Ramen fans could barely control their excitement when one of the leading ramen chains in Japan—Osaka’s Ramen Kio—arrived on our shores at Rain Hill community mall a couple of years ago. Even now, the place is busy every day with a mix of Japanese expats and locals in search of what’s possibly the best ramen in town.

Of particular note is their chashu (sliced grilled pork), which is absolutely superb. The vibe, too, is worth checking out: step past the Japanese sign hanging outside, through the sliding doors and you’ll find yourself transported from Rain Hill’s chill al fresco atmosphere to bustling contemporary Japan.

Firstly, you can’t miss their popular Kio ramen torotama (B210 or B240 with their splendid half-boiled egg), with its salty, rich broth made from simmered pork marrow bones. The topping of black-skin chashu, too, is a great addition as it’s both aromatic and oh so tender. Another option that doesn’t disappoint is the kuroniku ippon (rare stewed baby pork rib with rich collagen) which melts in your mouth. You can choose to top it on ramen (B300) or just have it as a single dish (B200).

Their yaki gyoza (grilled Japanese dumpling, B80) also hit the spot, especially if you’re averse to fried food as they’re bursting with juicy chopped pork and vegetables. Not quite as impressive is their ishiyaki chahan (fried rice with chachu in clay pot, B140), which is a little reminiscent of a Korean bibimbab; the full-flavored eggs and chachu make up for the crispy, slightly dry rice.

For a Thai touch, the Kio maki salad (vegetable spring roll with spicy dressing, B90) tips its hat to spicy nam jim (sauce) and makes for a decent accompaniment. We also adore their very Japanese desserts, like the Hello Hokkaido, Hokkaido milk ice-cream with cornflakes (B65) or yakult and pipo jelly (B65). Drinks here extend beyond sake into red, white and sparkling wines that start from B1,100 a bottle. But if it’s nothing more than a hearty bowl of ramen you seek, Ramen Kio will make your day.