I was craving for the spicy Ramen that I had at Kusabi at Marina Square. Haven’t been able to get it out of my head for some time and was pestering B to take me there. He wanted to have Nasi Pandang (Peranakan style rice and curry) at Rendezvous, but I won. I found out that there’s another branch at The Central, so we headed there instead. It’s always nice to go to the riverside.
The service here is just as wonderful with your iced water regularly topped up. Not only is the ramen one of my current faves, the wait staff are just excellent at both the branches – so cheerful, attentive and polite. The decor is pretty too. There was nothing I didn’t like and we got a booth seat.
Also there were actual Japanese patrons here, which to me is quite an endorsement towards the authenticity of the Ramen. You’ll never see Japanese patrons at Ajisen (which is localized Ramen I don’t like since I have tasted the real stuff and become more discerning – they boil the soup till it’s too hot which I think is a big no-no. Real Japanese chefs control the temperature of the soup carefully and it never goes to boiling point). The noodles have a density and firmness that I love. Tastes hand-made to me.
B preferred the Ramen he chose at the first visit at Marina Square (that time he chose the classic one which came with cold noodles that you dip into a wonderful fish based broth. I tried the broth and it was perfection). I enjoyed the Ramen I had today which had more of a sweetish fish rather than pork broth. This time I went for level 1 of 3 in terms of spice. I learnt my lesson. The last time I tried level 2 and with every mouthful I had to have a gulp of iced water and this is a chilli queen speaking – my sister would have keeled over with just a sip. I can’t imagine what level 3 would do to your mouth. If you ever want to have a bet with someone – this would be a good forfeit for them to do. Have a whole bowl of level 3 spice Ramen and you have to finish all the soup.
The Bill:
Gekikara Uobushi – Level 1 Spice Factor (S$14.50)
Toribushi Shouyu Ramen (S$14)
Total Charges with taxes (S$33.50)
The Location:
Kusabi
The Central
6 Eu Tong Sen Street
#01-68/69
Singapore 059817
Tel: 62259415
Other reviews I liked at Food Blogs I read:
1. The Travelling Hungryboy’s review
2. Ramen Walker’s review
Might try this next time.
I just discovered ramen like this after hearing my husband rave about it, so I’ll have to check this place out.
Flora
About fifteen years ago I didn’t like Japanese food. It’s quite an acquired taste. Now I am always craving for sushi and ramen especially. Udon is lovely too. I hope you check it out and I’ll read about it on your blog 🙂
I was at Central just today! Didn’t know that Kusabi tastes so good. We went to Santouka, but I don’t think it is that great. We got a value meal, cost $15 for ramen and a mini salmon roe don. Not bad value if you like the ramen.
So is Kusabi better than Marutama Ramen?
At the moment I have converted to Kusabi because it’s something different, but if i haven’t had Marutama for a long time I will crave for it again….I am especially fond of the chicken broth. I wasn’t that fond of Santouka either since I am not much of a meat person and go more for the broth and noodle texture.