Originated from Osaka, Tonkotsu Kazan (豚骨火山) is a Japanese restaurant chain famous for its signature “Volcano Ramen”, served in 350°C hot stone bowls, followed by an eruption of steam billowing from a red conical lid, simulating a volcano eruption. The popular brand has several outlets across Singapore and one of them is in Bukit Panjang Plaza.
Tonkotsu Kazan’s signature Volcano Ramen are available with pork or beef sukiyaki (thinly-sliced meat) and chashu ramen with several flavours — shoyu, shio, karamiso (spicy) and curry (spicy). The Chashu ramen dishes are also available without the “volcano” (no hot stone) and varying quantity of chashu slices (slow-braised pork belly). Aside from ramen, there are rice dishes with hot stone, Japanese-style donburi, fried rice and side dishes too.
My first dish at the restaurant is their signature Beef Sukiyaki Kazan Ramen. The ramen and all the ingredients are placed in a preheated hot stone bowl and served. At the table, half of the creamy broth is then poured into the hot bowl and immediately covered by a red conical lid with funnel. Steam starting rising through the funnel after a short while — resembling a volcanic eruption, but not so dramatic.
The cooking / steaming process continues for one full minute before the hot lid is removed and the remainder of the broth is emptied into the stone bowl. My Beef Sukiyaki Kazan Ramen is ready. By the way, the steps described above were all performed by the waitress — thanks!
The thin beef slices are in a perfect state — not too raw and not overly-cooked. Wrapped inside the sukiyaki are crunchy cabbages and carrots, sitting on slim-fat yellow ramen. The hot broth gives out a nice aroma with hint of spring onions.
As the stone bowl is still hot, it will continue to cook the ingredients slowly. And a small bowl is required for cooling and eating the food. The creamy broth has rich flavours and tasty, but not too salty. The beef slices are very tender and the ramen offers a slight chewiness. The dish is delicious as it is without adding extra condiments. For spiciness, add some chilli oil — into the small bowl — as the chilli paste contains salt and will increase the saltiness.
After finishing the noodle, and if there are still space in the stomach for more, get a small bowl of rice to mix into the remaining broth and finish it — kazan ramen is typically a two-course dish, but not so for solo diners with small appetites.
Tonkotsu Kazan’s Volcano Ramen is an experience to enjoy more than being just a dish for eating.
Social Media:
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Address:
Bukit Panjang Plaza, #01-64/65
1 Jelebu Road, Singapore 677743
Opening Hours:
11am to 10pm | Daily
Nearby:
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