Hardly do we ever hear the words ‘affordable’ and ‘beef’ in the same sentence—especially in Singapore, to chance upon pocket-friendly beef that doesn’t skimp on quality is uncommon.

Brought to you by the same folks behind sake gastrobar Kabuke, Tokidon is a relatively new concept that recently opened in Hong Leong Building. Priding themselves as the ‘Purveyor of Gourmet Wagyu Bowls’, their menu focuses on a selective but tantalizing range of beef bowls—all at a price that will not burn a hole in your wallet.

With prices starting from just S$11.90, Tokidon is where all beef-lovers should keep their eyes peeled for.

Hidden in the corner of the basement in Hong Leong Building, this 80′s Disco-inspired Japanese eatery is hard to miss—decked out in quirky multi-coloured neon lights, this 20-seater eatery in the heart of Raffles Place may just be the next hit amongst those working in the area.

We opted for a serving of Tokidon’s most basic bowl—the Gyudon (S$11.90 nett). Fluffy white Japanese rice is topped with furikake and a light garlic soy dressing, as well as slices of striploin and an onsen egg—the hallmark of a classic Japanese beef bowl.

Served medium rare, we found some inconsistency in the doneness of the striploin but nonetheless, each piece impressed us. While it wasn’t melt-in-your-mouth tender, the striploin was extremely well-seasoned and paired well with the fried garlic chips and oozy onsen egg which gave the dish an added dimension of flavours.

Considering its price, this was one pretty darn good bowl of gyudon we’d see ourselves returning for.

Should you find yourself hankering for something fancier that encompasses an added oomph of flavours, the Truffle Wagyu Don (S$23.90 nett) would go highly recommended.

As one of Tokidon’s signature items, what you can expect is a sizeable portion of wagyu striploin with a dash of their house-blend truffle soy sauce drizzled over it.

Served medium-rare with a pink centre in the middle, barely any effort is needed to chew into the tender and juicy wagyu striploin slices. Although we thought that the meat itself was already good on its own, the truffle soy sauce—though extremely light on the palates—only served to bring out the best flavours of the beef bowl.

Other options include Truffle Tenderloin Don (S$15.90), Wagyu Sukiyaki Don (S$17.90) and Wagyu Misozuke Don (S$23.90).

16 Raffles Quay
Hong Leong Building #B1-33
Singapore 048581
Tel: +65 9151 9572
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

Izakaya bars are all the rage now, especially among the office crowd and En Dining (previously known as En Sakaba) under the Izakaya Japanese Dining Group (which manages En Japanese Dining at Mohd Sultan, En Japanese Dining Bar at Bukit Timah and Z’en Japanese Cuisine) is not a name unheard of.

Now with a total of 4 new outlets—each boasting different concepts—this izakaya slash Japanese restaurant group is a true haven for those in search of tantalising Japanese fare, a chic yet cosy spot to relax at and a solid tipple.

Introducing its new flagship restaurant and the group’s fourth outlet, En Dining at Capital Tower is set to enthrall with their stellar shabu shabu offering, visually stunning à la carte items as well as a selection of curated Japanese whiskies and sake for your after-work tippling pleasure.

For a limited period and exclusive only at Capital Tower, En Dining is having a hot pot buffet dinner that comes with a selection of appetisers, 3 kinds sashimi platter, wagyu sushi, prawn and vegetables tempura, Häagen-Dazs ice cream as well as a monumental shabu shabu that sees unlimited servings of Japan’s No. 1 of Miyazaki wagyu beef, premium zuwai kani queen crab, ibérico kurobuta pork, assorted vegetables, udon and Japanese porridge—all at only S$78++ per pax (U.P. S$108++ per pax).

We kid you not, from the sweet flesh of the queen crab to the perfectly marbled, melt-in-your-mouth Miyazaki Wagyu, this is a shabu shabu feast that you must try and you’d be a fool if you missed it.

If your idea of a Japanese izakaya is a shabby, small and dimly lit hut then En Dining’s flagship will change that perception. The interior is decked out in beautiful furnishings that screams chic and cosy.

We especially adore the bar counter that allows diners to peek into the open kitchen, as well as the wide selection of premium Japanese spirits and sakes on display.

APPETISER, SASHIMI, TEMPURA 

The buffet commences with an assortment of 3 different appetisers, each with different textures and flavours, yet sharing an element of freshness that no doubt will help to ease diners into the heavier courses.

Their sashimi platter comes with 3 varieties of seasonal fish and seafood, cut thick and gorgeously presented while the tempura platter consists of ebi (prawn) and a variety of vegetables—all deep-fried to crispy and golden perfection.

Considering that the buffet commences with these 3 stellar items, what follows may prove a tad too hard to resist. Period.

JAPAN’S NO.1 MIYAZAKI WAGYU SUSHI

To fully experience the natural taste of Wagyu, the buffet comes with a serving of Wagyu Sushi. Served raw atop sushi rice and garnished with freshly diced scallions, each mouthful promises a delicious flavour punch of pure beefy goodness that runs off your tongue almost like butter.

JAPAN’S NO.1 MIYAZAKI WAGYU (UNLIMITED SERVINGS)

Nobody leaves En Dining without having some A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Beef and this was love at first sight for us. From top-notch farms in Japan to the waiting mouths of hungry patrons, En Dining’s elite offering—premium Miyazaki Wagyu beef—is one that promises sheer, melt-in-your-mouth decadence in every bite.

An order of their prized Miyazaki Wagyu sees a platter of elegantly laid out slices of perfectly marbled beef, pleasing not only to the tongue but also to the mind and eye. Whether you deem yourself a wagyu connoisseur or not, a sight like this is the pinnacle of gourmet.

Our suggestion is to not overcook it. Simply simmer your beef for a few seconds and bring it to a pinkish-brown shade, remove it, and dip it generously in ponzu to bring out the best of the fatty beef.

A good point to note about the restaurant’s prized Miyazaki Wagyu is that it has won various prestigious industry awards, including the most honoured ‘Prime Minister Award’ by the Wagyu Registry Association in Japan for its outstanding meat quality.

Given to the best cattle once every five years, this award has been won by Miyazaki Wagyu for 3 consecutive contests, meaning it has held the reigns for 15 years and has been labelled ‘Japan’s Number One Beef’ ever since!

In terms of marbling, firmness, texture and sheer lustre of the fat within the wagyu, this is easily one of the best things you can ever put into your mouth.

IBÉRICO KUROBUTA PORK (UNLIMITED SERVINGS)

The Miyazaki Wagyu may be a showstopper in its own right but following close behind is the Ibérico Kurobuta Pork. Also available in unlimited portions, this gorgeous pork variety boasts a delicate, nutty flavour with melt-in-your-mouth marbling.

ZUWAI QUEEN CRAB (UNLIMITED SERVINGS)

Yet another highlight of this shabu shabu buffet is the unlimited servings of premium Zuwai Kani Queen Crab.

Sweeter in comparison to its male counterpart, the Zuwai Queen Crab is deemed by the chefs here a better choice for Japanese shabu shabu as it adds a heightened sweetness to the overall soup broth. The delicate flesh of the crab is insanely sweet and produces a lovely aroma when allowed to cook gently in the Bonito broth.

MIYAZAKI WAGYU SPECIALITIES

Besides shabu shabu, En Dining also prepares their highly prized Miyazaki wagyu in a number of ways (and in various cuts too) to allow diners to fully appreciate the premium quality beef at its best—namely in the form of sushi, sashimi, carpaccio and more!

A dish that beautifully enhances the wagyu and brings out the most of its beefy potential is the Wagyu With Quail Egg. Sliced into thin strips and topped with a quail egg yolk, what you get is a simple cold dish that fully allows you to savour every morsel of flavour.

Serving sizes may be a tad small but believe us when we say, you probably wouldn’t be able to stomach more than one serving of this given how rich the components are.

These Wagyu Specialties are available at all 4 restaurants—Capital Tower, JEM, Orchard Central and Clarke Quay.

SASHIMI PLATTER

As if all that unlimited servings of decadence are not enough, you will be spoilt with a deluxe platter of sashimi as part of the buffet.

PRAWN AND VEGETABLES TEMPURA

Also included in the buffet is this plate of tempura that comes with prawns and an assortment of vegetables such as eggplant, sweet potato and pumpkin. Each one is coated with a light batter mix and deep-fried to a golden colour and served with a bowl of Tentsuyu dipping sauce.

DESSERT

After all that feasting, you might think of turning down dessert but we all know deep down, there is always room for dessert. End your meal on a sweet note with a creamy and robust matcha ice cream from Häagen-Dazs, topped with whipped cream and a dollop of azuki paste.

With such an exciting line-up, En Dining’s Japan No. 1 Miyazaki Wagyu and Premium Queen Crab Hotpot Buffet is one you cannot miss out on. For a limited period only, indulge in 90 minutes of unlimited servings of premium meats and seasonal delicacies at only S$78++ (usual price S$108) per pax.

For dining reservations and enquiries, please call +65 6423 0110 or RSVP at http://www.ensakaba.com.sg/buffet-promotion/.

*This offer is only available at En Dining Capital Towers outlet from Monday to Friday after 5pm and Saturday.

*Valid with a minimum order for 2 pax.

*The menu may change without prior notice.

*Price is subjected to 10% service charge and 7% prevailing GST.

*Management reserves the rights to change terms and conditions without prior notice.

*Valid for dine-in and duration is a maximum of 90 minutes only.

A LA CARTE DISHES

Aside from their premium buffet, En Dining’s menu also boasts a range of delectable a la carte dishes such as Wagyu Sushi, Wagyu Tobanyaki, Wagyu Sukiyaki and Wagyu Yukke.

One of our favourites is the Japanese porridge where diners get to enjoy Japanese pearl rice that is stirred into the flavourful dashi broth and allowed to simmer until soft. It is then finished off with the addition of raw eggs which acts as a thickener as well as provides the porridge with a secondary layer of richness and depth.

En Dining Capital Tower

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

This post is brought to you by En Dining.

Nestled within Emporium Shokuhin in Marina Square, Gyuu+ Yakiniku Grill is Japanese beef heaven. 

Their all-you-can-eat buffet option is available for lunch but the premium a la carte wagyu dinner buffet is what you should be looking out for. Featuring the best of Japanese beef cuts—including succulent beef aged for 14, 21 and 28 days—and other types of fresh meat, seasonal fish and seafood, this is one Japanese barbecue restaurant that will leave you with happy bellies.

Boasting a refined interior with low and warm lighting for a sophisticated ambiance, Gyuu+ Yakiniku Grill’s dark wood theme and personal dry aging room reminds us of high-end yakiniku restaurants in Japan. Yes, this is the place to impress your significant other and business associates.

Signature dishes include A5 Miyazaki Shin, USDA Sirloin Steak, USDA Prime Sirloin, Kurobuta Pork Rosu Steak and Pork Shoulder Tare that are air-flown all the way from Japan, Australia and U.S.A.

If you think all that premium meat sounds heavy on your wallet, rest assured that prices are kept affordable as Gyuu+ Yakiniku Grill leverages on Emporium Shokuhin’s direct sourcing means. Top-notch Japanese beef at lower prices? We are sold.

Seafood lovers are not neglected too—the restaurant gets its selection of live lobsters and crabs from the tanks at Emporium Shokuhin. Tasty a la carte options you have include Hon Maguro Steak (S$18++), Madai Fillet (S$16++), Scallops (S$18++) and Prawns (S$13++).

Mon to Thu: S$98++
Fri to Sun, Eve of PH & PH: S$108++

Gyuu+ Yakiniku Grill
6 Raffles Boulevard
#01-18, Emporium Shokuhin
Marina Square
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6224 3433
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall / Esplanade / Promenade

Kabuke is a new Japanese sake bar and restaurant hidden on the second level of a shophouse in Telok Ayer.

The name ‘Kabuke’ is a combination of two words—kabuki and sake. ‘Kabuki’ is a Japanese word which refers to classical Japanese theatre and this is reflected in the cartoon performers that are painted on the walls.

Sake connoisseurs will be pleased to know that Kabuke has a well-stocked bar with a collection of Sake from over 20 prefectures! As for those who are looking for some grub, they also offer contemporary Japanese dishes.

For the beginners, Kabuke has sorted out their sake into three main categories, which are mainly A (90ml – S$8/300ml – S$24), B (90ml – S$12/ 300ml – S$36) and C (90ml – S$18/ 300ml – S$54). Besides that, they are also offering sake flight (S$24) for those who are keen to sample on three different sake varieties.

Some of the sake options they have now include Mukansa Honjozo Super Dry that comes with a pleasant bitterness, Junmai Ginjo with its fruity accents and Junmai Daiginjo 50 which has a light and clean taste on your palate.

Lunch is an excellent time to visit; their beef bowls start from S$15 and you can choose from Gyudon, Wagyu Suki or Wagyu Striploin Bowls. Alternatively, they also have daily rice bowl specials such as the Salted Egg Chicken Katsu Don (S$15).

It is worth mentioning that Kabuke’s food menu is seasonal to keep things exciting.

Photos Credit: Kabuke

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Kabuke
200A Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068638
Tel: +65 8822 5525
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 2pm, 5pm – 11pm
Fri: 11.30am – 2pm, 5pm – 12 Midnight
Sat: 5pm – 12 Midnight
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

A brand new dining concept by WATAMI originating from Tsukiji, Japan, Niku Kappo offers diners authentic Japanese Kappo-style delights through its colorful menu filled with a diverse selection of food options.

As the word “Niku” suggests, Niku Kappo’s menu has a strong focus on meat. From Meat Sushi to Meat Hot Pot, Niku Kappo only seeks to present Japanese cuisine at reasonable prices.

The serving portion of the Niku Tendon (S$12.90) was considerably larger than most tendon which made for a value-for-money meal.

We loved that the ingredients for the Niku Tendon are different from the typical vegetable-dominant tendon.

It consists of a hearty rice bowl topped with many ingredients—including green capsicum, bacon, thinly sliced pork belly, two chicken fillets and an onsen egg—which are coated with a light and crispy tempura batter and drizzled with a generous portion of sweet yet flavourful sauce.

Another dish that we tried was the Gyu Don (S$11.90), stewed beef with soft boiled egg on steamed rice. Simple dishes are not easy to perfect but Niku Kappo delivered again with the soft and tender stewed beef served.

With a great spread of dishes, the other stand-out items include the Tokusen Niku Sushi Mori (S$36.90) and the Mt. Fuji Nabe (S$18.90).

Niku Kappo
2 Orchard Turn, #B3-23 ION Orchard,
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6509 9366
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

About the writer:
A member of the team at ladyironchef, Claire’s mission is to lead a life without regrets – to explore the world and its treasures boldly. When she isn’t pursuing her interests in writing, academia and music, Claire spends her free time with family and her pets. She also hopes to run her own animal shelter in the future.

When it comes to premium Japanese beef, most epicureans’ general knowledge are confined to just Wagyu. But did you know that under the category of Wagyu lies several more species?

Many restaurants—outside of Japan—use the word ‘Wagyu’ and ‘Kobe’ interchangeably, which is inherently wrong. Here’s the thing: Every Kobe is Wagyu, but not all Wagyu is Kobe.

Wagyu basically refers to any Japanese cattle breed, whereas Kobe, on the other hand, refers to a specific black Tajima cattle that have been raised under strict conditions in Hyogo Prefecture.

From Matsusaka Beef to Ohmi Beef, here are The 5 Different Types of Premium Japanese Beef Worth Splurging On.

Source: Rakuten

#1 IGA BEEF

As its name implies, the high-quality Iga Beef hails from Iga, Japan.

Iga’s mountainous climate makes an ideal environment for the rearing of cattle. Iga Beef was the go-to meat for Iga ninjas during wartime, where the warriors would consume it dried.

Iga Beef comes from Japanese black-haired heifers and are managed by the Iga Beef Cattle Production Promotion Council. Iga Beef, characterised by a distinct aroma and tenderness, is best eaten in a sukiyaki.

#2 KOBE BEEF

The Kobe Beef is a prized gourmet delicacy that has captured the attention of foodies all over the world. Boasting a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a high-fat marbling index, the flavourful beef has gone through careful rearing to attain such qualities.

These pedigree black Tajima cows are born, raised and slaughtered in the Hyogo Prefecture of Kobe. Upon slaughtering, these meats must still go through a series of tests before earning the Kobe Beef Certification.

Fun fact: Even professional basketball player Kobe Bryant was named after it.

#3 MATSUSAKA BEEF

While Kobe Beef is arguably the most famous Wagyu beef amongst foreigners, discerning diners and Japanese natives will know that Matsusaka Beef is actually cremè de la cremè. The ultra-delicate meat instantly melts in your mouth, leaves a sweet aftertaste and tastes beyond divine. Needless to say, it is the most expensive beef out of all types of beef in Japan.

Only the finest female calves are picked from the Kuroge breeds registered in the Matsusaka Beef Management System and reared under strict guidelines. While most cows are slaughtered at the 18-month mark, these virgin cattle will live till about three years old.

Additionally, they are massaged with distilled Shochu and fed beer about half a year before being processed.

Source: Japan National Tourism Organization

#4 OHMI BEEF

Out of all the wagyu beef listed here, the Ohmi Beef actually has the longest history—it dates back to over 400 years!

The soft marbled Ohmi Beef is prepared from Japanese black cattle reared around Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture; the cattle is fed a well-balanced nutritious diet and drinks from the lake’s clean water. The end result is an easily digestible fat viscous meat with a significantly lower melting point of 24.8 degree celsius compared to other wagyu beef.

Source: VKeong

#5 SAGA BEEF

Only black-haired Japanese cows—reared in an agricultural-association-designated farm in Saga Prefecture—with a BMS (Beef Marbling Standard) Rating of 7 and above can be certified an official Saga Beef.

These cows are raised under expert breeding techniques and experience no stress throughout their lifetimes to achieve a tender fine-grained marbled beef.

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.

There will be a Matsusaka Beef Fair in Singapore from 01 to 11 Sep 2016 – this is one food fair you do not want to miss.

Most people are probably familiar with Kobe beef, but have you heard of Matsusaka beef? Also known as Japanese Black, Black-haired Wagyu or Kuroge Washu, Matsusaka beef from the Mie Prefecture is, in fact, a grade higher than Kobe beef.

The superior A4 grade Matsusaka beef is flown directly from Japan just for this occasion. Here is your chance to try Matsusaka beef in Singapore. 

Matsusaka beef is prized as one of the top three beef selections in Japan due to the strict pedigree requirements and breeding guidelines that have been imposed.

Only cattle that are reared by certified farmers, and are born and raised in the Matsusaka production tea for more than 900 days are considered to be qualified as a “Special Grade Matsusaka Cattle”.

Matsusaka Beef has one of the highest fat-to-meat ratios, and it literally melts in your mouth, with an unbeatable creamy texture and a sweet aftertaste.

A total of 10 participating restaurants at Japan Food Town will be creating special dishes that incorporate the top-notch Matsusaka beef.

Have the premium meat straight in the form of Shabu Shabu or Sukiyaki (from S$50.90++) at Shabu Shabu Tajimaya, which will offer an all-you-can-eat buffet. Imagine all the Matsusaka beef you can indulge in!

Have the premium meat straight in the form of Shabu Shabu or Sukiyaki (from S$50.90++) at Shabu Shabu Tajimaya, which will offer an all-you-can-eat buffet. Imagine all the Matsusaka beef you can indulge in!

If you can’t go without carbs, head to Inaniwa Yosuke to have a bowl of Matsusaka Beef Tsuke Men (S$29.80++) which incorporates cold Inaniwa udon with hot Matsusaka Beef dipping sauce.

The prices will range from S$9.80 to S$200 at the different outlets.

Japan Food Town
Wisma Atria Shopping Centre
435 Orchard Road
#04-39/54
Singapore 238877
Nearest Station: Orchard