With 280 restaurants worldwide, IPPUDO has grown into a household name since its founding in Japan in 1985. From Singapore to New York, London to Tokyo, it has become a globally recognised ramen house, celebrated for its authentic Hakata-style ramen. A true pioneer, IPPUDO transformed the humble hole-in-the-wall ramen shop into a global dining phenomenon, bringing people together while staying true to the quality and craftsmanship that define its name.
In a bold move, IPPUDO moves one step forward with the launch of its flagship concept - IPPUDO Beyond. The outlet at Mandarin Gallery, which was their first foray into Asia beyond Japan, has now been transformed into a brand new dining concept offering more than ramen.
We entered through characteristic red curtains and were welcomed into a grand space. Kitsch elements such as anime fall features contrasted with the grandeur of baroque-style chandeliers, instantly setting the stage for a dramatic meal. The new menu at IPPUDO Beyond focuses a lot on appetizers and small plates, making it a great place for drinks and bar bites with friends. Labelled ‘Japanese tapas’, it boasts a unique concept, with the kitchen trying hard to break out of their traditional image and venture into fields unknown.
Take, for example, Pani Puri ($3/pc), a surprising start, rarely seen on such a menu. Taking inspiration from the popular Indian street food, Pani Puri here was served as crispy shells with a filling of salmon and avocado. Pani Puri is typically had in one mouthful, but I suggest you nibble on this one and enjoy it in two or three bites, if you can.
The shell maintained its crispness and added a crunch to the creaminess of the avocado. The salmon shone bright, singing tales of the freshness of the seafood used at IPPUDO, one of their key selling points. This was ably supported by a slew of other appetizers such as a subtle Sea Bream Carpaccio ($16), with silky fish augmented with honeydew, white fungus and a mild jalapeno sauce.
My favourite dish of the night was undoubtedly the Black Pork Charcoal Fritters ($3/pc). It perhaps may have been inspired by the dish simply called ‘Charcoal’, conceptualised by one of Asia’s top chefs, Gaggan Anand in Bangkok. The ash-coloured bite-sized morsel encased within it moist and delicious pork, topped with a mustard onion sauce to lift it a little bit.
This would be the perfect accompaniment to after-work drinks, should you wish to drop into IPPUDO with friends. Another favourite on the table was the Sous Vide Pork Ham ($14), served tapas style and paired with sushi ginger and horseradish which added a zing to the bite. Another delicious bar food to pass around the table.
IPPUDO is traditionally known for its ramen and the flagship IPPUDO Beyond doesn’t disappoint there. Besides the traditional flavours like Shoyu (soy) and Miso (where they mix four types of miso), you will also find an unusual Volcano Miso Ramen here.
Tailored for those who prefer a spice kick in their broth, the Tonkatsu broth is also cooked with four types of miso but in this case, elevated with a chilli garlic oil. Not for the faint hearted, this is sure a welcome addition for those who find Japanese flavours often singular and linear.
If ramen is not your cup of tea (or bowl of soup), there is also a selection of mains to choose from. Besides the expected fish dish ($18), there is an unusual addition in the form of Grilled Jerk Chicken ($15), a Jamaican favourite, pushing the boundaries of IPPUDO beyond traditional Japanese cuisine. The Roasted Turnip ($15) looks promising and may be a hit with vegetarian diners, served with cashew puree and sundried tomatoes.
Backed by warm, attentive service, IPPUDO Beyond shows that even after four decades, a restaurant can stay relevant by daring to reinvent itself—proving that its legacy lies not just in ramen, but in its fearless pursuit of what’s next.
a. 333A Orchard Rd, #04 - 02 / 03 / 04 Mandarin Gallery, Singapore 238897
fb. www.facebook.com/IPPUDOMANDARINGALLERY
Did You Know?
IPPUDO Beyond is more than a ramen house – it’s a culinary playground blending Japanese tradition with global influences. From spicy Volcano Miso Ramen to salmon-stuffed Pani Puri, the menu is crafted to surprise and delight adventurous diners. Curious about the full experience? Read more about IPPUDO Beyond’s bold new concept on Expat Choice here
