(Marugame Udon & Tempura has since ceased operations.)
It seems that many Japanese joints have been setting up in their shops in Singapore lately, be it a takeaway kiosk/specialty shop or a full-sized restaurant; a good thing for that means that Singaporeans have a wider variety of Japanese fare to choose from.
Marugame Udon & Tempura is just one of the few Japanese joints which had recently set up their first outpost in Singapore; the joint has multiple outlets across the world, with shops being located not only just in Japan but also the United States, Hong Kong, and Indonesia, just to name a few. Their first outpost in Singapore is situated at ION Orchard, taking the former premises of The Soup Spoon at basement four. As described in its name, Marugame Udon & Tempura serves up Udon and Tempura primarily, though patrons do have Donburi options as well for those who choose not to opt for the Udon. Seatings are a tad claustrophobic with little privacy amongst patrons; no surprise considering its shop space, though most seats are catered for four pax and above.
(Fried Dumplings)
Sharing the Fried Dumplings, the Fried Dumplings were pretty decent though nothing to shout about. Being fried in batches and left at the counter to be picked up by customers interested to opt for the tempura, the fried dumplings still maintained a slight crispness, though were a little stodgy and stiff given the amount of time it was left sitting around on the counter.
(Udon with Seasoned Cod Roe & Half Boiled Egg)
Going for one dry option, we went for the Udon with Seasoned Cod Roe & Half Boiled Egg. All Udons at Marugame Udon & Tempura comes in two sizes; Regular or Large, which we opted for the former for both orders. A simple Udon dish that allows one to savour the original flavours of the noodles here; it comes with Mentaiko, seaweed and the half-boiled egg which compliments the noodles well without causing too many distractions to the Udon. Tossing everything together before having dug into the bowl, the seasoned cod roe helped to add an umami flavour to the Udon, whilst the half boiled egg came with a flowy egg yolk that helps to bind all the other elements together. The noodles here felt slightly heavier than the Udon that came with a broth here; the Udon is broad and thick; pretty chewy though does carry a hint of doughiness despite the other condiments in the bowl; inevitably causing the bowl of Udon to feel a little on the heavier side for some.
(Clam Udon in Bonito Broth)
We also went for the Clam Udon in Bonito Broth; the bowl of Udon came with a generous portion of clams while the noodles came swimming in the bonito broth; an evidently savoury, yet briny broth that was able to complement the clams and noodles well. The clams were pretty fresh, though we noticed a handful of clams coming with broken shells; that being said, the noodles were still pretty chewy, but significantly slurpier and easier to finish due to the existence of the broth which cuts off the doughiness of the noodles. Pretty comforting especially given the rainy weather of the late.
Overall, Marugame Udon & Tempura does present itself as another option for diners in a convenient spot at Orchard. The Udon is done pretty decently for the price it commands, and the price range is considered pretty affordable and pocket-friendly for most. A place to consider to dine at while being at Orchard, especially to solve those Udon cravings that one may have.
jiaksimi png . eatwhat rice 
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