Looking at the sheer number of ramen stalls open in Singapore these days, the appeal of tonkotsu ramen is as high as ever. A perfect bowl is steaming and comforting, with silky noodles, tender pork and richly flavoured soup that’s simmered for hours on end.
Ever so often, though, we would like an injection of spice in our ramen. As good as the lip-numbing heat from a packet of Samyang noodles or a bowl of ma la is, nothing quite compares to the pleasant inner warmth we get from a big gulp of spicy ramen. Here are 10 restaurants that serve up formidable bowls of spicy ramen to sate your cravings.
Image credit: @sleepygalsh
Hakata Ikkousha Ramen specialises in Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen, with skinny noodles and soup brewed by slowly simmering pork bones, creating a rich and smooth broth. Their God Fire Ramen ($14++) sounds diabolical, and features four levels of heat, so even the most inept chilli eater can join in on the action. With thick slabs of pork and free-flow hard-boiled eggs, this bowl of ramen fills you up while making you sweat.
Address: 30 Victoria Street, #F1-07, Chijmes, Singapore 187996
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11:30am to 10pm, Sun 11.30am to 9pm
Tel: 6338 8460
Website | Full list of outlets
Image credit: @danny_archangel
Reminiscent of the famous devil ramen by Tokyo’s Ramen Kikanbo, Ramen Nagi’s Red King ($15.90) is nothing if not dramatic looking. Garlic, chilli oil, and cayenne pepper season the devilish tonkotsu broth, creating a striking red broth with tons of flavour. A massive ball of miso minced pork is then placed atop, intensifying the explosive flavours in this dish.
What’s awesome about Ramen Nagi is its customisability. Patrons are able to alter everything, from noodle thickness to richness of the soup and the amount of garlic used, building a ramen that’s perfect for each individual’s taste buds.
Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard, #01-512/513, Suntec City Tower II, Singapore 038983
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 3pm, 5pm to 10pm
Tel: 9144 7482
Website
Image credit: @rodriguesm13
For seafood-loving readers looking to satisfy their chilli cravings, Ramen Keisuke Lobster King is a perfect choice, with the unique Spicy Miso Lobster Ramen ($14.90++). The sweet seafood flavour of lobster, savoury depth of miso, and the healthy kick of chilli combine to create this hearty bowl of noodles. Located at Clarke Quay and open till 5am, I can’t think of a better tonic for tired clubbers looking to sober up after a long night of partying.
Address: 3C River Valley Road, #01-07, The Cannery, Clarke Quay, Singapore 179022
Opening hours: Daily 6pm to 5am
Tel: 6255 2928
Website
The Dragon Ramen ($15++) at Nantsuttei doesn’t have a particularly fearsome appearance, but believe us, it’s a formidable foe. It features the same tonkotsu broth as their signature Nantsuttei Ramen ($12++), which is made from simmering chicken and pork bones, pork bone marrow and lots of garlic. The bowl is then topped with a chilli sauce made from minced pork, cayenne pepper, Chinese chilli bean paste, chilli padi and sake, creating a spicy umami flavour bomb. Definitely not for the faint of heart!
Check out our full review of Nantsuttei!
Address: 181 Orchard Road, #07-12/13, Orchard Central, Singapore 238896
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10:30pm
Tel: 6337 7166
Website
Image credit: @iamchubbypotato
I’m a big fan of Ippudo’s skinny Hakata-style noodles and rich tonkotsu broth, with my favourite being their fragrant, garlic oil and miso-laced Akamaru Shinaji ($16++). However, when I want a hit of chilli, the Karaka-men ($17++) makes a great option. Build on the same tonkotsu base, a generous dollop of spicy minced meat miso paste is piled on, adding not only heat, but also an exotic spiced flavour to the rich and subtly sweet tonkotsu base.
Address: 333A Orchard Road, #04-02 to 04, Mandarin Gallery, Singapore 238897
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 11pm
Tel: 6235 2797
Website | Full list of outlets
Image credit: @na.wenlin
For pork belly fans who want some punch in their ramen, Sanpoutei’s Nikumori Spicy Rich Miso Ramen ($17++) will hit the spot. The combination of mildly spicy miso broth and unctuous pork belly slices result in a rich and flavoursome soup, which is contrasted with fresh toppings of red onion and bean sprouts. If you’re feeling really indulgent, topping up an additional $2 gives you three more slices of pork belly!
Address: 350 Orchard Road, #B1-04/05, Shaw House, Singapore 238868
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 11pm
Tel: 6836 4644
Website | Full list of outlets
Konjiki Hototogisu is known for their creative seafood-based ramen, and has been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand in Tokyo for four consecutive years. Their trademark Shoyu Hamaguri Soup Signature ($14.90++) features thin Hakata-style noodles swimming in a light clam broth that’s elevated with porcini flakes and truffle paste.
However, they also cater to the seafood-averse, with their Tonkotsu Spicy ($14.90++) ramen. The minced pork and bean mixture used to spice the soup colours it a deep red. But fear not, this ramen won’t blow your head off with heat.
Check out our full review of Konjiki Hototogisu!
Address: 30 Victoria Street, #01-17, CHIJMES, Singapore 187996
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 12pm to 2:30pm, 5:30pm to 10pm, Sat-Sun 12pm to 10pm
Tel: 6256 3155
Website
Image credit: @maison_douce
If you’re looking to challenge your chilli-eating capabilities, Ramen Bari-Uma’s Kara-Uma ($14.90++) is a great test. The sight of dried chilli floating around the crimson soup should warn you that you’ll be sweat buckets when you dig in. Heat aside, this ramen has a full-bodied broth and nicely charred pieces of chashu, so at least you’ll be enjoying the flavour of the ramen while your tongue is on fire.
Address: 101 Thomson Road, #B1-08, United Square, Singapore 307591
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6354 3711
Website | Full list of outlets
Image credit: @velomaladroite
It’s hard to find good tsukemen in Singapore, let alone a good spicy one. But Menya Sakura delivers just that with their Spicy Tonkotsu Tsukemen ($13.90++). With a good dose of spice and intense savouriness, the dipping sauce is a great accompaniment to the heap of thick, chewy noodles.
After slurping up the last of your noodles, ask for some stock to make soup out of your dipping sauce. Don’t let a drop of that moreish goodness go to waste!
Address: 1 Tras Link Road, #01-07, Orchid Hotel, Singapore 078867
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11:30am to 10pm
Tel: 9469 3366
Website
Image credit: @menyakokorosg
Despite its misleading name, mazesoba is a type of dry ramen that’s been popping up around Singapore more and more frequently. For spice fans looking for an introduction to this dish, check out the Spicy Mazesoba ($11.80++ for regular, $13.80++ for large) at Menya Kokoro.
Garnished with spring onions, chives, nori seaweed, raw garlic, a combination of minced meats, chilli oil and an onsen egg, mixing it all together creates a creamy and luscious bowl of spicy noodles.
Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard, #03-313, Suntec City Mall, Singapore 038983
Opening hours: Mon-Thur 11am to 3pm, 5:30pm to 9:30pm, Fri 11am to 3pm, 5:30pm to 10pm, Sat 11am to 10pm, Sun 11am to 9:30pm
Tel: 6235 3386
Website
From those who just want a mild tingle to the fire-breathing spice experts, there’s a bowl of spicy ramen for everyone.
And if you love ramen but can’t handle the heat, check out these unique ramen experiences or bring your Muslim pals along for some halal ramen!
If you’ve got other great places to enjoy spicy ramen, drop a comment down below!
Featured image adapted from @rodriguesm13 and @danny_archangel.
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