There are some ramen shops you visit because you’re hungry, and others you visit because a name has lingered in your mind for years. Tsuta Ramen, the world’s first Michelin-starred ramen restaurant, falls into the latter category for me. The story of Japanese soba noodles, Tsuta being the first Michelin-starred ramen restaurant, has followed the brand closely, setting high expectations before you even step through the doors.
If you’re exploring other great ramen options around Somerset, this guide to Somerset ramen spots offers a helpful overview.
I visited the 313@Somerset outlet on a weekday afternoon, just after 2 pm, when Orchard Road had softened into that quiet post-lunch lull. The rush had passed, but the mall still hummed with life: escalators moving, shoppers drifting by, people half-looking at menus while already planning their next stop.
I wasn’t in the mood for a heavy tonkotsu bowl that day. Instead, I wanted something lighter and more precise, a bowl that invites you to slow down and savor the essence of ramen, even as the city moves quickly around you.
Arrival and First Impressions at Tsuta Ramen, a Michelin Star Restaurant
Tsuta is located on Level 1 of 313@Somerset, at #01-17, just a short walk from Somerset MRT. That convenience is part of its appeal, you can leave the train station, stroll through the mall, and be seated with a bowl of Japanese soba noodles served in true Michelin-starred ramen style within minutes.
The restaurant space is bright, modern, and casual. Unlike the intimate atmosphere of the original Tsuta shop in Tokyo, this outlet feels open to the mall’s ambient noise, footsteps, conversations, and the occasional scrape of chairs. Seating is practical, with tables for pairs and small groups, and it works well for solo diners too. The air-conditioning offers relief after walking through Orchard, but the open setting means the mood never quite settles into quiet.
I waited less than five minutes to be seated. Ordering was straightforward, with a menu that has expanded beyond ramen to include rice bowls, gyoza, maki, and other Japanese delicacies. Still, my focus was on the soup—the heart of the Michelin star ramen experience.
The Bowl: Shoyu Ramen with Black Truffle—A Signature Dish by Chef Yuki Onishi
I ordered the Original Truffle Shoyu Soba ($20.80), Tsuta’s signature dish that best captures the truly original flavours championed by chef Yuki Onishi. The bowl arrived hot and neat, with char siu, bamboo shoot, spring onion, and a distinctive black truffle accent floating atop a clear shoyu broth.
The aroma hit first, not the heavy pork scent of tonkotsu or the roasted punch of black garlic ramen, but a cleaner, more aromatic fragrance. Truffle oil mingled with the soy-based broth, offering faintly sweet, earthy, and marine notes.
The first sip revealed the bowl’s essence. The soup was light but layered, combining seafood undertones, gentle chicken broth, and a savory-sweet soy mixture. Toward the end, a subtle balsamic truffle sauce added a polished finish. This combination of textures and flavors reflects the care and effort to redefine ramen beyond shortcuts and MSG, hallmarks of the Michelin-starred ramen craft.
The noodles were thinner than I expected for shoyu ramen, evoking the texture of Hakata-style rather than Tokyo-style ramen noodles. They had a clean bite—firm enough to carry the broth without overpowering it. The toppings were functional rather than lavish: the char siu was flavorful though one slice was slightly dry, bamboo shoots added crunch, and spring onions sharpened the bowl as the truffle flavor mellowed.
Halfway through, the broth’s intensity softened. The opening aroma was the highlight, and as the bowl cooled, the truffle and soy notes became less distinct. It’s a ramen experience best enjoyed within the first ten minutes, a delicacy that rewards attention and presence.
A Contrast: Tonkotsu Soba and the Classic Ramen Experience
Curious, I also tried the Tonkotsu Soba ($17.80). This bowl was creamier and more familiar, with a soft pork richness complemented by green onions and a soft-boiled egg. The broth was warm and comforting, with a pale, milky surface and straightforward aroma.
Compared to the shoyu ramen, it felt less distinctive. The soup was smooth but lacked the layered personality of the truffle-infused broth. It was easy to enjoy, a classic ramen experience for those who prefer comfort over complexity, but my mind kept returning to the shoyu.
Tsuta’s identity shines brightest when it embraces subtlety over richness. Chef Onishi’s vision to create truly original flavours is most evident in the shoyu ramen, where the balance of ingredients and texture comes together in a refined combination.
Side Dish: Yaki Gyoza Complements the Meal
The Yaki Gyoza ($7.80) arrived soon after the ramen. These pan-fried dumplings had a lightly crisp base and a juicy interior. The filling was mild and savory, without overwhelming garlic or heavy seasoning.
Not essential, but a sensible side to round out the meal. Given the moderate portion sizes typical of mall restaurants, gyoza adds substance and variety to the dining experience.
Service and Atmosphere in a Busy Singapore Mall
Service was polite and efficient. Staff moved quickly, confirmed orders clearly, and didn’t hover. Food arrived in about ten minutes, fitting for a casual meal in a busy shopping center.
The atmosphere felt functional rather than intimate. During peak hours, the flow might feel rushed, with the mall’s energy pressing in from all sides. This outlet feels more like a convenient stop than a destination for lingering.
Value and Practical Tips for Visiting Tsuta Ramen at 313@Somerset
The main tension here is price versus setting. A bowl like the Original Truffle Shoyu Soba at $20.80 is not cheap, especially given the moderate portions and open mall environment.
With ramen and a side, expect to spend around $25 to $35 per person—above many casual ramen shops but typical for Orchard Road dining.
I’d return on a solo afternoon when craving a lighter, more aromatic ramen that highlights original flavours without the heaviness of tonkotsu. It’s less suited for quiet dates or large portions but offers a glimpse of Michelin-starred ramen in Singapore’s city center.
Why Tsuta Appeals to a Different Kind of Ramen Lover
Tsuta Japanese soba noodles, the first Michelin star ramen restaurant from Japan, has brought its refined approach to Singapore. Unlike the original shop in Tokyo, this outlet balances convenience with the essence of the Michelin-starred ramen experience—highlighted by chef Yuki Onishi’s dedication to quality, texture, and truly original flavours.
While the mall setting and price point may soften the impact, the first spoonful of the shoyu ramen’s truffle-infused broth remains memorable. For ramen lovers in Asia seeking a taste of Japan’s Michelin-star restaurant culture without leaving the city, Tsuta at 313@Somerset offers a great option.
For updates and more, check their Facebook account and keep an eye on new openings at Pacific Plaza and Jewel Changi Airport, where Tsuta continues to expand its presence across Singapore.
The quietest hours for a bowl: Weekdays from 2pm to 5pm or early lunch before noon.
Start with this if it’s your first visit: Original Truffle Shoyu Soba.
Who will appreciate Tsuta most: Solo diners, shoppers, and those curious about Michelin starred ramen.
Probably not your style if: You want large portions, deep tonkotsu richness, or a quiet ambiance.
Tsuta ramen continues to create and redefine what ramen can be—one bowl at a time.
