Review: Nantsuttei Ramen @ Parco Millenia Walk

I've been wanting to check out the latest batch of Japanese eateries that have recently opened at Parco Millenia Walk since the start of April, but just never got down to it. Finally, I dragged the family down for yet another Ramen meal today - this time at Nantsuttei which also specialises in Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen. 

We went for a late lunch because we were still a little stuffed from the cookies earlier in the morning. Once we stepped in, we noticed the very homely feel Nantsuttei had, which is a nice change compared to all the other more "posh-looking" ramen joints. At 3pm - this place was still full of customers!

 Mous posing

The other thing I'd noticed was that the guy at the counter (plus a couple of the other kitchen staff) all looked like the cartoon mascot for the shop (sans the over-sized nostrils)!! Hilarious~

 I liked that they have a good sense of humour

We each ordered a different variety of their signature Tonkotsu ramen - Mous chose the Dragon Ramen ($15) (i.e. Ramen with spicy minced pork), I had the Charshu-men ($16) + Ajitsuke Tamago/ Seasoned Egg ($1) and Kays had the "standard" Ramen ($12).

Charshu-men (left), Ramen (right) and Dragon Ramen (top)

The soup may not make a very good visual impression on the get go, because of the layer of black oil that's formed on top, which is really one of the selling points of their ramen - it's a special garlic oil that adds a lovely caramelised aroma to the soup. To that, ask the staff for fresh garlic + garlic press, and you'll further intensify the flavours! Quite heavenly really, just don't do this right before an important meeting or date!... Or convince the others to join you!

Noodles are surreptitiously hidden!

Noodles are straight but not like the "floury" sort at other Hakata Ramen outlets I've been to, and more "Q" which I'm fine with (+). The Charshu is melt-in-your-mouth (+) and the soup is full of oomph (+). However, I'm not a fan of beansprouts so I passed most of it to Kays (-) and the Ajitsuke Tamago came overcooked (-). Given that they've only been open for less than a month, I would give them some time to iron out their operations and will definitely visit again regardless!


Now, the most important part: how good was their ramen relative to the competition? Well, I'm pleased to say, Nantsuttei has officially entered Ah Mak's Must Try List as #3, right after Ippudo, and taking over Ichiban Tei which still has a special place in my heart for many years!

8.5 out of 10

Nantsuttei Ramen
No.P3-06, #03-02 Millenia Walk
9 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039596
Tel: +65 6337 7166