Tonkotsu ramen has been a mainstay in Japanese cuisine for ages. Famous all over Japan and even internationally, the dish has proven to be a favourite amongst its ramen counterparts. But what sets it apart from other ramen dishes? Here are some reasons why Tonkotsu ramen is just so special.

1. It’s steeped for hours

There’s no denying that a standout aspect of Tonkotsu ramen is its strong flavour. Pork bones are steeped in the broth for hours on high heat, turning the collagen from the bones into delicious gelatine. This gives the broth its classic cloudy appeal, packed with its signature umami flavour from the bones perfectly paired with the meat sitting atop.
This easy contribution to its flavour is what makes Tonkotsu broth so special. Simply steeping the pork bones for hours can make a hearty difference to the meal. With this ramen, you can make Japan’s most popular noodle dish at home and still have it pack a punch with immense flavour!

2. It’s nutritious and delicious

Healthy doesn’t have to mean boring. With Tonkotsu ramen, the nutrition lies in its flavourful broth. By steeping the pork bones for hours, as mentioned before, all the healthy goodness within the bones flows out and marinates the soup. This gives the broth its silky feel and makes each mouthful a decadent experience.
With Tonkotsu ramen being both healthy and delicious, it’s a dish that fills you up when you’re craving a heavy meal but won’t leave you feeling guilty. Spice it up with some nori (dried seaweed) and other vegetables you love to elevate your ramen game and add more depth to your feel-good eating.

3. Rich flavour, richer history

Tonkotsu ramen has a rich history. Originally created by Tokio Miyamoto-san on a December day in 1937, the first recipe differs from our modern-day adaptions. This change traces back to an accident made by Katsumi Sugino-san, ten years after its initial creation. It is said that his mother, left in charge of cooking the dish one day, steeped the broth for too long. What Sugino-san thought was wasted food turned out much better than his intended outcome. The pork bones marinated for much longer than usual, becoming the favoured ramen dish we know today.
Now, 86 years after Tokio Miyamoto-san’s original recipe, Tonkotsu ramen remains a staple in our diets. A favourite across Japan and even internationally, savouring this ramen means tasting the richness of a broth that has stood the test of time. Make this dish even more special by incorporating unique toppings that you love and follow in the footsteps of this dish’s innovative history.

4. It’s versatile

Tonkotsu ramen is less of a flavour and more of a type of broth. It means “pork bone” and gets most of its taste from the marinated bones, as mentioned. This means that Tonkotsu ramen can be mild and simple for cosy days or flavoured further for when you want to make things exciting.
While the Tonkotsu ramen can stand firm on its, adding flavours to it with shoyu (soy sauce) or miso can really elevate your broth game. Perfect it the way you want, and you can always fall back on the trusted, original broth as a comfort food that never fails.

Conclusion

There’s no denying that Tonkotsu ramen has won over the hearts and taste buds of food lovers worldwide. Whether enjoyed at a traditional ramen shop in Japan or at a trendy eatery in Singapore and other major city, Tonkotsu ramen is a delicious and satisfying comfort food that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Has all this ramen talk made you hungry? Come enjoy a hearty bowl of Tonkotsu ramen (and other dishes!) at Ramen Hitoyoshi Singapore. For buffet and beef lovers, our Hitoyoshi Yakiniku boasts succulent, smoky meats perfect for you. And that’s not all. Find a restaurant near you to satisfy your cravings today!

Yakiniku: a classic dish in Japanese cuisine. Literally translated to “grilled meat”, yakiniku is typically served as beef, but many Japanese restaurants offer yakiniku in other meat varieties like chicken and seafood. Thinly sliced strips of meat are seasoned, dipped in marinade, and brought to you to cook on an open grill as you please. What’s not to like? With the grilling process in your hands, here are some tips to make the most of your yakiniku experience!

Know your meat!

Start with lighter cuts and slowly make your way over to fattier meats. Heavier cuts of beef are usually loaded with flavour, and our Hitoyoshi Yakiniku is no different! However, starting off with these fattier cuts can overwhelm your tastebuds and drown out the lighter meats to come.
Lean meat has the privilege of a shorter wait time on the grill, so cook these first on both sides and enjoy them while waiting for your thicker meats to grill thoroughly. The fat content on these thicker pieces will melt away, exposing the tenderness of the meat underneath. This also prevents the thicker cuts' fat from overpowering the grill and the taste of the leaner meats, letting you savour the complexities of each bite individually.

Don’t skimp on sauce

Japanese cuisine offers a variety of sauces, and each one can really enhance the flavour of your dishes. If you want a little kick to your plate, consider adding some characteristically Japanese flavours like soy sauce, sesame oil, or mirin (rice wine) to your meals. Dipping your yakiniku meat into these sauces can draw out the best flavours for you and enhance the savoury umami-ness of each bite.
Alternatively, customising your sauces with a mixture of these flavours and other enhancers such as garlic and sugar can really personalise your meals. Yakiniku is a traditional Japanese barbeque experience, but it is versatile as long as you know how to cook it well.

More than meat

Your yakiniku grilling experience isn’t limited to just meat! Bring some variety to the table by incorporating side dishes into your meal. Your table guests will thank you when they see some colour on their plates brought on by steamed edamame, mushrooms, miso soup, and more.
The heaviness of the yakiniku meats will be nicely balanced by these light vegetables and soups and provide a refreshing break from repetitive textures and flavours. Diversifying your diet also makes the experience healthier and allows you to try new aspects of Japanese cuisine, something those dining with you can appreciate!
For the ultimate luxurious experience, we recommend accompanying your meats with seafood, sashimi, and even maki. These side dishes are sure to fill you and your dinner guests’ tummies for a completely satisfying yakiniku experience.

Take it slow

Cook your meats slowly, placing them on the grill one at a time. Alternate between lean and fatty meats to not only have variation between bites but also to have a steady rotation of meats, so you don’t have to wait too long between bites and avoid overcooking your meats.
This also gives others you dine with time to cook and eat their dishes without rushing at the table. Conversations will flow smoother, and meats will be grilled evenly, overall, making for a more enjoyable experience!

Conclusion

Yakiniku is a classic Japanese cuisine, with endless grilling possibilities and a rich history behind its flavours. Branch out of your usual routine, be adventurous with the available options, and remember the skills to bring out the best in each dish. Make an already good experience even better by following the tips provided, and you, too, can be a yakiniku pro!
We at Hitoyoshi Yakiniku Singapore offer high-quality cuts of beef and seafood, including A5 Miyazaki beef and US Angus beef, to satisfy your cravings for Japanese cuisine. Lovers of the grill can also visit us at Hitoyoshi Ramen & Grill and Hitoyoshi Izakaya, one of our many Hitoyoshi Group’s restaurants.

Sushi is a tasty dish enjoyed by numerous people around the world. It’s a Japanese staple that’s been around for more than 700 years. While there seems to be an unending number of variations of this famous dish, most sushi varieties are considered to have many surprising health benefits. For instance, every dish on Hitoyoshi’s sushi menu isn’t just mouth-watering but full of essential nutrients as well. By eating these sushi dishes, not only are you delighting your tastebuds, but you’re giving your health a boost too. This article enumerates some of the most amazing health benefits you can get from eating one of Japan’s most prized dishes – sushi!

1. Reduces inflammation and improves your heart health

Sushi is full of Omega 3 fish oils, which are classified as essential fats that the body unfortunately can’t make. Omega 3 fish oils provide a variety of health benefits, including the reduction of high cholesterol levels. As a matter of fact, research studies have shown that these Omega 3’s can minimise the risk of heart disease and inflammation. They can also help lower blood pressure and maintain heart rhythm. To put it simply, Omega 3 fish oils can assist in keeping all systems in the body “well oiled.”

2. Cuts cravings 

It’s common knowledge that fish is a great source of protein, which balances blood sugar and maintains the stability of your energy levels. This results in longer periods of satiety, improved metabolism, and less snacking between meals. Ultimately, it encourages safe and steady weight loss. However, losing weight may depend on the type of sushi you choose to eat. For the best weight loss outcomes, go for fishier sushi choices that come with vegetables, such as tuna or salmon sashimi with seaweed salad. You can also try miso soup with sashimi if you’re craving a bowl of hot soup along with your sushi.

3. Good for the brain 

Sushi is ordinarily made with fish, which is considered to be the number one food for the brain! The Omega 3 fatty acids or essential fats found in fish help repair and nourish brain cells. Since fish is also rich in protein, it helps increase the mind’s concentration and maintain energy. This makes sushi an excellent lunchtime option during your work or school days. If you have poor memory, you have all the more reason to eat sushi since the high content of essential fats found in its fish can help with memory and cognitive functions. Essentially, eating sushi meals on a regular basis is beneficial for all ages in terms of maintaining healthy cognitive functions and protecting the brain.

4. Gives your bones and muscles a boost

Fish is also an outstanding source of calcium, which is the main mineral necessary for bone health. Therefore, eating sushi regularly can help keep your bones and joints healthy and prevent serious conditions, such as osteoporosis. It can also enhance the health of your hair and nails since calcium forms the necessary building blocks for healthy hair and nails. If you’re suffering from a muscle tear, sushi is highly recommended for you since it’s an excellent source of protein. If you eat sushi and exercise regularly, it can aid in the repair and recovery of your muscles. For optimal benefit, you should have sushi at least twice or thrice a week. 

5. Makes you look younger 

Besides essential fats, protein, and calcium, sushi is likewise an abundant source of antioxidants, which delay cell damage, stave off permanent oxidative damage to the skin, and make overall ageing slower. These antioxidants preserve your skin’s cell structure, which helps maintain the youthfulness of your cells both internally and externally. As such, sushi would be an excellent addition to your anti-ageing diet!

Conclusion

Overall, aside from being delicious, sushi is quite a nutritious dish. It’s a heart-healthy food that can deliver numerous essential minerals and nutrients to your body. Hence, it’s no wonder why sushi is a staple part of everyday meals for most Japanese, who are known for having long life expectancy. By eating sushi regularly, you can definitely enjoy plenty of amazing health benefits for your body, mind, and skin. Come visit Hitoyoshi Yoshi Sushi Singapore if you’re looking for the most flavourful and healthiest sushi dishes to satisfy your cravings! Our sushi and sashimi are made with the most premium ingredients taken from reputable sources to ensure quality and freshness. Alongside traditional authentic sushi, we offer modern flavours, such as mentaiko, cheese, and Aburi (flame-seared) sushi, that’ll certainly make your dining experience a lot more memorable. You can also check our other popular establishments like Hitoyoshi Ramen & Grill Singapore and Hitoyoshi Yakiniku Singapore if you want to have a taste of the most savoury ramen noodles in town or have the ultimate yakiniku experience. When it comes to good Japanese food, we’re the expert you can count on!

There’s nothing quite as fulfilling as a bowl of steamy noodles after a long day. The slurp while you eat, the oil that coats your lips: it is heartiness personified. Noodles are a staple in Japanese cuisine, and with a variety to choose from, we want to show you the best way to pair them with your meals.

All about Ramen

Japan’s most popular noodle dish - ramen - is thin wheat-based noodles that have a slightly chewy texture. Their firmness comes from kansui, a type of lye water that prevents them from getting mushy even after being submerged in hot soups. This makes them a perfect noodle choice for a dish with many toppings, allowing you to enjoy each bite slowly.
Ramen is popularly used in broths such as tonkotsu (pork bone broth) and miso, which goes great with some shōyu (soy sauce) for an umami kick. Elevate your noodles with toppings such as chāshū pork, bok choy, and green onions for a hearty meal. These mix well with the firm noodles so each element in the dish can be individually savoured.

All about Udon

Udon is characteristically thick and chewy, made from wheat flour, with a neutral taste for simple soups. They are good at soaking up flavours and work best in mild broths like kake udon, a basic hot noodle soup with ingredients like mirin, shoyu, and other classic flavours. This lets the udon still shine through without overpowering the rest of your meal!
Versatility is a strong suit for udon. For dry noodle options, stir-fry them for a healthier version of fried instant noodles. The udon will retain the same great flavour and keep its chewy texture. The thickness of these noodles allows for a balanced, filling meal without the risk of overeating. It’s comfort food without the guilt!
Toppings for udon are far and plenty. For soup-based dishes, a healthy serving of green onions, leafy vegetables, beef, and even tempura all work well with udon. It is truly a classic in Japanese cuisine, and its use in both soup-based and dry dishes proves its versatility.

All about Soba

Perhaps the most unique of the noodles listed, soba is made of buckwheat, giving it a dark hue. It has a nutty and earthy flavour, separating it from the other noodles mentioned. Its nuttiness makes it a fantastic addition to salads, spicing up your bowl with a healthy yet flavourful carb that doesn’t spike blood sugar levels.
Serve soba cold, dipped in sauce and slurped up on a hot day to fight off the heat. For hot meals, enjoy soba in broths too. Either way, slurp these noodles up quickly to savour their taste before other condiments change their flavour. They are ideal for salads and when wanting your noodles to stand out from the other items in your bowl. They also host many vitamins and minerals for those who want a healthy alternative to usual carb meals.
Popular toppings for soba include relish-style items such as a hint of wasabi, grated daikon, and green scallions. The colours of these toppings paired with a dark hue of the soba make for a spread that is as visually appealing as it is flavourful.

Conclusion

Japanese cuisine has many great dishes, and the noodles accompanying them are just as appetising. When in doubt about which noodles to enjoy, come back here and see which type pairs with your meals the best. Have a hearty bowl of noodles over at Ramen Hitoyoshi Singapore, located at various locations, including City Square Mall, Seletar Mall, and Clarke Quay Central. You can also find Udon and Soba on our Hitoyoshi Yoshi Sushi in Singapore.

Sake, or Japanese rice wine, is an alcoholic drink enjoyed by Japanese for centuries. It has become increasingly popular worldwide in recent years due to its unique flavour and potential health benefits. When it comes to pairing food with sake, there are some things you should know. The balance of flavours between the sake and the food can be critical to a successful combination. Hitoyoshi Izakaya by Hitoyoshi Group brings you the best food pairings for Japanese sake and ideas for creating a great combination. Let's dive in!

What does sake taste like?

Firstly, let's talk about what sake tastes like. Sake's flavour profile can range from sweet to dry and be light to full-bodied. The flavour profile is determined by several factors, such as rice type and serving temperature. Chilled sake gives the sake a more enhanced crisp taste, and serving sake warmed mellows and expands the flavours.

Sashimi & Junmai Sake

Naturally, the quintessential Japanese dishes, such as sashimi, would pair beautifully with Japanese sake. Junmai sake ​​is a pure rice sake with no added alcohol, giving it a rich, full body. The intense flavour has a slight acidity and is high in umami, which brings out the savoury flavours in sashimi, making it a popular pairing. Most Junmai sake pairs excellently with raw fish's delicate, fresh flavours.



Omakase Sashimi (7 types)

If you are a sashimi lover and feeling adventurous, this Omakase Sashimi platter is for you! Specially curated by our experienced chefs, this platter will give you seven kinds of sashimi that will go well with your sake.

Grilled Dishes & Junmai Ginjo

Not a fan of raw fish? Fret not, as yakitori and yakimono are other excellent dishes that pair perfectly with Junmai Ginjo sake. This sake has some acidity, strong umami and just a hint of bitterness, which complements the sweet and salty flavours of grilled dishes beautifully.

Unagi No Shirayaki

The first recommended dish for Junmai Ginjo sake would be Unagi No Shirayaki– tender unagi, grilled to perfection with a sweet, savoury sauce. The grilled flavours will contrast the acidity of your sake, heightening the umami flavours of the unagi.

Tempura & Sake

Tempura and sake are great pairings and comes down to preferences. Tempura is a fan-favourite Japanese dish that is light and crisp. If you intend to complement the flavours of this fried delicacy, choose a Junmai Ginjo sake that is slightly sweeter. However, if you want to contrast the flavours of tempura, you can also choose a dry sake such as a Junmai.

Unique Almond Tempura

Enjoy tempura with a nutty twist! This unique tempura comprises battered and fried prawns with almonds. The crunchy, savoury exterior and sweet prawn interior will pair nicely with any sake of your choice.

Conclusion

Pairing food and alcohol can appear daunting, but it is all about enjoying the flavours of alcoholic drinks and food. With some of these pairing ideas, you have many options to choose from. Hitoyoshi Izakaya by Hitoyoshi Group brings the best of Japanese cuisine. Our Izakaya offers a wide selection of appetisers and meals to accompany any sake. If you are new to sake, head down to our cosy outlet at Jewel Changi Airport, and our friendly staff will be happy to provide you with a recommendation.

Hitoyoshi Izakaya launches their new outlet with high-quality sashimi and meat which will be perfect for diners’ taste buds to go along with the sake, highball and other various liquors available at Hitoyoshi Izakaya.

Hitoyoshi Izakaya is a new restaurant branch under the Hitoyoshi Group which already has 3 different branches namely, Ramen Hitoyoshi, Hitoyoshi Sushi, Hitoyoshi Yoshi Yakiniku, with their own specialties displaying variations and diversity under the Hitoyoshi Group. Hitoyoshi Izakaya specialises in kebabs, sashimi, sake, and other specialities that would guarantee diners a unique experience into authentic Japanese cuisine in Singapore.

About Hitoyoshi Group Founded in 2017, Hitoyoshi Group began with a humble Japanese Ramen restaurant in Singapore. With this success, both founders, Ray and Tan, opened up an extensive range of Japanese cuisine restaurants over the years. Both partners have worked in various top-notch Japanese restaurants and one of them has made a pilgrimage to live in Japan for years. Hitoyoshi Group is the brand owner of Ramen Hitoyoshi, Hitoyoshi Yoshi Sushi, Hitoyoshi Yoshi Yakiniku & Mart, and Bones ‘n Slaw. The group mission is to fulfil its commitment as the leading Japanese cuisines of the highest quality, bringing joy to every customer. Read More