[Review] Skip the Heavy Tonkotsu: Tori-San (鸡汤桑)’s Taiwanese-Japanese Ramen with Elegant Chicken Broth Lands in Singapore at Telok Ayer

If you are bored of the usual heavy Tonkatsu (pork) broth that is served at most ramen restaurants in Singapore, Taiwanese-Japanese ramen chain, Tori-San (鸡汤桑), has recently landed in Singapore with their lighter, elegant chicken broth.

Strategically located in Telok Ayer to capture the CBD lunch crowd, the newly opened Tori-San offers is the first outpost in Singapore for the chain. The Singapore flagship officially opened its doors on 1 October and has been drawing in a healthy queue since.

The restaurant aesthetic is kept minimalist, featuring a clean-lined design that is in sync with the brand’s “thoughtful living” positioning. The brand’s founder shared that this philosophy resonates deeply in today’s market increasingly drawn to mindful consumption, and it is said to be a key reason the brand reportedly attracts a predominantly female clientele across Asia. The appeal lies in the holistic package: lighter broths, a serene atmosphere, and low-ABV drink options that cater to a modern, balanced lifestyle.

The highlight at Tori-san is clearly the broth. Moving away from the intense, pork-heavy tonkotsu that dominates many ramen restaurants, Tori-San specialises in tori paitan (chicken broth).

Their signature rich, milky chicken broth is simmered for hours using 18-month-old hens to achieve a profound depth of flavour, yet it remains surprisingly elegant and gentle on the palate. It is a broth you can comfortably finish without feeling weighed down, perfect for a quick lunch.

The Signature Toripaitan Chicken Broth ($12.90) is a winner with it’s simplicity. The creamy, collagen-rich soup is designed to allow the pure, savoury essence of chicken to shine. It is served with noodles and topped with chicken that showcases the kitchen’s technical refinement. The sous-vide chicken breast is impossibly tender and juicy, challenging every preconception of lean breast meat.

For those seeking more complex flavours, the menu offers two other variations.

The Truffle Umani Toripaitan ($13.90) infuses the signature broth with an earthy, luxurious aroma, while the Truffle & Porcini Broth ($13.90) is a decadent fusion of Japanese and French traditions, deepened with fragrant mushrooms.

For something more unique, we would recommend the Sakura Yuzu Broth ($12.90), a visually stunning, pale pink consommé that is both refreshing and nuanced, with a delicate citrusy acidity from Japanese yuzu that cleanses the palate with every sip.

Understanding the local palate, Tori-San has introduced several Singapore-exclusive dishes that add a welcome kick.

The Spicy Chicken Dan Dan Noodles ($12.90) is a fiery, dry noodle option and the yakitori gets a spicy upgrade with pairings of tangy kimchi. Skewers like the Charcoal-grilled Chicken Thigh and Tsukune (meatballs) can be enjoyed with this Korean-inspired topping, creating a fusion of flavours that feels right at home in Singapore’s multicultural food scene.

The Yakitori Rice Bowl ($12.90), also exclusive, is a complete and satisfying meal in itself.

To cater for the little ones, there are cutesy, kid-sized version of the ramen as well:

The experience is rounded out by thoughtful touches that elevate a simple lunch into a small ritual. Guests are welcomed with a refreshing house-made yuzu slushie and conclude their meal with a delicate serving of vanilla ice cream, both complimentary.

This attention to the entire dining journey, from start to finish, reinforces Tori-San’s identity as a brand that cares deeply about the guest experience. Go try it yourself if you are around Telok Ayer next time.

To celebrate its launch, Tori-San is running a giveaway of a mini Tori-San lightbox for diners who share their experience on social media from 8 to 31 Oct.

Tori-San Singapore

Address:
116 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068585

Opening Hours:
11:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily

Reservations:
Walk-in only