We might not be able to enjoy the snowy winters of Sapporo in Singapore, but that has not stopped the Keisuke Group from serving up comforting bowls of Hokkaido-style ramen at its latest concept store.
At Sapporo Misono, chef Keisuke Takeda hones in on bowls commonly consumed in the northern province of Japan. The low temperatures typically call for a richer, heartier broth to help provide a belly-warming meal – so expect each bowl to come packing with flavour and umami. Here, the soup is first scorched to impart a touch of smoke, then ladled over yellow Sapporo-style noodles, aged for some five days to remove moisture and lend a chewier, springy bite.
Special attention is also paid to the miso used; after all, Sapporo was the birthplace of miso ramen, and chef Keisuke uses a special aged version that packs more punch. Try it in a signature Hokkaido Sapporo miso ramen ($12.90), or top the bowl with sweet corn kernels and a knob of butter ($17.90).
Hokkaido miso tsukemen ($13.90) is worth a try, too, where denser, thicker strands are dipped into a concentrated miso-based broth as a dry noodle dish. Remember to leave some space for an exclusive selection of sides and desserts.
Some must-haves: the Hokkaido potato mochi ($6.90), where smooth, toothsome discs come glazed in teriyaki-butter sauce; chasyu mayonnaise rice balls ($5); and creamy Hokkaido milk soft serve ($4.50) topped with frozen blueberries ($6.50) or chunks of mango ($6.50).
