Taokingu Ramen – Fragrant Japanese-Inspired Fried Rice at This Newly-Opened Stall in Woodlands!

Good food is always worth travelling for, which was why I found myself in Woodlands again at the newly-opened Taokingu Ramen. It might be a little out of the way but it’s sandwiched between two MRT stations – Admiralty and Sembawang. Add in a short ten-minute bus ride and you’re well on your way to get your fix of ramen and Japanese-inspired fried rice.

It’s not too complicated of a menu, with tonkotsu being their prime choice of soup base when it comes to ramen. Take it the good ol’ classic way at $6.90 or add a boost in flavour with the Red Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen ($7.90) or Black Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen ($7.90). My attention, rather, was on their fried rice variations: Egg Fried Rice ($4), Nori Fried Rice ($5) and Garlic Spicy Fried Rice ($5). 

I’ve always liked the Din Tai Fung-style fried rice so for my Garlic Spicy Fried Rice, I added a pork cutlet for an additional $2.90. An enticing aroma wafted from the substantial bowl, thanks to the generous amount of garlic used in the cooking process. The short-grain pearl rice was very fragrant and the piquant chilli was strong enough to hit the back of your throat but not enough to overwhelm the rest of the flavours. I also liked how the rice wasn’t too oily!

The pork cutlet was well marinated with five-spice powder and while it was fairly easy to devour, it could stand to be a bit more tender. The batter was also on the thin side and would have been better if it had a light crunch. 

For the Nori Fried Rice, I decided to get it with shrimp for an additional $2.90 and a sprinkling of tobiko for $1. While this vibrant display didn’t emit the same addictive fragrance as the previous fried rice, the flavours were astounding. There was a light whisper of wok hei alongside the gentle taste of nori and little bursts of saltiness from the tobiko that tied the savouriness of the rice together. 

The shrimp was fresh and crunchy but would have been better if just slightly seasoned. I suspect it could be because the fried rice itself was already abound with flavours so they chose not to season the prawns. 

Taokingu is definitely a great new addition to the neighbourhood but I wouldn’t say I’d go the distance – all the way to Woodlands – for fried rice. If they do switch things up a bit with the pork cutlet though, that’d be a different story. Until then, I would drop by again if I happen to have business in the neighbourhood!

MissTamChiak.com made an anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stall featured here.

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