It has been almost a year since ramen king Keisuke Takeda launched a new concept — he introduced his Shiokoji Tonkatsu Keisuke eatery last November at Paya Lebar Square. The casual diner offers deep-fried panko-coated pork (tonkatsu) marinated with shio koji, a Japanese seasoning that is made with fermented rice, salt and water.

However, Keisuke suddenly announced on social media on September 1 that it has shuttered its shio koji restaurant on August 26. But a new concept is set to take over its space, which is slated to open on September 21.

According to Keisuke’s PR rep, the new joint is called Niku King (‘niku’ means meat in Japanese). It will serve a ramen-centric menu “topped and filled to the brim with meat” like pork chashu. The concept is inspired by Niku King’s sister chain in Japan, Niku Soba.

But it’s slightly different from Keisuke-san’s other ramen outlet, Tonkotsu King, in the same mall. The ramen broth at Niku King — with miso, shoyu and spicy options — will apparently be “thicker, creamier and more umami” as each bowl is loaded with “fattier and juicier” meat, and the ramen noodles are “thicker and larger compared to the standard ramen noodles”. Sounds like something that will please folks with a voracious appetite.

Other than ramen bowls, the outlet will also serve exclusive sides such as Salmon Rare Katsu ($7.90) and Deep Fried Pork Chop (price to be confirmed). There are rice dishes too, like Keisuke Egg Rice ($3.90) with fluffy scrambled eggs and chashu over rice, and Mentaiko Rice ($4.90).

Check out more dishes below:

Niku King opens circa September 21, 2020, at #01-02/03 Paya Lebar Square, 60 Paya Lebar Road, S409051. www.facebook.com/KeisukeTokyoSG.

PHOTOS: NIKU KING KEISUKE