Tsurukoshi Udon @ Takashimaya Basement Food Hall

I chanced upon Tsurukoshi Udon one day, when I was wandering around Takashimaya. With ramen eateries the current rage, udon just might catch on. Although I think that the texture of udon is not to everybody's liking.

As an introduction to the place that has recently set up in the Basement Food Hall of Takashimaya, I decided on ordering the Ten-Don with Mini-Udon. It would give me an idea about their food offering.



You order and pay for your food, before sitting down and waiting for the food to arrive. In fact, the food took a while to arrive.



The Ten-Don, I admit, was a little uninspiring. I think I like the tempura at the Raffles City Food Court better, especially when the rice was overcooked. The udon was much better, with firm texture. The broth had that oomph that told you that it was not a something of an instant udon meal.

Rating: 6/10
Website: http://www.ghf.co.jp/tsurukoshi/index.html
Address: B2 Takashimaya Food Hall, Ngee Ann City Tower A, 391 Orchard Road
Hours: 1000 hrs - 2130 hrs
Price: $1/2

Baikohken @ Takashimaya Basement Food Hall

I thought I would try Baikohken after I gave it a miss when I last visited the Basement Food Hall of Takashimaya. The shop has a sister outlet at North Canal Road which has been operating longer than this new outlet. As I placed my order, I asked the waiter what was their specialty. He replied that all Shio Ramen, Shoyu Ramen and Miso Ramen where their specialties. I asked which part of Japan the shop was from (Hokkaido) and decided to go for Miso Ramen.



I was presented with a large bowl that was covered with two large pieces of chasu, scallions, menma and the ajituke tamago. My first thought was that the tamago was over done and the yolks were almost cooked through. The two pieces of chasu were large and generous. I tucked into the ramen and found that it was served with copious quantities of bean sprouts. The tamago was not only overcooked, but tasteless, almost like a hard-boiled egg. The chasu was dry until it was well mixed in with the broth. The menma was also badly done, with poor flavour and texture. The broth, which is usually what makes ramen, was disappointing. There was little taste of miso (the fermented soy), and tasted more of salt and monosodium glutamate. Ramen was also disappointing, with no firmness to bite.

Even though their serving was generous and have a loyalty card, I doubt I will return. Ambience is minimal, since it is all open-concept.

Rating: 5/10
Website: http://www.baikohken.com
Address: #B201-04, B2 Takashimaya Food Hall, Ngee Ann City Tower A, 391 Orchard Road
Phone: 6235 3483
Hours: 1000 hrs - 2130 hrs
Price: $1/2