Santouka Hokkaido Ramen

Santouka Hokkaido Ramen – 6 Eu Tong Sen Street, The Central #02-76

I’ve been alerted to the phenomenon that the Japanese expatriates in Singapore frequent this place for ramen while locals flock to nearby Tampopo. Santouka’s menu is priced reasonably and is rather simple with four different choices of soup: shiyu, shoyu, miso and kara miso. The shared Tonkotsu base is a stock of pork bones, vegetables and dried kelp among other things for a milky, flavourful result. A bowl of noodles of any flavour is as good a reason as any for a temporary break in the carbohydrate boycott. Dinner for 4 Came up to $64.70.

The Kara Miso ($14.50) is the only choice for capsaicin-addicts like me. The vibrant orange-red of the soup is a pretty accurate indicator (or warning) of its punchy spice that left me smacking my lips. The thinly sliced pork had a balanced marbling that was satisfying without being too sinful and the meat retained some of its bite while bamboo shoots accorded textural variety.

The Miso Ramen ($13.50) was just shy of being cloyingly rich and is extremely filling. Unlike what one typically encounters, the miso soup was neither MSG-laden nor overwhelmingly salty; authentic stuff.

The Shoyu Ramen ($13.50) would be a more subdued creature compared to the aforementioned two with subtle highlights of the layered flavours of soy sauce instead of strong characteristics hitting you in the face. These complex nuances are often overlooked and make for an interesting experience if you take the time to savour them.