Nakiryu @ Plaza Singapura - One Star Michelin Ramen Restaurant From Tokyo Famous For Their Tan Tan Men Opens In Singapore

Another Michelin-starred ramen restaurant from Tokyo has landed on our shore. Nakiryu, famed for its Tan Tan Men has been awarded One Michelin Star since 2017 for seven years in a row. I have yet to try Nakiryu in Otsuka, Tokyo; hence I am excited to check out the place.

Tan Tan Men 3.8/5

We started with the famous Tan Tan Men ($15.90), known for its sesame-based broth that differs from the usual Japanese ramen. It comes with a hint of spiciness from the chilli oil. The slurping goodness is topped with minced pork. It is definitely very different from the usual ramen we have been eating in Singapore. I am not sure whether it was a bad day for the kitchen, as the broth was a bit salty for me to appreciate the delicious broth.

Shoyu Ramen 3.5/5

For a lighter option and something more familiar to Singapore is the Shoyu Ramen ($14.90). The broth is a concoction of a few blends of soya sauces. I don't usually have shoyu ramen, but I thought it should be richer in taste.

Hot & Sour Soup Ramen 3.5/5

If you are looking for something piquant, then the Hot & Sour Soup Ramen ($15.90) would be your preference. Similar to the Tan Tan Men, it comes with minced pork. However, I was expecting something more robust for the broth.

Prawn Wonton Cha Shu Shio Ramen 4/5

Surprisingly my favourite of the four different soup bases is the shio ramen. I had the Prawn Wonton Cha Shu Shio Ramen ($18.90). It felt like having a bowl of Hong Kong style wonton noodles with the clear and sweet soup, served with plump and juicy wontons.

Yodare Dori 3/5

Besides the ramen, there are a number of side dishes to accompany the ramen to make it a complete meal. A delectable choice is the Yodare Dori ($5.90), whereby tender steamed chicken is paired with a spicy sauce and sesame. It is similar to the Chinese Kou Shui Ji.

Prawn Wonton Spicy Garlic Sauce 3.5/5

The Prawn Wonton Spicy Garlic Sauce ($8.90) is another Sichuan similar dish on the menu which Singaporeans will enjoy. However, it made me puzzle why a ramen restaurant has it on the menu. I wonder if it is offered in Japan or only in Singapore to cater for the locals.

Fried Chicken 4.2/5

Deep-fried to perfection is the Fried Chicken ($7.90). The juicy and chunky chicken pieces are coated with crispy rice puffs for extra textural enjoyment.

Teba Gyoza 4/5

I always thought stuffed chicken wings were a Thai thing, but now I know even the Japanese has this dish on the menu as Teba Gyoza ($8.90). Crispy on the outside, the inside is stuffed with pork-based gyoza filling. It is achieved by replacing the dumpling skin with chicken skin.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Nakiryu
Plaza Singapura
68 Orchard Road
#02-35
Singapore 238839
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Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut (CC, NE, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 9pm

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

MAM MAM @ NUHS - A Hidden Gem At National University Hospital

One of my most ordered delivery during these three years of Covid is MAM MAM. However, I only recently visited the casual eatery hidden in National University Health System (NUHS) Tower Block at National University Hospital. MAM MAM is the brainchild between Chef Sebastian Ng of VENUE by Sebastian, and Edmund Ang, the third-generation owner of Punggol Nasi Lemak. The casual eatery serves affordable Asian Rice Bowl and hearty local food.

100-hour Duck Confit Rice Bowl

One of my favourite dishes at MAM MAM is its 100-hour Duck Confit Rice Bowl ($11.50). The confit duck leg is marinated with Asian spices for two days and slow-cooked for 24 hours. The result is extremely tender with flavoursome crispy skin. The rice bowl is served with delectable sides - seasonal vegetables, salted veggies and egg roll. Not forgetting the piquant green sambal that accentuated the enjoyment of the duck confit.

Spice-crusted Chicken Leg

The signature at MAM MAM is its Spice-crusted Chicken Leg ($8.50). The huge chicken leg is marinated in a special concoction comprising 16 different types of herbs and spices for an aromatic finish. The chicken leg is deep-fried to a delightful crunch on the skin but tender and juicy inside. It is served with a side of pickled cucumber and egg roll.

Besides the two Asian rice bowls, the menu offers four other ones, all below $10. They are Golden Fried Chicken in Signature Spicy Tomato Sauce ($7.50), Slow-roasted Norwegian Salmon Specialty ($9.50), Signature Minced Chicken with Basil and Egg Tofu ($5.90) and Wok-fried Sliced Beef with Ginger and Scallion ($5.80).

MAM MAM also offers congee on its menu. The congee has a consistent creaminess. It is a hearty and comforting bowl of congee. However, it is not the style I like. Being a Teochew, I prefer it to be more grainy.

Another item I usually order at MAM MAM is the Green Bean and Sago. It is a local dessert I like, and at MAM MAM, I can have a satisfying meal from mains to dessert.


MAM MAM
NUHS Tower Block
Level One
1E Kent Ridge Road
Singapore 119228
Tel: +65 62524320
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Nearest MRT: Kent Ridge (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 7am - 5pm
(Closed on Sat-Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Kent Ridge MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk down South Buona Vista Road. Turn right onto Kent Ridge Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 mintues. [Map]