Popular modern Japanese fusion restaurant, Omoté is opening a new outlet at Raffles City in Nov 2022.

Formerly known as Sushiro, Omoté is famous for their value-for-money Bara Chirashi Don.

Stacked high, and generously with thick cubes of raw fish, there is no reason why you should give this a miss if you truly love sashimi—or Japanese food for that matter.

Photo credit: Omoté

Do not be fooled by its unbelievably affordable price tag because what you get are insanely thick cubes of fish and a generous amount of Japanese rice.

Photo credit: Omoté

Other than the signature Bara Chirashi Don, Omoté also offers a selection of modern Japanese dishes with an Asian influence and you can find items such as sushi rolls, sashimi, and donburi on the menu.

Omoté
Raffles City
252 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 179103

Established in 2021, Takeshi-San rose to fame in Singapore’s dining scene with its iconic Sushi Kaidan staircase, modern sushi rolls and an extensive selection of Japanese dishes at reasonable prices.

Into its second year, Takeshi-San has expanded its menu to introduce Izakaya-style sharing dishes that are perfect to go with drinks. The beer lovers will love the Kirin Beer Garden, too!

From 1 to 30 July 2022 (Monday to Thursday), flash the post on ladyironchef to the friendly staff at Takeshi-San to enjoy their Seafood Platter/Yakimono Platter at S$48 (UP $68).

Here are the dishes that you must order when you are dining at Takeshi-San.

Located at the buzzing Lorong Mambong in Holland Village, Takeshi-San is a cosy and casual sushi bar/izakaya where you can have a good Japanese meal and drinks without breaking the bank.

From modern sushi rolls, to chirashi don, seafood sashimi platters, and yakitori, Takeshi-San offers a wide array of dishes for everyone and there is always something new to look forward to. Be it for sharing or solo dining, you’d be able to find something to your liking from its menu, we’re very sure of this.

Don’t miss out on Takeshi-San’s innovative take on modern sushi rolls. The signature rolls include the Ebi Tempura with cream cheese and baked eel, Salmon Aburi Mentai roll, as well as the Mexican Roll which features panko shrimp, cream cheese and boiled shrimp.

Pssst. The snobs won’t like these but we were so addicted to the Mexican Roll! The flavours went so well together, and the panko made everything even better.

Another highlight is the incredibly value-for-money Seafood Platter (S$68) which comes with half a dozen freshly-shucked jumbo oysters, salmon, salmon belly, scallops and tuna sashimi.

Yes, you read that right. This giant platter of goodness for only S$68. Scroll up and read the inclusion again; we guarantee it’ll make you want to go to Takeshi-San pronto.

The carnivores can go for the Wagyu & Yakitori Platter (S$48) which includes wagyu slices, chicken yakitori, Saikoro steak, with salad and fries on the side. Best enjoyed with Kirin Frozen Beer, you guys.

If you are having drinks at Takeshi-San with your friends after dinner, go for the Party Platter (S$48)!

We love fried food and we cannot lie. From Tori Karaage, to Ehire, Kawa Ebi, Fried Salmon Skin and French Fries, the Party Platter has a bit of all our favourite fried food.

We are always on the lookout for awesome Happy Hour promotions in Singapore and we are thrilled to report that Takeshi-San has really attractive Happy Hour deals which are available from 11.30am to 8pm daily. Look forward to S$8 wines, S$10 sake and full pint Kirin beers.

Takeshi-San has recently been announced as the first Kirin Beer Garden in Singapore, offering the beloved and sought-after Kirin Frozen Beer and Beer Cocktails.

The next time you are looking for a watering hole in Holland Village to have a great time with your squad, check out Takeshi-San for its modern Japanese dishes, value-for-money platters and affordable drinks.

Yakimono Platter S$48 (U.P. S$68)

1. Surume Ika grilled with Kosher Salt
2. Wagyu Saikoro Steak
3 Tori Yaki
4. Chicken Ball Skewers
5. Mid-Wing Skewers
6. Mini Scallops Skewers
7. Japanese Green Peppers Skewers
8. Black Mushroom Skewers

From 1 to 30 July 2022 (Monday to Thursday), flash the post on ladyironchef to the friendly staff at Takeshi-San to enjoy their Seafood Platter/Yakimono Platter at S$48 (UP $68).

T&C
1. Not valid on Public Holidays or eve of Public Holidays
2. Valid from 1 July 2022 to 30 July 2022
3. Not valid with other vouchers or promotions
4. Special price is limited to one platter per table

Takeshi-San
38 Lor Mambong
Singapore 277694

This post was brought to you by Takeshi-San.

Japan VTL isn’t happening soon and we are so deprived of a holiday to the Land of The Rising Sun, but the closest we can get to Japan now would be a damn good Japanese meal. We are pretty blessed to have a whole array of Japanese restaurants in Singapore, and the selection is a comprehensive one.

You can travel to different prefectures of Japan to satisfy the different cravings you have. We’ve rounded up 13 Japanese concepts in Singapore that are offering over 50 seasonal winter items – available for dine-in and takeaway at a special offering.

Think Hokkaido Hotate from S$14.90, A5 Miyazaki Wagyu from S$13.90, Zuwaigani (premium snow crab) from S$7.80, Hokkaido Hairy Crab from S$88, Hiroshima Kaki (oysters) from S$9.90. Salivating already? Read on for the whole list.

Ichiban Boshi & Ichiban Sushi

More than just a convenient option, Ichiban Boshi and Ichiban Sushi are welcoming spaces which are perfect for families to spend some quality time together over the holidays.

Both Ichiban brands will be offering the prestigious A5 Miyazaki Wagyu at very reasonable prices from now until 15 Feb 2022.

• Miyazaki A5 Shabu Shabu (S$35.90)
• Miyazaki A5 Sukiyaki (S$35.90)
• Miyazaki A5 Saikoro Steak (S$32.90)
• Miyazaki A5 Aburi Nigiri (S$13.90)

Idaten Udon

An udon speciality concept restaurant, Idaten Udon will be offering seasonal specials from 21 Dec 2021 until 18 Apr 2022.

• Kanitama Ankake Udon (S$13.90)
• Beef Kanitama Ankake Udon (S$10.90)

Gokoku Japanese Bakery

This bakery concept from Kobe has been serving buns made with high-quality ingredients and hearty grains since 1961. Another exciting offering is the citrusy Yummy Yuzu series:

• Yuzu Walnut Komeko (S$2.40)
• Yuzu Tuna Potato (S$2)
• Yuzu Jam (S$12)

Kuriya Japanese Market

Kuriya Japanese Market is a great destination where you can get an array of Japanese food items including sushi and sashimi, sake, sauces and condiments.

It will be holding A World of Winter fair with seasonal items and the highlights are definitely a variety of Zuwaigani (Snow Crab) sushi offerings, as well as Kanpachi (Amberjack) which are specially imported and air-flown from Japan.

• Zuwaigani Maru (S$7.80)
• Zuwaigani Hana Sushi (S$9.80)
• Zuwaigani Kaisen Box (S$15.80)
• Kanpachi Sashimi ($7.80)
• Kanpachi Carpaccio ($8.80)
• Kanpachi Donburi ($13.80)

Get a S$5 Voucher with a minimum spend of S$10 and any purchase of Winter Fair items at Kuriya Japanese Market.

Enjoy 20% off the Hokkaido Hairy Crab this season, at $14.90/100g! A dine-in exclusive at Great World offers the Charcoal-grilled Hokkaido Hairy Crab for $88 until 31 January 2022. The creamy roe packs an umami punch, and is best enjoyed with a refreshing zest of ponzu sauce.

My Gohan

At My Gohan, you can look forward to comforting Japanese home-style meals which comes with a main, soup, rice, pickles and a selection of souzai (side dishes).

They will be offering two specials featuring plump oysters imported from Hiroshima:

• Hiroshima Kaki Fry (Breaded Oyster) 5pcs (S$9.90)
• Hiroshima Kaki Fry (Breaded Oyster) Curry Rice (S$13.50)

Pittarino

Pittarino at Great World’s &JOY Dining Food Hall is a casual dining concept which offers hand-stretched, freshly-baked Neapolitan pizza and pasta which are inspired by Japanese flavours.

They will be featuring Zuwaigani (Snow Crab) in two new seasonal dishes which are available from 1 Dec 2021 to 28 Feb 2022.

• Zuwaigani Tomato Cream Spaghetti (S$17.80)
• 12” Creamy Zuwaigani Pizza (S$17.80)

RAMEN KIOU

Established in 1995, this popular Osaka ramen shop has over 20 stores in Japan and it will be launching the Hokkaido Scallop series in Singapore from 1 Dec 2021 to 28 Feb 2022.

• Hokkaido Hotate Chashu Ramen (S$17.90)
• Hokkaido Hotate Ramen (S$15.90)
• Hokkaido Hotate Chashu Abura Soba (S$16.90)
• Hokkaido Hotate Abura Soba (S$14.90)
• Hokkaido Hotate Ankake Chahan (S$12.90)

ROMAN.TEI

This meat specialist from Osaka will be serving the luxurious A5 Miyazaki Wagyu on its menu from 1 Dec 2021 to 28 Feb 2022.

• Miyazaki A5 Steak Jyu / Zen (S$35.90 / S$39.90)
• Miyazaki A5 Steak A la Carte (S$32.90)
• Miyazaki A5 Yakiniku Jyu / Zen ($32.90/$36.90)
• Miyazaki A5 Yakiniku A la Carte ($29.90)

Shabu-GO

Known for its affordable Japanese-style hotpot set meals in soup bases such as Sukiyaki, Yuzu Dashi, and the collagen-rich Paitan, Shabu-GO is adding A5 Miyazaki Wagyu (S$32.00) to its lineup from 1 Dec 2021 to 28 Feb 2022.

Sushi-GO

This holiday season, treat yourself to Hokkaido scallops and Zuwaigani sushi at Sushi-GO, a fast casual Japanese restaurant which serves the dishes via a mini Shinkansen Bullet Train. The Winter Wonders are available from 1 Dec 2021 to 4 Jan 2022.

• Hokkaido Hotate Miso Butter Corn Ramen (S$6.80)
• Aburi Shoyu Butter Jumbo Hotate Sushi (S$2.80)
• Zuwaigani Gunkan (S$3.80)
• Zuwaigani Ankake Chawanmushi (S$3.50)

Wadori

Offering a variety of yakitori that is grilled over Japanese binchotan, Wadori will serve two types of Inari Cheese Kushi from 1 Dec 2021 until 28 Feb 2022.

• Chilli Pepper Inari Cheese Kushi ($2.70)
• Brown Sugar Inari Cheese Kushi ($2.70)

Yaki Yaki Bo

Craving for teppanyaki? Yaki Yaki Bo at NEX is offering A5 Miyazaki Wagyu (S$38.80) as part of its offering from 1 December 2021 until 28 February 2022.

This post was brought to you by RE&S Enterprises.

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Taste of Japan group—the company behind Itacho Sushi—is opening a new concept in Singapore.

Sushi Raku is a sushi chain with 4 outlets in Hong Kong and it is opening its first overseas outlet in Singapore at Raffles City on this Sunday 12 Sep 2021.

Located at Raffles City #B1-63/64, Sushi Raku is a Sushi & Sake dining restaurant which offers Izakaya dishes, as well as sake & draft beer.

Some of the dishes that you can order at the Izakaya:

• Sushi
• Sashimi
• Yakitori
• Tempura
• Grilled seafood and meat

Photos credit: Sushi Raku

Sushi Raku also has a selection of seasonal specials that are air-flown from Tokyosu Market in Japan.

Sushi Raku
Raffles City #B1-63/64
252 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 179103

Opened in November 2020, Maruhachi Donburi & Curry is a hawker stall which started at Edgefield Plains in Punggol which offers restaurant-quality tonkatsu at very affordable prices. It has since expanded and there are 5 outlets across in Singapore.

The chef-owner is Indonesian-born Singaporean PR August Wijaya, 38 who used to be the head chef of the now-defunct Ginza Bairin—the famous Tokyo-based tonkatsu restaurant at ION Orchard—for almost nine years. Now, you know what that means?

You must try his tonkatsu.

Most of the katsu dishes on Maruhachi’s menu are priced between S$9.80 to S$14.80. They may not be cheap by “hawker standards”, but the quality of the food is very close to what you would get at most of the tonkatsu restaurants in Singapore.

Some of the dishes on Maruhachi’s menu include:

• Pork Katsu Don (S$9.8)
• Oyako Don (S$6.8)
• Tonkatsu Set (S$11.8)
• Black Pig Katsu Set (S$14.8)
• Tonkatsu Curry (S$9.8)

Maruhachi uses premium ingredients including thick-cut tenderloin and fillets of pork from the USA and Canada, while the katsu is breaded in fresh white bread crumbs that are imported from Japan.

With such quality, one would wonder if he is even making money with that kind of prices he is charging!

The Tonkatsu set (S$11.80) comes with a pretty huge slab of tenderloin that is evenly breaded with panko and deep-fried to a beautiful golden brown. Premium Japanese rice is also used, and there is also a side of freshly-shredded cabbage.

Honestly, we have nothing to pick on this straight-forward classic Tonkatsu set. And we would go back for it again and again.

The Pork Katsu Donburi (S$9.80) is also an option to love. With a generous slab of tonkatsu sitting atop a bed of Japanese pearl rice, sweet egg and onions, this donburi is a comforting bowl of happiness that we would enjoy any day of the week.

For the price point, Maruhachi is definitely one tonkatsu place you have to try soon.

It is advisable to go earlier when they open at 11am for lunch and 5pm for dinner to avoid the long queues. The average waiting time during peak hours is at least 30-45 minutes.

Maruhachi Donburi & Curry
671 Edgefield Plains
51 Havelock Road
373 Bukit Batok
429 Jurong West
365 Sembawang Crescent

Popular sushi chain Sen-Ryo has opened its first outlet in Singapore at Ion Orchard.

Originating from the Tochigi prefecture in Japan, Sen-Ryo has 13 outlets in Hong Kong and it is brought in by Maxim’s Caterers, the Hong Kong-based F&B group that also runs the Genki Sushi chain in Singapore.

Unlike the original Sen-Ryo in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Japan, Sen-Ryo Singapore will not be offering sushi on a conveyor belt. Instead, it will be offering full table service with dishes prepared a la minute.

The Japanese restaurant prides itself on serving “shokunin” (Japanese for artisanal) Edomae-style sushi.

On the menu, you can find a selection of Sashimi Platter, Sushi Platter, Kushiyaki, Tempura, and Donburi.

To celebrate its opening in Singapore, it is offering 5% off total net spend from now until 30 April 2021.

Sen-ryo Singapore
#03-14 Ion Orchard
2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6974 6782

Matsukiya at Paragon is a Japanese charcoal grill concept by Sushi Tei which offers traditional Kushiyaki that is grilled over binchotan. Other than Kushiyaki, the slightly upmarket Japanese restaurant also has Donburi and set lunches that start from S$25++.

The highlight of our meal was, however, not the Kushiyaki. While Matsukiya’s grilled skewers were decent, the Miyazaki A4 Ribeye Wagyu Donburi completely stole the show.

There is a selection of seafood and meat that are grilled over binchotan:

• Ise Prawn (market price)
• Gindara (S$26)
• Kagoshima Pork (S$22)
• Miyazaki A4 Wagyu (S$45)

Some of the dishes that you can Matsukiya’s Kushiyaki menu include:

• Thigh (S$4)
• Miyazaki A4 Wagyu (S$12)
• Bacon Enoki Mushroom (S$7)
• Chicken Ball (S$5)
• Pork Belly (S$5)

If you are there during lunch, there are three set lunch options that are available daily from 11.30am to 2pm and they start from S$25++.

The Wagyu Donburi set lunch (S$65++) features Miyazaki A4 Ribeye, onsen egg, foie gras and a generous serving of Ikura on the side. The set also includes an appetiser, salmon tataki, a prawn soup with a charcoal-grilled prawn and mushrooms, as well as a scoop of ice cream.

It is by far one of the most value-for-money Wagyu Donburi you can get in Singapore.

Charcoal-grilled Unagi set lunch (S$30++)

We wouldn’t go all the way to Matsukiya for the Kushiyaki but we definitely wouldn’t mind dropping by for the Miyazaki A4 Wagyu Donburi again.

Matsukiya
290 Orchard Rd, #05-04 Paragon, Singapore 238859
Tel: +65 6219 1771

Ashino is an omakase restaurant at Chijmes that’s famous for their aged sushi, and the 8-seater restaurant is so popular that there is a waitlist for a seat.

But is it really worth the hype? We waited 2 months for a seat, and finally got down to trying the S$250 omakase served by Chef Taku Ashino himself—who was trained in Tokyo for more than a decade, and worked at Hide Yamamoto before he opened his own at Chijmes in 2015.

There are 4 options for lunch: S$120, S$180, S$200 and S$250. We went for the S$250 Omakase lunch, because why go for the S$120 one when we already waited 2 months for a seat, right?

Ashino At Chijmes prides themselves on using air-flown Mt Fuji water cooked in a traditional iron kettle for their shari-sushi rice, and a great range of his fish is aged for extra flavours.

We started out with two sushi—marinated tuna in soy sauce and botan ebi—and were a little puzzled as to why we went straight into sushi instead of appetizers. Then came along more sushi, but nothing exactly stood out, rest for this piece featuring merikari (shining eyes)—a very lightly sweet white fish that was firm to the bite.

There were more appetiser-like bite-sized dishes (such as a single deep-fried hotate with lotus root) were slotted in between the sushi pieces.

In between, you may expect pieces such as hokkigai (surf clam), budai (parrot fish) and chutoro. Notably, Chef Ashino has a penchant for the very uncommon fish, but perhaps, one who gravitates more towards the simplicity of natural flavours would appreciate his omakase more.

And the most memorable ones were the sea perch that was prepared with citrus and pepper as well as the one with Uni.

Oh, we loved the fukugi tea. Made from camphor wood, smoked branches and leaves, this caffeine-free tea served at the end of the omakase meal was lightly aromatic and very palatable.

Ashino
30 Victoria Street #01-23 Chijmes, 187996
Tel: +65 6684 4567

11/11 is a well-loved date if you are a shopaholic because it means sales and deals everywhere! Literally anything can be on sale—from clothes to electronic appliances to gadgets and even food!

Over here at ladyironchef, we are celebrating with Asia’s largest dining discovery platform—Chope—for their ChopeDeals 11.11 Mega F&B Sale which is happening on 11 Nov 2020.

Look forward to 10 Japanese restaurants in Singapore with up to 50% off and they include ramen restaurant, sushi restaurant, Japanese BBQ restaurant and more. It’s such a bummer that we can’t travel this festive season but hey, we can buy lots of ChopeDeals to stock up for your year-end feasting with your loved ones.

CHOPEDEALS 11.11 MEGA F&B SALE (11 NOV 2020)

ChopeDeals is Chope’s e-commerce initiative, which allows diners to enjoy exceptional savings at over 800 top restaurants and it will be having its 11.11 Mega F&B Sale on 11 Nov 2020. Look no further, this is the sale to snag the best dining deals in Singapore.

There will be over 200 exclusive dining deals, 1-for-1s and up to 66% off, flash deals from $1 at 12pm, 6pm and 9pm and many more. Plus, score extra $9 off storewide* with code <9OFF1111> when you pay with DBS PayLah!. Limited quantities are available, so fastest fingers first!

*T&Cs apply.

BAO MAKERS (WESTGATE)

Quite possibly the first Bao concept restaurant in Singapore, Bao Makers specialises in traditional Chinese buns filled with local and international flavours.

During ChopeDeals 11.11 Mega F&B Sale, Bao Makers will be offering an exclusive Set Menu for 2 pax at S$29.90 nett which is a pretty sweet deal.

Bao Makers’ Exclusive Set Menu for 2 pax at S$29.90 nett (U.P $53.80):

• 1 x Teriyaki Chicken Spaghetti
• 1 x Rice Bowl (everything except beef steak and Korean sliced beef)
• 2 x Baos of your choice
• 2 x Drinks (iced citrus tea or iced lychee tea)

Photo Credit: Bincho

BINCHO (HUA BEE, MIN JIANG)

Bincho is an all-in-one unique dining concept by Unlisted Collection—who is behind many stellar restaurants in Singapore including Burnt Ends, Meatsmith, Esquina and The Market Grill—inspired by a yakitori-ya (traditional small grilling stalls) in Osaka.

Here’s your chance to score a good deal for your next date at Bincho. Get the 30% off All Day Cash Voucher from ChopeDeals 11.11 Mega F&B Sale.

• 30% off All Day Cash Voucher

CHICHI

A modern Japanese restaurant at Amoy Street, CHICHI is opened by the folks behind Nesuto Patisserie. CHICHI, which means father in Japanese, envisions itself as a place where everyone comes together to enjoy a good meal. Most of the dishes are in sharing portions as Chef Daniel Yee loves the idea of communal dining.

On its menu, you can look forward to interesting creations such as Chirashi Salad, Ang Kar Prawn, Uni Pasta as well as the signature Crab XO Fried Rice.

Get 30% off CHICHIi’s modern Japanese dishes with ChopeDeals 30% off All Day Cash Voucher.

• 30% off All Day Cash Voucher

Photo Credit: Keyaki

KEYAKI

Located on the 4th level of Pan Pacific Singapore is award-winning Keyaki Japanese Restaurant. Indulge in a sumptuous selection of sukiyaki, sashimi and signature teppanyaki. Surrounded by a tranquil Japanese garden and koi pond, Keyaki is a befitting location for a quiet celebration.

A meal at Keyaki isn’t cheap, which is why the ChopeDeals’ 25% all All Day Cash Voucher is what we are eyeing.

• 25% off All Day Cash Voucher

Photo Credit: Kure Menya

KURE MENYA (FRASERS TOWER)

Known for its collagen chicken broth ramen, Kure Menya at Frasers Tower is a Muslim-friendly restaurant which uses ingredients sourced from Halal-certificated suppliers. There is no MSG, pork and lard used in their ramen.

How does a 50% off promotion sound? ChopeDeals is offering a 50% off All Day Cash Voucher from Kure Menya.

• 50% off All Day Cash Voucher

TENKAICHI JAPANESE BBQ RESTAURANT (CINELEISURE, MARINA SQUARE)

Tenkaichi Japanese BBQ Restaurant is known for its value-for-money Japanese BBQ buffet which comes with unlimited wagyu beef from Kagoshima, Hokkaido, USA & Australia.

And you know what’s the best part? You can enjoy even more savings with ChopeDeals’ sale at 45% OFF its Premium à la carte buffet (Mondays to Sundays) at only S$68.48 nett.

• 45% Off Premium À la Carte Buffet @ S$68.48 nett (U.P S$124.52)

Photo Credit: Mitsu Sushi Bar

MITSU SUSHI BAR

Offering a variety of Japanese food, sake and shochu, Mitsu Sushi Bar ships in fresh seafood and produce from Kyshu and Hokkaido five times a week to ensure the freshness of their ingredients.

Don’t miss out on the 45% off Off-peak cash voucher from Mitsu Sushi bar during the 11.11 Mega F&B Sale.

• 45% off Off-peak cash voucher
• 10% off All Day cash voucher

Photo Credit: Teppan Kappo Kenji

TEPPAN KAPPOU KENJI

Over at Teppan Kappou Kenji, Chef Kenji Okumura has curated a creative menu which features his signature teppanyaki dishes. Take a seat at the chef’s table and watch the chefs in action as they whip up a feast using fresh ingredients that are imported directly from Japan.

• 30% off All Day Cash Voucher

UMA UMA RAMEN

Originating from Fukuoka in 1953, Uma Uma Ramen is as authentic as you can get. They serve up delicious ramen made using a family recipe, and their tonkotsu broth is known to be robust and aromatic. It’s just like getting a taste of Japan without having to travel there.

Enjoy 1-for-1 Ramen (choose from Uma Uma Ramen or Mazesoba Chasiu) from Uma Uma Ramen at S$18.73.

• 1-for-1 Ramen @ S$18.73

Photo Credit: Yujin Izakaya

YUJIN IZAKAYA

Located along Zion Road, Yujin Izakaya is a modern 50-seater izakaya by Les Amis Group which serves creative bites that take its inspiration from a traditional Japanese izakaya.

You can get S$50 cash vouchers from Yujin Izakaya at S$35 during the mega sale.

30% off All Day Cash Voucher

Score over 200 exclusive deals with ChopeDeals 11.11 Mega F&B Sale now!

This post was brought to you by ChopeDeals.

Established in 1980, Shima at Goodwood Park Hotel is the oldest Japanese restaurant in Singapore which is known for its traditional teppanyaki. It is frequented by Japanese expats and those with has a discerning appetite for fine Japanese cuisine.

Freshly grilled food (yaki) on an iron plate (teppan), Shima offers teppanyaki courses in a slightly aristocratic yet traditional setting. In short, you can expect nothing short of the finest quality and dedicated service.

The beef tenderloin steak came with a smoky exterior and medium-rare interior. Accompanied with deep-fried garlic chips and yasai-yaki, this main course was a true stunner.

Other than its signature Teppayaki menus, Shima also offers sashimi and sushi which is air-flown at least once a week from Japan.

Every grain of rice is coated with the oil used to fry the garlic, with pepper added to elevated the overall fragrance of this dish. It was, hands down, the best garlic rice that we’ve had in Singapore.

Shima Restaurant
22 Scotts Rd
Goodwood Park Hotel
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 6734 6281

Located in the heart of the CBD, Kinki Restaurant & Bar is an urban Japanese concept with an underground vibe that offers one of the best views of the waterfront and skyline of Marina Bay. It is a great place to hang out with your friends and unwind with Asian-inspired cocktails and bar bites at the rooftop bar, before heading down to the restaurant for a scrumptious dinner.

Kinki Restaurant & Bar is quite unlike the typical Japanese restaurants. Other than its graffiti-filled walls and murals which add on to the enigmatic charm of the place, Kinki Restaurant & Bar offers bold and cheeky modern Japanese cuisine. Think Japanese classics with a twist; expect the unexpected when you are dining here.

Kinki Restaurant & Bar has recently introduced new dishes to the menu and the highlights include Spicy Buffalo Katsu, Unagi Claypot, Buta Kakuni Claypot & Crusty Lamb Rack.

Enjoy 15% off a la carte items when you pay with your Mastercard® at Kinki Restaurant & Bar.

SPICY BUFFALO KATSU

The classic tonkatsu is given a Kinki twist in the form of a spicy Buffalo wings-inspired marinade.

Famed for its superior marbling, Nagano pork complements the Buffalo wings-inspired
marinade of Worcestershire sauce, la-yu (Japanese chilli oil) and shichimi togarashi (a classic Japanese seven-spice mix) perfectly. The cutlet is then coated in panko and fried before it’s topped with nori and shredded chilli.

The Spicy Buffalo Katsu (S$28++) is available for lunch and dinner. The set lunch (S$28++) comes with garden salad, miso soup and mochi dessert.

UNAGI CLAYPOT

Previously a chef’s special only served on occasion for regulars in the know, the Unagi Claypot has been upgraded to a permanent spot from its cameo role, and deservedly so.

Rice is fried with chopped unagi before it is finished in the claypot, topped with more unagi slathered with an addictive house-made unagi sauce.

The Unagi Claypot (S$32++) is available for lunch and dinner. The set lunch (S$32++) comes with garden salad, miso soup and mochi dessert.

BUTA KAKUNI CLAYPOT

Another claypot dish that you should try is the Buta Kakuni Claypot which is inspired by the signature Okinawan braised pork belly dish. Similar to the Chinese-style stewed pork belly, or what we know as ‘dong po rou’, the Okinawan rendition is a flavourful dish of pork belly.

Here, Hokkaido kurobuta pork belly is braised for 12 hours so that the fat renders as the pork simmers, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture and deep flavour. Garnished with briny umami shio kombu, the Buta Kakuni comes with Japanese rice and an onsen egg.

The Buta Kakuni Claypot (S$32++) is available for lunch and dinner. The set lunch (S$32++) comes with garden salad, miso soup and mochi dessert.

CRUSTY LAMB RACK

Fans of lamb will be delighted to know that Kinki Restaurant & Bar has finally introduced a lamb dish on the menu.

Australian lamb chops are first wet-aged in a koji yeast brine for a day. The lamb is first seared to render the excess fat off before it is coated with panko and mentaiko. The chops are baked, retaining tender meat on the inside.

Surely something to look forward to the next time you dine at Kinki Restaurant & Bar.

The Crusty Lamb Rack (S$45++) is available only for dinner.

As mentioned earlier, don’t forget to pay with your Mastercard® to enjoy 15% off a la carte items at Kinki Restaurant & Bar.

Kinki Restaurant & Bar
70, #02-02 Collyer Quay, Customs House, 049323
Tel: +65 6533 3471
Website: www.kinki.com.sg
Reservations: www.kinki.com.sg/Reservations
Deliveries: delivery.kinki.com.sg
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This post was brought to you by Kinki Restaurant & Bar.

If there is one type of food that will withstand the test of time, out of the myriad of munchies available in Singapore, it has to be dishes from Japanese cuisine. To be more specific, sushi is one thing that will never go out of style – from the cheap-and-good S$1.50 per plate sushi to the one-of-a-kind omakase experiences, sushi will always have a place in our hearts.

Singapore actually offers quite the variety of these little morsels as they have true-blue Japanese brands such as Genki and Sushiro. Check out these 24 sushi illustrations!

Name: Salmon Nigiri
A thick cut of fresh salmon sashimi is placed over sushi rice – might be the most popular variety in Singapore.

Name: Aburi Salmon Nigiri
Just as or possibly even more popular than the normal salmon nigiri – the salmon is half cooked by torching it before serving.

Name: Uni Gunkan
Almost a staple in more refined Japanese restaurants because of the creamy texture and umami-filled taste of the sea urchin.

Name: Tamago Nigiri
Egg is mixed with dashi stock – a mix of bonito and Japanese seaweed (kombu) – to give the egg its unique flavour.

Name: Unagi Nigiri
Silky eel is char-grilled and glazed with soy sauce over sushi rice.

Name: Ika Nigiri
Fresh squid is sliced and then usually glazed with soy sauce over sushi rice.

Name: Maguro Nigiri
Thick bluefin tuna sashimi is laid over sushi rice – definitely a popular item alongside salmon sashimi.

Name: Otoro Nigiri
The fattiest part of the bluefin tuna is set over sushi rice. Because the fish is so delicate, the fat sometimes melts due to the warmth of the rice. It is one of the most indulgent sushi varieties.

Name: Negitoro Gunkan
This sushi was transformed into a morsel from the Negitoro Don, which is a rice bowl dish consisting of minced tuna and sushi rice. The sushi may be topped with a raw egg yolk at some omakase restaurants.

Name: Wakame Gunkan
This well-known sushi is an umami bomb, packed with flavour of Japanese seaweed.

Name: Wagyu Beef Sushi
This is not often seen, but when it’s on the menu, we always get excited. It may come raw, torched or soy-glazed.

Name: Tako Nigiri
Cooked octopus is served over sushi rice and often comes with a soy glaze.

Name: Soft Shell Crab Maki
This is a staple in most sushi restaurants in Singapore – crispy soft shell crab and cucumber, with the occasional appearance of avocado, is rolled up in sushi rice and seaweed.

Name: Ikura Gunkan
This sushi contains pearls of fish roe – sometimes big or small depending on the fish, where larger roe comes from salmon. It is wrapped with seaweed.

Name: Hana Maki
Instead of seaweed, an ikura roll is wrapped in fresh salmon sashimi slices. It is usually found with mayo beneath the fish roe.

Name: Saba Nigiri
Mackerel is normally torched and set atop over sushi rice – it has a fresh and salty flavour.

Name: Kani Maki
You may have eaten this crab-stick sushi roll as a kid. In finer establishments, sweet crab meat replaces the usual crab-stick.

Name: Jellyfish Gunkan
Sesame-marinated jellyfish is mixed with toasted sesame seeds and then put over sushi rice and seaweed. It has a unique crunchy texture and sweet-and-savoury flavour.

Name: Inarizushi
Sweet, marinated beancurd encases sushi rice – most have it plain but it also comes with toppings, with the beancurd skin as a replacement for seaweed to create another variety of sushi.

Name: Hamachi Nigiri
This sushi features Japanese yellowtail sashimi and has a super buttery texture and has a bold fishy flavour.

Name: Hotate Nigiri
Fresh scallop is sliced and placed over sushi rice and is often glazed with soy sauce. It is occasionally torched.

Name: Ebi Nigiri
Shrimp is butterflied and cooked, then placed over sushi rice and is usually served with a soy sauce glaze.

Name: California Maki
This is more of an American creation – some sushi fans refuse to acknowledge it as actual sushi, but it’s still pretty popular amongst the general public. It normally contains tamago, avocado and crab-stick.

Name: Mayo Gunkan
Featured here is the Crab Mayo Gunkan but this sushi can come with other items such as corn. The mayo adds a creamy texture and tangy flavour to the sushi.

Illustrations by Natasha Ng

Housed in a dignified colonial building, Mess Hall is the pinnacle of exquisite dining in the new Sentosa experience – Mess Hall, Village Hotel Sentosa, The Outpost Hotel and The Barracks Hotel. What was originally a military outpost has now been transformed into a contemporary village of endless gourmet possibilities.

More than just culinary excellence, the architecture of the building brags of a quiet elegance. Beyond the perimeters of the building lies a Heritage Courtyard, replete with grassy terrains and a serene atmosphere.

From Hidemasa by Hide Yamamoto’s refined Japanese cuisine, to Royal Taj’s curries and biryani, and Quentin’s Bar and Restaurant’s sophisticated Eurasian dishes, here is our guide on the 3 restaurants at Mess Hall that you have to dine at.

HIDEMASA BY HIDE YAMAMOTO

For a luxurious Japanese indulgence, set your sights on Hidemasa by Hide Yamamoto. This elegant Japanese restaurant prides itself on its multi-disciplinary dining concept — Hide and Masa — which sees the harmonious matrimony of teppanyaki and omakase in a single venue.

The man behind the establishment, Hide Yamamoto, is a Japanese-born French chef who was trained in Italy. With multiple culinary accolades under his belt, you can rest assured that you will definitely have an amazing dining experience here.

Hide, their teppanyaki concept, is housed in a sophisticated space dressed in warm, woody tones. Guests can have front-row seats at the teppanyaki counter to get a first-class view of the chef’s performative cooking.

Their signature menu sees a significant number of truffle-infused creations, such as Truffle Chawanmushi, Robatayaki, and Truffle Ice Cream.

The Robatayaki features a whole young chicken stuffed with truffle butter rice and grilled atop charcoal fire. The succulent chicken was served in tasteful pieces and liberally garnished with fresh truffle shavings. Not forgetting the truffle rice, which had a delicious buttery crisp.

But the highlight of the entire menu for us has got to be their Miyazaki A5 Wagyu Chateaubriand. Juicy, melt-in-your-mouth tender and finished with a charred crisp, the beef was absolutely divine.

As for Masa, their omakase dining counterpart, it is set in an intimate space equipped with a long bar seating. The open-concept kitchen showcases fresh seasonal ingredients snagged straight from the markets of Japan. Relish in thick slices of buttery sashimi and artistically crafted sushi.

Simply quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy 1-for-1 330ml beer with teppanyaki & Omakase order from now until 2 April 2020.

#01-05
Tel +65 6513 6699
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
https://www.hidemasa.com

ROYAL TAJ

If you are in the mood for some piquant curries and biryani, Royal Taj will be more than happy to accommodate you. This respectable establishment showcases inventive and classic Indian fare in their ala-carte lunch and bountiful dinner buffet selection.

Influenced by flavours from all across India, you’ll be getting a taste of authentic, age-old recipes made from globally sourced ingredients. With endless streams of tikka masala and fresh naan at your disposal, it’s the ultimate Indian dining experience.

Their interior brags of a cosy and clean atmosphere, with pops of dark blue and vibrant paintings. It’s perfect for either a casual lunch for a relaxing dinner.

Some of the highlights of their buffet line-up include the Tandoori Platter, Royal Taj Special Butter Chicken, Paneer Pasanda and Mango Phirni.

The Tandoori Platter features Paneer Achari Tikka, Mustard Broccoli, Chicken Malai Kebab and Fish Amritsari Tikka. Our favourites were the Paneer Achari Tikka — grilled marinated cottage cheese — and Chicken Malai Kebab.

Royal Taj’s rendition of Delhi-style Butter Chicken was easily the best we’ve had. Thick, creamy and delectably spiced, it was everything you could ever ask for. Their Palak Paneer was a crowd favourite as well, brimming with herbaceous creaminess. Paired with their crisp fluffy naan and fragrant basmati rice, it was the dreamiest combination.

Also, for those of you reading, you’re in for a treat! Our readers can quote ‘ladyironchef’ to get 10% off your bill at Royal Taj from now until 2 April 2020.

#02-07
Tel +65 9118 5896
Daily: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
http://www.royaltaj.sg

QUENTIN’S BAR AND RESTAURANT

Talk about Eurasian cuisine in Singapore and one name will come up. Quentin’s Bar and Restaurant is the ultimate spot for authentic and sophisticated Eurasian dishes.

If you aren’t too familiar with Eurasian cuisine, it’s the beautiful matrimony of European and Asian flavours. That particular style of cooking often involves a blend of exotic spices and piquant sauces, such as tamarind and vinegar.

The kitchen is helmed by Chef Quentin Pereira, who combines quality ingredients with age-old recipes to produce delicious, mouthwatering dishes. Expect nothing less than a lavish chow-down at his chic abode.

The space speaks of modern minimalism, with a play on monotones and chic textures. The varying wine glasses add a touch of sophistication to every table.

Take your pick from their mains selection which includes dishes such as Chicken Curry Debal and Pot Roast Beef. Their Pot Roast Beef was excellently succulent and doused with a light savoury jus. Bolstered by roasted vegetables, it made for a super hearty dish.

End your dinner on a sweet note with their thoughtfully decadent desserts. Their Sugee Cake is delightfully buttery with a super addictive crunch from the almonds embedded within.

Quote “ladyironchef” for a 10% discount off Quentin’s Bar and Restaurant’s food & beverage menu from now until 2 April 2020.

#01-08
Tel +65 8817 6742
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
https://www.quentins.com.sg

You can also enjoy 3-hour free parking promotion when you dine at Mess Hall. Redemption at the participating restaurants.

Mess Hall at Sentosa
2 Gunner Lane
Singapore 099567
Nearest Station: Imbiah Station

This post was brought to you by Mess Hall.

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The concept of omakase revolves around allowing the sushi chef to decide on the choice of dishes to serve his or her customers and will typically consist of a series of plates, beginning with the lightest fare and subsequently proceeding on to the heavier dishes.

There’s so much to love about this culinary style—from the trust that diners give the chef to the chef’s expertise in featuring a menu that encompasses only the freshest produce of the season. An omakase meal often starts off with an assortment of sushi, sashimi, cooked dishes and seasonal vegetables with common mainstays such as otoro (fatty tuna belly) and sometimes even premium ingredients with the likes of uni.

What makes omakase intriguing is the fact that you never know what to expect. No one really knows what the chef might serve because the dishes vary according to the season. Make no mistake that meals such as these do not necessarily come cheap, but if you’re hankering for a taste of Japanese omakase dining at its finest, here is our list of 10 best Japanese restaurants for omakase in Singapore.

SUSHI JIRO

Those who are looking for an authentic experience that is similar to what you will find in Japan can look no further than to Sushi Jiro at Marina Mandarin Singapore. The reputable Japanese restaurant serves fresh fish and seafood that are air-flown from Tsukiji Market in Tokyo four times a week.

Whether it is otoro (fatty tuna belly), uni (sea urchin), Wagyu beef or even something a little more unusual such as monkfish liver, rest assured that every dish served here—by the experienced hands of Chef Kenji—is guaranteed to take you on a sensorial journey.

Omakase Pricing
6-Course – S$180++
8-Course – S$220++
10-Course – S$260++

6 Raffles Boulevard
Marina Mandarin Singapore, #04-600
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6445 3055
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade
** Multiple outlets islandwide.

FAT COW

Fat Cow is truly an icon when it comes to all things beef or steak related but steaks aside, Chef Shigeru Kasajima—a seasoned Japanese chef with many decades of French culinary skills under his belt—impresses more with his Chef’s Table Omakase.

Every item on the Omakase menu is specially curated and designed by Chef Kasajima himself. From delicate and bright tasting starters to a stellar line-up of sashimi and sushi options, what you can expect is an array of alluring flavours that will have you drooling between courses.

From now until 30 Sep 2018, quote ‘ladyironchef’ upon making your reservations to enjoy a further 10% discount for both lunch and dinner Omakase, as well as a complimentary glass of Fat Sour (whisky). A minimum of two persons per reservation is required.

Omakase Pricing
Sumire Lunch Menu – S$120++
Nagoyaka Dinner Menu – S$250++

1 Orchard Boulevard
Camden Medical Centre, #01-01/02
Singapore 248649
Tel: +65 6735 0308
Sun to Thu: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/ginzasushiichisg/

GINZA SUSHI-ICHI

Helming from Ginza, Tokyo, Sushi-Ichi offers an unparalleled authentic Japanese omakase experience right at your doorstep. Housed in Orchard’s Marriott Tang Plaza, this beautiful restaurant can be found in a warmly lit, cosy, wood-trimmed space that exudes a relaxed opulence suggestive of the fare served.

Served atop the polished 300-year-old cypress counter – hand-carved by a renowned carpenter in Nara – are traditional Edomae sushi crafted from ingredients flown in from Japan. By ensuring that their sushi are made from nothing short of the best ingredients, Sushi-Ichi Singapore has captivated the palates of Singaporeans, earning it a place in Singapore’s Michelin Guide since 2016.

Omakase Pricing
Lunch Omakase – S$240++
Dinner Omakase Nigiri – S$220++
Omakase – S$430++

320 Orchard Road
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
Singapore 238865
Tel: +65 6235 5514
Tue to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Orchard

Photo Credit: https://www.hakumai.com.sg/

HAKUMAI SUSHI

At Hakumai Sushi & Omakase, each dish is treated with respect and only the best of each ingredient is sourced, from their premium Koshihikari rice that is imported directly from Niigata Prefecture to a whole slew of seasonal seafood from Tsukiji Market.

Dining here is always a no-frills experience as you entrust everything to the chef. With over two decades of experience under his belt, you can bet that you will be in good hands. Omakase prices are also reasonably affordable here too, making it a hot spot among locals.

Omakase Pricing
Sushi Omakase (8 pcs) – S$78.80++
Sushi Omakase (10 pcs) – S$98.80++
Sushi Omakase (12 pcs) – S$118++
Sashimi & Sushi Omakase – S$150++
Hakumai Signature Omakase – S$218++

10 Anson Road,
International Plaza, #01-50A
Singapore 079903
Tel: +65 6224 4790
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/sushihashida/

HASHIDA SUSHI

Upscale from its swanky interiors to its unbelievable food, Hashida Sushi is the Singapore outpost of the original restaurant back in Kachidoki, Tokyo.

The focus here lies primarily on seasonal produce, of which their sashimi and sushi comprise, and the food is served during dinner in omakase-style. Prices here are by no means affordable but for the amount you pay, you can expect to tuck into their signature house-smoked chutoro (medium fatty tuna) or buttery uni served in various ways.

Omakase Pricing
Chef’s Omakase Lunch Menu – S$300++ – S$500++
Chef’s Omakase Dinner Menu – S$350++ – S$500++

333A Orchard Road
Mandarin Gallery, #04-16
Singapore 238897
Tel: +65 6733 2114
(Closed on Mondays)
Tue: 12.30pm – 3pm, 7pm – 10pm
Wed to Sun: 12pm – 3pm, 7pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

Photo Credit: https://www.junomakase.com/

JUN OMAKASE

One of the newer entrants in the local omakase scene, Jun Omakase offers a full-fledged omakase experience with produce sourced directly from Tsukiji market.

Priding itself in offering an omakase menu that constantly evolves with Japan’s seasons, expect each visit to be filled with a fresh set of curated flavours reminiscent of the dominant colours of the prevailing season.

Omakase Pricing (Dinner)
Natsu – S$98++
Ume – S$138++
Jun – S$188++

3 Church Street
#01-01
Singapore 049483
Tel: +65 6224 0311
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.15pm – 9.30pm
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/Keyaki.Singapore/

KEYAKI

Located in Pan Pacific Singapore, there is more to dining at Keyaki than its intricate fare. Sitting amidst a lush, picturesque Japanese garden on the fourth floor, dining at Keyaki offers temporary reprieve with its calm and relaxed ambience.

Entering the pavilion invites a sight of both the traditional and contemporary – at one end sits a modern dining space, and along the other are rows of rooms with tatami seating. The food served presents a similar union as well, with time-honed techniques used to incorporate modern flavours into traditional Japanese dishes.

Omakase Pricing
Seasonal Omakase Kaiseki – S$190++
Ran Sushi Moriawase – S$110++
Kiku Sushi Moriawase – S$90++
Sashimi Omakase – S$230++

7 Raffles Boulevard
Marina Square
Singapore 039595
Tel: +65 6336 8111
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Promenade

Photo Credit: https://ki-sho.com.sg/

KI-SHO

From the seasonally inspired ingredients right down to the silverware and serving plates of which the restaurant’s gorgeous creations are presented in, Ki-Sho reflects a certain value that is both visually stunning and sensorial from taste to texture.

A native of Kyoto, Chef Hamamoto brings to the table modern kaiseki-style cuisine through a series of seasonally inspired omakase dishes that he executes with utmost precision and flair. Some dishes that will no doubt have you reminiscing for days include the Hokkaido Uni with Caviar and Seasonal Vegetables as well as the Aburi Hida Beef Sushi.

Omakase Pricing
Rosan Lunch Menu – S$150++
Oribe Lunch Menu – S$150++
Taihaku Lunch Menu – S$250++
Aoi Dinner Menu – S$300++
Kai Dinner Menu – S$450++

29 Scotts Road
Singapore 228224
Tel: +65 6733 5251
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sat: 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Newton

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/ShangriLaSingapore/

NAMI RESTAURANT & BAR

Tucked away near one of the top floors of Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, NAMI offers an intimate gastronomical experience with a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding estate.

Each visit to NAMI invites an array of exquisitely prepared food served with a warm helping of omotenashi (Japanese hospitality) for a truly authentic dining experience. To elevate your meal, approach the friendly staff for personalised alcohol pairings; alternatively, head towards the bar to peruse the selection yourself.

Omakase Pricing
Sushi Omakase – S$240++
Aki no Omakase 5-Course – S$148++
Aki no Omakase 7-Course – S$188++

22 Orange Grove Road
Tower Wing, Level 24
Singapore 258350
Tel: +65 6213 4398
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/ryosushi/

RYO SUSHI

Highly popular for being one of the more affordable Japanese omakase restaurants in town (with no GST and service charge), getting a seat at Ryo Sushi is often a challenge.

The restaurant specialises mainly in sushi omakase and their seasonal menus can be priced as low as S$18 for a 10-course omakase set to S$98 for an 18-course omakase set that will have you wobbling out the door with a satisfied tummy.

Omakase Pricing
10-Course Lunch Menu (Limited) – S$18
15-Course – S$38
18-Course with Tuna – S$68
18-Course with Sea Urchin Menu – S$98

1 Tras Link
Orchid Hotel, #01-06
Singapore 078867
Tel: +65 6443 3463
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 11.45am – 2.45pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

SHINJI BY KANESAKA

Boasting an exquisite selection of fine sake, food and impeccable service, Michelin-starred Shinji By Kanesaka over at Carlton Hotel Singapore promises a dining experience like no other.

An extension of 1 Michelin star Chef Shinji Kanesaka’s Edo-style sushi restaurant in Tokyo’s exclusive Ginza district, the restaurant promises nothing but the finest Japanese cuisine around.

Omakase Pricing
Omakase Lunch Special – S$250++
Chef’s Omakase Lunch Special – S$300++
Omakase Wa Dinner Menu – S$300++
Chef’s Omakase Dinner Special – S$500++

76 Bras Basah Road
Carlton Hotel Singapore
Singapore 189558
Tel: +65 6338 6131
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bras Basah / City Hall
** Multiple outlets islandwide.

Photo Credit: http://www.shinzo.com.sg/

SHINZO JAPANESE CUISINE

Exuding a resounding warmth reminiscent of cosy eateries in Japan, Shinzo Japanese Cuisine is where you can find authentic Japanese cuisine that stays true to its roots from the choice of ingredients to the traditional techniques used.

Dining here is always a joy because you never know what to expect and prices are reasonably affordable as well considering that many of the dishes include premium and seasonally sourced ingredients that are air-flown all the way from Japan.

Omakase Pricing
Chef’s Weekly Special Lunch Set – S$68++
Regular Lunch Sets – S$38++
Shinzo Omakase Course – S$188++
Jonetsu Omakase Course – S$220++

17 Carpenter Street
Singapore 059906
Tel: +65 6438 2921
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/Shoukouwa/

SHOUKOUWA

Opened back in March 2016 as one of Emmanuel Stroobant Group’s first forays into Japanese dining comes Shoukouwa, an intimate sushi restaurant that managed to beat other sushi establishments to land itself two Michelin stars.

What makes this eight-seater fine dining restaurant stand out from the rest is its commitment to keeping things as authentic as possible, meaning that their omakase menu only features ingredients from Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo. Dining here is sure to leave a lifelong impression from its humble appetisers right down to its premium seafood.

Omakase Pricing
Miyabi – S$380++
Hana – S$480++

1 Fullerton Road
One Fullerton, #02-02A
Singapore 049213
Tel: +65 6423 9939
(Closed on Mondays)
Tue to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sun: 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

SUSHI MURASAKI

Sushi Murasaki’s omakase dining concept constantly pushes culinary boundaries by combining numerous cooking techniques to better bring out the natural textures and flavours of each ingredient—which are all flown in directly from Tsukiji Market in Tokyo.

If you love the ice cream of the ocean (also known as uni) then the Kumo Omakase Set is what you should definitely opt for. What you get is a glorious (and generous) portion of buttery smooth uni atop sushi rice and wrapped with seaweed—a true joy to devour.

Omakase Pricing
Aoi Lunch Menu – S$128++
Nodake Lunch Menu – S$78++
Fuji Lunch Menu – S$48++
Kumo Dinner Menu – S$180++
Murasaki Dinner Menu – S$250++
Gen Dinner Menu – S$128++

9 Raffles Boulevard
Millenia Walk, #02-08
Singapore 039569
Tel: +65 6341 9668
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Promenade

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/YoshiRestaurant.SG/

YOSHI RESTAURANT

Honoured as an Excellent Chef of Diplomatic Missions by the Japanese Foreign Service, head chef, Chef Yoshiyuki, plates up sensational Kyoto-styled kaiseki that highlights the best flavours from the Hokkaido region.

Bringing in all their ingredients from Hokkaido, Chef Yoshiyuki utilises a ‘Kyo-ri’ preparation style to ensure that the innate flavours of these ingredients are retained for the enjoyment of his customers. Moreover, each course is accompanied by a glass of hand-picked sake straight from the breweries of Hokkaido to complete the culinary experience.

Omakase Pricing (Dinner)
Yoshi’s Omakase – S$258++ / S$288++ / S$328++

583 Orchard Road
Forum The Shopping Mall, #B1-39
Singapore 238884
Tel: +65 8188 0900
Daily: 12pm – 2pm, 7pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Nothing beats celebrating #TGIF and ushering in the arrival of the weekends by popping a cold one with your pals! What better way to greet the long-awaited weekend than with scrumptious finger foods, music, chill vibes and of course, good booze?

When it comes to picking our poison for the night, we prefer something refreshing and crisp, nothing too heavy-bodied that leaves us nursing a hangover the next morning. Introducing Sapporo, an esteemed beer brand in Japan that has been serving premium beers since 1876, all of which have been carefully crafted to perfection.

Sapporo is renowned as the oldest and most famous brewery in Japan that has a long-standing history of its own. They have churned out various signature beers that have quickly gained popularity among the Eastern and Western masses, such as their Sapporo Imported Beer and Sapporo Light Beer, but nothing trumps the king of their beers: Sapporo Premium Beer.

A flagship product, the Sapporo Premium Beer is now one of the best-selling beers in Singapore. It is no wonder why both tourists and locals alike love it: the beer is a light-bodied, hoppy lager that pairs incredibly well with rich, savoury flavours. It also retails for a mere S$10 at Timbre+’s Bottle Shop!

Here are five dishes at Timbre+ that are perfect with everyone’s favourite Sapporo Premium Beer.

BURGER + SAPPORO BEER

Beer goes well with anything, especially burgers. You are not a true beer connoisseur if you have not tried beer together with burger — those two go together like peanut butter on jelly! Imagine chomping on a succulent, sinful patty and having a smooth, earthy bottle of booze to complement the heavy-handed meal.

Introducing Burgs by Project Warung, this humble Halal burger stall serves up quality, gourmet wallet-friendly burgers for the masses. We opted for their Burg’s Classic Cheeseburger with a Double Patty and Cheese Fries (S$11.50) which consisted of a handcrafted beef patty, Burg’s own signature sauce, pickles, crispy fried shallots and American cheese.

This dish was our favourite; it had a melted gooey cheese that simply enveloped the patty, while the meat itself was thick and luscious. Bite into it, and you get a whole mouthful chock full of fluffy buns and moreish meaty flavour. Sip on the beer, and you get an additional, strong pack of punch that elevates the taste of the burgers and cuts through its fattiness!

The fries were all generously coated with a huge goop of cheese as well; the fries used are not your usual shoestring ones, which gives the sinful meal an extra bit of indulgence. We enjoyed chomping into it: the fries were full of soft, potato goodness.

HAR CHEONG GAI + SAPPORO BEER

We are all in universal agreement that when it comes to beer, it is best quenched with greasy fried food. Indulge in a night packed with rich-flavoured booze, and even chicken wings, that leave you licking your fingers for more! Featuring the iconic Har Cheong Gai Wings from Ah Tan Wings — every chicken lover would have heard of this legendary dish.

Known for serving purportedly one of the best Har Cheong Gai Wings in Singapore, we got their Fried Har Cheong Gai Wings (5 wings, 5 drumlets set/S$13) to go along with Sapporo Premium Beer.

Fried to perfection, the wings boasted a crisp skin well-coated with fragrant prawn paste. It had tender, juicy meat that had a lingering salty-sour aftertaste, adding on to the wings’ savouriness.

Wash the greasiness down with your Sapporo Premium Beer, and you will definitely be hooked on that addictive pairing: when it comes to munching on heavy flavoured dishes, the malt in the clean, crisp alcohol will balance it out.

TOM YUM PASTA WITH GRILLED CHICKEN & STEAK + SAPPORO BEER

For those who want to fill their growling tummies with something much more substantial, definitely check out Thai Grilled Project. Going for the quick-service Thai food concept, the tiny stall doles out traditional Thai recipes with a unique twist: think Thai-Western fusion food!

Aiming to serve up only elevated, contrasting flavours in their dishes, this is the best stall to patronise if you are looking for something a little different, flavourful and unique to go with your Sapporo Premium beer.

We went for their Tom Yum Pasta with Grilled Chicken and Grilled Sirloin Steak (S$11.90). The pasta was al dente and ladled with thick tom yum sauce, naturally lending the noodles its sweet tanginess. It was also mildly spicy, and the coolness from the beer only enhanced the dish’s spiciness, leaving us hankering for more.

You can also choose to add on the Grilled Sirloin Steak slices, which we did! It had a medium-rare middle, oozing umami-filled flavour. The chicken pieces also had a slightly charred skin, which gave the chicken an extra oomph of smokiness. The savouriness from the meats also cut through the sweetness from the pasta, making it a well-balanced meal.

TONKATSU BENTO + SAPPORO BEER

Yet another filling, substantial dish is this Tonkatsu Bento (S$12.80) — this particular bento set is a full-fledged meal that comes with a tonkatsu cutlet, Japanese rice, eggs, fried tempuras, pickles and chuka wakame.

The tonkatsu cutlet was well-fried and was not greasy; it also had a light, yet chunky netted breaded batter that covered soft, tenderised pork meat. The tempura was fried to a golden-brown perfection as well and had a balanced skin to meat ratio. Needless to say, the tonkatsu cutlet goes really well with the Sapporo Premium Beer.

NAAN & TANDOORI CHICKEN + SAPPORO BEER

Get a taste of something a little traditional as you tuck into Pepper Castle’s Naan Set (S$8) from Pepper Castle which featured a huge platter of Tandoori Chicken, Naan and rice.

The polished pearls of rice were exceptionally fragrant, while the chicken was melt-in-your-mouth tender. It also had a slightly charred skin that added crispiness to the meat. Combined together, the flavours and spices were definitely on the stronger side, but the malt and earthiness from the Sapporo Premium Beer cut through the spices, offering a mild taste profile.

Grab a couple of your drinking buddies, pop by Timbre+ and unwind over ice-cold bottles of Sapporo Premium Beer! Honestly, nothing completes a meal better than good beer and Sapporo Premium Beer is perfect for that! You know what? You shouldn’t even need a reason for having Sapporo Premium Beer – Anytime is good time for one.

Timbre+
JTC Launchpad @ one-north
73A Ayer Rajah Crescent
Singapore 139957
Tel: +65 6252 2545
Mon to Thurs: 6am — 12am
Fri & Sat: 6am —1am
Sun: 11am — 10pm
Nearest Station: one-north

This post was brought to you by Sapporo.

If you are a soba fanatic, or simply just in love with anything Japanese, you will definitely be familiar with mazesoba: a dry noodle dish steeped in flavourful sauce, topped with a myriad of luscious ingredients and completed with a raw egg yolk in the middle.

For the uninitiated, Mazesoba or fondly described by some locals as the Japanese Bak Chor Mee, is literally translated as mixed noodles and is a type of ramen that has no broth – in other words, it’s dry ramen. As there is no hot soup involved, it is no wonder this dish is particularly popular during the hot summer months in Japan and Korea.

With several outlets in South Korea and Japan, Kanda Soba has finally arrived on our local shores, rolling out their famed mazesoba bowls, sushi platters and HULK Power drinks! Ramen lovers be warned: this restaurant will overthrow your love for ramen and turn you into a mazesoba convert.

Kanda Soba is now offering a set lunch promotion at affordable prices! For only S$12, you get to have their Original Mazesoba, two pieces of yummy sushi, and a beef soup. So, make a beeline for their eatery and see what the hype about them back in South Korea and Japan is all about!

The noodle bar has taken residence in Clarke Quay’s Don Don Donki dine-in food court alongside other Japanese eateries, serving a specialised menu of mazesoba dishes, each created with an array of 62 Korean ingredients. Some of their popular hits include the Original Mazesoba and Cream Mazesoba!

ORIGINAL MAZESOBA WITH CHASHU

Though it is said to contain 62 ingredients in one bowl, one of the key ingredients in the Original Maze Soba (S$12) is its noodles. Kanda Soba focuses on the chewiness and firm texture of the noodle that they use.

To ensure each bowl comes out perfectly, the noodles are boiled for exactly 8 to 9 minutes before it is mixed around in a strainer to enhance the springiness of each noodle.

A good tip to have when enjoying the maze soba is to first mix the ingredients (spring onions, chives, seaweed, ground pepper, raw egg and meat sauce) in to taste the original maze soba. After, add a little bit of the pickled chili vinegar and mix it again. In this way, you’ll get to not only enjoy one but two different types of flavours in one dish!

We love how Kanda Soba’s mazesoba bowls are customisable, ranging from the meat sauce to toppings and sides. You can be your own chef and opt for the ingredients you prefer! We will recommend going for the Original Beef Sauce, which is a unique combination of both beef and pork. We also added the Chashu, which came in two chunky slices.

CREAM MAZESOBA

When we heard that this dish had won over the hearts of many Korean girls, we knew we had to try their Cream Mazesoba. Made from homemade coconut and potato cream, this is one unique mazesoba creation we had never seen before.

To our surprise, the noodles tasted just like carbonara — except much lighter and airier. It wasn’t heavy on our palates either. The generous topping of cream coated every strand of the noodles, giving it a very fluffy texture. It also had a tangy and slightly peppery aftertaste from the sprinkled spices.

The chashu was fork tender and tore apart easily. It was well-torched, and we could taste the hints of char on it, adding on to its savoury flavour. We also appreciated how the chashu had more meat to fat ratio, as compared to the other overly fatty ones in our local Japanese cuisine-inspired restaurants.

Paired with the noodles, the meat had a solid bite and was a nice contrast to the soft, chewy soba. After all, chashu is a one true pairing with Japanese noodles.

SPICY MAZESOBA

Their Spicy Mazesoba is not for the fainthearted. If you’re craving for something that will tingle your tastebuds, this is the dish to try. Just like the Original Mazesoba, it is garnished with a dollop of mixed meats of beef and pork, seaweed, veggies and a raw egg yolk, except with a subtle, unnoticeable twist: a pinch of special chilli sauce.

On the outside, the chilli sauce does not look like much, but mix it together with the noodles and ingredients and you get an everlasting, fiery kick of spice.

MEAT SUSHI PLATTER

Keeping in line with their Japanese cuisine offerings, Kanda Soba also has six varieties of meat sushi—Basil Pesto, Cream Cheese, Mentaiko, Mushroom, Spicy and Original (Herb Salt)—available for you to order alongside your bowl of noodles. The sushi are freshly made with a choice of beef or pork topping. Each piece of meat is torched until it is perfectly caramelized before it is topped on to the moulded sushi rice with your desired topping.

Diners will need to order a minimum of two sushi pieces, but trust us, you will definitely keep going back for more. If you decide to order a mazesoba together with a minimum of two meat sushis, the beef-based sushi will only cost S$1.70, while the pork-based sushi will be S$1.50.

We recommend the Mentaiko with a pork base! The Mentaiko sushi was bursting with sweet and salty notes, while the savoury meat contrasted with the soft, sweet rice.

ORIGINAL MAZESOBA LUNCH SET

When it comes to lunch time, we are always looking for a meal that is not only tasty, but substantial enough to last us through the day. Introducing the dish that brought Kanda Soba to fame: Original Mazesoba.

We had their set lunch promotion, which runs from 11am to 3pm. It came with two standard pieces of sushi, which was their Cream Cheese Meat Sushi and Mentaiko Sushi. We thought the small side of sushi was a nice touch to a simple meal.

During preparation, the Korea-imported noodles are constantly stirred to ensure its springiness, which results in a soft and Q finish. Though the Original Mazesoba looks unassuming, it is actually chock full of ingredients that are full of piquant flavour. Mix all the ingredients together, and you get a burst of flavours in your mouth.

HULK POWER DRINK

An interesting beverage to try at Kanda Soba is their HULK Power Drink (S$4.50), which is also coincidentally a much-loved drink amongst the chefs who hydrates with this drink whenever they are feeling thirsty in the Korean Summer.

This unique thirst-quencher is concocted with the mix of a blue energy drink and a popular Korean Vitamin C drink to give it a bright green colour that’s reminiscent of the well-known Avengers team member, the Hulk.

Kanda Soba
Don Don Donki
B1-11 Clarke Quay Central
6 Eu Tong Sen Street
Singapore 059817
Daily: 11am – 3pm, 3pm – 5pm (break), 5pm – 9:30pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

This post was brought to you by Kanda Soba.

Kogane Yama, whose name translates to “Golden Mountain”, specialises in serving premium Japanese tendon and other traditional Japanese fares with modern twists and flavours. Known for using only the freshest ingredients and creating the most delicious dishes at a rather affordable price point, Kogane Yama is not one to disappoint.

This August, Kogane Yama has launched a new menu with 3 brand-new Japanese side dishes, 4 flavours of Chahan (garlic fried rice), 2 flavourful bowls of ramen and their National Day dishes, the Salted Egg Tori Karaage Don and Chilli Crab Tendon.

With the market still riding the strong wave of local-inspired dishes, Kogane Yama’s National Day dishes should definitely be on your must-try list. They will only be available from 1 to 31 August 2019 so savour these delectable donburis before they’re gone for good!

SIDE DISHES

Kicking off the meal were three brand new additions to Kogane Yama’s side dish menu. The selection features Idako (seasoned baby octopus), Chinmi (scallop frills) and Kurage (seasoned jellyfish). Prepared with fresh seafood and seasoned to perfection, these traditional Japanese side dishes are a great way to start your meal at Kogane Yama.

We particularly enjoyed the Kurage, seasoned simply with sesame oil, sesame seeds and Japanese chilli flakes. Simplicity at its best, the savoury taste and fresh crunch of the jellyfish definitely whet our appetites.

CHAHAN – GARLIC FRIED RICE

Next up on the table was Kogane Yama’s new myriad of Chahan—an aromatic garlic fried rice. There will be not one, but four, new renditions of this Japanese classic, featuring 4 different types of meat and seafood—Unagi (eel), Salmon, Shirasu (white bait) and Chicken.

Japanese pearl rice is fried with egg, soy sauce and golden brown garlic chips to achieve that smoky flavour known and loved by Japanese cuisine fans. It is a savoury dish that is full of flavour yet still light on the palate.

Our favourites were definitely the Unagi and Salmon Chahan. The fresh flavour and buttery texture of the salmon paired perfectly with the aromatic fried rice, giving it that extra indulgence.

The Unagi Chahan, on the other hand, had a smoky and strong savoury taste, bringing an added depth of flavour to the lightly-flavoured rice. The smoky unagi paired immaculately with the crispy garlic and pearl rice such that we could not help but go for seconds!

HOKKAIDO-STYLE MISO-TONKOTSU RAMEN

Kogane Yama has also released two new ramen dishes with an enriched pork-bone miso broth and springy Hokkaido-style ramen noodles. It comes with two different toppings—Seafood Miso Ramen and Pork Belly Miso Ramen.

The Pork Belly Miso Ramen contains thinly-sliced pork belly strips, fried cabbage and a perfectly runny Hanjuku egg. Simple yet full of flavour, this umami-bomb bowl of ramen will tingle and tantalise your tastebuds.

The Seafood Miso Ramen, on the other hand, comes with juicy prawns, scallops, squid slices and a Hanjuku egg—perfect for seafood lovers. The seafood adds a hint of sweetness to the rich miso-tonkotsu broth, making it even more indulgent and delicious.

You can complete your meal, making it a set that comes with a mini salad or chawanmushi (steamed egg) and a cup of green tea.

CHILLI CRAB TENDON

Kogane Yama is well-loved for their generous portions and delicious Tendon bowls. This National Day, Kogane Yama has created one for Singaporeans and tourists alike to enjoy, featuring a nation-wide favourite flavour—Chilli Crab.

Thick, rich and with a kick of spice, the Chilli Crab gravy is drizzled over a generous array of deep-fried golden-brown ingredients including crispy soft shell crab, sweet potato and long beans. The perfectly-fried savoury toppings complement the sweet and spicy sauce and fluffy Japanese pearl rice.

This Tendon is definitely the show-stopper of Kogane Yama’s upcoming menu.

SALTED EGG TORI KARAAGE DON

If you’re following the cult-favourite Salted Egg trend that has been going strong in Singapore for the past few years, you will be absolutely delighted with this National Day launch from Kogane Yama.

Their Salted Egg Tori Karaage Don features crispy yet juicy fried chicken chunks, stir-fried with a thick salted egg gravy such that every single piece is coated. The salted egg sauce is not overly cloying, having a slight sweetness and a hint of spice from chopped chillis.

Topped with an onsen egg, the dish will be your most indulgent guilty pleasure this August. The Chilli Crab Tendon and Salted Egg Tori Karaage Don will only be available from 1 August to 31 August 2019 so catch these National Day specials before they are gone forever!

YUZU YOGURT JAPANESE SODA

Of course, something to quench your thirst while having such rich and indulgent flavours is necessary. Give Kogane Yama’s Japanese Sodas a try. They come in big pitchers and are great for sharing with friends.

The tanginess and tartness of the yuzu combined the mild sweetness of the yogurt make for a refreshing palate cleanser. It’s perfect in-between dishes or just as a way to wrap up a good meal with your pals!

200 Victoria Street
#02-50 Bugis Junction
Singapore 188021
Sun to Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

50 Jurong Gateway Road
#01-16, JEM
Singapore 608549
Sun to Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Jurong East

This post is brought to you by Kogane Yama.

We often crave for Japanese food, but some days, we do have a budget that limits our choices.

We’ve stumbled upon Yamaya – a hidden gem stowed away in Fortune Centre—serving up delicious and filling set meals at a fraction of the price of the average Japanese restaurant. Check out what we ordered and our thoughts on this hidden gem!

We first ordered a Ten-Don Set (S$12.80) and we were pleasantly surprised by the generous portion of tempura-fried toppings. The set also comes with a side of Oden, pickled radish and sour plums.

The fried ingredients consisted of two juicy ebi prawns, two long beans, slices of eggplant, sweet potato, perilla-wrapped fish and pumpkin. A sweet ten-don sauce was drizzled atop the fried items and fluffy Japanese rice, completing the dish.

Next up on the table was the Shabu Don Set (S$9.80). A bed of Japanese pearl rice was topped with thinly-sliced beef with a sweet-and-savoury sauce and onions.

The set came with a Sesame Salad, an onsen egg, Oden, pickled radish and sour plums.

The best part was the gooey yolk that when burst, coated the beef, onions and rice oh so deliciously!

Yamaya is located on the first floor of Fortune Centre, and lunch hour sees hungry executives flocking there for cheap lunch sets. It dons a traditional wooden interior, making it look like it came straight out of a street in Japan.

Yamaya
190 Middle Road
Fortune Centre, #01-33
Singapore 188979
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
(Closed on Sundays)

Named after the Japanese character for gratitude, En Sushi pays homage to the treasures of the ocean in the form of sashimi and sushi. They craft each and every dish with Japanese perfectionism in their work and authentic ‘omotenashi’ hospitality to each customer they serve.

With their new relocation to Middle Road, co-founders Mr Kenneth Koh and ex-Nogawa chef, Mr Kenneth Tan hope to bring an elevated Japanese cuisine and experience to every diner.

Decked out in modern Japanese wood furnishings, cosy chairs and backlit walls featuring row after row of Japanese sake, the restaurant offers affordable meals that certainly do not skimp on quality.

Here’s everything to love about En Sushi and why you should really pay them a visit soon the next time you’re hankering for some quality Japanese fare.

From now until 7 August 2019, quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy 50% OFF the second Donburi. This promotion is valid from Sundays to Thursdays during lunch and dinner.

AUTHENTIC JAPANESE CUISINE

En Sushi is helmed by Chef Kenneth Tan who has two decades of culinary experience in Japanese cuisine under his belt.

It is also note-worthy that En Sushi strives to provide an atypical sashimi selection; seasonal fishes and the most interesting catches are air-flown in on a daily basis so that consumers are pampered with nothing but the best. This enhanced the overall sashimi-appreciation experience and it really sets En Sushi apart from your usual Japanese outlets.

All these commitments are in place to ensure an impeccable experience at En Sushi without the hefty price tags; aren’t you tempted?

MAGURO GINGER STEAK

First on our table was the Maguro Ginger Steak—a thick cut of blue-fin tuna, seared around the edges and drizzled with a tangy ginger sauce. The tuna steak was wonderfully tender; the ginger sauce complementing the rich taste of the fish immaculately. This was one of the best dishes we had tasted.

The plate was garnished with an assortment of greens dressed in the same ginger sauce, pickled radish, and bubbles of ikura speckled around the dish.

SUSHI CANAPES

An innovative modern spin on sushi, these are actually pan-fried rice-side down that produces a nice crisp to the sushi. Then, they are topped with various kinds of seafood such as seasoned jellyfish, negitoro (tuna) and uni (sea urchin).

Our favourite was the negitoro, which boasted a beautiful creamy texture that paired well with the crunch of the seared rice. The medley of flavours left us salivating for more.

SPICY SAKANE HOTATE ABURI MENTAI MAKI

Slices of juicy scallops are atop rolls containing deep-fried fish stick with cheese and chunks of cucumber, then drizzled with a generous helping of spicy mentaiko sauce before being flame-torched. This is the Spicy Sakane Hotate Aburi Mentai Maki. A mouthful, but in other words, something you must order.

The scallops lent a slight sweetness to the sushi, boosted by the crab within. The mentaiko sauce was only slightly spicy, but definitely still palatable to those who enjoy a milder kick.

UNAGI EBI ABURI MAKI

Our favourite maki has to be the Unagi Ebi Aburi Maki. This sushi roll features sweet crab meat and tempura bits, topped with unagi, shrimp and bonito flakes.

The myriad of textures and complementing umami flavours make this sushi roll a delightful one, and one that would please any palate.

EN SIGNATURE SASHIMI MORIAWASE

The undisputed star on our table was the En Signature Sashimi Moriawase. For this grand selection, we were treated to exotic Japanese fish such as Mebaru (Black Rockfish), Madai (Seabream), Hirame (Flounder) and Shimaaji (Striped Horsemackerel). A variety of other fresh exotic fish such as Itoroyi (Threadfin Bream), Mejina (Rudderfish) and Kasago (Marbled Rockfish) are also available according to its season.

They were skilfully filleted to highlight the best of their flavours. Also included in this gorgeous dish was a generous helping of creamy, fresh uni.

The platter was adorned with a vibrant array of edible Japanese flowers, minty shiso leaves and several other natural embellishments.

9-KIND PREMIUM SUSHI

The 9-Kind Premium Sushi is a rainbow display on a plate. The 9 kinds of sushi include Otoro (Premium Tuna Belly), Chutoro (Tuna Belly), Akami (Premium Tuna), Madai (Seabream), Shimaaji (Striped Horsemackerel, Uni (Sea Urchin), Ikura (Salmon Roe) and Aka Ebi (Argentina Red Shrimp).

This elegant and fine plate of sushi is sure to impress and is great if you cannot decide on just one or two types of fish. Don’t we all love having a bit of everything? This is hence the answer. With just the right amount of wasabi along with soy sauce, the simple condiments elevate the flavours of the ocean in every piece of sushi.

EBI KATSU SPAGHETTI

This main course was a pleasant surprise. It was the most unassuming plate after all the vibrant colours of the sushi and sashimi, but it was actually very flavourful!

Delightfully crisp, perfectly fried to a golden brown and wonderfully fresh from the flavours of the shrimp, the Ebi Katsu was just lovely munch on. The spaghetti was coated in a sauce that was savoury and held a hint of sweetness that complemented the Ebi Katsu superbly. The Ebi Katsu Spaghetti is definitely a must-try at En Sushi.

CHIRASHI DON

En Sushi’s rendition of chirashi will satisfy your hunger pangs with thick slices of seasonal sashimi over a bed of Japanese pearl rice. Alongside the fish is sweet tamagoyaki (Japanese egg roll), aburi salmon and some edible flowers.

The Chirashi Don is not only wallet-friendly but also impresses with the diversity of seafood that it comes with. Talk about value for money!

EN SUSHI’S OMAKASE

Other than the dishes we savoured, En Sushi also offers seasonal omakase courses, available in 5-course, 7-course and 9-course options. Let these skilled chefs bring you on a gastronomical journey with the vibrancy of Japanese cuisine through these multi-course meals; it would be a luxury your taste buds will thank you for.

Located just a stone’s throw from Bugis MRT Station, En Sushi has to be your next go-to restaurant for some unforgettable Japanese are. With such an array of fresh seafood, sashimi and a plethora of other delectable dishes for you to indulge in, your inner foodie will be nodding with satisfaction.

As mentioned earlier, quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy 50% OFF the second Donburi from now until 7 August 2019,. This promotion is valid from Sundays to Thursdays during lunch and dinner.

En Sushi
112 Middle Road
#01-00B Midland House
Singapore 188970
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Fri to Sun: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

https://ensushisg.com
This post was brought to you by En Sushi.

From the uncountable Japanese restaurant options we have in Singapore, one thing is for sure—Singaporeans can never get enough of Japanese cuisine. From sashimi to sushi and donburi, there is surely no lack of decent ones to be found in Singapore and the only concern is the price tag that comes along with it.

While many people would assume that Japanese cuisine in Singapore is generally heavy on the wallet, there are actually some dining establishments that aim to offer reasonably-priced Japanese dishes for the mass market.

Although the furnishings are simpler and there is no top-notch service to speak of at these places, you can expect value-for-money when it comes to these 17 no-frills Japanese eateries in Singapore.

Photo Credit: Char Sticks & Grill

CHAR STICKS & GRILL

As a kushiyaki bar concept, Char Sticks & Grill is a hangout spot for the young who are able to indulge in Japanese skewered meats that are grilled over an open charcoal fire.

Their impressive menu comprises no less than 50 items to choose from—poultry, seafood and vegetables included—you name it, they have it! For the hardcore carnivores, the Japanese eatery also offers a range of ribs so you leave with a satisfied tummy.

2 Jalan Lokam #01-54
Kensington square,
Singapore 537846
Tel: +65 8188 2902
(Closed on Mondays)
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 3.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bartley

DISTRICT SUSHI

District Sushi is a Japanese joint that serves up delicious Japanese fare at wallet-friendly prices. Their stellar Bara Chirashi Don, which is priced affordably sans GST and service charge, is stacked high with generous cubes of fresh marinated fish and is one of their most frequently ordered items.

Besides that, the casual eatery also has a range of sashimi, nigiri sushi and a la carte sides that are mostly below S$15.

91 Bencoolen Street
#01-15, Sunshine Plaza
Singapore 189652
(Closed on Sundays)
Daily: 11.30pm – 2pm, 5.30pm – 8.30pm
Nearest Station: Bencoolen

DONYA JAPANESE CUISINE

Donya is known for their super affordable Salmon Mentai Don (S$8.80) that comes with generous portions of mentaiko sauce. Located within a HDB coffeeshop in Toa Payoh, this stall also offers other pocket-friendly donburi and sushi rolls available there.

126 Lor 1 Toa Payoh
Singapore 310126
Daily: 11am – 2:30pm, 5pm – 8:30pm
Nearest Station: Braddell

Photo Credit: En Sushi

EN SUSHI

Named after the Japanese character for gratitude, En Sushi pays homage to the treasures of the ocean in the form of sashimi and sushi. They craft each and every dish with Japanese perfectionism in their work and authentic ‘omotenashi’ hospitality to each customer they serve.

With their new relocation to Middle Road, co-founders Mr Kenneth Koh and ex-Nogawa chef, Mr Kenneth Tan hope to bring an elevated Japanese cuisine and experience at reasonable prices to every diner.

112 Middle Road, #01-00B
Midland House,
Singapore 188970
Tel: +65 6259 8548
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Fri to Sun: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

ICHI-TEI

This low-key Japanese eatery is where one can find affordable Japanese food in town. If you are on a budget, Ichi Tei serves simple and flavourful meals below S$14. We thoroughly enjoyed the Chicken Teriyaki Rice Set which comes with a small portion of potato salad and miso soup.

Otherwise, Ichi Tei also has other options such as Curry Rice, Udon, Udon Curry and some of the basic side dishes.

91 Bencoolen Street
#01-52 Sunshine Plaza
Singapore 189652
Tel: +65 9139 1746
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 8pm
Nearest Station: Bras Basah

Photo Credit: Maki Alcarde

IDATEN UDON

Idaten Udon is a budget-friendly option for some slurp-worthy, customisable udon! From just S$5.80, you can enjoy their Zaru Udon or Kake Udon with various sides available at the counter. For S$1 more, you can upgrade your udon to their special flavours such as Matcha, Yuzu, Tomato and Carrot for a colourful bowl of noodles.

Aside from soup and dry udon, you can also opt for their Curry Udon (S$6.90) that comes with chunks of carrots and potatoes. Idaten Udon also serves rice bowls, such as the Beef Curry Rice (S$9) and Beef Sukiyaki Rice (S$9), for those who are not feeling udon.

1 Raffles Link
#B1-21 CityLink Mall
Singapore 039393
Tel: +65 6238 7490
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall/Esplanade

IZAKAYA NIJUMARU

Izakaya Nijumaru is one hidden gem in Cuppage Plaza.

It is tucked at a corner on the second level of Cuppage Plaza and the nondescript outlet features a comprehensive menu that comes at reasonable prices. Its traditional setting—complete with dim lights, counter seats, seasonal menu handwritten in Japanese will have you reminiscing your times in Japan.

5 Koek Road
#02-10/12 Cuppage Plaza
Singapore 228796
Tel: +65 6235 6693
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sun: 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

JAPANESE EXPRESS CURRY

Situated within Fortune Centre, Japanese Curry Express is one of our favourite places to get affordable Japanese fare. They do mentai dishes well, with a balance of savouriness and creaminess; Their signature Salmon Mentai Don (S$11 Small, S$14 Large) is a hit amongst the crowd!

We recommend you guys to get their sushi rolls as well, especially the Ebi Mango Maki and Spider Maki, that costs below S$10 each. This eatery gets extremely packed during lunch time, so be sure to drop by early.

190 Middle Rd
#03-04 Fortune Centre
Singapore 188979
Tel: +65 9689 6314
Mon to Sat: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 8:30pm
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Bugis/Rochor

KAZOKU JAPANESE CUISINE

Kazoku Japanese Cuisine is a humble family Japanese eatery that serves up quality Japanese fare at affordable prices.

Kazoku Japanese Cusine’s Salmon Don met all expectations. A whopping 10 pieces of fresh, thinly-sliced salmon sashimi sits atop a bed of rice and is topped off with a spoonful of wasabi and fish roe.

1 Goldhill Plaza #01-05
Singapore 308899
Tel: +65 9687 3782
Mon, Wed to Sat: 12pm – 10pm
Tue: 11am – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Novena

OMOTÉ

Now re-branded as Omoté, this humble donburi-speciality restaurant serves up awesome value-for-money Bara Chirashi Don. But do not be fooled by its unbelievably affordable price tag because what you get are insanely thick cubes of fish and a generous amount of Japanese rice.

No doubt the queues might be off-putting, but we assure you that it is definitely worth the wait!

#03-24A, , 301 Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574408
Tel: +65 9450 1020
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Mon to Sun: 11.45am – 2.15pm, 5.45pm – 9.15pm
Nearest Station: Marymount

SORA BORU

Conveniently located in 313@Somerset, you can find affordable donburis at Sora Boru. From meat to seafood options, there’s a plethora of dishes to choose from. Their signature Flaming Beef Don (S$11.90) is stacked with slices of mountainous-looking flame-grilled beef then drizzled with their made-in-house spicy gochujang sauce.

They offer customisable chirashi dons ranging from S$6.50 to S$16.90, depending on the size chosen. For Japanese curry lovers, you can indulge in a rich and robust bowl of curry don at Sora Boru as well.

313 Orchard Road
#B3-19/20 313@Somerset
Singapore 238895
Sun to Thu: 11am – 9:30pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

SUPARAKKI RAMEN

Ramen is our guilty-pleasure, even more so on rainy days. Suparakki’s Dry Truffle Ramen (S$6.90) is deeply-infused with truffle oil and topped with a concoction of pulled pork, hanjuku egg and other condiments. An absolute treat for the fungi-loving people. The Spicy Original Tonkotsu Ramen (S$7.90) was soaked in a rich pork broth with springy noodles, and was well-complemented with the melt-in-your-mouth chashu.

1 NorthPoint Dr
#B2-154 Northpoint City
Singapore 768098
Daily: 10:30am – 9:30pm
Nearest Station: Yishun

TACHINOMIYA

Tachinomiya is a quaint Japanese bar that serves up Japanese street food and a variety of Japanese sakes and beers. From yakitori to sashimi, you will be surprised at how much this little hole in the wall can conjure up.

Tachinomiya opens until late on most days which is always great for an evening tipple.

211 Hougang Street 21
#01-285
Tel: +65 6286 0738
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 12am
Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 1am
Sat: 11.30am – 2am
Sun: 11.30am – 12am
Nearest Station: Kovan

TAKAGI RAMEN

Who would think that it is possible to get a lip smacking bowl of authentic Japanese ramen at  for less than S$10? From their first outlet in 2015 at Ang Mo Kio, they have now expanded with three other outlets in Pasir Ris, Jurong West and NUS.

You can savour quality ramen such as their popular Karata-men (S$7.50) that is, a spicy tonkotsu soup topped with tender sliced chashu and handmade thin ramen. There are donburis and dry ramen options available too!

51 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3
#01-01C 51@AMK
Singapore 569922
Tel: +65 9138 8017
Daily: 11am – 12am
Nearest Station: Ang Mo Kio

THE SUSHI BAR

Originally a small sushi place at Far East Plaza, The Sushi Bar has seen tremendous success amongst Singaporeans and currently has two outlets, with the other one located at Ngee Ann City.

They serve the standard dishes like sushi, sashimi, and donburi bowls, but if you only have room for one dish, you must try the famous Salmon Aburi Sushi.

14 Scotts Road
#04-28 Far East Plaza
Singapore 228213
Tel: +65 9653 6464 (SMS reservation only)
Daily: 11.30am – 9.45pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

WASABI TEI

Nestled within Far East Plaza, Wasabi Tei is a humble Japanese eatery that offers affordable Japanese cuisine. There is nothing fancy about its interior and diners huddle around a counter that comes with limited seats. The standards have dropped over the years and we will not go to Far East Plaza just to have a meal. But if you happen to be in the area, go for their lunch sets (S$12 onwards) which include as Teriyaki Chicken Set, Unagi Kabayaki Set and Salmon Chirashi Set.

14 Scotts Road
#05-68/70, Far East Plaza
Singapore 228213
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 5.30pm – 9.30pm
Sat: 12pm – 4pm, 5.30pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

YAKINIKU LIKE

This Yakiniku chain in PLQ Mall attracted queues that never seem to end ever since their opening in Feb 2020. Aside from being an affordable choice, this is also a place perfect for solo diners who are seeking to enjoy yakiniku without feeling awkward.

You can get a Karubi Set for just S$8.80! This is probably one of the cheapest yakiniku set you can ever find in a restaurant setting, or in Singapore even. If you’re feeling more premium, opt for the Wagyu Steak Set at just S$19.80 for 120g. All sets come with rice, soup and kimchi or salad, it’s definitely gonna fill you up.

10 Paya Lebar Road
#B1-28 Paya Lebar Quarter
Singapore 409057
Daily: 11am – 10m
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar