Kuro-Obi, which means Black Belt in Japanese, is a spin-off restaurant of Ippudo in New York which has won the hearts of many ramen fans and is all set to cook a storm in Singapore on 13th January 2017.
This new quick-service ramen bar is a takeaway concept and offers 4 varieties of ramen including a selection of add ons such as Tori Chashu Meshi, Tori Karaage and Takoyaki. Kuro-Obi focuses on ‘Tori Paitan’ a delicate silky chicken soup base made with white chicken bone broth – which is the only concept by Ippudo around the world that will offer Tori Paitan.
Prices start from $8 for Shiro-Obi bowl which comes with a piece of chicken charshu; Cha-Obi ($9) comes in a clear vegetable broth topped with vegetables; Aka-Obi ($10) a spicy version of the original; while the signature Kuro-Obi ($12) comes with three pieces of chicken charshu, seaweed and umami egg.
Guests can choose to customise their ramen from texture of the noodles, to the soup concentration and stock richness.
To be honest, I have not always been the biggest Ippudo fan. However, Kuro-Obi is different. The noodles are thicker and shorter in length than the Hakata noodles at Ippudo and the broth for the Tori Paitan is slow-cooked over 6 hours for the thick and creamy soup.
If you’re looking for a satisfying bowl of Japanese ramen, and don’t mind eating out from a takeout bowl, Kuro-Obi is worth checking out!
KURO-OBI
Address: 2 Bayfront Avenue #B2-54/55 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands Singapore 018972 (beside Ice Skating Rink)
Website: http://www.ippudo.com.sg/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ippudosg/
For those who prefer the Ippudo ramen, you be delighted to know that the Japanese ramen chain has unveiled its 9th outlet located at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, just next to Kuro-Obi.
Boasting a great seating capacity for 90 persons, the restaurant will serve a range of Global Standard ramen such as Shiromaru, Akamaru, Karaka; as well as three Singapore Exclusive ramen series – Shoyu Ramen, Niku Soba, and Tsukemen.
Besides serving signature ramens, Ippudo also offers an array of appetisers, fresh salads, gyoza and buns, rice and a la carte sides, as well as desserts.
Some of the must-try dishes include Goboten Salad; signature Gyoza; Pork Bun and Crispy Corn. A brand new dish Samurai Rib is created exclusively for the Marina Bay Sands outlet, alongside with an innovative dessert Almond Jelly Noodle with ingredients specially imported from Japan and made in house daily.
Goma Kyuri ($4 small / $8 regular) – Crunchy Japanese cucumbers with original sesame dressing
Goboten Salad ($7 small / $13 regular) – 8 kinds of vegetables with collagen tonkotsu dressing
Gyoza ($9 for 5 pcs / $16 for 10 pcs) – Ippudo’s original pan fried chicken dumplings
Pork Bun ($5) – Ippudo’s signature chashu with lettuce and creamy mayo in soft fluffy bun.
Crispy Corn ($8) – Deep fried corn kernels, sprinkled with smoked paprika powder
Samurai Ribs ($7 small / $13 regular) – Ippudo’s signature Pork ribs marinated in chef’s special sauce and spices.
Almond Jelly Noodle ($6) – Almond jelly noodles in milky soup
Ippudo Singapore
Address: 2 Bayfront Avenue #B2-54/55 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands Singapore 018972
Website: http://www.ippudo.com.sg/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ippudosg/
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