Highlights
About
Ajisen Ramen (味千拉面) traces its roots to Kumamoto, a city on the island of Kyushu that is considered one of the birthplaces of tonkotsu ramen in Japan. Kumamoto-style tonkotsu is distinct from the better-known Hakata (Fukuoka) style: the broth is typically slightly thicker, with a more pronounced garlic note and a touch of ma-yu (blackened garlic oil) that adds complexity and aroma. Ajisen has grown from a single Kumamoto shop into one of Asia's largest ramen chains, with over 700 outlets across Japan, China, Southeast Asia, and beyond.
The Compass One outlet at #02-38 sits on Level 2, next to Milan Shokudo — making this section of the mall a small Japanese dining cluster. The restaurant seats approximately 50 and operates on a casual table-service model: you are seated, order from a menu, and your ramen arrives piping hot within 5–8 minutes. The interior is simple and functional — this is not a place for ambience, it is a place for ramen. The pork bone broth is prepared daily and simmered for hours, creating the rich, milky-white colour that is the hallmark of authentic tonkotsu.
The menu extends well beyond ramen. Ajisen offers a full range of Japanese comfort food: gyoza (pan-fried dumplings), karaage (fried chicken), rice bowls including curry rice and teriyaki chicken don, and set meals that combine ramen with sides. The Spicy Miso Ramen adds a chilli-miso blend to the tonkotsu base for those who want heat. The Cha Siu Ramen layers extra slices of braised pork belly on top. For non-ramen eaters, the Chicken Katsu Curry Rice (S$11.90) is a reliable choice. This breadth of menu makes Ajisen work well for groups where not everyone wants ramen.
Recommended For
Menu & Pricing
| Item | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ajisen Ramen Signature Kumamoto tonkotsu with chashu, egg, vegetables, garlic oil | S$12.90 | Signature |
| Cha Siu Ramen Tonkotsu ramen topped with extra braised pork belly slices | S$14.90 | Popular |
| Spicy Miso Ramen Tonkotsu base with spicy miso blend — medium heat level | S$13.90 | Spicy |
| Gyoza (6 pcs) Pan-fried pork dumplings with crispy bottom | S$6.90 | Must-order side |
| Chicken Karaage Japanese-style fried chicken — boneless, marinated, crispy | S$7.90 | |
| Chicken Katsu Curry Rice Crispy chicken cutlet with Japanese curry on rice | S$11.90 | Non-ramen option |
| Ramen + Gyoza Set Any ramen with 4-piece gyoza side — best value combination | S$16.90 | Value set |
* Prices subject to GST. Menu may vary.
Practical Info
Dietary Info
Your Visit
The Perfect Bowl
Order the Signature Ajisen Ramen (S$12.90) for your first visit. When it arrives, do not stir immediately — take a moment to appreciate the rich, milky-white tonkotsu broth with its thin film of garlic oil. First, taste the broth with a spoon to appreciate its depth. Then lift the noodles with chopsticks, letting the broth coat them. The Kumamoto-style broth is slightly thicker than Hakata-style, with a more pronounced garlic backbone.
Add the Essentials
Gyoza (S$6.90 for 6 pieces) is the essential side dish — the crispy-bottomed pork dumplings complement ramen perfectly. If you are very hungry, the Ramen + Gyoza Set (S$16.90) saves money versus ordering separately. For the table: Chicken Karaage (S$7.90) is excellent for sharing. The condiment table has chilli oil, black vinegar, and garlic — experiment to find your personal flavour profile.
Ramen Etiquette
In Japan, slurping ramen is not just acceptable — it is encouraged. Slurping aerates the noodles and broth, enhancing the flavour experience. Eat your ramen within 10 minutes of arrival: the noodles absorb broth over time and become soft. If you want to take your time, ask for noodles on the side (not all outlets accommodate this). The marinated soft-boiled egg (ajitama) should be eaten in two bites to appreciate the creamy yolk.
Beyond Ramen
If ramen is not your thing, the Chicken Katsu Curry Rice (S$11.90) is a solid standalone meal — mild Japanese curry with a crispy chicken cutlet, no ramen required. The teriyaki chicken rice bowl is another clean option. Ajisen works surprisingly well for groups where one person wants ramen and another wants rice — the menu covers both with equal quality.
Photos
Map
Editor's Note
Ajisen Ramen at Compass One fills a specific and important role: it is the ramen specialist in a mall full of generalists. While Milan Shokudo and Yoshinoya offer broader menus, Ajisen focuses on what it does best — Kumamoto-style tonkotsu broth, simmered for hours, served with springy noodles and proper toppings. The broth is reliably good, the gyoza is consistently crispy, and the portions are sufficient for the price. It is not trying to be a premium ramen experience — that would be Ippudo — but at S$12–16 per bowl, it delivers honest, satisfying ramen to the Sengkang community. Perfect for rainy days, solo lunches, and that specific craving that only a hot bowl of tonkotsu can fix.
Compare: Ramen Options Near Sengkang
| Restaurant | Price/Pax | Specialty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ajisen Ramen | S$10–18 | Kumamoto tonkotsu | Classic ramen, groups |
| Hototogisu (Punggol) | S$14–22 | Truffle & clam ramen | Premium, unique broth |
| Milan Shokudo | S$8–18 | Tempura udon & more | Variety beyond ramen |
Ajisen is the everyday ramen choice. Konjiki Hototogisu at Waterway Point offers a premium experience with Michelin-starred heritage. Milan Shokudo provides noodle options beyond ramen.
Similar in Sengkang
The Three Schools of Tonkotsu Ramen
Japan's Kyushu island is home to three distinct tonkotsu ramen traditions, each with a different character. Hakata (Fukuoka) style — represented by Ippudo in Singapore — uses a clean, silky pork bone broth with thin, hard noodles and minimal toppings. It is the purist's choice. Kumamoto style — represented by Ajisen Ramen — adds garlic oil (ma-yu) and a slightly thicker broth with more robust toppings including egg and vegetables. Kagoshima style uses a blend of pork bone and chicken broth, lighter and often served with unique toppings like pickled radish. Understanding these distinctions helps you appreciate what Ajisen brings to the table: it is not trying to be Hakata — it is proudly Kumamoto.
Getting Here: Compass One Level 2
From Sengkang MRT (NE16), follow signs to Compass One. The mall entrance is directly connected to the MRT station concourse. Take the escalator to Level 2. Ajisen Ramen is at unit #02-38, in the central dining cluster near Milan Shokudo and Shabu Sai. By bus: Sengkang Bus Interchange is adjacent — services 80, 86, 87, 89, 102, 119, 136. By car: Multi-storey carpark with entrance from Sengkang Square. EV charging stations available.