So Ramen @ Novena Square - Shiok Tonkotsu + Bonito Broth

Singaporean loves Japanese food, and there are indeed quite a number of ramen shops in Singapore. One of the lesser-known brands is So Ramen a local brand by the breadtalk group. It offers three types of noodles (Hosomen, Chijiremen and Futomen) and 5 types of broths (shoyu, miso, tonkotsu, uobushi tonkotsu, and spicy tonkotsu).

Grand Tonkotsu 4/5

The Grand Tonkotsu ($13.90) consists of Toroniku (braised pork cheek), Cha Shu and Buta Kakuni (braised pork belly in special sauce), Ni Tamago and Menma (bamboo shoot). It is quite a luxury in a bowl considering the pricing. Black onion sauce is added to the rich and hearty broth, enhancing the flavour. While the pork belly is huge, I find it on the tough side.

Toroniku Uobushi Tonkotsu Ramen 4.2/5

The soup for the Toroniku Uobushi Tonkotsu Ramen ($13.90) is double-boiled comprising tonkotsu and premium bonito. The result is more intense and richer, which really pack a punch. Not only that, it comes with tender pieces of Toroniku (braised pork cheek, Ni tamago, menma and seaweed.

Yaki Gyoza 3.5/5

I also ordered Yaki Gyoza ($4 for 6pc) to go along with the ramen. The parcel comes with marinated premium pork wrapped in translucent dumpling skin, then pan-seared to crispy perfection

Butariki Ishinabe 4/5

Besides ramen, the restaurant also offers rice item on the menu. We tried the Butariki Ishinabe ($12.90) that is served in a hot stone-pot. One can find pan-fried and barbecued pork, seaweed, raw egg, caramelised onion and sesame in it. Mix everything up to coat the pearly Koshihikari rice with the sauce and get a mouthful of different flavours and textures.


So Ramen
Novena Square
238 Thomson Road
#01-05
Singapore 307683
Tel: +65 62536066
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Uma Uma @ Millenia Walk - Bringing Back The Original 1938 Sanmaro Ramen

Before Uma Uma, there was Sanmaro. Sanmaro was the very first ramen stall in Fukuoka, founded in 1938 by Mr Mori Kentaro. It was born out of his love for the Chinese "La Mian" he had known in Shanghai, where he had worked and lived for a period of time. "Sanmaro", or 3rd street in English, was a street in Shanghai which meant a lot to him. 10 years after Mori-san handed over his legacy to the Teshima brothers in 1953, Sanmaro was eventually renamed Umaro, and finally to Uma Uma in 1994.

Original 1938 Sanmaro Ramen 4/5

The Original 1938 Sanmaro Ramen brings you back to the post-war era when gas supply was scarce. The first Hakata ramen in Fukuoka was simple - thin white noodles in a light broth that was made by boiling chicken and pork bones for 4 – 6 hours.

Comparing the broth side by side, The Original 1938 Sanmaro broth can be easily identified by its consistency. Despite it being a rather clear broth, it smells incredibly comforting, like a bowl of chicken soup for the soul as one called it. You just got to draw the bowl close to you and smell it.

Inspired by Chinese La Mian, Sanmaro is served with chasiu and spring onions only. That allows the subtle flavours of the broth to stand out. Compared to a Tonkatsu broth, this chicken-pork broth is much more well-rounded with a better balance of sweetness and savouriness. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

Signature Uma Uma Ramen 4/5

The Signature Uma Uma Ramen was created by Teshima-san. The original thin, white Hakata noodle is used, but a luxury version with more things added for colour, texture and flavour. It is served in a pork broth that has been boiled for over 10 hours. The gelatin-rich broth was satisfying for sure, but I yearn the most after finishing it is the beautifully charred pork belly and the ramen egg. It has been a while since I last had good ones. Most are just average.

Mazesoba Chasiu 3.5/5

Perhaps it is their charsiu that makes the dry ramen so tasty as well. Uma Uma's BCM inspired Mazesoba Chasiu ($17) was what brought me to their outlet at Forum years ago. Being one of the pioneers in dry ramen, I think theirs is still one of the better ones. If you like springy egg noodles, this will be right up your alley.

The original Sanmaro ramen will be available for a limited time at Uma Uma Millenia Walk outlet only from 2 September 2019 onwards. In conjunction with the celebration of their 7th year in Singapore, you get to enjoy 1-for-1 ramen at Uma Uma, Forum The Shopping Mall. Choose from all available ramen on the menu, available for 1 day only on 16 August 2019, Friday.

Written 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.


Uma Uma
Millenia Walk
Japanese Food Street
9 Raffles Boulevard
#02-06
Singapore 039596
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 10pm
Sun: 1130am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]