Your ramen cravings, fulfilled! Sanpoutei Ramen is celebrating its 10th anniversary in Singapore with a bold new chapter — the opening of its 3rd outlet at Paragon Shopping Centre, right in the heart of Orchard Road. This exciting launch isn’t just a store opening; it’s a toast (or rather, a slurp) to a decade of unwavering presence in Singapore’s dining scene.
Founded in 1967 in Niigata, Japan, Sanpoutei has spent over five decades perfecting the art of ramen, layering tradition, dedication, and soul into every bowl. Since its debut in Singapore in 2014, the brand has remained true to its roots, serving up authentic ramen experiences with quiet mastery. The Paragon outlet continues that legacy, now reimagined with modern design, exclusive dishes, and a renewed invitation to rediscover ramen, the Sanpoutei way.
Spanning 1,130 square feet with 46 seats, the Paragon outlet is a modern ode to Japanese craftsmanship and culture. At the heart of the design is Mt. Fuji, Japan’s most iconic natural symbol, whose majestic silhouette subtly anchors the theme throughout the store.
Every design detail is deliberate — from the soft, ambient lighting to the statement lantern adorned with vertical Roman lettering — a minimalist nod to Sanpoutei’s signature logo. The spatial design fosters a relaxed and social vibe that mirrors the spirit of Japan’s back-alley ramen shops — not by replicating them, but by embracing their essence: where every bowl invites quiet connection between strangers and friends.
“This store is our love letter to Singapore,” said Kaneko Hironobu, Director of Sanpoutei Ramen Singapore. “We’ve carried the quiet soul of Niigata into every corner — from our house-made broths to the gentle glow of a single lantern that echoes the intimacy of old ramen alleys. As we celebrate a decade in Singapore, Paragon isn’t just another outlet. It’s a tribute to everything we stand for: dedication to craft, reverence for tradition, and the joy of bringing people together, one warm, soulful bowl at a time,” he added.
Paragon Exclusive: Tsukemen Reimagined with the Elegance of Kombu
Taking centre stage at the new store is the Kombu-Infused Tsukemen ($18) — a dish exclusive to the Paragon outlet that transforms ramen from a comfort food into a contemplative experience. Crafted with care for the curious and the connoisseur alike, it is a quiet flex of Sanpoutei’s culinary confidence — bold, precise, and profoundly satisfying.
The journey begins with chilled noodles steeped in a gentle kelp bath, a delicate infusion of Rishiri and Gagome Kombu, both harvested from Hokkaido’s pristine waters. These prized seaweeds impart an elegant umami undertone that whispers of the ocean’s purity. The noodles, with their silky texture and subtle wheat aroma, are best savoured solo, letting their understated flavours shine.
But the real alchemy happens in stages. Dip each strand into Sanpoutei’s house-crafted soy-based tare — a sauce mellowed by the kelp, yet lifted by a quiet richness that deepens with every bite. Then, as the final touch, pour in a warm broth of Kombu and Bonito, also known as Wari Soup, to transform the dipping sauce into a soothing endnote that lingers beautifully on the palate.
This three-part rhythm — taste, dip, sip — turns dining into a mindful experience, inviting diners to slow down, savour, and appreciate the craftsmanship of every bite.
For the Traditionalists: Shoyu Ramen
If tsukemen is the brand’s whisper of innovation, then this bowl is its bow to legacy. Sanpoutei Ramen’s Shoyu Ramen (from $15) is available across all outlets — but only at Paragon store is the broth elevated with an exclusive blend of Dried Flying Fish (Ago) and Rishiri Kombu from Hokkaido, slow-simmered for over seven hours to draw out deep, crystalline clarity.
Its brilliance lies in its simplicity: tender house-made noodles bathed in umami-rich shoyu, topped with familiar comforts — Chashu, Spinach, Bamboo Shoots, Nori, and a gently marinated Ajitsuke Tamago with a golden, molten core. Every element is calibrated, not flashy — delivering quiet confidence in every slurp.
This isn’t just a “traditional option.” It’s a bowl that speaks in low tones but lingers loudly — a pure, elegant reflection of Japanese culinary minimalism. In a world craving noise and novelty, it reminds us that sometimes, the most enduring flavours are the ones that whisper.
Each dish at Sanpoutei Ramen Paragon captures the brand’s quiet pursuit of excellence, where time-honoured Japanese craft meets bold, modern expression. With exclusive creations and a refreshed space inspired by Japan’s enduring beauty, it’s a must-visit for seasoned ramen connoisseurs or anyone seeking a soulful, satisfying bowl.
