Singapore - Memories And Inflation @ Ichiban Boshi

I was in the CBD yesterday and I walked past a restaurant where I had some memories because I used to frequent it very often. And that's Ichiban Boshi, a Japanese restaurant.

Back in the Covid days, in the period of around 2022 where things got gradually better, I remembered the transition where we slowly had to resume working in office on 1 or 2 days per week. And it was during these work from office days where I also took the effort to go to the gym to clock in some exercise after work. And because my work ended 630pm, and after my gym it's usually late at around 8 to 9pm, it was not easy to find food places that were still open that late. And somehow, Ichiban Boshi was where I visited almost on a weekly basis. I know it's probably a little luxury to eat restaurant food so frequently, but during that time, everyone/everything was just so negative because of the restrictions and lockdowns, having some good food was just one of the few ways to pamper oneself. In fact, I was there so often until the staff actually recognised me and knew what I would order. But as with all things in life, the restrictions were lifted, my schedules changed.. And time flies indeed, this was my first time back at this restaurant since 2023.

One of my must orders would be Niku Udon, which is beef udon noodles. I have tasted a lot of beef udon, but the one at Ichiban Boshi is just one of the best ones out there. The amount of meat was decent, the soup was flavourful, and I think it's not unhealthy (I think) since it's not too oily. Paired with the chawanmushi, which is steamed egg, I think it makes a good meal.

And that was what I ordered yesterday. Everything tasted the same. :)

Well, the restaurant layout did undergo some slight changes, and the previous staff that recognised me was not working there anymore. But my previous visits in 2022 and 2023 were still vivid in my memory.

Interestingly, when I logged in their app to order and make payment after the meal, I realised my previous transactions were still recorded in my account. And being curious, I actually went to check out the prices back then vs now.

For this above meal in 2026, this came out up to SGD 22.66 (USD 17.79). Based on the prices in 2022, this would have cost SGD 18.95 (USD 14.88), about a 20% difference over 4 years. To be honest, I didn't really notice the difference until I checked, because I guess inflation is something that's quite silent sometimes. Ultimately, I think 20% over 4 years averages out to roughly 5% annually, and I guess that falls within the "reasonable range" of most people's expectation.

A little different kind of reflection while eating out this time, and that's all I have!

P.S. In case anyone is wondering, this sharing is not sponsored in any way.