The CBD welcomes Ryokudo, a cosy new addition from Jakarta with donburis, matcha and classic Japanese flavours.
Jakarta-founded Ryokudo brings its loaded donburis and comforting Japanese nosh to the sunny shores of Singapore. The donburi specialist has won hearts in Indonesia’s capital since 2020, and is now here to impress our local palates. Joining the long list of Japanese restaurants in Singapore, Ryokudo entices with value-worthy bowls that don’t scrimp on quality. I swung by the Singapore flagship store to try crowd-favourites, like the katsu ‘toji’ don and gyudon, to see if it would deliver on this promise.
Ryokudo Singapore review: Details at a glance
Best for: Comforting protein-loaded rice bowls with quality matcha drinks
Must-try items: Koma don; ebi croquettes; coconut matcha
How much: Donburis from $14.90; sides from $5.90; matcha from $6.50
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 11am to 8.30pm; Saturday, 11am to 3pm
Address: Ryokudo, Far East Square, 50 Pekin Street, Singapore 048780
A cosy mid-day or after-hours spot
To locate Ryokudo, make your way through the popular stretch of bars and restaurants at Far East Square, and you’ll find it at the end. With its warm lighting and wabi-sabi-style aesthetics, the restaurant instantly made me feel welcome.
Traditional shokudo (aka homely Japanese eating houses) are the main sources of inspiration, and these design influences seep through the natural wooden elements and minimalist decor.
Coupled with the vibrant wall murals and bold, blue tiles, they add a fun touch of modernity to the space. This cosy decor is especially inviting for the office crowd – after long, dull hours at the desk.
Humble donburis that hit the spot
What sets Ryokudo’s donburis apart from your average ones? It features carefully sourced and prepared ingredients, and plump Japanese short-grain rice with a distinctive flair. Paired with the in-house sauces, carb lovers (myself included) will be shovelling down spoonful after spoonful of rice.
Load up on protein with the signature katsu ‘toji’ don ($14.90). This rendition comes with deep-fried chicken thigh cutlets and a silky cloak of scrambled eggs and onions. While the tender and juicy cutlets have my nod of approval, I found the dashi sauce to be slightly heavy-handed. Those with a penchant for stronger flavours will enjoy it.
The gyudon ($15.90) is another classic, featuring beef short plate, caramelised onions, spring onions, and shimeji mushrooms sauteed with butter and cream. It comes topped with homemade crispy garlic chips, and a choice of an onsen egg or pressed omelette.
While I usually enjoy mixing a rich onsen egg into my donburis, I found myself preferring the pressed omelette version. The texture sits between spongy and bouncy, with a slight sweetness that balances the savoury flavours of the rice bowl.
If you’re in the surf-and-turf mood, the koma don ($23.90) is my top pick. Skip the decision fatigue of picking your protein, and tuck into a glorious bowl filled with beef, salmon, unagi, cucumber, tango, ikura and tobiko. Every ingredient hit the mark and made a flavourful medley altogether.
More quintessential Japanese bites on the menu
On days when you’re not feeling rice, fall back on the tori-ramen ($18.90) instead. Sip on the collagen-rich chicken broth, paired with chewy noodles, tender chicken breast slices and a golden egg. I can imagine this comforting dish being a rainy day staple for those working in the area.
The selection of side dishes is small, but it sure is mighty. Surprisingly, I enjoyed them all. The chawanmushi ($5.90) won me over with its silky-smooth texture, while the white corn tempura ($9.90) worked well with a crisp light batter and juicy corn kernels.
But the scene-stealer? The ebi croquettes ($12.90) made with sweet and briny aka ebi. Sink your teeth into the crunchy exterior to reveal rich, indulgent creaminess. Pair it with the yuzu kosho mayonnaise for a sharp tanginess that’ll have you wanting more.
As an unabashed matcha fan, I had to get a drink from the matcha bar. You’ll find the whole gamut (from $6.50), including classic matcha latte and more unique creations like coconut matcha cloud. My winner goes to the coconut matcha ($7.80) that keeps every sip light and refreshing, while the strawberry matcha latte ($6.80) is a close second – though it leans on the more saccharine side.
A new CBD lunch spot in the rotation
The search for new CBD lunch spots in Singapore is never-ending, and it always feels exciting to find another. With Ryokudo in the mix, there’s now a fresh spot for those working in the Telok Ayer, Tanjong Pagar and Chinatown areas. The comforting donburis, Japanese nibbles and matcha aren’t groundbreaking, but it’s exactly what I crave after a long day at the grind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ryokudo known for?
Founded in Jakarta in 2020, Ryokudo is a donburi brand known for quality rice bowls, ramens and Japanese dishes at affordable prices. Expect classic donburis featuring fresh ingredients and unique fusion flavours.
How is the ambience at Ryokudo’s Singapore outpost?
Ryokudo is inspired by traditional shokudo (aka homely Japanese eating houses), with interiors rooted in the concept of wabi-sabi. The ambience is a tasteful balance of modern design and minimalist elements, which makes it a cosy setting for casual hang-outs and solo dining.
What are the must-tries at Ryokudo in Singapore?
The donburis are the highlight of the menu, and our top picks are the koma don and gyudon. We also recommend trying sides like the silky-smooth chawanmushi and moreish ebi croquettes, as well as specialty matcha drinks such as coconut matcha and strawberry matcha latte.
Are the prices at Ryokudo affordable?
Yes, the menu is reasonably priced, with donburis from $14.90, sides from $5.90, and matcha from $6.50.
Where is Ryokudo’s Singapore outpost located?
Ryokudo is located at Far East Square and is conveniently nestled within the CBD. The nearest MRT station is Telok Ayer, which is a three-minute walk away.
