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

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

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

HIDEMASA BY HIDE YAMAMOTO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ROYAL TAJ

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

QUENTIN’S BAR AND RESTAURANT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This post was brought to you by Mess Hall.

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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.

People will find any occasion to celebrate—that’s just how it is nowadays. Whether it’s a pay raise, a relationship ‘monthsary’ or even if you’re just feeling a tad happier for no apparent reason, there is always a reason to #treatyourself.

But celebrations aside, let’s not forget that money doesn’t grow on trees, and having yourself fancy dinners on a regular basis is probably not the most ideal. But that’s not to say that you can’t still enjoy yourself a feast every now and then.

From hot pot to barbecue buffets and even Japanese buffets that see endless servings of fresh sashimi, here is our list to 10 student-priced buffets that are perfect for the occasional treat.

BAN HENG (HARBOURFRONT CENTRE)

If you’re a sucker for Cantonese dim sum and someone with an enormous appetite, then you absolutely need to know about Ban Heng’s dim sum lunch buffet. With more than 30 dim sum items—15 of which are deep-fried and mouthwateringly delicious—at just S$24.80++ per pax, you’ll be chowing down your weight without having to worry too much about how much you’re spending.

And as if it couldn’t get any better, for every 3 paying adults, one dines free! This promotion is valid every day for lunch.

Lunch Buffet
Mon to Fri
Adult: S$24.80++
Child: S$16.80++

Sat, Sun & Eve of PH
Adult: S$27.80++
Child: S$16.80++

PH
Adult: S$29.80++
Child: S$16.80++

1 Maritime Square
#04-01, HarbourFront Centre
Singapore 099253
Tel: +65 6278 0288
Daily: 11.30am – 2pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

Photo Credit: Orchard Grand Court

CRYSTAL CAFE

Renowned for its comforting line-up of local fare from their fiery yet rich curries to their excellently done braised pig trotters, Crystal Cafe is a traditional-style restaurant that serves all-day casual dining in Singapore.

Better known for their Taiwan Porridge buffet line, tuck into a hearty medley of yummy toppings and saucy delights as you down bowls and bowls of their light and creamy Taiwan-style sweet potato porridge.

Lunch Buffet
Mon to Fri
Adult: S$14.80++
Child S$11.80++

Sat to Sun & PH
Adult: S$16.80++
Child: S$13.80++

131 Killiney Road,
Singapore 239571
Tel: +65 6830 2020
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 12pm – 4pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

I’M KIM JUNIOR

Located conveniently at Orchard’s *SCAPE, I’m Kim Junior is a casual Korean BBQ restaurant that is popular amongst the young crowd. At a fairly reasonable price point, you get to enjoy unlimited amounts of marinated meats, cooked items such as japchae (Korean stir-fried glass noodles), and Korean fried chicken and Korean army stew.

Buffet Lunch
Mon to Fri: S$12.90++
Sat, Sun & PH: S$22.90++

Buffet Dinner
Mon to Thu: S$22.90++
Fri to Sun, Eve of PH, PH: S$ 23.90++

2 Orchard Link
#03-01 *Scape
Singapore 237978
Tel: +65 6634 0420
Daily: 11.30pm – 3.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

IKOI JAPANESE RESTAURANT

Perfectly set in a lush traditional Japanese setting, Ikoi Japanese Restaurant over at Hotel Miramar offers gastronomic indulgences with an endless parade of authentic Japanese cuisines from sashimi, sushi, tempura to plenty of tastier Japanese treats. S$45 per pax (includes GST and service charge) may seem a tad hefty but just think of the endless amounts of fresh sashimi you get to enjoy.

401 Havelock Road,
Hotel Miramar
Singapore 169631
Tel: +65 6887 3788
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Fort Canning

Photo Credit: iSteamboat

ISTEAMBOAT

Serving up straightforward and healthy Chinese steamboat and porridge at affordable prices, iSteamboat Chinese Restaurant, located at Marina Square, is bound to impress. Not only is the quality great and the service quick, what you get for the good value you pay is a huge variety of dishes to choose from.

Diners get to choose between the porridge buffet, the steamboat buffet that features seven soup bases as well as the all-day à la carte buffet.

Lunch & Dinner Buffet
Mon to Thu
Adult: S$26.80++
Child S$11.40++

Fri to Sun, Eve of PH & PH
Adult: S$31.50++
Child S$13.40++

6 Raffles Boulevard, #04-102a,
Marina Square,
Singapore 039594
Daily: 11.45am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade

Photo Credit: Kiseki Japanese Buffet Restaurant

KISEKI

Presenting a stellar line-up of more than 200 buffet items over 29 item categories, Kiseki is the buffet destination in town for everyone to celebrate the joy of eating without breaking your wallet. At just one price, what diners can hope to expect is unlimited servings of delectable Japanese food such as sushi, sashimi, teppanyaki, yakitori, robatayaki and much more!

Lunch Buffet
11.30am – 3pm
Mon to Fri
Adult: S$22.80++
Child: S$12.80++

Sat & Sun, PH
Adult: S$29.80++
Child: S$17.80++

Dinner Buffet
6pm – 10pm
Mon to Thu
Adult: S$33.80++
Child: S$15.80++

Fri to Sun & PH
Adult: S$39.80++
Child: S$18.80++

181 Orchard Road, 08-01/02/03
Orchard Central,
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6736 1216
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

LADYBOY MOO-KA-CHEESE

Ladyboy Moo-Ka-Cheese is a Thai mookata restaurant located along Geylang that is quite possibly the first of its kind, boasting a stunning array of tantalising, innovative cheese dips along with the traditional Thai-style barbecue.

Each of their uniquely designed grills allows for 4 kinds of cheese to be added at a time and the buffet allows diners an unlimited amount of cheese dips. In addition, their buffet menu features a whole host of options to choose from salmon, scallops to jumbo prawns and a whole lot more!

Dinner Buffet
Mon to Thu
Adult: S$29.90
Child: S$15.90

Fri to Sun, Eve of PH & PH
Adult: S$32.90
Child: S$15.90

644 Geylang Road, Lorong 40
Singapore 389574
Tel: +65 9062 6953
Mon to Fri: 6pm – 1am
Sat: 5pm – 1am
Sun: 5pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar

SHABURI & KINTAN BUFFET

Offering two restaurants under one roof, both offering an all-you-can-eat Japanese buffet, Shaburi & Kintan Buffet is one spot worth travelling the distance for. Choose from either the regular buffet or the barbecue buffet (Kintan) and tuck into a huge selection of meats, seafood as well as cooked dishes featuring the likes of chawanmushi, chicken karage and more!

Regular Buffet
Lunch: S$22.80++
Dinner: S$29.80++

Kintan Barbecue Buffet
Lunch: S$29.80++
Dinner: S$38.80++

50 Jurong Gateway Road JEM, 03-11/12,
Singapore 608549
Tel: +65 6262 4329
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Jurong East

SSIKKEK KOREAN GRILL

There are a few Ssikkek outlets in Singapore, and the popularity of each outlet leaves one little to wonder. It is really a simple and fuss-free place for some casual feasting. While Ssikkek doesn’t have the best quality meat such as Wagyu, it makes up for it with its competitive pricing and lively atmosphere. Meat, grill and a couple of fresh accompaniments—what more could you possibly ask for?

Buffet Lunch & Dinner
Adult: S$24.90++

231 Bain St
#02-01
Singapore 180231
Tel: +65 6336 4476
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bras Basah

SUKI-YA

If you’re hankering for something soupy and comforting such as sukiyaki or even shabu shabu, then Suki-Ya is probably your best bet. Priding themselves on offering diners an unforgettable dining experience that won’t break the bank, you can rest assured that quality is not something overlooked here. All their meat offerings are of good quality so you won’t have to feel bad about gorging them down by the plate-full.

Lunch Buffet
Adult: S$18.90++
Child: S$14.90++

Dinner Buffet
Adult: S$24.90++
Child: S$17.90++

6 Raffles Boulevard, #02-183B/C
Marina Square
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6337 9969
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Fri to Sun: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade

Sitting on Havelock Road is Irodori Japanese Restaurant, a restaurant that offers diners an extensive range of à la carte buffet menu dishes with the freshest ingredients sourced from Australia, New Zealand, Norway and Europe.

Fans of Japanese cuisine will be overjoyed by the endless flow of sashimi, sushi, tempura and assorted hand rolls—all at one All-You-Can-Eat price.

SIDE DISHES

A standout dish for us at Irodori Japanese Restaurant was the Grilled Prawn with Mentaiko. The prawn was fresh, grilled to perfection and topped with creamy mentaiko. The combination of the prawn and mentaiko may seem simple but we were blown away by the rich flavours!

We also enjoyed the Mixed Tempura, which was fried to perfection with its light and crisp batter.

Another highlight of our meal was the Sashimi Moriawase, and we loved that the slices of seafood were thick and generous.

Expect an array of grilled foods, deep-fried dishes and teppanyaki selections too.

SUSHI AND HAND ROLLS

Spotting a bright hue of oraneg from the abundance of fish roe it was covered in, the Irodori Special Roll was a tasty departure from the typical sushi roll.

We ordered the California Te-maki, Spider Te-maki (Soft Shell Crab), and Ebi Te-maki (Tempura Prawn). Each of the hand rolls was stuffed with fragrant Japanese rice and filled to the brim with fish roe! The generous amount of ingredients made it hard to bite into, but we loved it all the same!

Irodori Japanese Restaurant is great for diners looking for a relaxing and affordable Japanese buffet experience without having to get up from their table to grab more food. Simple and delicious, nothing overly fancy; we will be back for more.

Lunch and Dinner Buffet
Adult S$38.80++, Child S$24.80++

Irodori Japanese Restaurant
382 Havelock Road,
Four Points by Sheraton Singapore
Riverview #03-01, Singapore 169629
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay/Chinatown

Among the slew of cafes, supper spots and restaurants scattered all over bustling Upper Thomson Road, Japanese fare is perhaps one of the few rarities to find there unless you consider Tomoe Japanese Cuisine or even Sushi Tei in Thomson Plaza which is both a tad pricier in comparison.

New to the bustling food enclave, taking over what used to be Nunsongyee Korean Dessert Cafe, Maneko Japanese Restaurant is a cosy, 30-seater eatery that serves quick, fuss-free Japanese delights ranging from sashimi, sushi, donburi, soba, udon and a huge selection of sides.

They have a decent selection of sushi and sashimi options to choose from as well as a huge range of rice bowls—great for quick workday lunches.

All their items are priced as is with no GST & service charge and patrons can also opt to order their mains with a drink and a small side dish as a set for a top-up of S$6.

Feeling an itch for some fresh raw fish, we opted for their Assorted Sushi (S$15.90) that saw pairs of thickly sliced salmon, maguro (tuna) and yellowtail, nestled atop sushi rice.

While the texture and appearance of the fishes themselves did not boast the same immaculate quality one would associate with expertly crafted sushi, the individual varieties were fresh and flavourful nonetheless and did well to keep our sushi cravings in check.

For bold flavours and meaty goodness, we recommend getting the Truffle Yakiniku Don (S$14.90). Seared thoroughly to produce a beautiful caramelised crust whilst remaining pink in the middle, the beef was tender and tasty from start to finish.

The onsen egg provided a heightened richness and the truffle oil, while light, gave a dish a subtle aromatic lift. But in spite of it being a fairly fatty-flavoured bowl, the addition of the ripe cherry tomatoes and diced scallions helped to cut through all of that.

One of Maneko’s signatures and hands down one of the best mentaiko dishes we have ever tried is their Mentaiko Udon (S$11.90). For what it’s worth, we were completely blown away by how simple yet addictive this dish was.

Tossed in a light, creamy sauce with salted cod roe and served chilled, the dish hit all the right notes of savoury, umami and refreshing. The udon possessed a nice chewy texture and formed the perfect vessel for all that sauce to latch on. The onsen egg gave the dish a creamier consistency and the scallions cut through everything perfectly.

All in all, a brilliant dish and one we will surely return for!

Maneko Japanese Restaurant
227 Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574359
Tel: +65 6909 5401
Daily: 11am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Marymount

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

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