling peckish, a bowl of sample-sized Tonkotsu Ramen ($2.90++) is sure to satisfy. Also offering 17 other noodle small plates such as Wild Mushroom and Truffle Penne together with Ginger and Scallion rice noodles, the variety at CHOW FUN is endless. If you want something more substantial, feel free to get the regular-sized portion at $15.90++!
Address: #01-08 The Grandstand 200 Turf Club Road Singapore 287994
Opening hours: Tuesday – Thursday 1130 – 2200 , Friday – Sunday 1130 – 2300
