With a name that literally translates to “demon’s iron club”, famous Japanese ramen eatery Kikanbo (also known as Karashibi Miso Ramen Kikanbo) spares no one when it comes to its fiery bowls of goodness. Spice lovers will be glad to know that it’s finally opening in Singapore, following in the footsteps of other food brands from Japan including steakhouse Nikuya Tanaka, curry bun bakery Giraffa, and kakigori joint Sakanoue.
Kikanbo has humble origins as a small corner shop in Tokyo with less than 10 shoulder-to-shoulder counter seats. Still, word spread quickly and the cosy eatery soon saw queues for its spice-packed noodle dishes topped with thick slices of slow-cooked braised pork, baby corn, and beansprouts. Today, Kikanbo has two outlets in Japan, as well as three in Taiwan, two in Hong Kong, and a new presence in Melbourne, Australia.
At the Singapore outlet – Kikanbo’s ninth so far – there are eight types of ramen including the bestselling niku-niku karashibi miso ramen ($22.90), which happens to be the priciest item on the menu. Coriander fans can try the pakuchi karashibi miso ramen ($17.90), heaped with a generous serving of the polarising vegetable.
Pick from five spice levels of either chilli pepper or sansho pepper, with the highest oni-level (demon level) requiring a $1.50 top-up. Those who can’t handle the heat can always go for the non-spicy option, though we reckon it’d be worth braving at least one rung of spiciness just to experience that addictive kick that everyone’s raving about.
Kikanbo’s new outlet in Singapore is located at B2-36 of VivoCity, directly connected to Harbourfront MRT station. Stay tuned for more updates via Instagram.
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