About Chabuton Ramen
Chabuton Ramen originated from Japan and rapidly gained popularity in Thailand. It is now open in the heart of Singapore, Somerset 313. While 14 outlets have sprung up in Thailand over the past four years, I have yet to try any of them. To all the Singaporeans who regularly visit the ‘Land of Smiles’, you can smile wider at home now that the famous ramen joint is here!
Upon walking into the shop, the wooden wall panels instantly give off a Japanese vibe. The ingredients used at Chabuton Singapore are directly imported from Japan or produced by local companies appointed by the Japanese team. The recipes used at Chabuton Singapore are the same as the other Chabuton outlets in Japan and Thailand, supervised by eminent chef, Mr. Yasuji Morizumi, the first ramen chef to ever receive a Michelin Star.
The Food
Out of the all the classic ramen dishes, we picked Tonkotsu (Pork’s broth) and Shio (Sea Salt) for our mains.
We had to try the Tonkotsu Ramen as it’s their signature dish. As with most Tonkotsu soup bases, Chabuton simmers pork bones for hours in order to achieve milky broth. The broth was less creamy compared to some other places I’ve been to, but it was very tasty without being too salty. Also, it was very reasonably priced at $11.90.
The noodles were disappointing as they were definitely not al dente, despite claims on the menu. Thankfully, you can choose the doneness of the noodles at Chabuton so if you are a fan of noodles with a little bite, go for the “hard” noodles instead of “normal”.
I do not like my soup too rich, so I chose the Shio Ramen. While I was expecting a bowl of clear soup with the noodles peeking out beneath, I had a pleasant experience nonetheless. The broth was not overpowering, but flavourful enough that I couldn’t stop eating.
I couldn’t get enough of the tender, thinly sliced Charshu, and topped up my meal with Ajitsuke Tamago and Braised Pork Belly for just $3. While the Tamago failed to impress me, the Braised Pork Belly made up for it. The sauce flavours the pork perfectly and I like how the pork belly was not too fatty, with proportionately thin layers of fats in between.
For those who prefer their soup tangy, you can add kara (homemade spicy minced pork) for $1. The kara was overkill, though.
Gyoza, small pan-fried and crisp bottomed Japanese dumplings, is one of their must-have side dishes. The Gyozas – eight for the price of $5 – didn’t meet our expectations. Though the skin was fried to a good texture, the filling was rather lacking.
The Calamari came out just fine and was neither oily nor overcooked, and bounced off the tips of our tongues.
During lunch hour, which runs from 11.30am to 2.30pm, there is a set meal consisting of a junior bowl ramen, side dish, beverage and desserts at the price of $12.30.
The Verdict at Chabuton Ramen
Being an advocate of ‘living to eat’ and not wasting food, I was in immense guilt when I could not finish my ramen. The dishes came in generous portions. While many of us might think it’s almost impossible to find something affordable yet filling in Orchard Road, Chabuton has proven us wrong.
I will definitely head back to satisfy my perpetual hunger pangs.
Getting There
Address: Chabuton @ Somerset 313. 313 Orchard Road #B2-01 S(238895)
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10pm
Phone: 6636 8335
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chabutonsg
This post was brought to you by Chabuton Singapore.