Sunday, April 12, 2009
Food blog: Yoshimaru Ramen Bar
I was pretty excited when I heard another ramen shop from Japan had set up an outlet here in Singapore, Holland Village, especially since they specialised in tonkotsu. We din purposedly went down to try but was there to get breads from Provence and saw that, so must as well gave it a try.
Apparently, Yoshimaru originates from Hakata, Kyushu, and Hakata Ramen is a distinctive ultra thin ramen served in a rich tonkotsu (pork bones) broth. Their menu is not as extensive as some of the bigger Ramen chains but focused, so it is easy to decide what to go for. A full array of condiments was at one's disposal. They served mini burgers too.
We had an order of Traditional Hakata Ramen, Shabu Shabu Pork Ramen and gyoza.
When the shabu shabu pork ramen was served, we got a tad disappointed as it doesnt look ramen-ish, more of chinese noodles. On having a mouthful of the broth, it tasted very pepperish and something like pig's stomach soup, totally off from what I had before :(
Furthermore, the noodles isnt al dente even though it's thin. I think the standard is around Aijisen's, on par or below. For their info, shabu shabu pork ought to be thinly sliced that could easily tear by the teeth. The pork slices here were terribly sliced in portions and were lumped together, which was so hard to consume and worst of all, it had the horrible pork smell. YIKES!
Shabu Shabu Pork Ramen ($13)
We made a complaint by showing the above picture to the waitress and the chef saw it too. Next was my Traditional Hakata Ramen. The broth was thick and incredibly rich on the first mouth. Subsequently, it seemed to alright but definitely not the best. However, the 2 slices of char siew was miserably small and it didnt melt in my mouth. It was quite hard and there's a smell. Total NIGHTMARE!
Traditional Hakata Ramen ($11)
On a lighter note, the most commendable one was the egg. It was perfectly done with its glorious still-runny yolk!! Moreover, it tasted flavoursome with the light sauce entangled in it. If eaten alone, it will be quite salty.
For the gyoza, it was surprisingly limp! Not crispy, not juicy and small in size!!
Thus, this ramen bar ishighly not recommended. Firstly, I dunno if they are authentic, with all the ATs cooking and serving. Secondly, they dun have the atmosphere even though they have the counter seats and keep on blasting Ayumi's concert dvd -_- Lastly and most importantly, they serve horrible ramen. This is the worst ramen I've eaten so far. I think Aijisen though quite bad still taste better?
Whoever (A number) commented on the forum, saying that this ramen restaurant is quite good ought to be shot. tsssssk. Or probably, together with my partner, we have higher expectations. heh
All photos taken with my dying K800i, it's a phone, not camera because my beloved camera is lying somewhere in Admiratly for almost two weeks! heh
Sidetrack:
Manu damn lousy nowadays. Cant really score, cant defend for nuts. Watching them playing is like having my heart in my mouth. Idk what happened to them ever since the trashing by the Reds. Anyway, Macheda seems to be a lucky substitute. Hope they will keep the lead and also win Porto this coming weekday UCL match
Sidetrack again. hmm. These 2 weeks was peacefully GREAT! Yet time waits for no man, good times ended especially fast. Gotta get back to reality and do what I'm supposed to do. Then again, I still can indulge in this wonderful addiction. hahah. Me ish greedy! lol
Labels: Food - Japanese, Holland V, Provence, Ramen
2:05 AM
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Food Blog: Provence at Holland Village
I cant help but rave above this quaint French inspired Japanese bakery set in the heart of Holland Village with outdoor and indoor seatings. Place is rather small, so it can get quite claustrophobic and it's rather tight with displays and limited seating and people walking in and out taking away the breads.
Provence has satisfied breakfasts, lunches, brunches, teas, dinners, quick take-away snacks, suppers... as long as the bread craving hits! Be greeted with the smell of freshly baked bread and sometimes the sight of loaves and loaves at every corner when in the cooling process.
What sets this apart from most other bakeries is that their breads are Japanese style, which is 'lighter' and easier on the palate. I am sure the best ingredients are used as much as they can afford to and this results in bread that is fluffier than most!
I visited before lunch, beat the lunch crowds and could get more varieties, especially the wassants. You gotta go before noon everyday because I saw how it was actually snatched out then. It comes in packs of ten, next to the counter(Show you guys later)
I had a hearty breakfast there too! It was superb value-added, plus it's very healthy! I ordered one breakfast sets which consisted of a Bacon and Egg sandwich with oodles of healthy greens complimented by a light salad and a drink of your choice. Priced at $5, I thought it was pretty reasonable given the size of its portion and appeal - The toasted sandwiches look divine. Taste wise, it was good and I love it! heh
While the friend had a set of Ham Toast at $4, which is without the salad.
After eating, we went for a bread shopping! Too many varieties to choose from was a headache for me as there were many different types of Japanese style breads - An pan, cream pan, melon pan, scones, curry doughnuts etc
The signature is the Wassants which everyone goes Provence for! These are mini soft and fluffy buns, available in chocolate or cream flavour and they are mostly sold out by end of lunchtime on weekdays. But you can call to reserve and collect later in the day! However, I'm not really impressed by it but it can be quite addictive!
Wassants
Milk Pan - This is a not so sweet and milk castard filling bread. It's savoury inside, fluffy outside. Soft and nice to bite
I've got another two which I've forgotten the name. Nevertheless, those were good too, because of the bread! It's heavenly!
Crusty edges
Cream custard
heh. Just a short review of their creations, the rest should be equally good! Seriously, I like the bread, even if it's plain with nothing! sheeeesh.
Labels: Bread, Holland V, Provence
11:03 PM
