Two New Japanese Foodie Brands To Check Out

Awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand award from 2015 to 2018, and #1 in 2018 and 2017 on ramen review magazine, Ramen Walker, this Tokyo joint is the latest Japanese ramen import in town. Think of Konjiki Hototogisu as Tsuta’s brethren. It offers a signature broth called Triple Soup, made with Hamaguri clams (Asian Hard Clams), pork bone and chicken stock. The noodles are house-made with wholegrain Haru-yo-kui (Japanese wheat) imported from Hokkaido. Konjiki Hototogisu has only one branch in Japan and was founded in 2006 by chef Atsushi Yamamoto, who was at the Chijmes store to oversee the opening — he has since returned to Japan but will come back here in another two to three months. The local chefs here have flown to the Tokyo store for training pre-opening. The SG branch is a franchise by Japan Foods Holding, which also operates Ajisen Ramen and the Japanese Gourmet Town at Vivocity in Singapore. Signature dishes include the Shoyu Hamaguri Soup Ramen ($14.90), which comes with the Triple Soup and Sous Vide Cha Shu and Thick Belly Cha Shu. Side dishes include Gyoza ($4.90) and Fried Chicken ($6.90).

The 40-seater took over the space formerly occupied by Dimbulah Coffee.

Konjiki Hototogisu Singapore is at #01-17 CHIJMES, 30 Victoria St, S187996. Tel: 6256-3155. ‪Open daily noon – 2:30pm; 6pm – 9.00pm. Last orders at closing. www.facebook.com/KonjikiHototogisuSGP/

This Tokyo import will operate as a pop-up shop at Wisma Atria from 21 July to 21 Oct. It specialises in super fluffy pancakes, and its Shibuya branch boasts frequent long queues. Riz Labo is partnering the folks behind foodie enclave Japan Food Town in Wisma for this three-month stint in Singapore. It will take over a 20-seat space formerly occupied by sake outfit Bar Nippon. Other than their pillowy good looks, what’s special about Riz's fat pancakes is that they're made with gluten-free rice flour. There will be four to five types of pancakes offered here, including flavours like Matcha (pictured), which comes with adzuki beans, fresh cream and matcha powder, plus seasonal offerings such as Choco & Banana. A kitchen team from Japan will be stationed at the SG pop-up branch to oversee the cooking.

Riz Labo Kitchen's pop-up store will open at Japan Food Town 21 July, Wisma Atria Shopping Centre, 435 Orchard Rd, S238877. ‪https://www.facebook.com/Rizlabo/​​​​​​​