Marukin Ramen

Tucked away in a quiet corner at the basement of Scotts Square is Marukin Ramen, renowned for its slow-cooked homemade soup created from high quality ingredients. Ultrafine springy noodles with a crunchy texture just the way founder Hiroshi Kusuda wants it to be, are machine-made at its factory. According to the website, it was founded in 1994 to fondly replicate unique flavours authentic to the Kitakyushu city in Japan. The famous Tokyo ramen chain restaurant's 1st and only outlet in Singapore is helmed by Chef Tetsuya Tsuyuki, who also trains kitchen staff and is responsible for the expansion in Tokyo and Shanghai. Here, customers wait to be seated and food is served to the table but orders are taken and paid for at the counter. Bright tiles and logo stood out against lots of wood in the almost empty place, which is not enclosed. A pity it is not halal-certified by Muis as the menu claimed no pork, lard and alcohol are used in its food preparation.

I ordered Shio Issai-Gassai Ramen that was served quickly. Sesame seeds and green onions added a nice aroma to the chicken-based broth too salty for my liking. Adding the yummy chilli sauce (not chilli powder) reminiscent of sambal that it was served with accentuated the taste. Did not like my seaweed to be soaked and was surprised the ramen and chicken chasyu reminded me of yellow noodles, albeit thinner with square cross-section, and soya chicken at our local stalls respectively. Loved the crunchy black fungus, ginger bits in the chicken meat ball though it was too mushy, and shrimp wanton with a skin too thick. While the egg had a soft and runny yolk in the centre, its white was too soft. Despite being too soggy, the deep fried chicken wing was delicious. Other condiments available include garlic, white and black pepper. Some hits and misses with the food but still an option especially when hungry in Orchard with seats aplenty, reasonable price and friendly service.

Update: The restaurant has closed.