I was supposedly going to enjoy this famed Menbaka Fire Ramen shop near Nijo Castle in Kyoto last Dec 2020 if not for Covid-19 that thwarted my travel plan. 🤣🤣🤣

When I first heard of the brand’s first and only international outlet opening in Singapore, I was extremely excited to try it out.

As usual, the visit has always been deterred by its ever long snaking queue especially when the novelty first arrives here. It has taken a while for me to finally visit the said outlet on a weekday and I came specially 10 mins earlier before the opening hour at 12pm.

Oh mine, look at the snaking crowd forming even before the shop opening. 😯

This is a dining experience as you would have seen videos of Menbaka Fire Ramen over social media,

where diners sit at the counter in anticipation waiting for their ramen bowls to be lighted up with big flames.

This is their signature Shoyu Fire Ramen with their chicken broth. I love the smokey aroma (just before eating) when the hot burning oil is being poured over the bowl of ramen. The noodles texture are equally springy coupled with the green onions fragrance.

For those who enjoy spicy ramen broth, you may go for the Singapore-exclusive version of the Kara Miso Fire Ramen as it is specially curated for the local’s love for spicy food.

You may even consider to add-on additional items; Ajitama Egg & Chasu to go with your bowl of fire ramen.

They do offer a couple of sides as well.

Why fried rice in a ramen restaurant? In Japan, it is a common sight that fried rice is often paired with ramen as it just complement well with one another somehow. 😉

The fried rice is tastefully done with the smokey aroma a.k.a wok hei and comes with generous serving of chasu along with it. This is definitely a pleasant surprise though it is not one of their recommended item on the menu.

This is something unique and rarely seen. Though visually not attractive but is certainly heavenly as the karaage is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. You can even get to taste the wasabi flavoured sauce which gives it a nice surprise.

Creamily smooth mashed potato with diced chashu. Their croquette is really champion.

Another great starter. Tasty and goes extremely well with the vinaigrette dipping sauce.

Their monthly special item, seared tuna. This is really good stuff.

Though I am not able to compare the actual standard against the “real” authentic shop in Kyoto (for now), I am definitely more excited and eager now to want to go to the real source to experience the true authentic flavours of Menbaka Fire Ramen in Kyoto when travel bubbles resume. 😀