Baikohken Ramen & St Leaven Bakery @ Takashimaya Singapore

After finishing our delicious bowl of Tsuru-koshi udon at Takashimaya Food Hall, we ordered a bowl of ramen from the adjacent Baikohken. Baikohken originates from Asahikawa in Hokkaido, and has been around since 1969. 

There are 3 types of soup base here to choose from, shoyu, shio and miso. They also have a special Tantanmen, hot and spicy miso flavour exclusive to this outlet. Since our favorite soup base at Hokkaido is the shio, we decided to go for the same here. However, after we returned, I googled this ramen joint, and found that their signature soup base is the shoyu (soy)- serves me right for not doing proper research before going. 

Shio ramen (S$13.50 for regular)

Outlet at Takashimaya Food Hall

Menu

When I was placing my order, the lady at the counter asked, "Half portion for you?" after sizing me up. LOL. I asked for a regular and she said that it would be too big for me to finish. I told her that I was sharing with Hubby and she said, "Oh, then no problem." When it arrived, we could see why she said it would be too big for me to finish as it was truly a BIG BOWL of ramen. Maybe bigger than the large portion at Hokkaido Santouka. We also asked for the ajitama (flavoured egg) (S$1.50) which was served with the ramen.

The soup here is made from pork bones, chicken and fish dashi. It was alright, but not thick enough for me -- however it will suit those who like a clearer, less rich option. The noodles are springy and had a nice bite but the highlight for us was definitely the thick, big slices of char siu. Though they look quite lean, it was very tender and very nicely marinated with bean paste. If we didn't have plans to eat elsewhere, we would have ordered extra portion of the cha siu. Another worthwhile dish to have here is the char siu don (rice) for S$6.50 since the pork is so yummy. The flavoured egg was not as runny as we would have liked it.

Shio ramen topped with spring onions and bamboo shoots

Nice noodles

Very delicious char siu - so flavoursome!

We walked around Takashimaya Food Hall after our ramen to walk it off, and saw many other delicious food items which we had to resist from buying.

Cute fish cake

Japanese layer cake

Until we walked past St Leaven Bakery and spotted the strawberry shortcake! For half the price of Canele's strawberry shortcake, it tasted just as good minus the nicer ambiance at Canele. Yeah, you need to buy these and just eat it outside the bakery since they do not have any seating for customers.

The original Four Leaves recipe (the parent company)

Large sweet strawberry on top

Vanilla sponge layered with strawberry slices... delish!

Full set of photos available to view here. 

Opening times: 10am to 9.30pm daily. Last order at 9pm. (Baikohken) They have another outlet in North Canal Road.

Location: Baikohken Ramen & St Leaven Bakery, Takashimaya Food Hall, Level B2, 391A Orchard Road, Singapore, 238873.

Tel: +65 6235 3483 (Baikohken)

Nearest MRT: Orchard

Website: http://baikohken.com/menu/index.html

*All photos taken with iPhone4s.