Big‑Bowl Ramen That Packs a Punch in Tanjong Pagar
🍜 Quick Take
Dish Price (incl. tax) Highlights What could be better
Brothers Ramen (Classic) $14.90++ Rich, silky broth; springy noodles; melt‑in‑your‑mouth chashu No nori on top
Ikemen (Weekly Special) $14.90++ Chicken‑oil‑infused broth; generous spinach & nori Tougher chashu; overly garlicky
Megamen Light $12.90++ Light pork‑bone broth; buttery chashu Thick noodles
Megamen Dry $14.90++ Dry‑style ramen with ajitsuke tamago & seaweed; huge portion Messy “tower” of toppings
Bottom line: For the price you get generous servings and a genuine love‑for‑ramen vibe. Expect a short (or long) queue, but the bowls are worth the wait.
- Why This Spot Caught My Eye
Ramen, for me, is more than a noodle soup – it’s a hug in a bowl. So when I heard that Brothers Ramen—a sibling‑run joint that grew from a humble stall at Teck Kee Coffee Shop in 2010 to a full‑blown eatery in Tanjong Pagar by 2014—was generating buzz, I booked my seat (well, I tried to).
The storefront is modest, the signage unpretentious, yet a steady line snakes past the door before the doors even swing open. Inside, the space feels cosy: soft amber lighting, wooden tables, and the faint hiss of broth simmering in the kitchen. It’s the sort of place that makes you want to linger, slurp, and maybe even strike up a conversation with the brother behind the counter.
- The Bowls – What’s on the Menu?
2.1 Classic Brothers Ramen – $14.90++
Broth: Thick, umami‑laden, and built on a blend of pork, chicken, and fish bones.
Noodles: Springy, a touch on the thick side (personal preference leans thinner).
Toppings: Tender chashu pork, bamboo shoots, and the usual green onions.
Missing piece? A sheet of nori would have added that salty crunch I crave.
Overall, the bowl hits the classic ramen checklist with gusto. The broth’s depth is the star; the chashu, while good, isn’t the melt‑in‑your‑mouth version you’ll find at specialty shops.
2.2 Ikemen (Weekly Special) – $14.90++
Broth: Same base as the classic, but enriched with a spoonful of chicken oil. The result is a richer, slightly greasier mouthfeel.
Noodles: Noticeably thicker than the classic, giving a chewier bite.
Toppings: Spinach, a thick slice of chashu, and a generous sheet of nori.
Pros: The chicken oil adds a luxurious sheen; the extra greens bring freshness.
Cons: The chashu was tougher than expected, and the broth leaned heavy on garlic. Tip: Ask for “less garlic” if you’re sensitive to that bite.
2.3 Megamen Light – $12.90++
Broth: Clear, light pork‑bone broth that reminds you of home‑cooked Chinese noodle soup. No chicken or fish, so the flavor is clean and subtle.
Noodles: Again on the thicker side; a thinner noodle would have soaked up the broth more elegantly.
Toppings: Fatty, melt‑in‑your‑mouth chashu, a mountain of tau‑gay (bean curd sticks), and a sprinkle of scallions.
Why it shines: The chashu here is the best of the lot—silky, juicy, and perfectly seasoned.
2.4 Megamen Dry – $14.90++
Style: Dry ramen (no broth) with the same base ingredients as Megamen Light, plus a side of ajitsuke tamago (marinated soft‑boiled egg) and shredded seaweed.
Experience: The toppings pile high, almost eclipsing the noodles, which makes for a playful “dig‑through” moment. The fatty chashu coats each strand, delivering a buttery mouthfeel.
Portion size: Massive—if you come on an empty stomach, you’ll finish it; otherwise, be prepared to take leftovers home.
- Ambience & Practicalities
Location: International Plaza, 10 Anson Road, #01‑20, Singapore 079903 – a two‑minute walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT.
Seating: Small but comfy. Expect a wait of up to an hour during peak hours; the best trick is to arrive 15 minutes before opening (11:30 am) or after the lunch rush.
Opening Hours:
Mon‑Tue, Thu‑Fri: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm & 6 pm – 7:45 pm
Wed & Sat: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Closed on Sundays.
Dietary note: Not halal‑certified.
The vibe is decidedly “local joint” – think wooden tables, a few framed photos of the brothers, and the ever‑present aroma of simmering broth. Soft lighting makes it a great spot for a rainy‑day noodle fix or a casual dinner with friends.
- Verdict – Should You Drop By?
Pros
Generous portions for the price range (most bowls are 12‑15 USD).
Authentic, hearty broth—especially the classic and Megamen Light.
Friendly, family‑run atmosphere that feels genuine.
Cons
Inconsistent chashu texture – tougher in the classic and Ikemen, superb in Megamen Light.
Noodles generally on the thicker side; ramen purists may crave a thinner, springier bite.
Queue times can be long; plan accordingly.
Overall, Brothers Ramen delivers solid value and a warm, hometown ramen experience. If you’re hunting for a satisfying bowl without breaking the bank—and you don’t mind waiting a bit—this is a spot worth checking off your Singapore ramen list.
- Where to Go Next?
If you loved the idea of a richer, more refined ramen experience, our [Mensho Tokyo review] (featuring Michelin‑approved duck‑matcha ramen) is a great next read.
Exploring Tanjong Pagar? Our [Tanjong Pagar Food Guide] spotlights Korean BBQ joints, sweet‑potato‑based desserts, and more hidden gems around the neighbourhood.
- Quick Reference
📍 Address 10 Anson Road, #01‑20, International Plaza, Singapore 079903
⏰ Opening Hours Mon‑Tue, Thu‑Fri 11:30 am‑2:30 pm & 6 pm‑7:45 pm; Wed & Sat 11:30 am‑2:30 pm
💰 Price Range $12.90 – $14.90 (incl. tax)
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⚠️ Dietary Not halal‑certified
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Happy slurping! 🍜