RamenPlay introduces new Donburi sets

Niigata Prefecture is one of the largest producers of rice in Japan and many consider that the best Japanese rice come from the prefecture. Not only that, it is also well known in Japan as the producer of Koshi Hikari, which is the most popular variety of table rice.

The name Koshi Hikari means “Niigata Shining”. Grown with melted snow-water that contains vital materials and nutrients, the rice has a pure, beautiful, white color that shines in the light. It is extremely rich in flavour and is characterised by a delicate natural sweetness! Hence, this premium product is sold at the highest prices.

When RamenPlay told me they are gonna introduce new Donburi sets from 13 March 2014 (Thursday), I got a little excited. To be frank, I was never a ramen fan. I prefer eating rice over anything else. And when I knew that RamenPlay only uses Koshihikari rice from the Niigata region, I gladly accepted the tasting invitation. Koshihikari rice leh, that is already half the battle won!

RamenPlay’s menu is now extended with a new Donburi Set section which encompasses five hearty and affordable donburi (rice bowl) sets hat only cost $12.80/set, perfect for those looking for a substantial refuelling.

We started the dinner with the classic Tori Momo Don Set ($12.80) which is served with Agedashi Tofu and miso soup. The Tori Momo Don Set comes with a sunny-yellow topping of steamed egg and chicken flavoured with special Shoyu sauce atop a bed of Koshihikari rice. Very simple but satisfying, the special shoyu sauce is flavourful but not too savoury.

When I was a kid, my favourite Japanese food is teriyaki chicken and I can eat it almost everyday. Or perhaps that was the only dish that I was introduced to. But as I grew older (omg, I am getting old), I prefer eating Tori Momo Don Set or Beef Yakiniku.

The Teriyaki Chicken Don Set is a classic dish comprising pieces of supremely tender chicken thigh that are pan-fried and seasoned with the all-time favourite Teriyaki sauce. Sprinkled with slivers of crisp seaweed, this delicious set is also accompanied by a side of Agedashi tofu and miso soup.

Another favourite of everyone on the dining table is the Cha Shu Don Set which presents a meaty topping of teriyaki marinated diced pork loin over an inviting mound of top-grade Koshihikari rice, and served with a complementary miso soup and mini salad.

Crowned with a slow-cooked onsen egg, the Cha Shu Don Set makes a wholesome meal. Mix well to enjoy succulent meat in every mouthful!

Tuck into a steaming bowl of Pork Yakiniku Don Set layered with thinly-sliced grilled pork glazed with RamenPlay’s special sauce. The dish is topped off with an onsen egg and customers can mix all the elements to enjoy a deeply-comforting creamy combination of both flavour and texture.

If you are a curry lover, you probably will enjoy the Pork/Chicken Katsu Curry Don Set. The breaded pork or chicken cutlet is crispy and delicious, the curry was seasoned perfectly, not too spicy or sweet.

The hearty dish is accompanied with a refreshing mini salad tossed in Japanese sesame dressing. The extra crunch from the salad comes from the unique red Tosaka seaweed known for its vibrant colour and nutritious benefits.

Available daily for lunch and dinner, The five new donburi sets cost $12.80 each and is available daily for lunch and dinner.

Another star item that has always been in the menu is the Butariki Ishinabe ($13.80). Served in a heated stone pot rice bowl, it is like a Japanese version of bibimbap that features pan-fried and barbecued pork, spring onions, seaweed, raw egg and a drizzle of RamenPlay’s addictive secret sauce. This dish is memorable, especially when it appears on the table, the secret sauce so aromatic!

We also had some appetizers such as the Crispy Dango ($3.60 for 3pcs). The juicy chicken meatballs are deep-fried then slathered with mayonnaise and plum sauce for a moreish snack.

There is also homemade Yaki Gyoza ($3.60 for 3pcs/ $5.80 for 5pcs). The meat dumplings are plump with pork fillings encased in a thin wanton skin. They are pan-fried to be deliciously crisp on the outside yet tantalisingly moist within. Polish off these delicately-wrapped dumplings with the accompanying house dip of shoyu and chilli sauce.

Dessert time! New on the menu is the chilled Shiratama Zenzai ($4.80) which has a comforting combination of chewy glutinous rice balls complemented with chunky Azuki bean paste. Here, you can drizzle some Kuromitsu sauce (brown sugar syrup) for an aromatic boost.

Another bittersweet dessert is the Warabi Matcha Mochi Ice Cream ($4.80) comprising the classic Vanilla ice cream, sweetened azuki beans and chewy matcha mochi cubes which are served warm upon ordering.

Here’s a picture of all of us at RamenPlay @ Breadtalk HQ.

Overall, I am impressed by the high quality niigata Koshi Hikari rice that they use for their donburi sets. the donburi sets will be available in phases – starting with the BreadTalk IHQ outlet on 13 March (Thursday). You can also purchase a bag of 2kg rice at $16.80* (U.P $28) and enjoy a 40% saving of $11.20. Available in all RamenPlay outlets.

RamenPlay
Address: Breadtalk HQ, 30 Tai Seng Street #01-03
Tel: 6444 5516