Sumo Bar Happy Review - Japanese Ramen & Sake Bar

October 13, 2017


Sumo Bar Happy is cosily tucked away among coffeeshops and industrial stores, making it a happy little haven in a more quiet area of our central business district (CBD). The restaurant specialises in ramen, sake, and cocktails. They even sell bottled sake for those who would like to drink in smaller portions! A fresh and innovative concept indeed.



The space and decor is warm, though a little squeezy due to its small size. They have a large open window on one side of the restaurant, flooding the area near the front of the bar with natural light, while the area nearer the back of the joint has slightly dimmer and more romantic lighting. Although the bar seating takes up most of the space, but you have also the option of tables too. We opted for the bar, which we found to be a great choice.




The service is absolutely impeccable: welcoming, understanding, and friendly staff. Upon arrival, the menu was explained to us, and during the meal one of the staff members struck up conversation with us during the meal. We got to know that they were branched out from the same group of restaurants as Singapore’s perennial favourite, Tanuki Raw, where that staff member was transferred from.



As for their beverages, we tried their Matcha Fizz and Earl Grey Gin Tonic, a mocktail and cocktail respectively. The Matcha Fizz slowly grew on me, though I found it too bitter and plain initally. I enjoyed the earl grey gin tonic much more, the flavour was light and very palatable. However, I did find the lemon zest a little overpowering, imbuing the drink with a bitter aftertaste.


We ordered two different ramens, their best selling Singature Sumo Ramen and the Char Siew Ramen. Both were served pretty quickly and piping hot. For a big bowl of ramen - the portion was substantial, generous with both noodles and meat. You can even knock yourself out with the free flow of onsen eggs!



Their Signature Sumo Ramen’s broth is thicker and richer than the Char Siew Ramen’s, which tastes more like a shoyu broth. The Signature Sumo Ramen has a combination of pork and beef which is unlike typical ramen that you can find. The pork is fatty and tender pork where the beef tendon is succulent, perfect complements to the ramen.

Other than the beef tendon, there was also short ribs in the ramen which were also pretty good! The only complaint, which applied to both ramen dishes, was that the noodles were not exactly springy - I suppose this was a matter of personal preference, but I would have enjoyed it more if the ramen was more “QQ” or rather ‘bouncy’ in plain English.


As for the char siew ramen, the broth, as mentioned above, was light and aromatic. Definitely a tantalising bowl as well, though it comes with fewer ingredients - just seaweed, pork, an egg (with the option of more), and noodles. The bowl it comes in is smaller as well, though I still couldn’t finish it.

Giving the sumo ramen a try is almost mandatory. While nothing can beat that, I would also recommend the Mini Loco Moco Don.


The Mini Loco Moco Don was pure decadence. Juicy pieces of mushroom, a generous slice of luncheon meat made from Nagano pork and to top it all of, a thick slab of foie gras and a fried quail egg. It comes in a much more manageable portion than their ramen, although the prices are similar. The foie gras was well done, melting in your mouth. However, with such a large piece, I began to feel that it was a tad too oily. The luncheon meat, while tasty, was less impressive. I feel that the quality of the pork did not translate well into processed meat. Nevertheless, the dish as a whole was delicious.


The ambience is relaxed and chill, service awesome and attentive. I must say, however, that the bar stools’ seats are a little small, which is normal for bar seats I suppose

Overall, it was a great dining experience: tantalising food, comforting environment, and lovely service. I’m already planning to be a regular!

Expected Damage per person: SGD 25 - 35

Overall a 'fresh and innovative' 3 Ninja Stars




Operating Hours:
Monday to Saturday - 12pm - 12am (kitchen closes at 9.45pm)
Sunday - 12pm - 10pm

261 Waterloo Street
# 01-24 Waterloo Centre
Singapore 180261

Website here
Facebook here

Here is where Sumo Bar Happy is located:



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