Ramen Marutama, The Central

When one is asked to describe Japanese stereotypes, the result is often either blushingly embarrassing or one of faux disgust. Something lurks beneath the façade of the world’s second largest economy as literature paints a picture of a nation with more issues than Vogue magazine. Then again, we are only humans and thus it is only naturally we think of the negative snapshots.

A country whose beliefs are more tightly wound up than a maki roll, I do believe however that many of us have benefited from this fanatical devotion to details and excellence, especially when it comes to food. Hey I’m a foodie, not a sociologist!

Just when you thought Singapore was done with building malls (Vivocity what?), up springs up another! Singapore’s latest mall-baby, The Central sits snugly along the Singapore River, only a boulder’s throw away from Clarke Quay and A MERE TEN MINUTES WALK FROM SCHOOL. Now who could say no to another scoop of ice cream mall? Having said that, I gotta admit I didn’t bother much with just-another-mall until Chubby Hubby blogged about (and highly recommended) Ramen Marutama. Determined to get there before the press and crowds, I suggested to Family to have dinner there tonight.


Yaki Char Siu

Many of us would have tried Japanese Char Siu before but how about “Yaki Char Siu”? Why not, you say. A promising start to our meal, the tender finish and smoky grilled aroma conocted a sensory experience that left us cooing in unison.


Dashimaki Tamago

The Dashimaki Tamago (rolled omelette) above was pretty much a work of art as each cube was pretty in pastel yellow, affixed with a golden brown roof. It had an incredibly soft texture which hemmed in the sweetness of the dashi stock. I know it sounds odd but I could, or rather should describe this as ‘ethereal’...



We had three different kinds of ramen- the classic Marutama ramen in chicken stock, char siu iri ramen and kakuni ire ramen (stewed belly pork)- which came garnished with spring onion and seaweed. For good measure, you could always add the fried garlic, which added bitter undertones to the dish.



One of the first things I noticed was the thin ramen noodles, which resembled Cantonese egg noodles. Rather uninspiring. Initially, the broth was delectable so I drank it all up- as in tilted and cleaned out all three bowls. Oh no, BIGGO EL MISTAKO.. This wasn’t a smart move as it left me incredibly thirsty and the tip of my tongue numb-my. As I’m typing this out, I am still rubbing my tongue against the back of my teeth, hoping to get rid of that weird feeling.


Stewed pork ramen

I know I sound harsh but I would say the ramens are not bad but not staggeringly good either. I did feel like I was eating a very posh bowl of instant noodles... Now that I have fulfilled my ‘Been There Done That’ ego trip, I can safely say that I still prefer Tampopo’s ramen.


Seasoned egg

Somehow I just hate deriding Japanese restaurants, I always imagine some Japanese chef on the brink of a cliff, threatening to jump off unless I declare my undying support for his hand-sliced ramen. Either that or after writing this review, a samurai blade comes slicing across the room, heading straight for -too mordid to continue-


Even thirstier than before.

Hello, Mr Japanese Chef.. don't take it too hard yar?

It's not you, it's me.

Ramen Marutama
#03-90/91
6 Eu Tong Sen Street
Singapore 059817