RamenPlay (拉面玩家)- 313@Somerset

This week's ramen expedition brings me to the recently opened RamenPlay(拉面玩家) at 313@Somerset.

Queue!

RamenPlay is a joint venture between Singapore's F&B giant Breaktalk Group and Japan's Niigata-based ramen chain Sanpo Group. Sanpo's chains are mainly situated in north-eastern Japan but not in Tokyo, so I have yet to try its ramen there.

Modern and warm interior

The restaurant at 313@Somerset was pretty spacious. The kitchen can be viewed through a large glass panel, and you can have a very good view of what is happening inside if you were seated at the counter seats (which I did, to check out how they make the ramen).

RamenPlay's menu does not just consist of Ramen. Similar to Aoba, it most probably is adapted to become a casual dining concept with a full menu of side dishes and drinks.

I ordered their signature Sanpo Tonkotsu Ramen ($14.8). It boasts 3 types of pork toppings: Toroniku (pork cheek), Char Siew and Kakuni (braised pork belly). Maybe thats why its called Sanpo (三宝 = 3 treasures).

Quite interesting to note that this ramen seems not to be a signature dish of Sanpo in Japan. Not exactly listed on their website.

Hmm... I must say that my first impression wasn't good. The presentation is a far cry from what the menu promises. Its a pity that the 3 types of treasures were sinking in the soup. Looking at how the kitchen staff were handing the toppings, I guess I know why.

For comparison...

The taste of the ramen was also just ok. The toroniku, compared to Santouka's, was of course not as good. The Char Siew and Kakuni was reasonable. The noodles was pretty bouncy and matched the soup. All in all, it was decent but just ok. Maybe I went with a great expectation as it is operated by Breadtalk.

I may come to try it again to see how the other ramen fair, but as of now it won't be high up on my list of ramen list. Hope that Breadtalk will turn this around with its usual sophistication, and really play up the details, true to the spirit of RamenPlay.

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Ramen Data - RamenPlay @ 313@Somerset
Address: 313 Orchard Road, #B3-04/06, 313@Somerset
Types: Various (Specialty: Sanpo Tonkotsu Ramen)
Price: S$12-15
Rating: 6.5/10