Hakata Ikkousha
Media Invite
Everyone loves a good Ramen, and with so many stores in town, everyone is just spoilt for choice!. Have you guys heard of Hakata Ikkousha? Well, they won the Ultimate Ramen Champion in 2011 and 2012, and with an increasing number of outlets, they seem to be the Ramen of choice, among many Singaporeans!
Recently, we were invited to Ramen Ikkousha’s outlet at Chijmes. Yes! The old convent which is filled with numerous dining options, and located in the heart of the city. Although we went for an early dinner, the restaurant was already filled with a good crowd of patrons, who wanted to beat the dinner rush hour. Looks like Hakata Ikkousha has got some loyal fans!
For those who are wondering the origins behind the name, Hakata Ramen originates from Hakata district of Fukuoka city in Kyushu. It has a rich, milky, pork-bone tonkotsu broth and rather thin, non-curly and resilient noodles. Ramen stalls in Hakata and Tenjin are well-known within Japan. Recent trends have made Hakata ramen one of the most popular types in Japan, and several chain restaurants specializing in Hakata ramen can be found all over the country.
Sounds delicious doesn’t it! 🙂
As our visit to the restaurant coincides with the addition of new items to the menu, we were more than happy to sample the brand new dishes.
First up was the Soy Sauce Ramen ($12). Served with Pork Belly slices, fish cake and ajitama, this was my favorite Ramen of the night! The soup was not too heavy, and its clear broth was easy on the MSG.
2) Next up was Bonito Ramen.
If you like your soups with a fuller taste, then the Bonita Ramen is for you. Brewed with a combination of smoky bonito flavour, tender pork belly slice, onions and bamboo, this Ramen is able to fill the tummy of every hungry customer.
3) Champon
This is certainly not a Ramen that you normally see! For guys, it looks like a salad dish filled with greens, soup and noodles. However, if you not afraid to chomp down on your vegetables, this dish is a healthy option for patrons. Champon is served with fresh cabbage, carrots, peas, shitake mushrooms with presented together with Udon noodles. The combination tastes like a local “Sze Char” in a bowl.
4) Hanadori ($15)
And lastly we have the Hanadori. This is where you will get Hakata Ikkousha’s signature silky noodle served dry, in a totally “out of the box” dish. Just imagine yourself ordering your noodles dry at the coffee shop, and you can imagine the presentation of this dish. Patrons will need to a dip their noodles into a super rich chicken broth flavored with bonito flakes and sliced chicken chashu to enjoy this dish.
And if you drop by at the restaurant, you will need to try their Fried Rice! Our youngest was not comfortable eating Noodles, and the restaurant was kind enough to bring her some fried rice. I must say, that the fried rice is really appetizing, and it can really compete with some of the best sze chars found in Singapore.
If you are planning to visit the restaurant, here are the contact details:
Hakata Ikkousha CHIJMES
30 Victoria Street, #01-07 CHIJMES, Singapore 187996
Operating Hours: 11.30 am – 10 pm, last order 9.45 pm (Mon-Sat), 11.30 am – 9 pm (last order 8.45 pm (Sun)
Other branches:
Tanjong Pagar: Block 7, #01-104 Tanjong Pagar Plaza Singapore 081007 Tel +65 65381880
Opening Hours: 11:30 am – 10:00 pm (Mon – Sat), 11:30 am – 9:00 pm (Sun)
Changi Airport: 65 Airport Boulevard #B2-58 Terminal 3 Singapore Changi Airport Singapore 819663 In Ramen Champion at T3
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 10:00pm Daily
Disclaimer: Our meal was sponsored by Hakata Ikkousha, but the opinions are 100% our own.