This is the real deal. The only place in town you can get 100 percent authentic Sapporo Ramen. At Miharu, the popular Sapporo Nishiyama brand noodles are specially imported from Japan . Made with well water, these Japanese noodles come frozen and have to be thawed for 3 days, in order to reach the perfect texture. The noodles, wildly popular in Japan , has caused a stir amongst the Japanese community here. Even Singaporeans flock to this little, quaint Japanese eatery to get a taste of this springy and fresh Sapporo Ramen. Food gourmets and connoisseurs have shunned bigger establishments in face of this yummy little joint, for a taste of the real thing.

• The Vibe
  There is absolutely nothing pretentious about the place. Small and functional, the dining area seats up to 20. The turnover rate is high. Customers slurp up their noodles lovingly within 15 minutes and head off to the sake bars for a round of beers. Simple and plain, the décor is not spectacular. Rather, it is homely and comfortable, like a typical Japanese eating cafeteria. Do not expect uppity or ostentatious designs or frills, but instead, let the food do the talking, because that's where the real magic of the restaurant lies.

• The Food
  Like the décor, the menu is simple and uncomplicated. Miharu only serves its specialty, which is the Sapporo Nishiyama noodles in various soup bases and sauces. One only has to bite into the noodles to taste its difference. Springy and chewy, the noodles have a substantial bite. Complemented by the tasty soup base imported from Japan , these noodles have the most scrumptious and appetizing taste. The popular Miso Tonkotsu ($12.50) has an especially memorable taste. The thick broth is brimming with flavor, and the crunchy corn, succulent pork slices and vegetables add an extra punch and texture to the soup. A layer of Hokkaido blended oil covers the surface, giving the noodles an extra heady fragrance. The Tyuke-men (cold noodles) with hot soup for dipping ($11.00), is a refreshing change from the usual soup ramen. The dry noodles come with a flavorful, savory hot dip of vinegar and soy, with a generous sprinkling of sesame seeds. And the taste is magic. Opt for the Charsiew Sumiso ($7.00), thin slices of pork swathed in a delicious brown sumiso sauce to get some extra protein. The pinnacle of the meal however, has to be the special Sapporo egg that comes with the noodles. The egg has a brownish surface, with a flaming orange yolk, so soft it melts like butter on the tips of your tongue. The eggs are made with a “secret recipe”. Soaked in a soy blend for half a day, these eggs are later boiled to perfection.

The SD Food Advisor's take on Miharu
Miharu is a good place for a simple meal, nothing too lavish or fanciful. The noodles have a strong and tasty flavor, which leans towards the salty side. Locals may find the noodles too salty or “heaty” especially in Singapore 's sweltering weather. Ideally, these noodles are perfect for Hokkaido 's cold weather. The warm broth is comforting and satisfying on a cold, blustery day. The fragrant layer of oil on the surface of the noodles may not appeal to the health conscious, but it gives the noodles that extra kick and flavor. It is evident the Japanese love their ramen, from the way they slurp down the tasty broth right to the very last drop. Although the selection on the menu is small, it is substantial enough to satisfy the cravings of ramen lovers, who want a taste of authentic, quality noodles. Tucked away in the corner of the Gallery Hotel, this Japanese joint may be small, but it is certainly big on taste. Good things indeed do come in small packages.