Kikanbo brings Tokyo-famous spicy ramen to VivoCity
Singaporeans love a good spicy challenge, and Kikanbo (鬼金棒) is here to bring on the heat. Being one of Tokyo’s must-try ramen spots, their first foray into Singapore’s food scene at VivoCity is one not to be missed by ramen fans and spice lovers alike.
Image credit: @kikanbo_japan
What started as a humble nine-seater ramen stall at Kanda, Tokyo in 2009 has now made its way across Japan, Taipei, and Hong Kong, with seemingly endless queues of folks daring to brave their famed spicy karashibi ramen that has defied the norms of traditional Japanese cuisine, which is usually not too spicy.
Kikanbo—which means ‘demon’s iron club’—is renowned for their theatrical dining experience: think booming taiko drums, a fierce, devilish decor, and the intoxicating fragrance of miso and spices wafting through the air.
Step inside the restaurant and you’ll be greeted by a menacing scene straight out of Japanese folklore, complete with a foreboding oni decor that sets the stage for the spice-laden pandemonium to come.
These demons aren’t just for show; they’re here to warn you that things are about to get hot.
The spicy ramen here doesn’t just use run-of-the-mill chilli oil: Kikanbo specialises in karashibi ramen, a unique blend of ‘kara’ (spicy) and ‘shibi’ (numbing), producing an effect on the palate that is similar to mala hotpots.
Their signature deep orange broth is crafted with original white miso, red chilli peppers, and a mixture of Japanese sansho peppers and Sichuan peppercorns. Apart from the karashibi aspect, the broth is highly robust thanks to the unique double soup base.
This is achieved with a combination of a pork and chicken broth alongside a seafood-based stock; the former long-simmered for nearly 10 hours with vegetables and the aforementioned spices for depth of flavour, and the latter layered in to deepen the umami. What results is a rich broth that is highly complex and savoury.
While the kick from the spices and peppers enhances the intense flavours of the dish, customers can customise their spice level according to their tolerance, ranging from mild to ‘onimashi’ (demon-level).
Their bestseller is the Niku-Niku Karashibi Miso Ramen ($22.90), featuring two hefty slabs of pork belly, springy, thick noodles, grilled corn, and of course, their signature fiery broth. We had ours with a spice and numbing level of three.
We absolutely loved the huge pork belly chunks, being just melt-in-your-mouth tender: soft and delectable with meat that just falls apart so easily, enhanced by its savoury-sweet braising marinade.
We were told that Kikanbo’s chashu is braised with a unique blend of spices; slow-cooked in their rich braising liquid for almost 20 hours, which ensures the meat fully absorbs the rich sauce to create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
At their spice level three, we felt that the broth had the perfect amount of richness from the miso and seafood stock, while maintaining a spicy sansho kick that did not overplay its hand. This level is great for starters to experience the deep flavours of Kikanbo’s ramen without risking defeat at the hands of the oni.
The Tokusei Karashibi Miso Ramen ($20.90) trades a smaller portion of pork belly for an ajitama egg. We had this bowl at maximum spice and numbing level, touted as “demon-level”. Fun fact, the black-gold bowl is only used for those who have their spice or numbing at level five.
My first sip of the menacing broth set my mouth alight. Flames danced across my palate and tongue, while the buzzing, numbing sensation kicked in moments later. It was just pure, unadulterated spicy shiokness. Only attempt this if you can take the spicy punch!
If you love coriander, the Pakuchi Karashibi Miso Ramen ($17.90) is for you, featuring a heap of coriander atop the regular Karashibi Miso Ramen—a refreshing, yet bold twist on the original.
The herbs added a bright, peppery dimension to the spicy broth, cutting through the richness while enhancing its aroma. We also loved the grilled young corn that comes with every bowl, which added a delightful, crunchy texture to the dish.
Kikanbo is located on Basement Two of VivoCity, just moments away from the HarbourFront MRT Station entrance.
I’m sure there are spice lovers out there who can brave the demon’s spice much better than I could handle, so if you’re up for it, come on down to Kikanbo and take a shot at besting the oni!
Find out more about Kikanbo’s fiery ramen!
Address: 1 HarbourFront Walk, #B2-36, VivoCity, Singapore 098585
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Website
Kikanbo is not a halal-certified eatery.
Photos taken by Paula Formantes.
This post was brought to you by Kikanbo.
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