Takagi Ramen (Ang Mo Kio)

Takagi Ramen (Ang Mo Kio) is a small, casual ramen shop in 51@AMK, a mall on Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3. It belongs to Takagi Ramen, a Singapore chain that serves Hakata-style ramen at low prices. The chain now has more than ten outlets around the island.

The business dates back to 2015. According to the chain, its founder, Takagi-san, comes from Tsuruga in Japan and left law school to cook ramen. The aim is simple: good bowls that everyday Singaporeans can afford.

What to order

The menu is built around tonkotsu, a rich soup made from pork bones. The chain says it simmers the broth for over 12 hours and braises its chashu pork for just as long. The thin Hakata-style noodles are made fresh by hand. Good bowls to start with include:

• Takagi Ramen: the house tonkotsu bowl, a sensible first order
• Black Tonkotsu: pork broth darkened with charred garlic oil
• Miso Ramen: tonkotsu soup flavoured with miso
• Chashumen: a bowl with extra slices of braised pork
• Chilli Crab Ramen and Salted Egg Crab Ramen: dry noodles with two of Singapore's favourite sauces

There is also a shoyu series with soy-based soups, plus mazemen and tantanmen. Sides include chicken karaage, gyoza, takoyaki and edamame. The menu also lists rice bowls, desserts, beer and a breakfast section.

The setting

This is a quick, no-frills meal rather than a long dinner. Reviewers describe the shop as a small hole-in-the-wall with limited seating. It suits a solo lunch or a casual bite with friends. If it is busy, you may need to wait a little for a table.

Good to know before you go

• Low prices: this is one of the cheaper ways to eat Japanese food in Singapore.
• Delivery: the chain delivers islandwide and is listed on the main food delivery apps.
• Help for those in need: elderly, disabled and special-needs diners facing money troubles can get special food privileges at every outlet. Ask the manager on duty.
• Other branches: outlets include Dhoby Ghaut, Redhill and Woodlands if you are staying elsewhere.

Getting there

51@AMK is a short walk from Ang Mo Kio MRT station on the North-South Line. The shop is on the ground floor, in unit 01-01C.

Nearby

Ang Mo Kio has plenty of good food for a heartland town. Try Thai cooking at Khao Hom by Rung Mama or a seafood dinner at Mellben Seafood. For a walk, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park has wide lawns and a river. You can also browse all Japanese restaurants in Singapore or every restaurant in Ang Mo Kio and Bishan. Our guide to eating cheaply in Singapore has more ideas for a tight budget.