Sumo Bar Happy is the latest project from the team behind Standing Sushi Bar, Tanuki Raw, Shinkansen and The Secret Mermaid. Helmed by the team behind a handful of successful dining establishments, we naturally have very high expectations for this place.
The one-day-old ramen, tapas and sake bar is a delightful addition to Waterloo Street, which is just a stone’s throw away from Bras Basah MRT Station. Eat your way through a selection of Japanese ramen bowls, donburis or have some homemade tapas accompanied with their signature one cup sake.
If you are looking for a casual dining place which does not compromise on service or quality of food, Sumo Bar Happy is the place to check out.
Taking up half the floor space, you will definitely notice the sake bar when you first walk into the restaurant. That is where you can watch the bartender in action as he whips up your drink for you. As Sumo Bar Happy is a small restaurant, we would recommend you to head there early to beat the crowd.
What makes the ramen bowls there better than average is its collagen-rich tonkotsu ramen broth which can only be achieved through 48 hours of simmer. Every bowl of ramen comes with bean sprouts, toasted seaweed, black fungus and free-flow soft-boiled eggs.
The Sumo Ramen (S$23++) is a beef lover’s idea of perfection—featuring slow-roast oxtail, braised beef tendon, 8-hour-slow-roasted red wine boneless short rib and sauteed sliced US beef. Hearty eaters will enjoy its generous portions of meat.
We particularly liked how the sliced beef was tender and extremely flavourful.
Another more affordable ramen option is the Char Siew Ramen (S$17++). While it was also good and came with thick slices of roasted slow-braised Nagano pork char siew, we felt that it pales in comparison against the Sumo Ramen.
Not in the mood for ramen? There is also donburi on the menu as well. We really enjoyed their Mini Loco Moco Don (S$18) which was well executed. On top of warm Koshihikari rice is pan-seared foie gras, succulent house-made luncheon from Nagano pork and fried quail egg.
Guests also have alternatives such as Oxtail Ramen (S$21++), Mini Chirashi Don (S$18++) and a range of sides including Beef Tayaki Sliders (S$15++) and Pork Trotter Korokke (S$12++).
Sumo Bar Happy
261 Waterloo Street
01-24 Waterloo Centre
Singapore 180261
Mon to Sat: 5pm – 12 Midnight
Sun: 5pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bras Basah