In recent years, ramen has become one of the most popular foods in Singapore and soon has established spots for the best ramen in Singapore. From its humble beginnings as a Japanese dish served in small eateries, ramen has now become a global sensation that has won over the hearts and stomachs of many Singaporeans. In this article, we’ll explore the best ramen restaurants in Singapore, the different types of ramen available, and unique ramen dishes that you can only find here.
A Brief History of Ramen in Singapore
Before we delve into the best ramen restaurants in Singapore, let’s take a look at its origins. Ramen was first introduced to Singapore in the 1980s, where it was served in small Japanese eateries known as ramen-ya. At the time, there was only a limited variety of ramen available, and it was mostly consumed by the Japanese community in Singapore.
As more Japanese restaurants and chains opened in Singapore, the popularity of ramen grew. Today, ramen is widely consumed in Singapore, and there are many different types and variations of this dish available.
The Introduction of Ramen to Singapore
Ramen was introduced to Singapore in the 1980s by Japanese expatriates who missed the taste of home. They set up small eateries called ramen-ya, which served basic bowls of ramen. These eateries were mostly located in the Japanese enclaves of Singapore, and it was only much later that they started to appear in other parts of Singapore.
Despite its humble beginnings, ramen quickly became popular among Singaporeans. It was seen as a novelty food, and people were curious to try this new dish from Japan.
The Evolution of Ramen in Singapore
As the popularity of ramen grew in Singapore, the dish underwent significant changes to cater to local tastes. Singaporeans have a great love for spicy food, so ramen chefs started to incorporate local spices and flavours into their dishes.
Today, ramen in Singapore is a fusion of Japanese and local flavours. It’s not uncommon to see ramen dishes that incorporate laksa broth, truffle oil, or spicy chilli oil.
In addition to the incorporation of local flavours, ramen restaurants in Singapore have also started to experiment with different types of noodles. Some restaurants serve ramen made with soba noodles, while others offer gluten-free options made with rice noodles.
Another trend in the Singaporean ramen scene is the use of premium ingredients. Many high-end ramen restaurants in Singapore use premium ingredients such as wagyu beef, foie gras, and truffle oil to create decadent and luxurious ramen dishes.
The Best Ramen Restaurants in Singapore
No matter where you go in Singapore, you’re sure to find a delicious bowl of ramen waiting for you!
With so many ramen restaurants in Singapore, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are some of the best ramen restaurants in Singapore:
Ippudo
This popular chain from Japan serves up delicious bowls of tonkotsu ramen. Ippudo is a famous Japanese ramen chain that has a presence in Singapore. Their signature dish is the Akamaru Shinaji, which features a rich and flavourful tonkotsu broth with a special blend of miso paste. The dish is topped with chashu, black fungus, and green onions.
Ramen Nagi
This restaurant offers a build-your-own-ramen concept, allowing diners to customize their bowls to their liking. Ramen Nagi is a popular ramen chain in Japan that has set up shop in Singapore. Their signature dish is the Butao Ramen, which has a creamy pork broth that’s been simmered for 20 hours. The dish is garnished with garlic, black fungus, and a slice of chashu.
Marutama Ramen
Marutama Ramen is a small ramen joint that has been making waves in recent years. Their Specialty Tamago Ramen features a rich and creamy chicken broth, made from simmering chicken bones for hours. The dish is served with thick slices of chashu, and a seasoned egg that’s been boiled for exactly seven minutes.
This restaurant is known for its creamy and flavourful chicken broth.
Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu King
Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu King is a popular ramen chain in Singapore that specializes in tonkotsu ramen. Their signature dish, the Tonkotsu Ramen, is a creamy and flavourful broth made from pork bones that have been simmered for hours. The dish is typically served with thin slices of chashu, black fungus, and ajitama (seasoned soft-boiled egg).
This chain has several locations across Singapore and is known for its creative and delicious ramen dishes.
The Different Types of Ramen
Shoyu Ramen
Shoyu ramen is one of the most traditional types of ramen and is characterized by its soy-based broth. The broth is typically clear with a slightly salty taste. Shoyu ramen is typically served with chashu (braised pork), menma (bamboo shoots), and spring onions.
Miso Ramen
Miso ramen is a popular ramen dish that originated in Hokkaido, Japan. The broth is made from a mixture of miso paste, meat or fish broth and usually has a thick and creamy texture. Miso ramen is typically served with sweetcorn, bean sprouts and chashu.
Tonkotsu Ramen
Tonkotsu ramen is a rich and creamy ramen dish that has become increasingly popular in recent years. The broth is made from simmered pork bones, and it has a thick, creamy consistency. Tonkotsu ramen is typically served with thin slices of chashu, black garlic oil, and green onions.
Tsukemen
Tsukemen is a unique type of ramen where the noodles are served separately from the broth. The noodles are usually thicker and chewier than regular ramen noodles, and the broth is thicker and saltier. To eat, the noodles are dipped into the broth and then eaten.
Unique Ramen Dishes in Singapore
Laksa Ramen
Laksa is a popular spicy noodle soup in Singapore, and it’s no surprise that ramen chefs have incorporated it into their dishes. Laksa Ramen features a spicy coconut broth that’s been infused with laksa spices. The dish is typically served with shrimp, fish cakes, and bean sprouts.
Truffle Ramen
Truffle oil is a luxurious ingredient that has been incorporated into many Singaporean dishes, including ramen. Truffle Ramen features a rich and creamy tonkotsu broth that’s been infused with truffle oil. The dish is typically served with thin slices of chashu and black fungus.
Dry Ramen
Dry Ramen is a unique type of ramen where the noodles are served without broth. The noodles are typically tossed in a special sauce and topped with chashu, scallions, and other garnishes. The dish is a favourite among Singaporeans who enjoy the texture of the noodles without the heaviness of the broth.
Conclusion
Singapore’s love affair with ramen has resulted in a thriving ramen culture with many different types and variations of the dish available. Whether you’re craving a traditional bowl of shoyu ramen or a unique fusion dish like laksa ramen, there’s always a ramen restaurant in Singapore that can satisfy your cravings. So, go forth and explore the best ramen restaurants the island has to offer.
