It is that time of the year again; with the festive season just around the corner, we are undoubtedly reminded of decadent holiday treats and majestic wintertime roasts. Although many associate the holidays with the typical Western spread, not every meal needs to be an elaborate and extravagant affair of turkey, ham, and a copious amount of cranberry sauce. This festive season, why not treat your family to a casual yet delightful Japanese repast at Ichiban Sushi?

More than just a convenient option, Ichiban Sushi is a welcoming space perfect for families to spend some quality time together over the holidays. Instead of needing to splurge on lavish meals to be able to enjoy Japanese cuisine, the brand prides itself in offering an accessible alternative without skimping on standards.

Offering four value-for-money set meals, expect to indulge in a sumptuous meal that will leave you hankering for more. Each set is accompanied by a myriad of dishes, such as a main, rice bowl, chawanmushi and sides. They will be available from 12 November 2019 till 9 February 2020!

To add on something special, Ichiban Sushi is partnering Citi to offer diners a S$10 return voucher on every festive set ordered and paid with a Citi Card.

SPICY SHIROMI SEAFOOD WAZEN

Surely making a bold statement at your table is Ichiban Sushi’s luxurious Spicy Shiromi Seafood Wazen (S$23.90). The set is served with a delicious hotpot of Spicy Shiromi Seafood, succulent Kimchi Prawns, Seared Salmon Sashimi and Poached Egg Mini Sushi Rice bowl, Tuna Mayo Salad, and delectable sides such as Chawanmushi, Miso Soup, and fruits.

The glorious Spicy Shiromi Seafood hotpot is definitely the highlight of the set. Chock full of huge cream dory fish pieces and a medley of vegetables and mushrooms, the dish is served in a spicy, thick broth that is both fiery yet tangy. The soup base was aromatic and fragrant from the strong garlic notes, while the different capsicums added a hint of sweetness.

In line with the set’s seafood theme, Ichiban Sushi has included a seared salmon sashimi don, topped with spicy cod roe mayo and a poached egg atop a fluffy bed of sushi rice.

The sashimi was lightly seared to give it an aromatic char and crisp that added to its savouriness. Garnished with chopped chillis and coated with spicy cod roe mayo, both elements lent the dish a mild, tangy spice, making the rice bowl all the more delectable.

Though seemingly unassuming, the thick prawns are full of sweet flavour, which is further enhanced by the sweetness of the kimchi dressing.

While distinctly different in taste profiles, the kimchi flavouring is not too far removed from the peppery base of the teriyaki sauce. More importantly, it supplements the succulent freshness of the prawns versus being the highlight of the dish.

KIMCHI BEEF STEAK WAZEN

Introducing their premium Kimchi Beef Steak Wazen (S$23.90) — this delectable set comes in yet another hotpot stew comprising a myriad of colourful vegetables and prime steak. Accompanying it is a platter of Breaded Crab Sticks, Bara Chirashi-Don as well as the usual sides.

There is a good reason as to why Ichiban Sushi is confident enough in labelling the kimchi sauce as a house-special here. Unlike the subtle sprinkling of spice on the prawns from the previous set, the gravy here holds within it a much more complex blend of flavours. To fully appreciate this dish, allow for the beef slices to marinate for a moment in the sauce until a light glaze forms for the best possible taste experience.

The kimchi presence here is but an enhancement to the beef; it brings forth the full-bodied tenderness of the protein against the tangy zest of the red pepper seasoning.

The same goes for the bara chirashi number – the coldness of the dish cuts through the fiery zest of the beef, giving diners a temporary reprieve from any flavour saturation from the main protein.

As yummy as diced sashimi are on their own, their flavours are muted when compared to the myriad of tastes present in the other dishes. To prevent the rice bowl from fading into the background, the inclusion of the onsen egg adds a richness to the dish, and binds the distinct fish cubes into a cohesive whole.

Tempuras are a staple to include in every traditional Japanese set meal! This time, expect a twist to your the shrimp tempuras, as you will be served breaded crab sticks instead. Well-battered with a flaky, crispy crust, the crab sticks break apart easily to reveal a soft, substantial filling of fish paste.

CHEESY CHICKEN ROLL WAZEN

Get the best of both worlds with their Cheesy Chicken Roll Wazen (S$22.90) — what more can you ask for with their finger-licking sides of seafood, beef and chicken dishes?

This set is surely our personal favourite; we got to taste one of their festive oceanic gems such as the Grilled Scallop with Spicy Sauce & Cheese, as well as feast on the toothsome Yakiniku Beef Steak Rice Bowl and Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Rolled Chicken!

Similar to a tori katsu, the chicken roll is nicely fried to golden-brown perfection, resulting in a crispy skin that is not overly greasy. It also had a nice skin to meat ratio – the thin layer of fat beneath the skin oozes juicy, savoury flavour, while the meat is tenderised and luscious.

All the chicken cuts also encase a gooey, cheesy middle and small bacon strips that simply melts in your mouth. Remember to coat the chicken with their recommended Tonkotsu Dipping Sauce.

The Yakiniku Steak Mini Rice Bowl features savoury yakiniku beef steak on Hitomebore premium rice.

Instead of drowning the beef in heavy sauces, the juices from the beef slices naturally accentuate the aroma of the rice base, making this simple dish a more subtle, but no less appetising end to an otherwise playful meal set.

The Grilled Scallop with Spicy Sauce & Cheese comes with a spicy dressing which is reminiscent of mentaiko sauce. The cheese is also lightly torched, adding a subtle, mouthwatering char.

HOT AND SOUR PORK NABE WAZEN

Truly boasting a grand aesthetic is the Hot and Sour Pork Nabe Wazen (S$22.90). This set is bound to leave you gobsmacked with its huge portions, fully-cooked sides and hearty rice bowl. Stealing the spotlight is none other than their Hot and Sour Pork Hotpot!

It comes with a multitude of ingredients including pork slices, mushrooms, tofu and corns. Topped with chilli slices, it adds an extra piquancy to the already sweet and sour broth.

The perfect accompaniment to the hotpot is none other than their udon. Served in a small portion, this tiny bowl of noodles is meant to be poured into the broth while you slowly slurp it up. Slowly let the chewy noodles simmer in the hot and sour base while it absorbs the spicy, tangy soup.

This is Ichiban Sushi’s Assorted Mushrooms with Scrambled Egg Mini Sushi Rice Bowl! Appearance-wise, it looks like an “Oyako Don”, except it consists of only mushrooms and eggs served with premium Hitomebore Rice.

We loved how there were two different types of shrooms, such as the shitake and enoki mushrooms, which gave the dish textural contrast to the soft rice and egg base.

This set includes a Seared Salmon with Tataki Sauce platter. Following this set’s fully-cooked theme, it is lightly seared to bring out the aromatic flavours and fattiness of the flesh. The flesh was succulent and thick, while the seared exterior brought out the umami in the salmon.

SIDES

Wazen is incomplete without a variety of sides! Take a break from their heavy mains and tuck into their staple sides, which comes in tiny portions perfect to cleanse your palate with. Included in each set is a small platter of fruits, chawanmushi and tuna salad. Savour their earthy miso soup as well, which also comes in all sets with the exception of the Hot and Sour Pork Nabe Wazen.

Do note that the fruits given each day will vary.

No festive season is complete without an exchange of gifts. Ichiban Sushi, in collaboration with Citi, is bringing two great holiday treats to all its diners. Between 12 November 2019 until 9 February 2020, customers who pay using a Citi Card will receive a S$10 return voucher with every Festive Set purchased while stocks last.

You can also stand to win S$30 worth of dining vouchers here at Ichiban Sushi every week by simply following their social media at @ichibansushi.sg, snapping a picture with their quirky menu and hashtagging them at #ichibansushisg.

Ichiban Sushi
53 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3
#02-01 AMK Hub
Singapore 569933
Tel: +65 6555 1617
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Ang Mo Kio
** Multiple outlets islandwide

This post was brought to you by Ichiban Sushi Singapore. 

Promising a seasonal spread of festive meats and treats along with a bevvy of authentic local and Asian delights thrown into the mix, Spice Brasserie at PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road ranks high as one of our top venues of choice to indulge in a full-on feast this festive holiday.

Pulling out all the stops and ready to tantalise the senses (especially our taste buds) on all fronts, the culinary team behind Spice Brasserie impresses with their selection of colossal roasts featuring the likes of the all-new Peranakan-Style Roasted Spice Cured Turkey that wowed us with its succulent meat and its heady aroma of Nonya spices.

As far as drool-inducing food goes, they’ve nailed down their various festive roast meat offerings, but if you’re pining for something to satiate your sweet tooth, then you will not be disappointed with their Sea Salt Caramel Log Cake. But seasonal dishes aside, be sure to tuck into their various Asian and international items as well, not forgetting their selection of crab dishes—a mainstay and what Spice Brasserie is classically known for.

This festive feast will be going on from 17 December 2018 to 1 January 2019 and diners can quote ‘ladyironchef’ upon making reservations to enjoy 20% off both the lunch and dinner festive buffets.

PERANAKAN-STYLE ROASTED SPICE-CURED TURKEY

A brand-new addition to this year’s lineup of festive delights and one that’s worthy of a second round is their Peranakan-Style Roasted Spice-Cured Turkey. Specially created by Malacca-born Baba Chef Jimmy Bong, this unique rendition makes use of simple everyday spices and aromatics such as cinnamon, chilli, lemongrass and more, all working together to give the dish a vibrant appeal.

The meat was tender, robust and paired very coherently with the flavourful curry gravy—in place of the classic giblet sauce—that comes served along with it. Complex, hearty and full of flavour, the curry gravy is crucial for maximum enjoyment.

ROASTED BRINED TURKEY WITH CHESTNUT STUFFING, SNAIL SAUSAGE & PORCINI GIBLET SAUCE (DINNER BUFFET)

Not wanting to be restricted by the common notion of what a classic turkey should have, Chef Jimmy, takes it up a notch with his Roasted Brined Turkey with Chestnut Stuffing, Snail Sausage & Porcini Giblet Sauce, that sees a marriage of flavours and textures coming together to complement one another.

An element of umami is imbued into the sauce through the addition of porcini mushrooms that do well to elevate the overall dish, but unlike the many roast turkeys that we’ve tried, this version was fully capable of tasting delicious sans the sauce.

Boasting a crisp layer of perfectly seasoned skin and tender, succulent meat, this version easily trumps the conventional roast turkey and is something that warrants multiple trips to the live carving station.

HONEY BAKED HAM WITH PINEAPPLE RAISIN SAUCE

A quintessential component of any Yuletide feast is a honey-baked ham. Period.

Studded with whole cloves and given multiple bastes of sweet, sticky honey, the Honey Baked Ham with Pineapple Raisin Sauce hits the spot with its deep smokey, subtly-spiced appeal, coupled with a sweet fruity undertone.

A showstopper in its own right, the ham was easy to gobble down as it was soft, tender and enriched with a sweet, fruity bouquet that balanced out its saltiness well. The pineapple glaze sauce gives the ham sweetness but also a good amount of acidity that gives the dish balance.

AVAILABLE FOR DINNER BUFFET ONLY 

ROAST PORK WITH ROCKET, PINE NUT, FETA STUFFING & APPLE JAM

Charming our palates with its combination of unctuous flavours and textures, the Roast Pork with Rocket, Pine Nut, Feta Stuffing & Apple Jam was easily our favourite of the entire spread.

This mouth-watering Goliath of a pork delight sees an entire belly of pork, stuffed with salty feta cheese, peppery rocket and earthy pine nuts, before undergoing a slow, roast.

The result? Crackling that is literally to-die-for, succulent (and sweet) pork and a medley of flavour sensations that tantalised and teased our taste buds. This, if anything, is something worth shouting about—and don’t even get us started on how heavenly it was when paired with their house-made apple jam.

BAKED CRAYFISH WITH SALTED EGG MAYONNAISE

Grilled over charcoal to develop a charred, smoky taste before being generously slathered with a dollop of their homemade salted egg mayo, we can imagine the Baked Crayfish with Salted Egg Mayonnaise to be a surefire hit among both fans of barbecued seafood and of salted egg alike.

Boasting a heady aroma of curry leaves, accented with its signature savoury-sweet qualities, the salted egg mayo was viscous yet not cloying at all. It did well to enhance the naturally sweet flavours of the crayfish and provided a blanket of creaminess to balance out the bittersweet charred element.

BAKED OYSTER TRIO

This baked oyster trio is anything but simple. Designed to enhance the briny qualities of the oysters using an array of complementary flavour components, you have your choice of either the Oyster Kilpatrick, Oyster with Cheese and Oyster with Mentaiko Sauce—all prepared á la minute, bubbling and begging to be devoured.

The Oyster Kilpatrick comes punctuated with an apparent smokiness that resonates well with the briny oyster and the crunchy bits of crispy bacon and wilted spinach provided a nice texture

Mentaiko Baked Oyster is enriched with a silky smooth cream sauce that is savoury, umami-dense and velvety, making knocking back a dozen or more of these bad boys way too easy. The cheese version is flame-torched prior to serving, allowing a crust to develop and also to give the oyster a charred flavour.

SEA SALT CARAMEL LOG CAKE

A quirky yet unsurprising twist on the traditional Christmas log cake, Spice Brasserie’s version features ingredients that play on the balance of salty and sweet with a creamy, crispy feature—courtesy of the hazelnut crunch—that worked incredibly well.

The decadent mocha sponge, accompanied by the sea salt caramel mousse and caramel core gives the cake a profound savouriness that makes reaching in for seconds (or even thirds) impossible to resist.

This festive feast will be going on from 17 December 2018 to 1 January 2019 and diners can quote ‘ladyironchef’ upon making reservations to enjoy 20% off both the lunch and dinner festive buffets.

Festive Buffet Lunch
17 to 21 December 2018
26 to 30 December 2018
Adult: S$42++, Child: S$21++

22, 23, 25 & 31 December 2018
Adult: S$54++, Child: S$27++

24 December 2018
Adult S$68++, S$34++

1 January 2018
Adult: S$42++, Child: S$21++

Festive Buffet Dinner
17 to 21 December 2018
26 to 30 December 2018
Adult: S$50++, Child: S$25++

22, 23, 25 & 31 December 2018
Adult: S$70++, Child: S$35++

24 December 2018
Adult S$88++, S$44++

1 January 2018
Adult: S$50++, Child: S$25++

Terms and Conditions:

• Menu items are subject to changes at the chef’s discretion.
• All prices are subject to service charge and Goods and Services Tax (GST).
• Child prices are valid for children between 6 to 11 years old.

Spice Brasserie
181 Kitchener Road
PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road
Singapore 208533
Tel: +65 6428 3160
Reservations: spicebrasserie.prskt@parkroyalhotels.com
Daily: 6am – 10.30am, 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

This post was brought to you by PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road. 

Christmas and the New Year are less than a month away and we are all hyped up for the celebrations and elaborate feasts that await. Whether you’re looking to dine out or throw your own Christmas party in the comfort of your own home, there is only Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel that we can confidently rely on to guarantee us a memorable year-end experience.

In this season of good tidings, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel invites you to relax and indulge yourselves with a line-up of spellbinding and gastronomic experiences.

With lavish festive buffets at the Marriott Cafe, scrumptious Yuletide takeaway goodies as well a snazzy countdown party to usher in the new year, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel is definitely your one-stop place to treat yourself this year end; you deserve it!

LAVISH FESTIVE BUFFETS AT MARRIOTT CAFE 

Treat yourself and your loved ones to a feast fit for a king by bringing them for a swoon-worthy festive lunch/dinner buffets at Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel’s Marriott Cafe. Their glorious spread is something that we never fail to look forward to year after year, especially so with their assurance of exceptional quality food.

Christmas would not be Christmas without your perennial classics. Here at Marriott Cafe, tuck into their array of hearty roasts such as Roast Turkey with Chestnut Bread Stuffing; Slow-roasted Australian Beef; Roast Duck Breast with Apricot and Orange Glaze and more. For Christmas Eve and day, you will also be able to feast on Bourbon & Honey Glazed Leg Ham; Pan-Fried Duck Foie Gras; Slow-Roasted Australian Beef Prime Ribs, and more.

Seafood aficionados will also be pleased to know that they have a wide range of fresh and grilled seafood available for you to stuff yourselves silly. There is your usual fresh seafood on ice as well as the highly raved grilled favourites such as Lobster Thermidor; Oyster Florentine; Crayfish with Chilli Herb Butter as well as Grilled Scallops with Salsa Verde.

End your feast on a sweet note with their stunning variety of decadent Yuletide treats that are available at their dessert station. Get ready to pamper yourself your sweet tooth with goodies such as Raspberry Gula Melaka Coconut Log Cake; White Forest Bûche de Noël; Christmas Pudding with Rum-infused Sauce and Raspberry Crumble with Rum Infused Fruits.

So what are you waiting for? Put a hold on your diets and head down to Marriott Cafe for an unforgettable feast!

NYE COUNTDOWN WITH SINGAPORE MARRIOTT TANG PLAZA HOTEL

What better way to usher in the New Year than with a bang at Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel’s stellar New Year’s Eve Countdown Party?

Look forward to a hearty dinner buffet with highlights such as Fresh Seafood On Ice, Charcuterie and Cheese, Slow-roasted Australian Beef Prime Ribs, Maple-Glazed Leg Ham, International crowd-favourites and more. When you’re done with the feasting, party amidst the vibrant atmosphere and mesmerizing beats of acoustic jazz, Top 40s and classics by A-list bands as you await the arrival of the New Year.

GLORIOUS YULETIDE GOODIES AND HAMPERS 

If you prefer celebrating the festive season in the comfort of your own home, fret not as Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel will add a touch of class to your festive revelries with sumptuous takeaway festive goodies.

Choose from a scintillating selection of Yuletide goodies where classic, quintessential dishes are prepared with a twist to provide you with a memorable, gastronomic experience.

One new menu item you should definitely look forward to is their Lavender Roast Turkey with Orange, Apple & Cinnamon Stuffing (4.5 – 5kg, S$198 nett) which puts a unique twist on the usual Christmas turkey.

We love roasts and no Christmas party is complete without a good array of roasted delights. Some of the few offered here are their Honey & Clove Glazed Ham (Boneless) with Cinnamon Pineapple Sauce (2 – 3kg, S$168 nett); Rosemary Roast Lamb Leg (Bone-in) with Mint Demi-Glace (2.5 – 3kg, S$188 nett) as well as Baked Salt Crusted Whole Snapper with Salsa Verde (1.5kg, S$138 nett).

Some of the desserts available for takeaway are the Raspberry Gula Melaka Coconut Log Cake (1kg, S$68 nett); White Forest Bûche de Noël (1kg, S$68 nett); Roasted Pistachio Cream Cheese Log Cake (1kg, S$68 nett) and Tiramisu Bûche de Noël (1kg, S$68 nett).

From 22 November to 25 December 2018, these Yuletide goodies are available for takeaway at www.singaporemarriott.com/christmas or at Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel’s Forecourt Stall (by the hotel entrance). Orders have to be placed at least 3 working days in advance.

Marriott Cafe Festive Buffet Lunch (1 – 23, 26 – 30 December 2018)
Mon to Sat: S$68++ per adult, S$35++ per child
Sun: S$78++* per adult, S$38++ per child

Marriott Cafe Festive Buffet Dinner (1 – 23, 26 – 30 December 2018)
Sun to Wed: S$80++ per adult, S$40++ per child
Thu: S$108++** per adult, S$44++ per child
Fri & Sat: S$88++ per adult, S$44++ per child

Marriott Cafe Christmas Eve Festive Buffet (24 Dec 2018)
Dinner: S$160++*** per adult, S$70++ per child

Marriott Cafe Christmas Day Festive Buffet (25 Dec 2018)
Lunch: S$138++**** per adult, S$60++ per child,
Dinner: S$160++*** per adult, S$70++ per child,

*Inclusive of free flow of juices and soft drinks
^Inclusive of free flow sparkling wines, beers & juices
**Inclusive of free flow sparkling wines, red & white wines, beer, juices & soft drinks
***Inclusive of free flow of sparkling wines, red & white wines, beer, cocktails & juices
****Inclusive of free flow of sparkling wines, red & white wines, beer, mocktails & juices

New Year’s Eve Buffet & Countdown (31 December 2018)
Dinner: S$188++** per adult, S$88++* per child

**Inclusive of free flow of champagne, red & white wines, beer & soft drinks

All prices stated above are subject to 10% service charge and 7% Goods & Services Tax (GST) unless otherwise stated.

Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
320 Orchard Road
Singapore 238865
Dining Reservations: +65 6831 4605 / www.singaporemarriott.com/christmas
Festive Goodies Preorders: +65 6831 4708 / www.singaporemarriott.com/christmas
Nearest Station: Orchard

This post is brought to you by Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel.