Established in 2009 at Phoenix Park, Spruce has garnered a following for its burger, brunch and drinks over the past decade. It has opened its third outlet at HillV2, taking over the space vacated by Dean & Deluca.

Folks staying in the west of Singapore will be familiar with Spruce’s second outlet at the old fire station along 260 Bukit Timah Road. The new outlet at HillV2 is just a 5-minute drive away and it offers a similar menu of all-day dining favourites and brunch fare.

Enjoy a choice of house pour wines, spirits, or beer on tap at only S$7++ with the purchase of every main course (from Sunday to Thursday, 5pm to 8pm).

Spruce
4 Hillview Rise #01-01 HillV2, Singapore 667979
Mon – Fri: 10.30am to 10.30pm
Sat/Sun/PH: 9.00am to 10.30pm
Reservation Hotline: 9759 5790

Kinsa sushi has just introduced a special Purple Fusion menu which consists of 8 maki rolls, 1 sushi and 1 #ChirashiCupcake - all of which are prepared with purple rice.

While these creations are beautiful to look at, a good point to note is that purple rice is brimming with vast health benefits, and is definitely a healthier option as opposed to regular white rice.

The Chirashi Cupcake is a one-of-a-kind creation by Kinsa Sushi, and we are guessing it might be the next must-have photo on your Instagram feed!

Excited about these purple wonders yet? That is not all! Look forward to SG50 vouchers when you dine here from 1 to 31 August 2015.

Why is purple rice healthy? Purple rice – sometimes referred to as black rice – contains anthocyanin antioxidants found in berries, which is vital for maintaining good health. It is also a great source of iron which helps metabolise proteins and prevents anaemia.

Now, Kinsa Sushi has incorporated this healthy grain into a spanking new menu of 10 different dishes, including a very special Chirashi Cupcake. It is hard to pick just one to love, but if we really have to, it will be the Salmon Mentai (S$15.80) purple rice maki.

Salmon Mentai is a true blue favourite amongst locals, but now, imagine having it on purple rice for a healthier alternative too. If any, this dish is so visually arresting! The salmon that is topped on the maki is generously drizzled with mentaiko sauce, then torched to a nice charred finish. Topped off with tobikko, these damned Salmon Mentai maki rolls are more addictive than you think!

The Black Beauty Kurokarei (S$16.80) is a star, and a masterpiece in its own rights. The centrepiece of a perfectly cooked shishamo is wrapped around by the same purple rice, then topped off with a mountain of tobikko.

Look out for the taste of savoury aburi mentai cheesy miso sauce for a truly mouth-watering bite; fans of fish roe and mentai should consider this as their main dish of choice.

We were definitely intrigued by the name ‘Chirashi Cupcake’ (search for #ChirashiCupcake on Instagram to see more photos). So, is it sweet or savoury? Is there actual cupcake and icing in this? To clarify, this gorgeous dish is really a beautifully plated chirashi-don, using purple rice and freshly sliced sashimi.

The rice is dressed with a nice sesame ponzu sauce and sandwiched with some denbu (pink fish flakes) for an extra oomph to the dish. We loved how, in this dish, you could taste the distinct yet subtle nutty flavour of the purple rice, which reminded us of a classic local dessert, Pulut Hitam.

This is a great choice especially for lunch and it comes at an affordable price of only S$15.80 per bowl.

The Hotate Mentai (S$17.80) maki will be a hit among scallop lovers. It is not hard to love this roll that comes with a crowning glory of fresh scallop slices, complete with an aburi-ed mentai top. Mentai can go no wrong and this maki was an explosion of flavours in our mouths.

Deep-fried radish and wasabi-infused tobikko sits atop this maki to jazz up its look, and gives the maki rolls a distinct crunch.

The Mango Maki (S$14.80) is one lovely tropical treat to try out. Cushioned in the purple rice is a combination of prawn tempura, cucumber and mango. Sweet mangoes are used in the preparation of this item, and the maki roll is served with a dipping sauce of homemade mango dressing.

Ichigo lovers, hands up! The Strawberry/Ichigo Maki (S$14.80) is for you. On the side, you will also be given a serving of the special house-made strawberry dressing to dip your maki rolls into. The hardcore ichigo lovers have the liberty to drizzle the sauce all over, but if you are doing this, we recommend you eat it immediately before the rice gets overly soggy.

And back to the savoury options, and for you spice lovers here – Fiery Salmon (S$16.80) is kick-ass. Generously topped with spice-marinated salmon and crowning each individual maki roll, this maki roll is for those who do not prefer mentai and are after a spicier option instead. For an added crunch, it is also served with lotus chips and deep-fried radish strips.

Vegetarians are not forgotten because Kinsa Sushi has also come up with a Veggie Delight Yasai Maki (S$14.80), wholesomely stuffed with carrot and asparagus strips, and complete with fresh and creamy avocado slices.

Meanwhile, some other highlights from Kinsa Sushi’s regular ala carte menu include the ever-popular Anago sushi that is gorgeously plated with a huge and generous piece of sweet anago.

The yakiudon comes in a really generous portion, but what delighted us greatly was this gyuniku udon that was so flavourful and hearty, we couldn’t stop slurping!

And no one should leave Kinsa Sushi without trying their bestselling Wagyu Don (S$24.90), made using Grade A4 Kagoshima Wagyu with an onsen egg.

As part of our nation’s SG50 celebrations, Kinsa Sushi will be offering a S$5 rebate* for every S$50 spent (before service charge and GST), valid for dine in only for the month of August 2015.

* T&Cs for Kinsa Sushi’s SG50 vouchers
- Valid for dine in only
- Voucher redemptions valid for subsequent visits
- Not valid with other discounts, promotions and vouchers
- Redemption amount is based on diners’ single receipt

For the latest updates, go to kinsasushi.com, like Kinsa Sushi on Facebook, and Instagram.

Kinsa Sushi
4 Hillview Rise
HillV2 #02-02
Singapore 667979
Tel: +65 67107278
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
PH, Fri, Sat & Sun: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bukit Batok

This post is brought to you by Kinsa Sushi.

We often gripe about the lack of affordable Japanese restaurants in Singapore. Sure, there are the usual household chains, but hole-in-the-wall concepts and humble neighbourhood joints are few.

It is not every day that we need to sit down for a lavish and aristocratic Japanese meal, because more often than not, what we seek is comfort food that will not have our wallets take a beating. A recent lunch at Kinsa Sushi fits this bill exactly, and we are so adding this to our list of all-time favourite inexpensive Japanese eats.

Nestled in the quaint HillV2, Kinsa Sushi is made for the heartlanders and all who love a simple Japanese meal. Prices are not at all intimidating to say the least, and the menu is well-covered with the usual Nippon favourites prepared with premium ingredients. Most dishes are priced under S$15, and the star dish – Wagyu don, served with Grade A4 Kagoshima Wagyu, is only S$24.80!

Here, we share the memorable dishes that we had at Kinsa Sushi, and all that are worth heading back for; every one a reason to love Kinsa Sushi, we’d say.

[ Giveaway ] We are giving away 3 X S$50 Kinsa Sushi dining vouchers. Leave a comment below, and share this post on your Facebook timeline to win. More details on the giveaway at the end of this post.

#1 KAGOSHIMA WAGYU DON

Now, this has got to be the first on the list because the Wagyu Don is unbelievably good! And the best part? It is only S$24.80! This is unheard of, because all the good wagyu-don in Singapore come with exorbitant price tags of at least S$50 and above, so this is a good 50% discount.

No, Kinsa Sushi does not scrimp on the quality. Prepared with Grade A4 Kagoshima Wagyu and prized for its premium marbling, your don will be nothing but divine. With a good 60g of wagyu slices, alongside a runny egg that is best eaten when beaten in and mixed with the rice, the Wagyu Don is a fantastically value-for-money one-dish meal and we already know we will head back just for this dish!

#2 KINSA ROLL – CUCUMBER AND AVOCADO MAKI ROLL WITH ABURI MENTAI

Hands up if you love aburi rolls like we do! Introducing the Kinsa Roll (S$14.80) – cucumber and avocado maki roll, wrapped with torched salmon and flying fish roe, and jazzed up with flamed mentai that adds some cheesiness and saltiness to the fresh roll. We love how the aburi is so well-controlled and that the salmon is left slightly raw and chewy. The warm mentaiko sauce just completes the roll and adds a punch to its overall blend of flavours. We’d love to think of the Kinsa Roll as a must-have Instagram-worthy item. Good to share, but sure, you can have it all to yourself too.

#3 GRILLED PRAWN MENTAI

A whole large prawn that is beautifully flame-grilled with mentai (marinated roe of pollock and cod), the Grilled Prawn Mentai (S$9.80) boasts a melty goodness that compliments the sweet prawn flesh so well. This is grilled to order, so expect a little waiting time. It will be worth your patience, surely. Once again, we were pleasantly surprised by the price tag. So, give us one serving per person, please! No need for sharing!

#4 CHIRASHI DON

We are on a never-ending quest to scout for good chirashi-don in Singapore. Well, another to add to our list is Kinsa’s verion at S$24.80 per bowl. You do not get the most colourful arrangement, but it is surely a hearty bowl with fresh sashimi slices.

If you have any preference, or there are specific fishes that you want or do not eat, just let the chef know and he will be happy to customize a bowl for you too.

#5 FOIE GRAS SOUP

Because drinking miso soup in a Japanese restaurant is too mainstream, we now indulge in foie gras soup. Unbelievable and too good to be true, but that is precisely how pampered your taste buds would be when you dine at Kinsa Sushi. A bowl of Kinsa’s Foie Gras Soup is only at S$6.80!

#6 OOTORO SASHIMI

A plate of good fatty tuna sashimi is always good for the soul. We love biting into a well-marbled one and feel the fats melt in our mouth. That comes with a hefty price tag, of course, and our hearts can’t take that shock too often. But lo and behold, Kinsa Sushi serves a portion of five slices at only S$35.80! There is no strings attached, and the ootoro is definitely fatty and fresh.

If you prefer salmon to tuna, Kinsa Sushi offers a portion of five slices of Salmon Belly at an unbeatable price of S$9.80.

#7 HOUBOU SASHIMI – FISH TANK/ SEASONAL PRICING

Kinsa Sushi flies in a limited batch of seafood and sashimi in a “fish tank” directly from Japan. You can get a whole fish – prepared in any style you like – (Prices range from $30 to $80 depending on seasonality, types/sizes of fish). Just go to the counter to pick the freshest catch; the chefs will advise on the best way to cook the fish.

You may choose up to 2 ways of preparing the fish. Usual methods would be to do a sashimi style and/or grilled. And no matter what method you opt for, no parts of the fish will be wasted. Even if you want the entire fish to be served ala sashimi style, the bones and other remnants can be used to brew a broth. Customers only pay for the fish selected at the tank; all culinary methods chosen are at no extra charge.

#8 GRILLED SQUID

Surume Ika, anyone? This reminded us of our times at Japan, when we would take a stroll along the streets on a wintery night, and street snack stalls would tempt us with their grilled squid on stick. A freshly grilled squid, lightly salted with a smokey flavour always warms our hearts in a very special way. This Grilled Squid (S$11.80) dish at Kinsa Sushi brings a taste of familiarity that we so covet.

#9 TEMPURA BENTO

Now, this is an extremely affordable lunch option if you need a fuss-free meal. For only S$11.80, lunch is a huge serving of tempura assortment with Japanese pearl rice, miso soup and a side salad. A nice, quiet lunch with comfort Japanese food is all we’d need to take a breather from work, yes?

KINSA SUSHI DINING VOUCHERS GIVEAWAY

1. Kinsa Sushi is giving away 3 X S$50 dining vouchers.
2. Leave a comment in this post to tell us which dish you would like to try at Kinsa Sushi, and why we should choose you.
3. ‘Like’ Kinsa Sushi on Facebook.
4. Share the link of this post on your Facebook timeline.
5. The contest starts from now till 23 April 2015, 2359 hrs.
6. Winners will be notified by email.

UPDATED ON 30 APR: The three winners are Angelize, Casy Ang, and Koh Hock Guan.

For the latest updates, go to kinsasushi.com, like Kinsa Sushi on Facebook, and Instagram.

Kinsa Sushi
4 Hillview Rise
HillV2 #02-02
Tel: +65 67107278
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Fri, Sat & Sun: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bukit Batok

This post is brought to you by Kinsa Sushi.