We’ve become intimately familiar with Japanese cuisine, especially with all the openings we've seen in the past month. Last year may have marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Japan (SJ50) but it looks like Japanese eateries are going to continue spilling into Singapore. Hakata-style ramen chain Ippudo will be opening a new quick-service ramen bar and takeaway concept, its first outpost outside of New York.

Kuro-Obi has already won the hearts of New Yorkers, and will do so for Singaporeans come January 13 when it opens its doors to public at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, right next to the ice-skating rink. It’s also the only concept by Ippudo around the world that will offer Tori-paitan, a silky chicken soup base that uses specially selected ingredients that are slow-cooked for hours to complement the al dente noodles. Seeing how cultural diverse is Singapore, it’s also interesting to note that the ramen comes with slowly-cooked chicken chashu (no pork). You can even customize everything right down from the texture of the noodles to the soup concentration and stock richness. The best part? These delicious warm bowls of ramen are priced from $8.

Ippudo will also be opening a new outlet at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, right next to it.