I walked in expecting pork.
That’s the thing about the different types of ramen in Singapore. Somewhere along the way, we started treating tonkotsu as the whole story. So when I sat down at Marutama Ra Men and lifted the first spoonful of soup, I braced for that heavy, greasy richness I’d trained myself to want.
It wasn't that at all. It was chicken. I was introduced to a creamy chicken broth, pale and somehow lighter, it looked impeccable. A different kind of brand, I can say that it was trying to achieve something other ramen stalls couldn't.
A Small Room, A Warm One
The restaurant at Clarke Quay Central is compact, the kind of place built for a hot bowl and a quick catch-up, not a long, lingering dining experience. Counter seating, tightly packed tables, and the soft clatter of a busy kitchen.
I visited on a weekday, just after 2pm, once the lunch crowd had thinned out. It felt cosy rather than cramped. The steam, the low chatter, the aroma of simmering broth in the air settled me at my table before the food even arrived.
The Creamy Chicken Broth That Started It All
I ordered the classic Marutama Ramen (S$14.90) first, because that's where you should begin.
The ramen broth came milky and pale, chicken-forward with a gentle sweetness underneath. It wasn't overly salty or oily. I finished the whole bowl of soup and didn't feel weighed down or left reaching for water, which almost never happens with heavy pork broths.
The thin ramen noodles were firm, holding their bite and the thickness and texture is right to the end. The marinated egg—a perfectly prepared onsen egg—had that soft, jammy yolk. The seaweed surprised me too; it was fresh and tender, not the stiff, dried sheet you usually find floating on the surface.
A quick tip: add the fried garlic to the bowl. I'd suggest doing it halfway through, not at the start. It adds depth, giving the chicken broth a rounder, more savoury palate.
Zenbu Nosé Ramen: Going Fuller, Going Spicier
If you want the complete picture, order the Zenbu Nosé Ramen ($20.90). It is the "everything" bowl: tender slices of char siu, stewed pork belly, a seasoned marinated egg, seaweed, and a handful of fresh spring onion, all resting in that same signature broth.
I tried the spicy version as well. The broth stays relatively pale rather than turning a fiery red, and the texture reminds me of a rich, comforting collagen soup. It feels deeper, more layered, and more filling. This is the dish I would hand to a friend to help them understand why Singaporeans keep coming back to this place.
The Aka Ramen (S$16.00) offers a completely different mood. It is built on seven ground ingredients, including nuts and chili, so the spice has a nutty warmth rather than a punishing heat. I could feel the spice, but it never overwhelmed the delicate chicken flavor. If you want some heat without a full bowl of red chili sauce, this is your order.
Honest Notes: Char Siu and All
I'll be straight with you. The char siu was tender, but the slices were a little thin and fatty for what you're paying. For a S$15 to S$20 bowl of ramen, I wanted a touch more generosity with the meat.
And the broth, while lovely, is gentle. If you walk in craving something loud, thick, and porky, you might find this chicken soup too soft, almost single-note. It comforts more than it announces itself.
Service
The staff were warm and quick, greeting people as they came and went. When I hesitated over the menu, a staff member stepped in to help without hovering. It felt like a place that quietly knows what it is doing, delivering consistent quality without any pretension.
Before You Go: Finding Marutama Ra Men
Expect to spend around S$15 to S$25 per person for ramen alone, and closer to S$20 to S$30 if you add a side of pan-fried gyoza. Walk-ins are the norm, and honestly, that's the easiest way to visit.
I'd recommend avoiding the peak 12pm to 1:30pm and 7pm to 8pm rush, especially if you are visiting their busier outlets. Beyond Clarke Quay Central, they also have a branch at ION Orchard and another near Kallang, making it easy to find a table when you crave comfort.
The Verdict
Marutama Ra Men isn't trying to be the heaviest bowl in town. That's the whole point.
It is smooth, clean, and comforting without the grease—a chicken broth ramen with real Japanese soul that brings Japan to you. If you prefer a thick, rich pork tonkotsu above all else, this may feel too light for you.
But make the mental switch, judge it as a chicken dish rather than a tonkotsu stand-in, and something clicks. I came in expecting one thing, and left quietly glad it was another.
