Ippudo @ Tanjong Pagar Centre - The Famed Ramen Opens Its 9th Outlet

With IPPUDO opening its ninth outlet at Tanjong Pagar Centre, CBD crowd can now enjoy another famed ramen to either fuel them for the long day or comfort their tired soul at dusk. What's special about this outlet is that three new side dishes were crafted exclusively for it, alongside with the reintroduction of its three seasonal ramen dishes.

Salmon Katsu 4.5/5

It's not all about ramen at Ippudo. Savour their new side dishes before tucking into your favourite ramen. The three new sides dishes are Aburi Beef Sushi with Ikura ($18), Teppan Chashu Hamburg ($15) and Salmon Katsu ($18).

Salmon Katsu wins me over with its soft and tender sashimi core that comes breaded. Like any fried stuff, the crispy thin batter adds an extra yumminess to the salmon sashimi and the accompanying piquant house-made tartar sauce makes it even more delish and satisfying.

Aburi Beef Sushi with Ikura 3/5

Aburi Beef Sushi with Ikura comes in cute bundles of Hokkaido sushi rice wrapped with pan-seared prime beef slices, crowned with fresh ikura. Thicker slices of beef might have made them fuller in flavour and texture.

Teppan Chashu Hamburg 3.5/5

Teppan Chashu Hamburg is a light starter featuring a hand-chopped pork patty topped with a raw egg yolk. Pouring the complementing homemade teriyaki sauce over while it was still hot had a slight sizzling effect that whets my appetite.

Spicy Black 4/5

Spicy Black, Chuka Soba and Hakata Niku Soba are seasonal ramens that have earned themselves a place in the main menu. Preferring thick and milky broth, we tried Spicy Black ($19) and Hakata Niku Soba ($17). Inspired by bak kut teh, Spicy Black comes with a dollop of a special homemade miso paste that enriches the already thick broth with spices and peppers, resulting in a robust, creamy broth with nutty nuances. It reminds me of black sesame broth but the flavour is alot more intense.

Hakata Niku Soba 3/5

Hakata Niku Soba ($17) is however, disappointing. The thin slices of pork belly were somewhat dry when I was expecting meltingly tender meats.

A good refreshing beverage to go with your ramen would be Lemon Soda ($5)

Another addition to this new outlet is its sake bar which offers hot and cold sake, Sapporo beer and whisky highball. I like the fact that I'm given the choice of tasting portion and full cup. I do recommend trying out their premium sake which is round, sweet and refreshing.

Following Japanese culture where Japanese diners seek out quality alcoholic drinks at best-value prices, its Choinomi Set Promotion ($12.90) comes with a choice of draft beer, highball or bottled beer together with one serving of otsumami - snacks specially prepared to pair with the drinks. You can choose from 12 different snacks including Chicken Karaage, Spicy Chicken Wing and Otsumami Menma. Promotion is available daily from 3 pm onwards until closing.

Words and photos by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ippudo
Tanjong Pagar Centre
5 Wallich Street
#01-15
Singapore 078883
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 11am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

VENUE by Sebastian @ OUE Downtown Gallery - Ex-Chef From Restaurant Ember Opens New Restaurant

When one door shuts, the other door opens. With the closing of Restaurant Ember, Chef-Owner Sebastian Ng has opened his latest concept - VENUE by Sebastian at the new OUE Downtown Gallery. With former Head Chef of Artichoke joining his culinary team, the restaurant offers a menu featuring modern European culinary techniques and quality ingredients, imbued with a refreshing touch of Asian flavours.

Seasonal Mushroom, Truffle Oil, Toast 4/5

We started with the Toast and Seasonal Mushroom with Truffle Oil ($8). The earthy flavour of both the mushroom and truffle oil, made this a delectable starter as we work through the menu. Being picky here, I was wondering why the mushroom was not pre-spread on the toast and I could have just pick it up and have it.

Whitebait, Chilli Salt 4/5

Next is the addictive Whitebait with Chilli Salt ($9). The whitebait coated in a thin batter and deep fried to golden brown. It is then dusted with chilli salt for that spicy and salty enjoyment.

Chilled Romanesco Broccoli 3/5

For something light and refreshing, one can go for the Chilled Romanesco Broccoli ($13) that comes with almonds, shaved parmigiano and lemon vinaigrette. It is a tasty dish but I prefer something that is richer in flavour.

Cauliflower Fritti, Spicy Mint Aioli 4.5/5

A crowd favourite is the Cauliflower Fritti with Spicy Mint Aioli ($10). A healthy snack in disguise, this plump, crunchy and crispy fritti, will make you uncontrollable go back for more. Is too late when you realized you have finished them.

Spanish Gem Lettuce, Parmigiano Reggiano, Light Anchovy Dressing 3.5/5

Grilled Spanish Gem Lettuce, Burrata, Mentaiko Vinaigrette 3.5/5

The other vegetable dishes we had is the Spansih Gem Lettuce with Light Anchovy Dressing ($9) and Grilled Spanish Gem Lettuce with Burrata and Mentaiko Vinaigrette ($19). The crunchy spanish gem lettuce is very refreshing and crunchy. It seems to be able to pair with anything that is being put together by the chef. Put it in a better way, the chef is great in handling the greens, bring out the best of the ingredient.

Homemade Tofu, Foie Gras Mirin Sauce, Iced Lettuce 4.5/5

The Homemade Tofu with Foie Gras Mirin Sauce ($14) is like the Japanese agedashi tofu. The crispy exterior with its silky interior paired excellently by the foie gras mirin sauce. I just don't understand the purpose of the iced lettuce.

Duck Ragout Hand-Cut Pasta 4/5

Moving to the pasta items on the menu, we started with the Duck Ragout Hand-Cut Pasta ($21). The richness of the duck ragout complemented by the parmigiano reggiano, went very well with the perfectly cooked pasta that is cooked to the right firmness.

Cold pasta, Konbu, Truffle oil 4.2/5

The other pasta dish we tried is the Cold Pasta with Konbu and Truffle Oil ($23). It was indeed a very delightful dish with the rich and intense truffle perfuming and stimulating the senses with each slurp of the cold pasta.

Angel Hair Pasta with Sakura Ebi 4.8/5

The hit at VENUE by Sebastian which probably will become their signature dish is the Angel Hair Pasta with Sakura Ebi ($27). Tossed in konbu, chilli and sakura ebi, this is packed with layers of flavours and textures. Every mouthful of the pasta, is like have a beautiful display of fireworks in the mouth. This is a must try.

Grilled Octopus 3.8/5

Chilean Seabass 4.5/5

From the sea, we had the Grilled Octopus in White Bean Puree ($27) and Chilean Seabass ($36). While the grilled octopus comes with a nice smokey flavour and bouncy bite, I felt it lacked some zest to elevate the enjoyment. For the chilean seabass the quality piece of fish speaks for itself with its firm, moist and buttery flavour. This is excellently married with the mushroom bacon ragout and truffle yuzu butter sauce.

Iberico Pork Jowl, Gremolata, Lemon 4.5/5

From the sea, we move to the land. Starting with the Iberico Pork Jowl ($18) that is paired with gremolata and lemon. An excellent choice of condiments that zest up the appreciation of the beautiful piece of pork. The iberico pork jowl also comes with a nice crunchy bite.

Lamb Riblets with Chimichurri Rojo 4.5/5

I am not sure about the rest of my dining companions but I enjoyed the Lamb Riblets with Chimichurri Rojo ($5 each) a lot. The lamb riblets comes with the right ratio of meat and fats, with hints of beautiful spices, grilled to a nice smoky aroma.

Wood Grilled Chermoula Chicken, Charred Lemon 4.8/5

A dish that everyone gives the thumb up is the Wood Grilled Chermoula Chicken ($15 per leg). Traditionally used to flavour seafood, the chermoula marinade works beautifully with the chicken. Squeeze a bit of the charred lemon onto the chicken to lit up the flavour further for an elevated enjoyment of the smokey, tender and juicy chicken.

Duck Confit 4.2/5

The Duck Confit ($19) is nothing fancy but allows one to appreciate the duck meat itself. Crispy on the exterior with tender inside, it is served with truffle emulsion, mesclun and lemon mustard vinaigrette. One of the better ones I have eaten.

Pear Tart, Crumble, Bailey's Ice Cream 3.5/5

Apple Pie, rum and raisin ice cream 3.5/5

While I enjoyed the most of the dishes at VENUE by Sebastian, I am not a great fan of their dessert menu. I am not saying that it is not go but it is kind of boring. We tried the Pear Tart with Bailey's Ice Cream ($14), Apple Pie with Rum & Raisin Ice Cream ($14) and Chocolate Fondant with Vanilla Ice Cream ($14). I guess you know what I meant. Do note these desserts required 15-20 minutes wait.

Chocolate Fondant, Vanilla Ice Cream 3.5/5

The dessert that aroused my interests is the Spiced Panna Cotta with Blood Orange Sorbet ($12). Could not really taste the spice elments but I like the play of the blood orange sorbet with the creamy panna cotta.

Spiced Panna Cotta, Blood Orange Sorbet 4/5

To be frank, this is my first time trying Chef Sebastian's food. I have not been to Ember hence I could not compare the difference. Others have told me that his food is light but flavourful, I kind of agree from the vegetable dishes I tried. However I thought he is better in meats, as I enjoyed them more than the greens.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


VENUE by Sebastian
OUE Downtown Gallery
(Tower 1)
6 Shenton Way
Unit 01-02
Singapore 068809
Tel: +65 69049688
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 3pm, 630pm - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tanjong Pager MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to traffic light junction. Cross the traffic light to Maxwell Road. Turn right and walk towards Shenton Way. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]