Kurobuta Shabu and Tonkatsu Ramens at Tampopo (Takashimaya)

On HungryGoWhere's Top 10 Ramen list, Tampopo is firmly entrenched on the #1 spot - in fact, it's got over double the votes over second placed Ippudo. A feat made even more impressive by the fact that Tampopo isn't a dedicated Ramen joint - it's a Japanese joint serving all sorts of assorted cuisine (sort of like an izakaya without the beer and tatami mats.


The darling and I paid a visit to the Takashimaya (Ngee Ann City) outlet during the Winter Hokkaido Fair. One of my favorite munch munch foods is Shishamo, and delightfully order the Hokkaido Giant Shishamo on the menu for SGD11.80 ... only to end up extremely disappointed. Far from being giant, the fish turn out to be a very normal-sized 3.5", which is a total rip-off when we're paying over SGD3 each!


Putting our disappointment behind us, we move on to the noodles! Starting with the Kurobuta Shabu Ramen (SGD15.30), which is unique in that instead of the typical yakibuta, the meat comes shabu shabu style in a pretty rich tasting tonkotsu broth. Portion is big too - you get a lot of noodle and meat for your money.

I do recall spending a little extra on "additional meat" though.


The Tonkatsu Ramen (SGD15.90) is, as its' name suggests, a bowl of ramen with a nicely breaded and deep fried pork loin. Complete with layer of fat, too! We found the soup base a lot stronger tasting and slightly spicy. Tonkatsu itself was above average, although not as good as some dedicated places like Saboten.


Putting aside the disappointment of the not-at-all giant shishamo, Tampopo serves up some pretty solid ramen. In our opinions it's not quite as good as Ippudo or Santouka (which are both dedicated ramen-ya's), but if you're in the area you probably won't be disappointed.

This outlet of Tampopo is in the basement of Takashimaya. Don't be confused with the sister restaurant on the 4th floor - that one is Tampopo Grand and is a more upmarket establishment. Non-halal.

Our Ramen Rankings:
Superb!: Ippudo & Santouka
Delicious!: Nantsuttei, Tampopo & Keisuke Tonkotsu King
Solid: Shin-Sapporo, Keisuke, Gantetsu, Gensuke, Riki, Ikkousha & Bario
Below Average: Marutama, Menya Musashi & Menya Iroha