Ippudo Ramen is one of the most popular and well-known ramen chains in Japan. However, when it comes to pricing, the Singapore branch doesn’t quite match up to its Japanese counterpart. I’ve always found Ippudo to be on the pricier side for ramen, even though the quality is consistently decent. That’s why I usually only dine there when they’re offering a 1-for-1 ramen promotion — it just feels more worth it.
This time, though, I gave in to my cravings. I missed the familiar taste and decided to visit Ippudo without waiting for a promotion.
I went to their Raffles City outlet and discovered they offer a lunch set for $18.50++, which includes a choice of ramen, a side dish, and a drink. For the ramen, you can choose between the classic Shiromaru Motoaji — their signature Tonkotsu broth — or the spicy Akamaru Shinaji. For sides, you have the option of Karaage, Mini Choregi Salad, or Takoyaki. Drinks include Coke, Sprite, or hot/cold green tea.
I went with the Shiromaru Motoaji ramen, Takoyaki as my side, and hot green tea to round out the meal. Altogether, it came to $22.20 after tax and service charge.
When the bowl of ramen arrived, it looked absolutely appetizing. It was topped with two slices of chashu, mushrooms, and spring onions. The aroma of the Tonkotsu broth hit me immediately — rich, fragrant, and incredibly inviting.
The noodles were the classic Hakata-style: thin, firm, and delightfully chewy. They absorbed the broth beautifully, so each bite delivered a full burst of flavor.
Now, the broth was the true star. It was creamy, rich, and full-bodied, with that signature Tonkotsu umami. I could also detect a layer of fragrance, likely from sesame oil, adding extra depth. There was even a slight sweetness that balanced out the richness, creating a complex and satisfying flavor profile. I’ve had plenty of Tonkotsu ramen in Singapore, but Ippudo’s might just be my new favorite.
The Takoyaki I ordered were soft, with a chewy yet tender octopus filling. They were packed with flavor, though I had to be careful—the inside was still piping hot when I took a bite. It was a bit different from the side dishes I usually go for when dining at ramen restaurants, but I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Ippudo remains one of the better Tonkotsu ramen chains in Singapore in terms of flavor and quality. That said, it’s definitely on the expensive side. So while I thoroughly enjoyed my meal, I’ll likely hold out for their 1-for-1 promotions in the future to make the most of my money.
Ippudo Ramen Raffles City
252 N Bridge Rd, B1-61/62 Raffles City Shopping Centre
Singapore 179103
Opening hours: Mon to Fri 11am – 10pm ; Sat and Sun 10.30am – 10pm
Other Outlets include Mandarin Gallery, Westgate and Marina Bay Sands among others
