When we visited Parco at Millenia Walk on a Monday evening after work, we were stunned to find that the two ramen joints – Keisuke and Nanntsutei – which are renowned for having snaking queues on weekends, were practically deserted. We were going to make our decision based on the lack of a queue, but since both were empty, we decided on Keisuke because they have a crab stock ramen that was billed as a limited item.
Keisuke’s ramen is quite different from the usual sort that we’ve come to expect. Instead of pork bone or chicken broth, here they specialise in shrimp broth and now, crab stock as well. We both ordered the special crab ramen – me because it’s the sole reason I chose Keisuke tonight, and A because there wasn’t anything else on the menu that he fancied.
I was quite surprised when the bowls arrived; I guess I expected more of a lobster bisque type of broth, but instead it was really thick – a bit like the consistency of lor mee... With lor mee not being one of A’s or my favourite foods, it was with some trepidation that I took the first mouthful.
Thankfully I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, the noodles were slightly thicker than expected, almost like hokkien mee yellow noodles, but after you taste the crab stock you realise why the normal thinner noodles just won’t cut it. The crab stock is so thick and flavourful that thinner noodles would just get lost in it, and won’t be able to stand up to the potency of the stock.
The stock itself tasted like a whole boatload of crab shells had been crushed, made into stock and further reduced to distil the very essence of crab. The flavours are certainly not shy, but I really got into this and surprisingly, so did A.
We had it with the half boiled egg but next time perhaps I’ll try the prawn wantons instead. On hindsight they’re famous for prawn ramen, so I guess their prawn wantons will be good too.
A says:
Very interesting. Flavours are good but the texture is just too much like lor mee for my liking. And considering the rest of the menu is from prawn stock, it’s not high on my list of places to revisit.
Oh, I must add that the service is excellent too.
Keisuke Tokyo
9 Raffles Boulevard
#P3-02 Parco Marina Bay
Tel: 6337-7919
Open daily: 10.30 am – 9.30 pm
1 comment:
Go to Kusabi Ramen @ Central. The broth(I recommend shoyu)is a killer. The aroma lingering in the air as u walk in isn't misleading as to how much flavour the broth really carries. If they had grilled cha siu like Marutama, it would be the ultimate combination. ^^
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