Menzo Nutao is founded by Yasuhiko Kurata who is a well-known ramen producer in Japan with 23 outlets in Japan, China, Korea, Vietnam, US, Thailand and Taiwan.
Menzo Butao has just two kinds of ramen: a Hakata Ramen, which is available in three distinctive soups: Butao (White – original), Kuroo (Black – thick) and Akao (Red – spicy) and Hokkaido Ramen, namely Gyokai Ramen. The soup stock is flown in to ensure the authenticity and consistency of flavour.
Menzo Butao is one of the first restaurants to adopt the iPad ordering system. You simply key in your order in the encased iPad on your table and your order will be sent directly to the kitchen where they will start preparing your order right away. The number of staff can be reduced and the food arrives quicker at the customer’s table. It’s a win-win solution.
Hakkata Ramen (they call it Cha Shu Ramen) originates from Hakata district of Fukuoka in Kyushu. The broth is rich, milky tonkotsu broth paired with thin and non-curly noodles.The broth is a little saltier than the tonkotsu broth I am used to having at Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu King.
Gyokai Ramen comes from Hokkaido. Hokkaido is well-known for their amazing seafood and this is reflected in their ramen. There is a slight hint of the sea, a light and soothing broth. Paired with succulent chashu, flavoured egg and springy noodles, it is very satisfying.
Gyoza is pan-fried till crispy and golden and filled with delicious pork fillings. The only disappointment is it is a little dry, Gyoza King still remains my favorite place for gyoza.
This is the first time I am having Cha Shu Maki. I could never imagine putting chashu in sushi, but Menzo Butao managed to pull it off by pairing chashu with mayonnaise and cucumber and finished with a coating of fish roe. The cucumber and mayonnaise balances the chunkiness and toughness of chashu while the coating of fish roe add a satisfying crunchiness.
End your meal with Hokkaido Milk Pudding. It’s plain and simple, exactly as it should be. Nothing can beat the velvety-smoothness and richness of this dessert.
Menzo Butao offers over 20 styles of Hakkata and Hokkaido Ramen, each bowl named after special ingredients. The restaurant has recently introduced a value-for-money lunch promotion and curry rice sets.
Menzo Butao
Address: 6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square #02-180
Telephone: 63380830
Website: https://menzobutao.com.sg