A Bowl of Bold Flavours at Somerset’s Ramen Hotspot — Nantsuttei reviews

Hey ramen lovers! let me tell you about a hidden gem I recently discovered, Nantsuttei, one of the best ramen restaurants in Singapore that you’ve got to try. Nestled on the seventh floor of Orchard Central, this place might be a bit tucked away, but trust me, it’s worth the find.

When I first walked into Nantsuttei, I was immediately drawn to their rich, creamy tonkotsu soup. It’s a flavor that’s earned them a loyal following and even some impressive awards like the 'New Tokyo Ramen Champion.' What really sets this spot apart is their signature black garlic oil, or black ma-yu, which adds a bold, smoky kick to the broth.

Pork Bone and Chicken Bones Create a Rich Tonkotsu Broth

Now, let’s talk broth, because that’s the heart and soul of any good ramen. At Nantsuttei, they simmer pork bone and chicken bones for hours to pull out those deep, savory flavors that make the tonkotsu broth so creamy and satisfying. What really blew me away was the way they blend in roasted garlic oil, or frying garlic, which gives the soup this amazing smoky aroma that just makes you want to dive right in.

The broth is thick but smooth, creating the perfect base for the noodles and toppings. You can enjoy their signature Nantsuttei Ramen for $10.80, while the Marutoku Negi Chashu-men is priced at $15.80.



My Personal Experience Tasting Nantsuttei's Ramen Delights:

• When I first took a sip of the signature Nantsuttei Ramen broth, I was immediately hit with a rich, creamy tonkotsu flavor that felt both comforting and indulgent. The black garlic oil added a smoky depth that lingered pleasantly on my palate, making each spoonful more addictive than the last.
• The tender chashu was a standout; it practically melted in my mouth with its delicate balance of savory and slightly sweet notes, thanks to the secret sauce it was marinated in. Topping the bowl with fresh spring onions and the silky onsen egg brought a refreshing and creamy contrast that elevated the entire dish.
• I also tried the Marutoku Negi Chashu Men, and the generous heap of green onions added a bright crunch that cut through the richness of the broth beautifully. The bonito flakes sprinkled on top gave an extra umami punch that made every bite satisfying.

Nantsuttei Ramen: Creamy Tonkotsu with Black Garlic Oil

The star of the show for me was definitely their basic ramen, served piping hot with thick, homemade noodles cooked just right, al dente and springy, flown all the way from Japan. The creamy tonkotsu broth swirled with that black garlic oil is something else. The black ma-yu itself is made by frying garlic over seven phases, creating a perfectly balanced, fragrant layer that floats on top of the soup. Toppings? Oh, they don’t skimp.



Tender chashu made from high-quality pork loin, bean sprouts, spring onions, bannou negi, shiraga negi (different kinds of green onions), and a silky onsen egg that adds a creamy richness to every bite. And all this at a great price of $10.80++ a real steal for what you get.

Marutoku Negi Chashu Men and All the Toppings

If you’re like me and love having all the toppings, you’ve got to try the Marutoku Negi Chashu Men. This bowl is loaded with generous portions of chashu, fresh green onions, and a sprinkle of bonito flakes that gives it an extra umami punch.

The chashu is marinated in a secret soy sauce blend, perfectly balancing sweetness and saltiness. Plus, those noodles remind me of hakata style, thin, firm, and just right to soak up that rich creamy broth.



• My personal advice: Don’t rush this bowl, take your time to savor each bite so you can fully appreciate the harmony of flavors and textures, especially the way the noodles absorb the broth and the melt-in-your-mouth chashu enhances every mouthful.

Spicy Curry and Golden Curry Ramen: A Flavorful Twist

Feeling adventurous? The Golden Curry Ramen, Dragon Ramen, and Death Miso Ramen are perfect if you want something with a bit more heat and flavor. Trust me, these bowls pack a punch that will wake up your taste buds and keep you coming back for more.

• The Golden Curry Ramen ($13.80++) is a cozy twist on the classic tonkotsu soup, featuring ground meat flavored with curry. It’s got that warm, comforting vibe that blends perfectly with the rich, creamy pork bone broth. The curry flavor is subtle but distinct, enhancing the depth without overpowering the traditional ramen taste. Each bite is packed with spices that make it super satisfying.
• Then there’s the Dragon Ramen ($13.80++), which really turns up the heat. Their house-made spicy sauce is a fiery mix of minced pork, cayenne pepper, Chinese chili bean paste, fresh chili padi, and Japanese sake. Unlike your usual chili oil, this sauce hits you immediately with intense heat, like a train coming at you! But don’t worry, the rich, creamy broth and that signature black ma-yu roasted garlic oil balance out the spice, while fresh spring onions add a nice, crisp contrast.
• If you’re feeling brave, the Death Miso Ramen($15.30++) is where it’s at. This one’s seriously spicy and limited to just 20 bowls a day, so it’s pretty exclusive. It’s a bold mix of mild pork sauce, special miso paste, and fried ground pork infused with hot Japanese pepper. Plus, secret garlic oil kicks up the aroma and flavor to a whole new level. It’s a complex, fiery, and aromatic bowl that’s definitely for the seasoned spice lovers looking for a challenge.
  

Ramen Hitoyoshi and Ramen Nagi: Inspiration from Ex Keisuke Chefs

One thing I found fascinating is that the team behind Nantsuttei includes ex Keisuke chefs. Their experience and passion really shine through in the quality and flavor of every bowl. They even have a special lunch promotion where you can add side dishes like yaki gyoza or rice for just $1, such a great deal if you want a fuller meal.

The yaki gyoza and other side dishes are priced around $7.00, making the lunch promotion an excellent value for money.



When I tried the yaki gyoza, I was immediately impressed by its crispy exterior and juicy filling that burst with savory goodness in every bite. Paired with the dipping sauce, it was the perfect complement to the rich tonkotsu ramen, adding a satisfying contrast in texture and flavor to the meal.

The Black King and Tonkotsu King: Bold Flavors for Garlic Lovers

For all the garlic fans out there, you can’t miss the Black King ramen. It features that signature black ma-yu, which gives it a bold roasted garlic flavor that’s hard to beat. The Tonkotsu King is another favorite of mine, with its rich creamy broth, thick noodles, marinated egg, and chashu that makes every spoonful so satisfying.

Side Dishes, Rice, and More: Enhancing the Ramen Experience

Don’t forget to try some side dishes while you’re there. I loved the yaki gyoza and the bowl of rice topped with finely chopped simmered pork stewed in a slightly sweet dashi soup.

The attention to detail is impressive, from the cherry chips used to smoke the chashu to the special sauce that flavors the meat. The Original Smoked Chashu appetizer, priced at $7.00, is a real treat and pairs perfectly with a cold drink.



During my visit, I ordered the Original Smoked Chashu as a starter, and I was immediately struck by the rich smoky aroma that greeted me as the plate arrived. The tender pork loin, infused with the subtle sweetness of the special sauce and the delicate smokiness from the cherry chips, made each bite a delight. Paired with a chilled drink, it was the perfect way to kick off the meal before diving into the hearty ramen bowls.

The yaki gyoza was equally impressive, boasting a crispy exterior and juicy filling that complemented the rich tonkotsu broth beautifully, rounding out the whole dining experience.

What to Expect When You Visit Nantsuttei:

• When I stepped into Nantsuttei, I immediately noticed the cozy, intimate vibe. The seating is a mix of two-seaters and counter spots right by the chefs, which I loved because I got to watch the magic happen behind the scenes. It’s perfect if you’re dining solo or with a small group, though I could see larger parties feeling a little cramped.
• During my weekend evening visit around 7 pm, I waited about 15 minutes before getting a seat. So, if you’re planning to go during peak times, I’d recommend coming a bit earlier or later to skip the queue.
• Inside, the air conditioning was strong and kept the space comfortably cool. If you’re like me and tend to get chilly, bringing a light jacket or sweater is a good idea.
• Despite the buzz during busy hours, the noise level was just right for easy conversation. I didn’t have to raise my voice at all, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable.
  

Location and Opening Hours on Orchard Road

If you’re planning a visit, Nantsuttei is conveniently located at 181 Orchard Road, Orchard Central, just a short walk from Somerset MRT. They’re open daily from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., making it easy to drop by for lunch or dinner.

Whether you’re a local or just visiting Singapore, this ramen spot offers a memorable experience with its rich tonkotsu broth, bold garlic oil, and expertly prepared noodles and toppings.

Conclusion

If you’re planning a visit, Nantsuttei is conveniently located at 181 Orchard Road, Orchard Central, just a short walk from Somerset MRT. They’re open daily from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., making it easy to drop by for lunch or dinner.

Whether you’re a local or just visiting Singapore, this ramen spot offers a memorable experience with its rich tonkotsu broth, bold garlic oil, and expertly prepared noodles and toppings.