IKKOUSHA CROWNED THE NEW ULTIMATE RAMEN CHAMPION 2011
The Ultimate Ramen Champion 2012 commences with the introduction of new brands and new Singapore-inspired signature ramens
[Singapore, 7 August 2012] Toyama-originated IKKOUSHA is Singapore's Ultimate Ramen Champion for 2011. Characterised by thin ramen (also known as Hakata ramen), smooth creamy pure pork-based soup and Ajitama (Japanese flavoured egg), Ikkousha's secret is the number of hours invested into the making the perfect broth and the precision of 15-second only blanched noodles.
During Ultimate Ramen Champion 2011, Ikkousha has clocked in 100,531 bowls of ramen followed by Bario, in second place with 65,529 bowls of ramen sold. Ikkousha's Hakata ramen is the obvious preference among the diners in Singapore.
"We are very proud to be The Ultimate Ramen Champion 2011," shares Ikkousha Chef Kosuke Yoshimura, age 35. "This is the first time we make our foray outside Japan, and Singapore fans have been very supportive. We are very happy that the market is very receptive to Japanese food, and especially has a penchant for Hakata-style ramen."
The crowning of The Ultimate Ramen Champion 2011 marks the beginning of a more exciting and bigger competition: The new ULTIMATE RAMEN CHAMPION 2012. This year's competition will see the exit of one of the heavy-weight brands Tetsu – Japan's leading Tsukemen chain with more than 100 stalls globally, and the entrance of new brands and introduction of new palates such as Aoyama and Taka no Tsume. Past year's competitors: Ikkousha, Gantetsu, Tai-sho-ken, Riki, Iroha and Bario, will be back to battle for the prestigious title of Singapore's Ultimate Ramen Champion 2012.
When asked which competitor Ikkousha will watch out for, Chef Kosuke points out that each ramen is different; and each brand has a unique taste that is characterised by the prefectures in Japan. Hence, modestly he reiterates: "It's really about what the diners like. The new contenders – Aoyama and Taka no Tsume, have their strengths and offer diners new and more options."
This year, the competitors feature their interpretation of Singapore-inspired ramen in commemoration of the Nation's 47th birthday and patrons will get to pick their favourite. Information (description, tasting notes) for these signature dishes from the different brands are included here. Store listings can be found here.
| No. | Restaurant Name |
Singapore Inspired Ramen | Brief Information on brand |
| 1 | Aoyama | Special Tonkotsu Ramen |
2012 new contender, Aoyama’s signature shrimp flavoured Ajitama will be a hot favourite in URC 2012. |
| 2 | Taka no Tsume |
Ramen Deluxe with Sichuan Style Sauce |
2012 new contender, Taka no Tsume is the only competitor who specialises in delicious chicken broth and meat. |
| 3 | Riki | Riki Tsukemen |
2012 new contender, Riki specialises in contemporary Tokyo/Jiro style Ramen or Power Ramen. Riki means “Power” in Japanese. |
| 4 | Ikkousha | Spicy Takana Ramen |
URC 2011 Winner, Ikkousha’s “Hakata-standard”, fresh pork base soup with its 15 sec-only boiled thin noodles has a new Ichimi-chilli Twist! |
| 5 | Tai Sho Ken | Cold & Spicy Ramen |
Successor of Master of Ramen, Kazuo Yamagishi has something exciting in store for Singaporeans with its Cold & Spicy Ramen. |
| 6 | Gantetsu | King Cha Shu Men |
Taking pride in delivering only the finest, Hokkaido standard Ramen, Gantetsu’s specially uses pan-fried vegetables to bring out natural sweetness to compliment their dishes. |
| 7 | Iroha | King’s Ramen |
Champion Ramen chain in Toyama, you’ll never forget its distinct Shoyu flavoured broth and 200G of its signature Cha Shu! |
| 8 | Bario | Ajitama Ramen |
Listed 50 best things to eat in the world by The Guardian UK, Bario’s well- balanced Ramens are typically cooked over 12 hours! |
| Details of Ultimate Ramen Champion 2012 | |
| Date: | 7th of August 2012 to 30th July 2013 |
| Time: |
11.30am to 10.30pm (Daily – Bugis +) |
| Address 1: |
201 Victoria Street, Bugis+ (formerly ILUMA) |
| Address 2: |
65 Airport Boulevard |
| Contact no.: |
6238 1011 (Bugis+) |
For more information, regarding the description and tasting notes of the various 2012 signature, Singapore inspired Ramen and where the different restaurants are located, please refer to The Ultimate Ramen Champion Factsheet 2012.
