Summation of the year...

http://www.dilbert.com/fast/2009-12-24/

Very apt :D

日本料理...更新一

Tried 2 new Ramen shops recently, one curry shop, and two new dishes from Asabu Zabo!

Menya Kaiko @ ION B4 has a "localized" broth version which is lighter and the original Hokkaido broth version which is thicker and saltier. I tried their original flavor and it was pretty ok. Could not finish the broth that day, tummy condition not too good maybe. The chef is friendly though, and that adds to the factor for me visiting again one day.

Ippudou @ Mandarin Gallery is tasty. I've only tried their basic Tonkotsu Ramen (Shiromaru), next to try their Tonkotsu Miso Ramen (Akamaru). The only grouse I have is that their Cya-syuu portion, delicious though they are, is tiny. This shop is the second shop in Singapore that I know serves Kaedama (noodle top-up). This shop is now my favorite Tonkostu Ramen (Kyusyuu style) shop.

I can't remember the name of the curry shop, but it is also at ION B4, close to Menya Kaiko. This is good Japanese Curry. It is spicy (not hot), and very dark. The serving (economy size) was quite filling for me. Their Katsu was also pretty well done. Worth more visits.

As for Asabu Zabo, I tried their Miso Ramen + Seafood Curry lunch set. Verdict: disappointing. The noodle tasted like instant noodle (although broth was ok). As for their curry... well let's just say I can cook up a better one using instant curry pack. I'll only order the Tenpura Don and Desert from this shop. Their service is excellent though, and that I like. Also, green tea is free.

Future Targets:
Aoba (ION) - I think the chef already returned to Japan :3
Noodle House Ken (Cuppage)
Menya Shinchan (Robertson Quay)
Tanpopo (Liang Court/Takashimaya)
Ohsho (Cuppage) - although I heard their Cyahan is better than the ramen...
Ichiban Tei (Liang Court)

My current favorite ranking:
Noodle overall: Marutama
Tonkotsu Miso (Hokkaido): Bishamon
Tonkotsu Syoyuu (Hokkaido): Baiohken
Tonkotsu (Kyusyuu): Ippudo (更新！)
Chasyuu: Baiohken
Gyouza: Miharu (only tried at few shops)