Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu King - The King of Tonkotsu Broths in Singapore?

It's sometimes said that location doesn't matter if the food is good enough - People will make the trip regardless of how far away or inconveniently located a restaurant or food stall is. Chef Keisuke Takeda seems to have taken this mantra to heart in opening his Tonkotsu-specialty outlet next to Orchid Hotel near Tanjong Pagar MRT, instead of a shopping mall like practically every other ramen shop in town. Forget about coming here by public transport if it rains as you'll be in for a very wet walk.


Ramen Keisuke has several outlets open in Singapore, and interestingly each shop focuses on a particular type of broth. A while ago we visited his outlet in Millenia Walk, which specializes in Prawn (now discontinued) and Crab broths. This outlet, as its' name suggests, is his Tonkotsu flagship - serving nothing else but the porky creamy soup.


You get free flow bean sprouts and hard boiled eggs to eat before (or with) your ramen; these eggs are plain and unflavoured, though. You also get to crush your own sesame seeds to add into the ramen which is supposed to enhance the aroma and flavor.


The Black Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen is basically the shop's plain Tonkotsu broth with added chili and black garlic. We order ours with 'the works' - soft boiled flavored egg, seaweed and two large chashu slices. Interestingly, Keisuke boosts the flavor of the (already very flavorful and porky) broth with bits of chicken fat instead of pork fat. Whichever is better probably boils down to personal preference - we very much liked the chicken fat. We didn't like the excess sodium content - this is a salty bowl of soup.


Surprisingly the regular Tonkotsu Ramen doesn't suffer from the same sodium overload; so you get the same flavor profile without spice and without a need to drink 4 glasses of water afterward to wash down all the salt. You also do get the same chashu which is disappointingly dry and tough.


Overall we did thoroughly enjoy the two bowls of ramen. Those bigger eaters and gym nuts among you might also enjoy the free flow of boiled eggs. It's a small restaurant - no more than 30 seats - so expect some queues at peak times. Non halal.

Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu King
Orchid Hotel
1 Tras Link
Near Tanjong Pagar MRT

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