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

Founded by chef Nobu Matsuhisa, actor Robert De Niro, and film producer and entrepreneur Meir Teper, the world-famous Nobu restaurant is opening its first outpost in Singapore on 1 June 2022 at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore.

Nobu has 47 outlets around the world in cities such as Barcelona, London, Milan, Tokyo, Sydney and Hong Kong.

The restaurant will be housed alongside an open-air Japanese garden and bar at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore.

Nobu Singapore’s menu will feature dishes that will showcase Nobu’s signature style of artfully combining Japanese techniques with South American influences.

Some of Nobu’s signature dishes that you can look forward to:

• Black Cod Miso
• Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño
• Toro Tartare with Caviar

The menu is still being finalised, but they will include exclusive dishes that are inspired by local flavours and ingredients of Singapore.

Nobu Singapore is run by Executive Chef Hideki Maeda and Executive Sushi Chef Takahiro Tim Otomo, both of whom worked in the London and Caesars Palace restaurants.

Nobu Singapore
190 Orchard Blvd, Singapore 248646
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
Tel: +65 6831 7653

Coated in egg and panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried to golden perfection, a good tonkatsu, served with Japanese rice and shredded cabbage, is one of the simplest pleasures in life and it sure hits the spot every time.

Here is our guide to the best tonkatsu restaurants and eateries in Singapore that everyone should check out when you are craving for tonkatsu.

GINZA ANZU

Ginza Anzu—a farm-to-table concept eatery from Kyushu—is a tonkatsu specialist which features a remarkable range of katsu offerings on their menu.

We’ve been to Ginza Anzu many times over the last few years since they opened in Singapore, and truth to be told, we thought that Ginza Anzu’s regular pork loin katsu was too dry and lean and it lacked fats. Only their special Ginjo Pork Fatty Loin Katsu was outstanding. However, at S$38, it is not something that most people will order on a regular basis.

But on our latest visit, we had the Pork Loin Katsu Set (S$24 for medium) and the tender, moist and succulent pork loin katsu was sublime with the perfect fat to meat ratio.

1 Kim Seng Promenade, #01-113/114
Singapore 237994
Tel: +65 6977 9815

TONKATSU BY MA MAISON

As far as real-deal Japanese tonkatsu is concerned, Tonkatsu by Ma Maison over at Mandarin Gallery is one of the best, if not the best, tonkatsu restaurants in Singapore.

Besides the usual crispy-breaded-pork-with-rice combination, they also have a vast repertoire of innovative tonkatsu dishes such as their Mille Feuille Truffle Katsu that sees a massive cult following.

Tonkatsu by Ma Maison’s Kurobuta Rosu Katsu set (S$33.80) is our top pick and you will never go wrong with it.

333A Orchard Road, #02-35 & #02-36
Mandarin Gallery,
Singapore 238897
Tel: +65 6733 4541

TAMPOPO

The OG tonkatsu restaurant in Singapore, Tampopo sets the standard for tonkatsu in Singapore with its Japanese Kurobuta Pork and USA pork cutlets. This is our go-to place whenever we want a solid tonkatsu and you will never go wrong with their Top Grade BP Tonkatsu (S$31.80).

Tampopo’s thick, juicy, fatty and crispy pork loin lives up to all the hype. For something healthier, you can get the Less Fat BP Loin Cutlet Set. But hey, what’s the point of that?

391 Orchard Road, #B2-33,
Ngee Ann City
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 6235 2318
Nearest Station: Orchard

HAJIME TONKATSU & RAMEN

Hajime Tonkatsu & Ramen over at myVillage in Serangoon Gardens is opened by Chef Tan-San, a seasoned tonkatsu specialist with over two decades of experience and the very same man that started Tampopo.

They have increased their prices, but it still remains reasonable for the quality of the katsu. Go for their premium Pork Loin (S$24.9) and you will not be disappointed.

Other katsu options include Nagoya Miso Fillet (S$21.5), Ebi Fry (S$20.5) and Chicken Katsu (S$18.9)

1 Maju Avenue, #02-07/8/9
myVillage @ Serangoon Garden,
Singapore 556679
Tel: +65 6509 9952

KATSUYA

Nestled in the food-driven enclave of East Coast Road, Katsuya is a hole-in-the-wall eatery where you can find top-notch tonkatsu offerings at affordable prices.

Here, diners can choose between pork loin (rosu) or pork fillet (hire) or seafood such as shrimp, oysters (kaki) or fish. Every order is made fresh so be prepared to wait but make no mistake that the wait will definitely be worth it.

85 East Coast Road
Singapore 428787
Tel: +65 6344 8183

KIMUKATSU

Kimukatsu—Japan’s Famous Mille-Feuille tonkatsu restaurant with outlets in Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, Sendai—has opened in Singapore at Takashimaya basement 2 food hall.

Kimukatsu is known for its tonkatsu which is made up of many thin layers of pork; think of it as a pork mille-feuille. Unlike the usual tonkatsu, Kimukatsu uses thinly-sliced pork and they are stacked into 25 layers. The layered cutlet is covered with fresh breadcrumbs and fried slowly in low temperature for 8 minutes.

In addition to the original tonkatsu, the other flavours are cheese, black pepper, Ume Shiso, garlic and Yuzu Kosho.

Kimukatsu
391A Orchard Rd, B2 Food Hall Takashimaya
Singapore 238873

MARUHACHI

Opened in November 2020, Maruhachi Donburi & Curry is a hawker stall that offers restaurant-quality tonkatsu at very affordable prices.

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.

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.

They have opened 8 outlets across Singapore over the past two years and you can easily find a stall near your neighbourhood.

Maruhachi Donburi & Curry
671 Edgefield Plains, Singapore 821673
Tel: 9176 5750

SABOTEN

With more than 500 outlets worldwide, Saboten is a popular tonkatsu chain that uses only selected grain and barley fed pigs.

Be spoilt for choice with their menu that features all sorts of breaded goodies from their signature Pork Loin Katsu Gozen to their Grated Radish Loin Katsu.

9 Raffles Boulevard, #02-14 Millenia Walk
Singapore039596
Tel: 6837 3432

TONKICHI

One of the more well-known tonkatsu restaurants in Singapore, Tonkichi has garnered many supporters over the years.

We have dined at Tonkichi over the years and the standards have dropped significantly. The basic tonkatsu sets are just run-of-the-mill and nothing to shout about. The Premium Rosu Katsu (S$32), on the other hand, still deserves a special mention. We had the Miyazaki Rosu Katsu which was juicy and tender, with the right proportion of fats.

Simply put, there are much better tonkatsu restaurants in Singapore unless you are willing to splurge on the premium cuts. Nonetheless, we have included Tonkichi in our guide to tonkatsu restaurants in Singapore because there are many people who still patronise Tonkichi and swear by their tonkatsu.

350 Orchard Road
4F Shaw House
Tel: +65 6835 4648

Ohayo Mama San is the newest and possibly most chic restaurant in Somerset. Very conveniently located on the first level, just right beside the entrance for 313@Somerset, Ohayo Mama San is a sexy and modern Japanese fusion restaurant & bar with an enthralling menu.

You will not miss this swanky space, for sure. Decked in vibrant-coloured furniture that are so tres chic, Ohayo Mama San is an extremely comfortable and inviting place to be for a meal, for a catch-up with friends, or just a spot to rest your aching feet after a day of shopping in town. Prices are extremely reasonable, too.

On its menu, you will find a spectrum of offerings from all-day brunch sets, Japanese tapas and sushi rolls, Jap-fusion mains and afternoon tea sets. We don’t deny that we were a bit mind-boggled by the extensive menu, but this also means more reasons to go back to Ohayo Mama San. Here’s everything we tried and loved so far, and we are sure there are more yummy dishes awaiting our discovery!

Ohayo Mama San is situated strategically beside the entrance and is right across the MRT station exit, making it the go-to spot when you are in town. Its inviting interior includes cosy booth seats, high tables, and small tables for smaller groups/ couples.

The menu is a comprehensive one and it definitely has something for everybody – from all-day brunch sets, afternoon tea sets, mini rice bowls and riceless sushi, Japanese Tapas and fusion light bites, Jap-Indo fusion mains, sashimi platters and sushi towers, and more.

To begin, there are sharing items such as canapes and Japanese Tapas. Choose from a range of Jap-style pizzas, wagyu bites, oysters, carpaccio and Jap-style tacos.

For the brunch lovers, Ohayo Mama San also has a brunch menu which runs from 11.30am to 2pm and 6pm to closing daily. Served on a classic Japanese wooden tray, with an assortment of light bites and mains, think of these as Japanese bentos in a light-hearted, Modern take. Prices start from S$18 per set – how attractive is this?

For the raw food lovers, Ohayo Mama San also has several sashimi platters, but we have to say there are two that really stood out – the Salmon Obsession Platter (S$58++) and Uni Garden (S$228++, available with pre-booking).

Now, can we look at this Salmon Obsession Platter? It is massive and will make any salmon lovers delirious. You have salmon done in many ways, and it is a good platter to share between 2-3pax. The price is unbelievable, to say the least.

The Uni Garden (S$228++, available with pre-booking) is for the ones who are willing to splurge a little. The uni is flown in multiple times a week to ensure its freshness, so no matter which way the uni is done, you get really good, plump and creamy fresh uni direct from Japan.

It features a variety of premium Uni and ingredients including Oyster Uni Ponzu Citrus Shot, Shiro Ebi Uni with Umami Sauce, Uni Shiro Ebi Wasabi Ebiko, Uni Chop Toro, Uni Shiro Ebi Dashi Jelly, Uni Chop Toro with Ikura and Nori Sauce, Uni Snow Crab Meat with Nori Sauce, Narabi Bafun Uni Toro, Botan Ebi, Aka Mutsu with Uni.

Fancy some sushi? Go for the Temari Sushi Kyuden Set – a cute tower of sushi that symbolizes good luck and happiness, usually enjoyed during celebrations in Japan. At S$48++ per set, these hand-crafted ball-shaped sushi feature exciting mish-mash of ingredients that are pleasantly surprising with every bite.

Otherwise, if you prefer something simpler, there are also basic sushi sets starting from S$18++ for 8 pieces of sushi. Told you their food is very affordable!

You should also try the Bocconcini di Buffala al Sashimi (S$28++) which features thick slices of Toro, Salmon, Salmon Belly, Hotate, Akami and Akamutsu on top of Bocconcini Cheese and sprinkled with a touch of Truffle Shoyu.

Onto the mains, you can choose from ramen, and donburi. And on top of that, Ohayo Mama San will be introducing several new Japanese fusion mains from 2 April 2022. You would never imagine Indonesian flavours to go so well with Japanese ingredients, but Ohayo Mama San did it, and boy, were we impressed.

The Onion Baked Rendang Wagyu with Garlic Rice (S$26++) was beyond imagination. Imagine buttery, tender A4 Mizayaki wagyu cubes pan-fried to perfection with a beautiful red center, complemented with homemade Indonesian rendang that is slightly spicy but still super palatable; the explosion of flavours was one so unexpected, it left us salivating for more.

Then, there is the Creamy Sambal Ljo (Green Chilli) Fish with Garlic Fried Rice (S$24++) that totally won our hearts and we would totally return to Ohayo Mama San for this. The star isn’t even the fish, but the freshly-made jalapeño with white wine sauce. The fiery kick and aromatic pepper taste is one so fragrant and so addictive that we would go back to Ohayo Mama just for this!

There is also the Sweet & Sour Balinese Sambal Matah Seafood Medley with Garlic Rice (S$24++) featuring housemade samabal matah. For the uninitiated, Indonesians love their sambal and there are hundreds of different sambal. Sambal matah is a raw chilli and on its own a broad category, but by and large, they are made with garlic, chillies, shallots, lemongrass and shrimp paste.

At Ohayo Mama San, they take pride in their sambal matah and make theirs from scratch. And with the local diners in mind, their sambal matah is given a slight sweet and sour twist so that the heat is not so overpowering. This comforting seafood dish is nothing but pure goodness and top-notch quality.

All of the three main courses above are served with a portion of garlic fried rice.

Ohayo Mama San offers a wide selection of Japanese sake and cocktails at very reasonable prices and the daily happy hour starts from 11am.

Tea Party Sets are for the afternoon tea lovers, and what is a shopping day out without stopping by for some sweet treats, right? Ohayo Mama San’s tea sets begin at S$38++ for two, and comes with a pot of tea too. Top it up to S$58++ for 2 pax and you get two glasses of Passion Mimosa; top it up to S$65++ for 2 pax and there will be house sake. Absolute deal, we must say.

Ohayo Mama San
313 Orchard Rd, #01-29, 313@Somerset
Singapore 238895
Tel: +65 8875 2777

This post was brought to you by Ohayo Mama San.

We were pretty bored of the ramen choices in Singapore for a while, until Shinsho Ramen opened in mid-2020 and disrupted the scene. Very soon after, they became our favourite ramen shop in Singapore and we are hopelessly hooked to those marvellous bowls of ramen.

Founded by Chef Raymond Tan—the Chef Owner of renown omakase restaurant, Hiryu—Shinsho Ramen is an affordable ramen joint with a carefully-thought menu of interesting appetizers and side dishes, and a very stellar ramen selection that will leave even the connoisseurs mind-boggled.

Ever passionate about serving his customers with nothing but the best, Chef Owner Raymond Tan and Executive Chef Liang Neo spent months working on Shinsho Ramen’s menu, and with their expertise and connections to the best suppliers, you can be assured that you will only be eating premium, superior ingredients.

Shinsho Ramen has 2 outlets in Singapore currently at GR.ID and SingPost Centre.

But let’s first talk about the star of Shinsho—which is the paitan ramen. The broth is standardized and they are all paitan-tonkotsu. Boiled for more than 24hrs with chicken carcasses and pork bones, look forward to a full-bodied milky white broth that is creamy, sweet and extremely satisfying. We’ve always been more drawn to pork bone broth, but Shinsho’s version is a really impressive balance of chicken and pork, with neither being overpowering; it’s a really smooth flavour that will please anyone.

The ramen menu consists of the regular options such as the Aged Soy Sauce (S$14.90), Spicy Red Miso (S$16.90), Homemade Black Garlic (S$15.90) and Special Black Truffle (S$17.90). All are very affordable and comes in a reasonable portion for one, with an assortment of toppings such as cha siu, bamboo shoots, grilled baby corn, spring onion and hanjuku egg.

Shinsho Ramen also has other unique and fusion flavours such as Mala Ramen and Chashu Curry Tsukemen. Be warned, though. The Mala Ramen is super spicy and it is not for the faint-hearted.

Want a more leveled-up version? There is a special ramen menu which comprises some pretty lavish versions: Half Rock Lobster (S$48), Pork Ribs with Teriyaki (S$19.90, and our favourite Kuroge Wagyu A4 (S$54).

The wagyu ramen was the highlight of our meal and it deserves another trip down. 2 slices of A4 wagyu (~110g) are added to the bowl raw, and the boiling broth will cook the wagyu slices lightly, giving it a tender texture with every bite melting in your mouth.

The marriage of paitan-tonkotsu broth and premium wagyu slices is brilliant, and this Kuroge Wagyu A4 ramen is definitely the best bowl of ramen we’ve had in Singapore.

Who needs cha siu in your ramen when you can have wagyu slices?! Trust Chef Raymond and his team to always take things up a notch.

Instead of your usual tortilla wrap, Chef Raymond sourced for good seaweed slices, coated them with a housemade batter, then deep-fried the seaweed which will then become the shells for the taco.

And the fillings are nothing you would expect: mala crayfish, crab tobiko, salmon avocado, wagyu cheese curry, torched mentaiko prawn and scallop with caviar. They are nothing like your usual tacos; these modern fusion tacos both photogenic and unbelievably delicious. Extra points for creativity!

Also on Shinsho Ramen’s menu is a small selection of buns. Mantou is being deep-fried, and tucked with a choice of fried pork loin, sliced roasted pork belly and fried bread crumbs chicken—all at only S$4.90 each. If ramen isn’t for you, perhaps you can go for one of each buns. The kids will love this too!

Shinsho Ramen has plans to open more outlets in 2022 and we are definitely keeping our fingers crossed that they will open an outlet nearer to our home. Until then, you can find them at SingPost Centre or GR.ID Mall.

Shinsho Ramen

SingPost Centre
10 Eunos Rd 8, #01-136,
Singapore 408600
+65 6980 5596

GR.ID Mall
1 Selegie road, #02-02,
Singapore 188306
+65 98792928

This post was brought to you by Shinsho Ramen.

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

Kimukatsu—Japan’s Famous Mille-Feuille Tonkatsu—is here in Singapore at Takashimaya basement 2 food hall. Kimukatsu is known for its tonkatsu which is made up of many thin layers of pork; think of it as a pork mille-feuille.

We’ve tried Kimukatsu’s Mille-Feuille Tonkatsu in Osaka and Tokyo years ago and we’ve been a fan of the brand ever since.

Unlike the usual tonkatsu, Kimukatsu uses thinly-sliced pork and they are stacked into 25 layers. The layered cutlet is covered with fresh breadcrumbs and fried slowly in low temperature for 8 minutes.

In addition to the original tonkatsu, they also have other flavours like cheese, black pepper, Ume Shiso, garlic and Yuzu Kosho.

If we had to pick one flavour from Kimukatsu’s menu—other than the Original Tonkatsu, of course—it would be Kimukatsu’s Cheese Tonkatsu. It is super satisfying with cheese oozing out of the superbly fried tonkatsu.

Kimukatsu
Takashimaya basement 2 food hall

Read our guide to the best tonkatsu restaurants in Singapore.

It might surprise you that the word “sushi” does not translate to raw fish. Rather, it is an old term that means “sour” which is used in reference to Japanese grains that are mixed with vinegar to make the rice we use for sushi.

Styles and presentation of sushi varies widely but sushi originally began as just fish that was fermented with salt and rice after rice was discarded. It was over time that people began to eat the rice as well as the fish. Subsequently, vinegar was used in place of fermented rice, creating the fast food we have today that we strongly associate with Japanese culture.

Which kind of sushi is your favourite?

SAKE & AJI NIGIRI

TAMAGO & EBI NIGIRI

IKURA & UNI MAKI

SUSHI ROLLS

ONIGIRI & TEMAKI

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

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

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.

Presenting a brand-new space that boasts breathtaking view of Keppel Bay’s stunning architecture and multi-million dollar yachts along with a larger floor space that can accommodate more than 100 diners, dining at Sushi Jiro at Keppel Bay promises a multi-sensory Japanese dining experience not easily forgotten.

Curated and crafted by esteemed Chef Kenji, diners get to savour a delightful mix of seasonal seafood and fish along with other premium ingredients all moulded into gorgeous masterpieces by the chef himself that will target your taste buds in ways that you’ve never experienced before. Promising wave after wave of sensorial bliss, every ingredient is handpicked and air-flown up to 4 times a week from Japan.

Housing a sophisticated repertoire of signature, elegantly crafted items—both classic and contemporary—get ready to be teased by the likes of their Japanese Premium Wagyu A5 Beef Steak along with a bevvy of new creations, diners will be spoiled for choice.

If you’re ever looking to indulge, go to where every single cent will count—go to Sushi Jiro Keppel Bay. From now until 31 Jan 2019, there’s an opening promotion of 15% discount when you dine at Sushi Jiro’s new outlet at Keppel Bay.

Behind every great sushi experience is a master sushi chef with countless years of experience honing his skill. Armed with a passion that transcends all boundaries, Chef Kenji Nakagawa of Sushi Jiro never fails to astound and leave us awestruck every time we visit.

A master in the art of Edomae Sushi, Chef Kenji believes that simplicity is the key to crafting great sushi and that the freshness of every ingredient should be enough to speak for themselves. As such, his treatment of many of his dishes are minimal and relies heavily on his expansive knowledge of Japanese produce.

JIRO SPECIAL SET

When it comes to indulging in champion-quality Japanese food, you either go all the way or go home, and there truly is no better way than to opt for the brand-new Jiro Special Set (S$68++).

A massive culmination of dishes highlighting some of Japan’s greatest produce, the set comprises sashimi, uzaku (vinegared unagi & cucumbers), tempura, ika uni ikura, salad, onsen egg, a half portion of udon, chawanmushi, rice and ice cream. Every course is executed with utmost precision and care, ensuring the flavours are well-balanced, allowing diners to savour every plate without overwhelming the palate.

Lightly battered and deep-fried, the assortment of tempura retained a lightness to it them along with the dish’s signature crunch factor. Neither greasy nor lacking in seasoning, the tempura was prepared very well and the ingredients used were at their optimum freshness.

A shot of pure decadence that comprises ikura and uni carefully placed atop a mound of squid sashimi, this side dish is best enjoyed with slivers of pickled ginger in between. Every mouthful is a culmination of briny, savoury flavours that will literally have you swooning.

A SUSHI LOVER’S PARADISE

Freshly grated wasabi is the standard at luxe omakase joints and besides giving you the real deal, it actually tastes fundamentally better. Here, every piece of nigiri sushi comes dotted with fresh wasabi and licked with an appropriate amount of soy sauce which accents and influences the sushi the way that it’s meant to.

The Assorted Sushi Premium (S$108++) presents a lineup of 10 different nigiri sushi offerings with each one boasting unbeatable freshness as well as its own unique characteristic.

Piling over a generous slice of fresh fish atop carefully pressed mounds of seasoned sushi rice, along with the appropriate seasoning added, Chef Kenji carefully ensures that every piece of sushi is well balanced.

The otoro (fatty tuna) boasts a buttery, almost creamy texture and is one that we always save for last.

ASSORTED SASHIMI

Offering a wide assortment of sashimi ranging from 5 kinds (S$65++), 8 kinds (S$110++) and 10 kinds (S$140++), knock yourselves out with some of the finest quality seafood you’ll ever find.

Using only the best fish that the season has to offer, treated with so much care and precision and displayed in a manner so elegant that it is almost too stunning to tuck into, the various sashimi platters here are truly worth the splurge.

THE ROLLS ROYCE OF BEEF

One particularly noteworthy item includes the moreish Japanese Premium Wagyu A5 Beef Steak (S$64++) that comes from Japan’s Miyazaki prefecture.

Of the four unique Wagyu breeds raised in Japan, Miyazaki Wagyu is easily crowned king. This particular breed is best known for its cherry-red colour, impeccable quality and snowflake-white marbling that is evenly distributed.

Here at Sushi Jiro, they treat it simply with minimal seasoning, using only salt and the garlic to flavour the beef. The steak is served pre-sliced across the grain, revealing its stellar marbling before being topped with shards of fried garlic and garlic oil.

Sushi Jiro Keppel Bay
No.2 Keppel Bay Vista #02-01,
Marina at Keppel Bay,
Singapore 098382
Tel: +65 6252 4333
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

This post was brought to you by Sushi Jiro.

Whenever we’re craving something a little more special, all it takes is a couple of taps on our mobile devices to get us there.

Come CapitaStar—CapitaLand Malls’ Loyalty Programme—you can now earn more, save more and dine more, more conveniently than ever.

CapitaStar rewards you for your daily shopping on top of any existing rewards and credit card programmes. Enjoy discounts on discounts as your rewards stack up to make your dining experience absolutely worth it. Exchange for attractive e-Deals on the CapitaStar App easily in one-tap with your STAR$®, which are easily earned just by snapping a picture of your CapitaLand mall receipts! This means the more you dine, the more you save, and we can’t see any downside to that really.

To make things even sweeter, when you sign up as a CapitaStar member through the app, enter our code <LICSC> to kick-start your journey with bonus 1,000 STAR$®. If you’re spoilt for choices (which we know you are), here are 8 of our top recommendations to start your journey with.

WIN S$10,000 WITH CAPITASTAR

That’s not all! Considering we’re entering the final quarter of the year, it’s also the season for giving. CapitaStar is offering everyone a once-in-a-lifetime chance to win S$10,000, in their CapitaStar #SuperStarShopper Challenge taking place on 10th November, Saturday at Bugis+, where participants will battle it out in a game of strategy and wits.

In order to stand a chance to take part in this challenge, all you have to do is follow the instructions on this FaceBook post on CapitaLand’s page. 20 finalists will be selected and given S$1,000 to go on a shopping spree!  

It sounds too good to be true, so seize this opportunity while you can! This is one loyalty programme you really have to sign up for immediately.

CHUAN.GRILL NOODLE & BAR

An outdoor eatery specialising in delectable Sichuan cuisine, Chuan. Grill Noodle & Bar caters to meat-lovers with their Northern-style grilled meat and vegetable skewers, but we felt the real star of the shop was definitely their la mian.

With over 10 different varieties of noodles to choose from, all of which are customisable to your own liking, you’d be hard pressed to find something that doesn’t match your tastes. While the signature dish is their Signature Beef Combination Noodle (S$16.50) that comes with ribeye, tendon and shank, the underdog is definitely the owner’s favourite Pork Rib Noodle (S$12.50) with just how delicious the broth alone was.

Deal available on CapitaStar App: 30% Off Ala-Carte Noodle Dish at 500 STAR$®!

3A River Valley Road
#01-01
Singapore 179020
Daily: 11.30am – 4am
Nearest Station: Fort Canning

CRYSTAL JADE

Crystal Jade is a household name and one that familiies can always turn to for a good meal. With a menu stuffed with crowd pleasures such as dim sum bites, congee and roast meats, there’s always something for everyone in the family.

Of course, you can’t go without the classic Har Gau Siew Mai, but do give their Salted Egg Shrimp with Cheong Fun a try too! With layers of rice roll delicately wrapped around salted egg roe and shrimp, you’d feel like a king feasting on this. As for the kids, they’d love the Assorted Lotus Paste buns made to look like adorable animals.

Deal available on CapitaStar App: S$5 off at 2,000 STAR$®!

200 Victoria Street
Bugis Junction #B1-04a
Singapore 188021
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

HAIDILAO

Yes! Even the king of hotpot Haidilao is also available under CapitaStar’s App! Time for a hotpot party!

While we’d recommend their Black Angus Beef, Mutton Slices and Fresh Seafood, we all know their hand-pulled noodles is one of the biggest stars of the show there. Witexemplaryry services and equally if not even better food, what’s not to love?

Deal available on CapitaStar App: S$6 off with min $20 spend at 500 STAR$®!

Plaza Singapura
68 Orchard Road #04-01/20
Singapore 238839
Daily: 10.30am – 6am
Nearest Station: Dhouby Gaut

ISURAMUYA JAPANESE RESTAURANT & MARKETPLACE

Isuramuya Japanese Restaurant & Marketplace is Singapore’s first Halal Certified restaurant that uses only the freshest and the best ingredients imported from Japan. It provides a completely new experience to Japanese Cuisine from the usual fare, allowing you to savour the true taste of Japan.

They also have an on-site marketplace for you to shop for ingredients too. Just a few minutes away from the station, Isuramuya is the perfect weekend spot to chill at with friends and family to share and enjoy the best of the best in a comfortable setting.

Deal available on CapitaStar App: 1-for-1 mains for 1,000 STAR$®!

2 Jurong East Central 1
#04-19 JCube Jurong
Singapore 609731
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Jurong East

KUSHIKATSU TANAKA

If you’re looking for something a little different from the usual ramen or sushi grub, look no further as Kushikatsu Tanaka offers the finest and most authentic kushikatsu experience in Singapore. For the uninitiated, kushikatsu refers to the Japanese style of deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables.

They offer assorted skewer sets for those indecisive about which ones to choose. Their Recommended 5 (S$8.20) comes with Asparagus, Lotus Root, Beef, Pork and Onion that are nothing short of delicious, with the natural flavour retained within a thin crisp breading layer. If you’d prefer something a bit more hands-on, the DIY Potato Salad Mentaiko (S$10) is sure to please.

What’s better? CapitaStar is now offering to top up your dining experience with 1-for-1 Beer!

Deal available on CapitaStar App: 1-for-1 Suntory Premium Malt’s Beer with order of 5 Kinds Assorted Skewers Platter for 500 STAR$®!

3A River Valley Road
Merchant Court Clarke Quay Block A #01-01B
Singapore 179020
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5pm – 12am
Sat: 12pm – 1am
Sun: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Fort Canning

MARUGAME UDON

Marugame Udon & Tempura is a Japanese restaurant that offers freshly made Sanuki-style Udon at affordable prices. Operating in a self-service manner, you get to choose your preferred tempura to go along with your udon, before slathering as many toppings at the seasoning bar to your hearts’ content.

Mentaiko lovers watch out because they’re seriously heavy handed on the mentaiko. A bowl full of perfectly chewy udon covered in pollack roe makes for an extremely sinful meal that you know you’d be back for over and over again.

Deal available on CapitaStar App: 1-for-1 Udon and Don for 1000 STAR$®!

252 North Bridge Rd
Raffles City Shopping Centre B1-14/15
Singapore 179103
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

RODIZIO DO BRAZIL CHURRASCARIA & BAR

Something further from the norm, Rodizio Do Brazil is an authentic Brazilian steakhouse and bar, where on top of their Asian and Western buffet spread, their chefs come over with giant skewers of meat to carve it right in front of you, on your table.

The meat ranges from lamb to beef and even more varieties and less-commonly eaten cuts such as Chicken Hearts and Beef Hump—in which their pride lies in that their beef and lamb are grass-fed instead of grain-fed, resulting in a lower fat to meat ratio without sacrificing any of the flavours. Not to worry about the meat-fiesta being too overwhelming, their grilled pineapples are the perfect accompaniment to it.

We can’t get enough of the cuts and buffet is definitely the go-to option in this case!

Deal available on CapitaStar App: 20% Off Dinner Buffet for 500 STAR$®! 

3E River Valley Road
#01-07
Singapore 179024
Sun to Thurs: 6pm – 11pm
Fri to Sat: 6pm – 3am
Nearest Station: Fort Canning

SPICE WORLD HOTPOT

Take what you know and love about the regular hot pot and bring them a few levels up—that’s what Spice World Hotpot is, serving up authentic Sichuan flavour. Both the interior and the dishes themselves are incredibly ornate, almost overwhelmingly so, but whether for a dinner occasion or to settle some post-clubbing cravings, we could always use that touch of extra.

Widely known for their adorable Teddy Bear Spicy Butter (S$9.90) soup base, you get to begin your meal by watching the cute little mascot disintegrate into its own juices. What people normally come in for, too, is their Premium Barbie Wagyu Beef (S$38.90) — a Barbie doll wrapped in thin slices of beef akin to Lady Gaga’s meat dress. Our favourite definitely has to be their One Meter Mutton Slices (S$28.90), its heady game meat flavour complementing the umami of the broth. While it seems rather gimmicky at first, the quality of the ingredients and dishes served makes the presentation just the cherry on top.

Deal available on CapitaStar App: $20 Off With Min. $100 Spend for 500 STAR$®!

Clarke Quay #01-06/07 3B
River Valley Road
Singapore 179021
Sun to Thurs: 10.30am – 4am
Fri to Sat: 10.30am – 6am
Nearest Station: Fort Canning

All these restaurants are available on the CapitaStar App waiting for you to dine and save with. If you’re not already a member, sign up now with our code <LICSC> and stand a chance to enter the CapitaStar #SuperStarShopper Challenge to win S$10,000 here!

So what are you waiting for? Sign up today to dine more, save more, earn more!

This post is brought to you by CapitaStar.

Among the many intricate and beautiful aspects of Japanese cuisine, one of the most unique is the Omakase. Omakase in Japanese fine dining is the act of leaving one’s culinary experience entirely up to the chef, transcending beyond what’s written on the menu. It is in fact, a huge compliment to the chef and is a sign that the diner has total trust in the chef’s expertise, culinary skill and recommendations. It’s a huge deal as far as Japanese food is concerned and the one place that we have total confidence in when it comes to a  luxurious, top-notch dining experience, Fat Cow’s Chef’s Table Omakase undeniably takes the cake.

A place where terrific food, culinary finesse and Japanese hospitality all come together, Fat Cow is one of those restaurants that bears timeless appeal. From their snazzy interiors, laid-back jazzy tunes to their extensive array of top-of-the-line wagyu and seafood-forward dishes, Fat Cow truly gives you a sense of exclusiveness and is quite realistically, the closest one gets to experiencing royalty.

Fat Cow’s dinner Omakase (S$250++ per pax) has always been known to be on the pricier side but for what it’s worth, diners are treated to nothing short of a pure, sensorial and blissful experience. With their newly curated lunch Omakase menu at S$80++ featuring 7 courses, lunchtime will no doubt be the best time to visit the restaurant to enjoy deluxe but wallet-friendly Omakase indulgences.

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.

Now, who’s up for Fat Cow’s lunch and dinner Chef’s Table Omakase? We know we are.

The man behind the restaurant’s highly celebrated Chef’s Table Omakase, Head Chef Shigeru Kasajima—a seasoned Japanese chef with many decades of French culinary skills under his belt—ensures that all dishes prepared are nothing short of perfection. He serves only the best seasonal seafood and produce—treating them delicately so as to present diners with only the purest, most pristine flavours and textures—and prides himself with serving premium ingredients of the highest grade.

Whether it is a moulded nigiri sushi or a simple soup, you can rest assured that Chef Kasajima cuts no corners—he ensures that every item is perfect before serving from seasoning to garnish.

Decked out in an intimate space of tranquil elegance and a sleek counter that sits just eight, guests are able to witness Chef Kasajima’s culinary prowess that embodies the spirit of both Japanese precision and French flair. Intimate from beginning to end, be prepared to be pampered like royalty as you entrust your evening to the chef himself. Dining at Fat Cow promises heightened dining experience unlike any other—one filled with a myriad of delicate tastes and unforgettable moments of sensorial bliss.

AMUSE BOUCHE

Both the lunch and dinner Omakase kicks off with the Amuse Bouche, which is essentially a wagyu beef carpaccio served with a marinated egg yolk and shiitake mushrooms.

Straightforward and visually stunning, we were blown away by how each individual component stood out without outshining one another, flavour-wise. The marinated egg was creamy and decadent while the shiitake was surprisingly sweet with a hint of umami. The seared wagyu, on the other hand, provided a nice buttery texture which completed the dish.

SEA BREAM SOUP

With the introduction of rich flavours at only the first course, it made complete sense to have the Sea Bream Soup with Lime Sudachi as our second. A hearty palate cleanser with notes of citrus, the light yet flavourful fish soup was hot, savoury and just what we needed to prep ourselves for the heavier courses ahead.

TOMATO UNI

Served in a martini glass, the Tomato with Sea Urchin and Tosazu Jelly—available only in the dinner Omakase menu—comprises a chilled Japanese tomato, sweet and savoury jelly (Tosazu Jelly), sea urchin (uni) served in a light, refreshing sauce.

A delightful appetiser, every mouthful was a combination of rich flavours that were nicely underscored by savoury and umami notes.

WAGYU TARTARE W BLACK TRUFFLE & QUAIL EGG YOLK (LUNCH & DINNER)

Another appetiser to look forward to is the Wagyu Tartare with Black Truffle and Quail Egg Yolk in Yuzu Ponzu. A true spectacle to behold, everything about this dish from the way Chef Kasajima prepares it to its final assembly is a display of Japanese precision and discipline at its best.

The dish first begins with a carefully formed layer of wagyu beef mince followed by shiitake mushrooms that he carefully places on top. Finally, black truffle is shaven over the top and a yuzu ponzu sauce is drizzled over.

Chef Kasajima’s advice is to first take a bite of the dish as it is to appreciate the raw flavours of each component and subsequently to drizzle in the quail egg yolk and mix everything together.

YUZU MISO FLOUNDER (LUNCH & DINNER)

Sliced thin and seasoned with a few drops of their house-made yuzu miso, the first thing you taste is the salty kick from the miso followed by the citrus notes from the yuzu. The raw flounder was relatively neutral tasting, which perfectly brought out the dominant flavours in the dressing.

5-PIECE NIGIRI (LUNCH)

The Chef’s Table Omakase lunch comes with five pieces of nigiri sushi. The sushi selection encompasses a smorgasbord of fresh ingredients that were carefully executed so as to not overshadow one other.

For lunch, guests can tuck into the likes of Alfonsino, Bluefin Tuna, Striped Jack, Signature Surf and Turf and Conger Eel. Some are dipped in shoyu, torched or simply served as it is to allow the original flavours of the fish to shine through with every bite.

The sushi is also served with a side of Pickled Chrysanthemum (Japan’s national flower and a snack that was enjoyed by royalty), instead of the traditional ginger, setting a more modern take on the Omakase experience.

Do note, however, that the ingredients used may vary depending on seasonality.

8-PIECE NIGIRI (DINNER)

For dinner, indulgence truly knows no bounds with the addition of three sensational nigiri sushi items on top of the ones mentioned above. They are the sea urchin (uni), marinated foie gras and baby leeks with bonito flakes.

The uni (sea urchin) sushi was phenomenal and a true luxury for the palate—from the brininess that hits you when it first touches your tongue to the subtly sweet taste that lingers.

WAGYU SUMIBIYAKI

Dining at Fat Cow would not be complete without savouring some of their prime wagyu beef and the Wagyu Sumibiyaki is a dish specially designed for the Omakase dinner to showcase just how exemplary the quality of their beef is.

With a meat so fine in quality and marbling, only the simplest treatment is needed. Lightly seared to achieve a caramelised exterior but just enough so that it still retains its buttery interior, the wagyu is delicate, soft yet extremely flavourful.

The quality of the beef is simply divine and as if having it on its own wasn’t good enough, served on the side is Chef Kasajima’s house-made koji miso that further accentuates the tender beef, giving it a nice salty kick.

If you find yourself drooling in envy now and hankering for a taste of all these decadent goodness, just know that there is still much more to expect from Fat Cow’s respective Omakase menus—we’ve barely scratched the surface.

Fat Cow’s Chef’s Table Omakase Dinner (S$250++ per pax) comes with amuse bouche, soup, five appetisers, three seasonal sashimi, six pieces of nigiri sushi, wagyu sumibiyaki, akadashi miso soup, Japanese rolled omelette and Japanese fruits.

If you are new to Omakase, you can choose to try the Chef’s Table Omakase Lunch (S$80++ per pax) first which consists of amuse bouche, soup, two starters, appetisers, five pieces of nigiri sushi, akadashi miso soup, Japanese rolled omelette and ice cream.

Do note that the aforementioned courses may not be available during selected days/ seasons and the chef will replace them with seasonal specials that are of similar value.

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.

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

This post was brought to you by Fat Cow.

Photo credit: Japan Foods Holding

Konjiki Hototogisu—famous ramen shop from Tokyo—is opening in Singapore at Chijmes on 20 June 2018. Founded by Head Chef Atsushi Yamamoto in 1996, Konjiki Hototogisu started with humble origins in Shibuya, Tokyo.

Konjiki Hototogisu’s signature clam-flavoured broth ramen has won numerous awards and it has been listed on Tokyo’s Michelin Bib Gourmand list 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

This famous ramen shop from Tokyo will be having its soft opening on 20 June from 6pm to 8pm. The official opening is on 21 June.

Konjiki Hototogisu Singapore
#01-17 Chijmes
30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

It is hard to pass up on Japanese food—let alone Japanese buffets where you are free to indulge in endless fresh sashimi, maki and other Japanese delicacies. While we can never get enough of Japanese buffets, it is sometimes hard to decide which Japanese restaurant  we should patronise in Singapore (not that we are complaining).

On days when you want to treat yourself to value-for-money Japanese cuisine that will not break the bank, Shin Minori is an affordable option you should consider. Best known for its a la carte buffet offering, the restaurant caters to all sorts of cravings for Japanese food—offering anything from sushi to sashimi, tempura and even heavier alternatives such as soba and udon.

Drop by either one of their outlets at UE Square or Katong Square for lunch or dinner and you will be greeted by the likes of pretty hand rolls, gorgeous slices of sashimi, maki rolls, tempura and more.

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No meal at a Japanese dining establishment is complete unless you have tried their sashimi. Diners can either go for the Sashimi Moriwase, whereby you get a platter of assorted seafood or individual raw fish options including Maguro (Tuna) Sashimi, Hamachi (Yellow Tail) Sashimi and Ika (Cuttlefish) Sashimi.

For the buffet’s price point, we were impressed by the freshness of the sashimi, which came in the ideal thickness that was kept consistent for all the sashimi slices.

For the sushi lovers, there are more than 20 different choices that will please your taste buds.

From chef recommendations such as Karashi Maguro Sushi (Spicy Tuna with Avocado & Tobikko) and Aburi shake Sushi (Seared Salmon) to crowd favourites that include Ebiko Sushi (Prawn Roe) and Crunchy Kani Sushi (Crabmeat with Tempura bits), there is something on the menu no matter what your preferences are!

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Moving on to the Yakimono section, this is where you will find all the scrumptious grilled dishes that taste as appetising as they look. We highly recommend the Saba Shioyaki (Grilled Mackerel with Salt) and Tori Teriyaki (Grilled Chicken with Sweet Soy Sauce) which was aromatic and covered with charred bits, just the way we enjoy grilled meat.

Shin Minori A La Carte Buffet Pricing
Lunch – Sun & PH
Dinner – Mon to Sun, Eve of PH & PH
Adult (S$41.90++), Child (S$31.90++)

Shin Minori
88 East Coast Road
#02-08 Katong Square
Singapore 423371
Tel: +65 6386 7337
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar

Whenever we talk about Japanese food whether it’s your humble conveyor belt sushi or a full-on gastronomic omakase experience, the same question never fails to pop up—is it worth the splurge?

Well, while a 500-dollar omakase meal may not qualify for a typical weekday dinner, there are in fact, plenty of Japanese restaurants of varying price points that allow even the most thrifty of individuals to have a pretty solid Japanese meal whenever they are craving for Japanese cuisine—even if they are on a budget constraint.

From top-of-the-line Japanese dining establishments to humble hole-in-the-walls, here is our list of Japanese restaurants in Singapore for every budget.

AFFORDABLE JAPANESE RESTAURANTS IN SINGAPORE

DISTRICT SUSHI

District Sushi is a cosy little shop located inside Sunshine Plaza that serves up delicious Japanese fare at wallet-friendly prices.

Their stellar Bara Chirashi Don, which is priced at an unbelievable S$13 per bowl (no 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)
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2pm, 6pm – 8.30pm
Nearest Station: Bencoolen

FISH MART SAKURAYA

Fish Mart SAKURAYA is a Japanese supermarket-cum-eatery that has three branches in Singapore. You can find all kinds of Japanese food-related items in their mart ranging from fresh sashimi to Japanese snacks and frozen ingredients to buy home—think Don Don Donki without the jungle.

Once you’re done shopping, proceed to SAKURAYA Dining at the back of the supermarket to enjoy Japanese mains and side dishes. If you are there for the sashimi, choose your preferred fish over at the display chiller before heading to your table.

370 Alexandra Road
#01-32 Anchorpoint
Singapore 159953
Tel: +65 6474 2495
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Queenstown

IZAKAYA NIJUMARU

Izakaya Nijumaru is one hidden gem (literally) tucked at a corner on the second level of Cuppage Plaza.

The nondescript outlet has been around for three decades. We actually only discovered it about seven years ago but it has since remained as a favourite of ours whenever we want a simple, affordable Japanese meal in Orchard Road.

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

KOH GRILL & SUSHI BAR

Nestled in the centre of a bustling food court in Wisma Atria, yet serving up restaurant-quality maki rolls, yakitori and sushi is Koh Grill & Sushi Bar. The Japanese restaurant is extremely popular so reservations are recommended.

Must-try’s include their stellar Shiok Maki as well as their various grilled skewer offerings that just ooze smoky deliciousness—if you’re ballsy, go for the chicken heart.

435 Orchard Road #04-21
Wisma Atria Singapore
Tel: +65 9180 3805
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

OMOTE

Omote—formerly known as Sushiro—is a haven for anyone who’s a sucker for raw fish and lots of it. Snaking queues form from as early as before the eatery opens, all just to get their hands on their famous Bara Chirashi Don.

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

301 Upper Thomson Road
#01-22/30 Thomson Plaza
Singapore 574408
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Mon to Sun: 11.45am – 2.15pm, 5.45pm – 9.15pm
Nearest Station: Marymount

SUMO BAR HAPPY

If you are looking for a casual ramen restaurant which does not compromise on service or quality of food, Sumo Bar Happy is the place to check out. This casual dining concept is brought to you by the team behind Standing Sushi Bar, Tanuki Raw, Shinkansen and The Secret Mermaid.

What makes the ramen bowls there better than average is its collagen-rich tonkotsu ramen broth which can only be achieved through 48 hours of simmer. Every bowl of ramen comes with bean sprouts, toasted seaweed, black fungus and free-flow soft-boiled eggs.

261 Waterloo Street
01-24 Waterloo Centre
Singapore 180261
(Closed on Mondays)
Tue & Wed: 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Thu & Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Sat: 12pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bras Basah

THE SUSHI BAR

Hankering for a quality Japanese meal without the over-exorbitant price tag? Then The Sushi Bar is just the place you need to visit—preferably in a group of 3 or more so you can order more dishes for sharing.

This hole-in-a-wall delights with an impressive array of Japanese food such as sushi, sashimi, Japanese-style pasta and donburi but if you only have room for one dish, you must try the much-lauded Salmon Aburi Sushi.

14 Scotts Road
#04-28 Far East Plaza
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 3.30pm, 5pm – 9.45pm
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 9.45pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

TSUKIJI FISH MARKET

Located on the rooftop garden of Orchard Central is Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant! It houses 5 different restaurant concepts in one, serving up flavourful Japanese fare in generous portions at fairly affordable prices.

Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant takes pride in providing diners with a variety of fresh seasonal fish and you’d be happy to know that most of their seafood products are all air-flown from Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji Fish Market twice a week.

181 Orchard Road, #12-02
Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6634 2803
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

MID-RANGE JAPANESE RESTAURANTS IN SINGAPORE

EN SAKABA

En Sakaba at Capital Tower enthrals with their stellar shabu shabu offerings, visually stunning à la carte items as well as a selection of curated Japanese whiskies and sake for your after-work tippling pleasure.

At the heart of their food offerings, their highly prized A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Beef is something that warrants a visit. From top-notch farms in Japan to the waiting mouths of hungry patrons, this elite offering is one that promises sheer, melt-in-your-mouth decadence in every bite—whether in the form of shabu shabu or even as a nigiri sushi.

168 Robinson Road #01-10
Capital Tower
Singapore 068912
Tel: +65 6423 0110
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: Tatsu

TATSU

Boasting a 28-seater restaurant with sushi bar and a teppanyaki counter, Tatsu is the ideal venue if you are after a gastronomical Japanese experience.

To get more bang for one’s buck, order the Teppanyaki Course instead where you get to indulge in a plethora of Japanese delights such as codfish, wagyu steak, king prawn, scallop and lobster.

#01-08 CHIJMES, 30 Victoria Street
Singapore 187996
Tel: +65 6332 5868
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

UNI GALLERY

Nestled in the basement of The Plaza (which is just behind PARKROYAL on Beach Road) is this sea urchin-oriented dining concept that specialises in a wide array of uni-centric dishes. Uni Gallery is where your senses take flight with premium uni that originates from Japan and countries such as L.A’s Santa Barbara and British Columbia in Canada.

Standouts include their Uni Sampler Set that allows you to savour the sheer majesty that is uni of different varieties, as well as the Uni Oyster Shot that sees both ikura and uni atop a massive oyster.

7500A Beach Road
#B1-310 The Plaza
Singapore 199591
Tel: +65 9838 8209
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Nicoll Highway

JAPANESE FINE DINING RESTAURANTS IN SINGAPORE

FAT COW

A place where terrific food, culinary finesse and Japanese hospitality all come together, Fat Cow is one of those restaurants that bears timeless appeal.

Helmed by Chef Shigeru Kasajima—a seasoned Japanese chef with many decades of French culinary skills under his belt—every course in his Chef’s Table Omakase menu takes you on a gastronomic trip from the first course right to the very last.

Camden Medical Centre #01-01/02,
1 Orchard Boulevard,
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: Keyaki

KEYAKI

Located on the 4th floor of Pan Pacific Singapore, Keyaki is an elegant Japanese restaurant that is perfect if you’re looking to impress a date. Masters at their craft, the chefs here at Keyaki serve up a culinary experience that is as fresh and vibrant as the quality seasonal ingredients that they use.

Here, diners can look forward to a myriad of freshly-sourced sashimi, teppanyaki and lots more, making this restaurant great for any occasion.

7 Raffles Boulevard,
Level 4 Pan Pacific Hotel,
Singapore 039595
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade

MIKUNI

Captivating in both its stylish, somewhat seductive interiors and top-notch food, Mikuni is one place that takes the values of presentation, produce and culinary technique seriously. The restaurant features 3 live stations—Sushi, Robatayaki, and Teppanyaki—and depending on what you’re craving, will promise you a truly memorable dining experience nonetheless.

Exercising Japanese precision and modern technique into preparing only the highest quality of produce, what you can expect is nothing short of sheer perfection.

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2 Stamford Road,
Swissotel The Stamford,
Singapore 178882
Tel: +65 6431 6156
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

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.

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

SUSHI JIRO

As far as Japanese fine dining goes, Sushi Jiro still remains one of our top few picks for the very simple reason that top quality ingredients remain at the heart of their food.

Their lunch donburi options are stellar and come packed with premium ingredients such as wagyu beef, fatty tuna and more but what you must definitely go for is their omakase. Armed with culinary skills gleaned from his 2-decades-long experience preparing sushi and cooking Japanese food, Chef Kenji astounds with his repertoire of dishes that make use of only the finest produce.

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

TATSUYA

A stalwart of the local dining scene, Tatsuya is where in-the-know locals go for top quality Japanese food. The set lunches are extremely value-for-money, and it explains their evergreen popularity.

Their menu changes every fortnight and comprises fresh seasonal produce directly imported from Japan. Go for the Bara Chirashi and you will not be disappointed.

22 Scotts Road,
Goodwood Park Hotel,
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 6737 7411
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6.30pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

For more recommendations, read our guide on the 10 best Omakase restaurants in Singapore.

What’s not to love about Japanese tonkatsu? It may not be the healthiest food option around but it sure hits the spot every time. We simply adore tonkatsu whether it’s stuffed with melty cheese, drenched in Japanese curry or simply on its own.

For the uninitiated, Tonkatsu is a Japanese dish which consists of meat that is breaded, deep-fried to golden perfection and usually served with rice and shredded cabbage. The most common tonkatsu is pork tonkatsu, with the fillet and the loin being popular cuts to choose from.

For the love of all things breaded and fried, that boasts a crunch and succulence like no other, here is our list of 10 best tonkatsu restaurants in Singapore.

HAJIME TONKATSU & RAMEN 

Opened by Chef Tan-San, a seasoned tonkatsu specialist with over two decades of experience and the very same man that helmed the highly acclaimed Tampopo, Hajime Tonkatsu & Ramen over at myVillage in Serangoon Gardens is where you can find authentic Japanese cuisine at really affordable prices.

Their ramen is decent by most standards, but the real star of the show is their tonkatsu that comes in a variety of options—be it pork, fish, ebi (prawn) and more!

1 Maju Avenue, #02-07/8/9
myVillage @ Serangoon Garden,
Singapore 556679
Tel: +65 6509 9952
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11.30am – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon

KATSUYA

Nestled in the food-driven enclave of East Coast Road, Katsuya is a small and cosy restaurant where you can find topnotch tonkatsu offerings.

Here, diners can choose between pork loin (rosu) or pork fillet (hire) or seafood such as shrimp, oysters (kaki) or fish. Rosu is a fattier cut of pork that is considerably more flavourful and texturally divine. Every order is made fresh so be prepared to wait but make no mistake that the wait will definitely be worth it.

85 East Coast Road,
Singapore 428787
Tel: +65 6344 8183
(Closed on Mondays)
Tue to Fri: 6pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Eunos

KATSUDON HANAKATSU

Katsudon Hanakatsu at Suntec City is opened by the same team behind the popular Tendon Kohaku. They specialise in Katsu Don and you can choose between the spicy and non-spicy alternatives.

The original HA-NA Katsudon features a generous portion of two types of meat—pork and chicken. Diners get well-marinated meat with a subtle taste of shoyu on top of warm Japanese rice. Those who prefer your dish with a spicy kick can opt for the HA-NA Katsudon Spicy Flavour instead that sees a generous sprinkling of chilli flakes.

#03-10 Suntec City
3 Temasek Boulevard
Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 6333 4386
Daily: 11.30am – 3.30pm, 5pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Promenade / Esplanade

MONSTER CURRY 

Popular for its affordable, colossal-sized plates of katsu, rice and Japanese curry, Monster Curry is a hot favourite among the younger crowd.

Choose from a selection of combos that come with either chicken katsu, pork katsu, pork shabu-shabu, shrimp tempura or all of them together.

Let’s be clear: Monster Curry’s tonkatsu is nothing special. But it is something that we enjoy when we want a simple and fuss-free meal.

2 Orchard Turn
#B4-52 ION Orchard
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6509 4555
Daily: 11am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

SABOTEN

Where quality tonkatsu is concerned—the popular tonkatsu chain uses only selected grain and barley fed pigs—Saboten serves as a prime example that delicious tonkatsu need not necessarily come at a high price.

Be spoilt for choice with their menu that features all sorts of breaded goodies from their signature Breaded Pork Loin Katsu Gozen to their Curry Katsu Gozen.

80 Airport Boulevard, #031-004
Changi Airport Terminal 1,
Singapore 918146
Tel: +65 6214 9504
Daily: 10.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Changi Airport

TAMPOPO 

One of the first few tonkatsu joints to introduce Kurobuta (black pig) in their tonkatsu, Tampopo sets the standard for not only tonkatsu but Japanese fare as a whole.

Here is where diners can tuck into their signature Black Pig Tonkatsu and it ranges from Top Grade BP Tonkatsu (a la carte – S$27.90, set – S$31.80) to BP Loin Tonkatsu Set (a la carte – S$22.80, set – S$26.90) and Less Fat BP Loin Cutlet (a la carte – S$22.80, set – S$26.80).

391 Orchard Road, #B2-33,
Ngee Ann City
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 6235 2318
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

GINZA ANZU 

Ginza Anzu—a farm-to-table concept eatery from Kyushu—is famous for their authentic Tonkatsu. Be prepared to stuff yourselves silly with their incredible range of tonkatsu offerings.

You have to try their Thick Pork Loin Katsu that features strips of tender, succulent pork that boast an unbelievable crunch.

1 Kim Seng Promenade, #01-113/114
Singapore 237994
Tel: +65 6977 9815

TONKATSU BY MA MAISON

As far as real-deal Japanese tonkatsu is concerned, Tonkatsu by Ma Maison over at Mandarin Gallery is hands down, one of the best tonkatsu restaurants in Singapore.

Besides the usual crispy-breaded-pork-with-rice combination, they also have a vast repertoire of innovative tonkatsu dishes such as their Mille Feuille Truffle Katsu (S$26++) that sees a massive cult following.

333A Orchard Road, #02-35 & #02-36
Mandarin Gallery,
Singapore 238897
Tel: +65 6733 4541
Mon to Fri: 11am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

#10 TONKICHI

Tonkichi is one of the more well-known tonkatsu restaurants in Singapore and it has garnered many supporters over the years.

We’ve been dining at Tonkichi over the years and we felt that the standards have dropped quite a bit. The basic tonkatsu sets are just run-of-the-mill and nothing to shout about. The Premium Rosu Katsu (S$32), on the other hand, was quite something else. We had the MIyazaki Rosu Katsu which was juicy and tender, with the right proportion of fats.

In our opinion, there are much better tonkatsu restaurants in Singapore unless you are willing to splurge on the premium cuts. Nonetheless, we have included Tonkichi in our guide to tonkatsu restaurants in Singapore because there are many people who still patronise Tonkichi and swear by their tonkatsu.

350 Orchard Road
4F Shaw House
Tel: +65 6835 4648
Mon to Thu: 11am – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm
Fri to Sun: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

While there are many things about Japanese cuisine that we love, few are able to satisfy our cravings for crispy, greasy delight as well as a hearty tonkatsu. Be it in the form of meat, poultry or seafood—anything coated in egg and panko breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection warrants our attention.

Anzu—a popular tonkatsu restaurant from Japan—at Wisma Atria’s Japan Food Town specialises in tonkatsu and it features a remarkable range of katsu offerings on their menu.

Tonkatsu joints may be in abundance in Singapore, but if you are someone who values great service on top of delicious food, then Anzu is a place you have to pay a visit to.

THICK PORK LOIN KATSU SET

Fat is flavour as far as meat is concerned and more importantly, it keeps the tonkatsu itself incredibly moist. We loved every bit of Thick Pork Loin Katsu (S$25++) from the crunch of the breaded exterior to the pork juices that come spilling out all over our tongue with each bite.

Every katsu set comes with free-flow portions of rice and salad, chawanmushi as well as your choice of either seaweed or clam soup.

PORK LOIN KATSU SET

Considerably easier to manage given that it is not as huge as its thicker counterpart, we enjoyed this version in the sense that we could really taste the porky goodness erupt the moment we bit into it.

Our only issue was that, due to the lack of delicious fat, this tonkatsu option (S$20++) was quite dry—to the extent that we had to rely heavily on the sauce and soup to balance it out.

We must say that we were impressed by how every component was executed properly from the pork katsu to even the accompanying side dishes right down to the house-pickled carrot and cucumber served on the side.

Anzu
435 Orchard Road
4F Wisma Atria
Singapore 238877
Tel: +65 6262 3408
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

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
#04-600 Marina Mandarin Singapore
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6445 3055
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade

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
Akatsuki – S$80++
Nagoyaka – S$250++

Camden Medical Centre #01-01/02,
1 Orchard Boulevard,
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: Hakumai Sushi

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
Standard Hakumai Omakase Course – S$168++
Exquisite Hakumai Omakase Course – S$218++

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

Photo Credit: Hashida Sushi

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 Lunch Omakase – From S$300++
Chef’s Dinner Omakase – S$300++ to S$500++

333A Orchard Road, #04-16 Mandarin Gallery,
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: Ki-Sho

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
Chef’s Omakase – 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: Shinzo Japanese Cuisine

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
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: 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$320++
Hana – S$480++

1 Fullerton Road, #02-02A One Fullerton,
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 (Dinner)
Kumo – S$180++
Murasaki – S$250++

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

Photo Credit: Ryo Sushi

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 Menu – S$18
18-Course Sea Urchin Menu – S$98

1 Tras Link, #01-06
Orchid Hotel
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
Lunch
Omakase Special – S$250++
Chef’s Omakase Special – S$300++

Dinner
Omakase Wa – S$300++
Chef’s Omakase 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