Ramen fine-tuned for Singapore palate

Japanese companies mostly bring tried-and-tested products to the Singapore market.

Entrepreneur Ken Takagi, however, came to Singapore and developed a ramen menu.

He also adjusted the taste of his Tonkotsu Kazan ("Pork Bone Volcano") ramen to please the Singapore palate, using finer noodles and making the soup more salty.

His ramen outlet, which opened for business in July at Novena Square 2, was in the black from Day 1.

"We had a silent opening and very little publicity. To our surprise, there was a queue even though we hardly told anyone. We are now looking for a place to open a second outlet," he said.

Takagi, who related his success story at an investment seminar here last week, said he hopes to take his Singapore ramen to the United States and eventually to Japan, where he also runs a string of food and beverage outlets.