Ryokudo, a donburi specialist known for its comforting bowls and contemporary Japanese flavours, makes its mark in Singapore with the opening of its flagship outlet along Pekin Street in Far East Square.
Nestled within the Central Business District (CBD), Ryokudo has now become a go-to for professionals and food lovers seeking seriously good Japanese rice bowls crafted with care and attention to detail.
Ryokudo’s journey began in Jakarta in 2020, where it quickly won over diners with its dedication to crafting well-executed Japanese rice bowls. What sets Ryokudo apart is the team’s unwavering commitment to quality without compromise – each bowl is thoughtfully prepared with choice ingredients, and delivers affordability and value without sacrificing taste. Since its founding, the brand has won the hearts and bellies of a loyal following with its honest-to-goodness approach.
Rooted in the design concept of wabi-sabi, Ryokudo’s aesthetic celebrates beauty in simplicity and warmth. The 60-seat flagship is inspired by traditional shokudo (homely Japanese eating houses), balancing modern design with natural wooden elements, minimalist details and soothing lighting, while vibrant wall murals and blue tiles add a refreshing pop of colour to create a cosy and relaxed setting for both solo diners and groups.
HONEST FLAVOURS, ELEVATED EXECUTION At the core of Ryokudo’s menu is the humble donburi, which is crafted with precision here. There are no shortcuts – quality ingredients are carefully sourced, prepared, and layered over seasoned rice given a distinct ‘Ryokudo touch’. From the precise doneness of meats like beef and chicken, to the plump, chewy texture of the Japanese short-grain rice, the level of execution is what truly distinguishes Ryokudo.
In particular, Japanese rice is cooked in seasoned stock, then mixed with a house-made furikake mix crafted by founder Ryo Rivaldo. That’s not all. The tare, or base sauce fundamental to many Japanese dishes, is also made in-house, reflecting the kitchen’s dedication to rendering the best flavour and quality at every level.
Among Ryokudo’s best-loved creations is the Koma Don ($23.90), crafted for those seeking a premium experience. Bringing together the best of land and sea, the bowl is crowned with a generous combination of beef, salmon, cucumber, unagi, tamago, ikura, tobiko, for a truly indulgent dish.
Another signature dish is the Katsu ‘Toji’ Don ($14.90) – Ryokudo’s rendition features crispy and tender deep-fried chicken thigh cutlets; only fresh chilled chicken is used, cloaked in silky scrambled eggs and onions enhanced with homemade dashi.
Beef lovers will find much to enjoy in the Gyudon ($15.90), a well-balanced bowl featuring tender beef short plate, caramelised onions, spring onions, as well as shimeji mushrooms sauteed with butter and cream. Topped with homemade crispy garlic chips and a choice of onsen egg or pressed omelette, the dish delivers a pleasing richness that is deeply comforting.
For a heartier meal, the Steak Don ($21.90) presents a generous portion of sous-vide Australian beef rib eye which is then seared to achieve a beautifully caramelised crust and medium rare centre.
Other highlights include a Salmon Aburi Don ($16.90) – torched thick salmon slices with a house-made mentaiko mayonnaise, Unagi Don ($17.90) and Katsu Don ($14.90)
MORE TEMPTING OPTIONS
Not to be overlooked, the Tori-Ramen ($18.90) is an equally compelling dish on the menu. Built on a blend of Ryokudo’s house dashi and a collagen-packed chicken broth that has been slow-cooked to extract maximum umami flavour, this simple pleasure promises spoonfuls of warmth and nourishment in every sip.
No meal at Ryokudo is complete without a few sides to share.
Besides a smooth Chawanmushi ($5.90, +$1 for Kani or +$2 for Ikura) – eggs beaten with a dashi made with ceremonial-grade konbu or kelp, steamed, the Ebi Croquettes (3pc) ($12.90) is a crowd-winning pick made with the bigger Aka Ebi that is prized for its natural sweetness, accompanied with a bright and peppery Yuzu Kosho mayonnaise that adds a piquant punch.
White Corn Tempura ($9.90) showcases plump ‘ribs’ of white corn known for their sweet, juicy and creamy texture, lightly battered and fried until golden.
MATCHA AND SPECIALTY BEVERAGES
A quintessential part of Japanese culture, matcha takes centre stage in Ryokudo’s drink selection.
Sourced from trusted suppliers known for quality, the range includes the classic Matcha Latte ($6.50) and Premium Matcha Latte ($9.50), which offers smooth, earthy notes that pair seamlessly with the rice bowls. Other unique drinks include Strawberry Matcha Latte ($6.80), which introduces a fruity twist to the earthy notes of matcha, alongside a Coconut Matcha ($7.80) for a creamy, tropical variation.
EXCLUSIVE LUNCH PROMOTION (FOR DINE-IN AT PEKIN STREET OUTLET ONLY)
On weekdays from 11 am to 3 pm, diners can upgrade any Donburi to a set for just $3. This offers a 70% saving and includes Chawanmushi, Miso Soup, Pickled Tomato, and Hojicha.
