LeNu (樂牛) @ Vivocity

Located just right across Ben & Jerry at Vivocity is a new Taiwan Beef Noodle Bar called LeNu (樂牛) by the Paradise Group. I found the concept pretty similar to NamNam Noodle Bar except that it is selling the popular Taiwan beef noodle. Similar to NamNam, it has both a bar counter and a dine in area offering different toppings of the beef noodle. Upon seated you will be given an order sheet, place your order, bring it to the cashier, make your payment, collect your appertiser if any and go back to your seat to wait for your main.

Chilled Tofu with Century Egg 4.2/5

Can't help ordering the Chilled Tofu with Century Egg ($2.90) whenever I see it on the menu. Look at how translucent the century egg was. The delightful cold dish was bursting with a medley of lovely flavours that simply works together.

Sauteed Tang-O 3/5

I thought I should order a vegetable dish to go with the noodle and I decided to try the Sauteed Tang-O ($4.90) since I don't usually get to eat it, probably only during Chinese New Year over steamboat.

On each table there is a bottle of their homemade chilli dipping sauce which supposes to further elevate the taste and richness of the beef. I did not like it, it tasted like fermented bean paste and was quite salty. I took a dip and left it untouched.

Braised Beef Brisket Noodles 4/5

Patron will have a choice of either the broad noodle or thin noodle. For the Braised Beef Brisket Noodles ($11.90) I chose the broad noodle which came with a delightful texture bite to it. The beef brisket was also cooked to fork tender. While the broth was really flavourful, I still prefer the more herbal version.

Braised Beef Combination Noodles 4/5

For the Braised Beef Combination Noodles ($14.90) I chose the thin noodle which was more springy. The bowl of noodle came with a good mix of beef shank, tendon and brisket that was cooked to tender soft.

The Paradise Group seems to be aggressively expanding their brand lately. With NamNam doing so well and the nation loves for ramen, it was not a surprise that Paradise Group may just find a niche market to success with LeNu (樂牛), Taiwan Beef Noodle Bar.


LeNu (樂牛)
Vivocity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#02-91/92/93
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 63769039
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParadiseGrp
Website: http://www.paradisegroup.com.sg/
Nearest MRT: Harbour Front (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbour Front MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tonkotsu Kazan Ramen @ Liang Court

Tonkotsu Kazan Ramen or commonly known as the Volcano Ramen originated from Osaka, Japan. Known for their tonkotsu broth and cooking the ramen in a kazan (volcanic) fashion is quite an interesting style from the tradition. Tonkotsu Kazan Ramen currently has 2 outlets in Singapore, one at Novena Square 2 with the latest outlet that opened in August 2013 at Liang Court.

The Kazan Ramen is served in a preheated 300 degree Celsius stone bowl where all the ingredients have been put inside. At table side, the wait staff will pour the broth into the hot stone and put the red colour lid with a funnel on top to continue cooking. After a minute, take the lid off the stone bowl and stir the vegetables and noodles well. To serve, transfer the noodles and soup into smaller bowl.

A order of the Kazan Ramen comes with a bowl of rice where one can add into the left over soup mixture to make delicious Zousui (soupy rice). Allowing one to enjoy the kazan ramen twice.

Kazan Kaisen Shio 4/5

First we tried the Kazan Kaisen Shio ($15/$18). Kazan ramen uses broader noodle so that it does not get soggy easily. Even thought the broader noodle is used, it still got soggy pretty quickly. My advice is to either finish the ramen as fast as possible or transferred all to the smaller bowl. This is because the hot stone is still continuing cooking the bowl of ramen. I also noticed that kazan ramen uses a lot of vegetables like bean sprouts, cabbages and spring onion compared to the more tradition ramen. I welcomed the generous serving of vegetables. Enhanced with a special blended salt paste with seafood, the broth was surprisingly more refine, not as oily and robust compare to the usual tonkotsu broth from those traditional ramen place.

Kazan Karamiso 4/5

If you prefer spicy ramen, go for the Kazan Karamiso ($15/$18) whereby the tonkotsu broth is enhanced with a special blend of spicy miso paste. While my dining partners preferred it to be spicier I am acceptable to the spicy level. Anyway Japanese food usually are not known for being very hot and fiery. The homemade spicy miso paste definitely was the star elevating the flavours. The char siew on the other hand was a tad dry.

Hot Stone Fried Rice 4/5

Hot Stone Fried Rice 4/5

When the Hot Stone Fried Rice ($6) is served, gave it a good mix before the egg at the bottom got overcooked. Tossed in some chilli flakes if you preferred some fiery kick to the fluffy rice. Each mouthful of fried rice also came with delectable flavoured shredded pork.

Tonkotsu Soup Gyoza 4.2/5

For a different, we tried the Tonkotsu Soup Gyoza ($8 for 6pc) instead of the usual pan fried gyoza. Served in a delightful tonkotsu broth with lots of bean sprouts, the dumpling skin was thin and translucent stuffed with delectable fillings.

Macha Shiratama with Ice Cream 3/5

The Macha Shiratama with Ice Cream ($8) is hugemongous. The huge ice mountain comes with sweetened red beans, mochi and ice cream similar to our local ice kachang. I loved the fact the exterior of the shaved ice is drenched with condensed milk which I could not help going back for more. However the macha syrup was too sweet and lacklustre in the green tea flavour.

I can't say Tonkotsu Kazan is the best ramen in town but they sure have their own unique volcano style ramen selling point as well as their huge servicing which is value for money. I also like the face that their tonkotsu broth does not give me a greasy aftertaste.


Tonkotsu Kazan Ramen
Liang Court
177 River Valley Road
#01-10
Singapore 179030
Tel: +65 63368698
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TonkotsuKazan
Website: http://tonkotsukazan.com/
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit C, F or G. Walk along the river toward Riverside Point direction. Cross the bridge to the other end of the river. Turn left and walk towards Liang Court. Journey time about 7 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to bus stop at Clark Quay Station (Stop ID 04222). Take bus number 54. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]