Spicy, numbing ramen.
Quite literally the name “Kikanbo” 鬼金棒 means “demon’s iron club”, so you know what you’re signing up for.
Kikanbo started back in 2009 in Tokyo’s Kanda area as a tiny nine-seat counter joint.
Over time it carved a reputation for one very specific thing: a miso-based ramen that hits you with chillis and a tingling numbness from sansho pepper.
The Singapore VivoCity branch brings that same concept here, under a local operator that’s keen to highlight its boldness and craft.
Choices include Niku-Niku Karashibi Miso Ramen ($22.90), Tokusei Karashibi Miso Ramen ($20.90), Pakuchi Karashibi Miso Ramen ($17.90), Young Corn Karashibi Miso Ramen ($17.90), Moyashi Karashibi Miso Ramen ($17.90), Karashibi Miso Ramen ($15.90), Ajitama Karashibi Miso Ramen ($17.90), and Niku-mashi Karashibi Miso Ramen ($19.90).
They sound very different, but pretty much mix-and-match with the same rich miso base and spice-numbing formula.
When I ordered the signature Karashibi Miso Ramen ($22.90), I selected “medium” levels of both chilli (“kara”) and numbing pepper (“shibi”).
Call me cautious, I didn’t want my mouth shut down before I’d even tasted the broth.
The moment the bowl arrived I was struck by how dense (and oily) the broth looked.
The base is built from pork bones, chicken bones and vegetables simmered many hours, layered with a seafood stock, and then blended with Shinshu-style miso (which has a deeper savour than simple miso).
Plus peanut paste, fish-sauce notes and six kinds of red pepper. The richness was real, and became a little “jelak” halfway through.
What else I tasted: a touch of chilli warmth, then that subtle buzzy tingle from the sansho.
It was still quite manageable, but some local diners may find this on the numbing side.
The noodles were thick-ish, straight rather than super curly, with a good chew.
The braised pork belly was soft enough to almost melt in parts, but some may find this too fatty.
Because the broth was so bold and heavy, it may become too much if you prefer something light or subtle.
If you’re in the mood for a ramen that doesn’t hold back (pick a less or moderate spice if you’re not used to this), and savour it rather than rush it.
Kikanbo Ramen 鬼金棒
VivoCity B2-36, 1 Harbourfront Walk, Singapore 098585
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Other Related Entries
Sanpoutei Ramen (Paragon)
Mashi No Mashi (Pickering Street)
Ramen Dining Keisuke Tokyo (Capitol Singapore)
Liu Lang Mian Noodle Bar 流浪面 (Alexandra Central)
Raakki Ramen Bar (HongKong St)
* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Telegram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
