These days, it's getting increasingly difficult to find good and affordable food with inflation sky-rocketing by the year. I recently made a wonderful discovery and it's something I definitely have to share with you guys!

~RAMEN for UNDER 10 BUCKS?? What? You've got to be kidding me! 

Yes that's right, you can get Ramen for under 10 bucks in Singapore at none other than Takagi Ramen Shop (TRS). The Ramen here might not be of authentic Jap Restaurant standard but it's so value for money that it deserves a feature! I mean, at only $5.90 for a standard bowl of ramen, I'd say it's definitely worth every single buck!

Ang Mo Kio Ave 8 outlet

Takagi Ramen Shop (TRS) was opened by the editors of the local sociopolitical website The Real Singapore (also TRS) about 2 years ago with outlets at NUS Prince George Park as well as Ang Mo Kio avenue 8. The outlet at Ang Mo Kio ave 8 can be found within the Broadway coffee shop (right at the far corner) at block 721.

Takagi Ramen Shop is strategically located within a coffee shop, living up to its tagline "Ramen for the average Singaporean" and aspires to "bring authentic and quality ramen to local food courts". We are so used to the typical $15-$20 often overrated ramen in various Jap restaurants around town, so this "coffee shop ramen" would be really refreshing (and affordable) for a change!

The Menu. All Ramen under $10! And a pretty decent range to choose from. 

//TAKAGI RAMEN// $5.90

Traditional Tonkotsu Pork Broth Noodle Soup

//CHASHU-MEN// $7.50

Tonkotsu Noodle Soup with Extra Chashu

These ramen dishes contain the usual Tonkotsu Pork Broth, with one having slightly more chashu than the other.

Overall, I felt that the ramen tasted pretty decent. The broth wasn't as thick and flavourful as usual and the chashu didn't melt in my mouth like how I'd like it to. The ramen here also didn't come with the usual soft-boil egg in the soup and you have to add it on for another $1. 

Not very authentic (tasted like a Chinese dish) but I'd say it's still worth it considering the price you're paying!

//BLACK TONKOTSU// $6.90

Tonkotsu Noodle Soup topped with Charred Garlic Oil, served with Black Fungus and Bamboo Shoots

The Black Tonkotsu was considerably tastier than the ones without the additional charred garlic oil. Portions were generous, although I still feel that the broth was not as thick as the ones you get at the restaurants. I'd say they've kinda modified the taste of the ramen here to suit the local taste- coffee shop style. 

//GYOZA// $3.50

Served steamed or deep-fried

No Jap meal is complete without a plate of Gyoza! At first glance, I thought that the gyoza looked pretty... pathetic. But after trying it, it wasn't that bad after all! Crispy on the outside with a decent amount of filing (although more would have been better). At only $3.50 this was rather reasonable!

My conclusion is that if you're really particular about authentic ramen, then you probably won't enjoy Takagi Ramen. You'll have to head back to that all familiar $15-$20 restaurant ramen.

Takagi Ramen is indeed your everyday coffee shop food with regular coffee shop standard and pricing. The food wasn't amazing but hey you're paying $5-7 bucks for ramen so whaddaya expect!

Why should you give Takagi Ramen a try then? 

Well, it's convenient food, the service was surprisingly excellent (the Uncle spent awhile explaining to me how the ramen was done and how the stall started without me asking), the ramen is decent, and most importantly, it's affordable!

So when you're craving ramen and on a tight budget, you know where to head to!

Takagi Ramen Shop (TRS)

Address: 721 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8, 560721

Nearest Mrt Station: Ang Mo Kio (5 min walk)

Phone: 9138 8017

Open Daily: 11am-10pm

Cheers!

Gabs