SINGAPORE – Much has been made of the influx of Chinese brands into the local market, but this show of force has yet to dislodge the grip of another foreign power on Singaporean consumers. 

Singapore’s love affair with all things Japanese shows no signs of flagging. Ubiquities like sushi chain Sushiro and Don Don Donki supermarkets dominate the culinary landscape, with yet more reinforcements expected. 

In May, five new concepts made landfall in Singapore: yakitori restaurant Torikizoku, hamburg specialist Hikiniku To Come, meal delivery service Tsuklio, viral dessert brand Cheese Wonder and snack sensation Ramen Club. 

Most cite widespread appreciation for Japanese food culture as their reason for coming here. Mr Shintaro Konno, director of business development at Hokkaido Confect Group, which runs Ramen Club, calls its Singapore pop-up the “natural next step”.

“Ramen is popular among locals, with many brands in the local market. The group has also seen growing interest among Singapore consumers in Japanese convenience snacks, limited-edition imports and experiential food concepts,” he says.