Taste of Japan group—the company behind Itacho Sushi—is opening a new concept in Singapore.

Sushi Raku is a sushi chain with 4 outlets in Hong Kong and it is opening its first overseas outlet in Singapore at Raffles City on this Sunday 12 Sep 2021.

Located at Raffles City #B1-63/64, Sushi Raku is a Sushi & Sake dining restaurant which offers Izakaya dishes, as well as sake & draft beer.

Some of the dishes that you can order at the Izakaya:

• Sushi
• Sashimi
• Yakitori
• Tempura
• Grilled seafood and meat

Photos credit: Sushi Raku

Sushi Raku also has a selection of seasonal specials that are air-flown from Tokyosu Market in Japan.

Sushi Raku
Raffles City #B1-63/64
252 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 179103

Gram—famous souffle pancakes from Japan—is coming to Singapore.

You’d probably have seen photos and boomerang videos of these fluffy pancakes on Instagram. They jiggle when you shake the plate, they really do. Gram Cafe & Pancakes will be opening in Singapore at VivoCity level 2 in June 2019.

The soufflé pancakes come in a stack of three thick pieces. The cream-coloured goodie is cooked to order and served warm, and freshness is guaranteed. This means you should tuck into it right after taking your photos and boomerang videos.

And yes, they do live up to the hype. It is not just a marketing gimmick as you might see it as. Well, we admit we were sceptical too but hell, were we proven wrong!

In Japan, Gram Cafe & Pancakes serves only 20 soufflé pancakes at these three timings—11am, 3pm & 6pm. It is not clear if Gram Cafe & Pancakes Singapore will have the same approach.

Gram Cafe & Pancakes Singapore
VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk, Singapore 098585
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

We all have different opinions on what makes an ideal pancake—whether it should be topped with a mound of melting butter, delicately dressed with fresh berries or served as a savoury dish for lunch, there will be no conclusion on what makes a perfect stack of pancakes.

However, what we can all agree on is that pancakes are  made for both breakfast and dinner. Thankfully, Singapore has plenty of amazing places that serves irresistible pancakes ranging from classic American-style ones to melt-in-your-mouth Japanese pancakes.

If you have a soft spot for pancakes and simply cannot get enough of this fluffy and warm goodness, here we present to you 12 best pancakes in Singapore that prove pancakes are not just for breakfast.

Photo Credit: _whatsuppunk

BELLE-VILLE PANCAKE HOUSE

Keen on fluffy, jiggly pancakes that wobble to the brink of toppling upon shaking the plate? Belle-Ville Pancake House is a popular Millefeuille Pancake cafe that hails all the way from Osaka, Japan.

Named after a neighbourhood in Paris, this cafe specialises in made-to-order “millefeuille” pancakes which bear some resemblance to the French pastry. Prices start at S$7.90 for four pieces of plain millefeuille pancakes topped with buttercream. However, be prepared to wait up to half an hour for these pancakes are made upon order!

Belle-Ville Pancake House
Bugis Junction #01-01B
Towers 230 Victoria Street
Singapore 188024
Tel: +65 6255 5456
Daily: 8am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

CLINTON STREET BAKING CO.

Hidden amongst the slew of cafés and eateries that Purvis Street is home to is Clinton Street Baking Company, an all-American cafe that whips up classic New York brunch fare unlike any other.

For an indulgent sweet treat, opt for their Pancakes with Warm Maple Butter (S$19++) which comes with a choice between blueberries, banana walnut, or chocolate chunks to top it off. Drizzle their signature maple butter syrup over the pancakes to bring the dish to a whole new level!

Clinton Street Baking Company
31 Purvis Street
Singapore 188608
Tel: +65 6684 4845
Mon to Thu: 8:30am – 6pm
Fri & Sat: 8am – 9pm
Sun: 8am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Bugis/ Bras Basah

Photo Credit: Asia Bars

DEAN & DELUCA CAFE

Dean & Deluca may be best known for selling premium grocery products, but you’d be glad to hear that they also have cafés that serve a plethora of substantial grub and all-day breakfast sets sure to please your belly.

Pancake-lovers can look forward to getting the Berries & Flapjack (S$21++), which are essentially thick, fluffy pancakes stacked with fresh berries in between.

Dean & Deluca
181 Orchard Road #01-09/10
Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6509 7708
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

EARLYBIRD CAFE

Who says that pancakes must be a sweet dish? Earlybird Cafe is where you should ditch the Chicken and Waffles trend and head straight for Chicken and Pancakes (S$19), which are flippin’ amazing, to say the least.

Featuring perfectly crisp fried chicken nestled atop a stack of house-made buttermilk pancakes, we suggest you have them all in a mouthful together with the chilli maple sauce at the side to get an explosion of flavours dancing on your tongue. Yes, it really is that good!

Earlybird Cafe
17 Jalan Pinang
Singapore 199149
Tel: +65 9788 6858
Mon to Thu: 8am – 9pm
Fri & Sat: 8am – 9:30pm
Sun: 9am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

Photo Credit: Eggs ‘N Things

EGGS ‘N THINGS

For the love of all things eggciting, hop over to Eggs ‘N Things—a popular eatery hailing all the way from Waikiki, Hawaii. Situated in Plaza Singapura, this outlet is the first outside of Hawaii and Japan and this is where you can lay your hands on some amazing pancakes!

The Fresh Strawberry and Macadamia Nuts Pancakes (S$19.90++) and Banana Pancakes (S$19.90++) are some options you can try. Make sure to have them together with some of Eggs ‘N Things’ iconic whipped cream!

Eggs ‘N Things
68 Orchard Road
#03-79/83, Plaza Singapura
Singapore 238839
Tel: +65 6835 9988
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

Photo Credit: Fresh Fruits Lab

FRESH FRUITS LAB

If you’re looking for delicious food that’s affordable at the same time, Fresh Fruits Lab should be next on your go-to list. Churning out recipes that incorporate fruity elements, their dishes encompass an added tangy oomph factor that will not disappoint the health-conscious.

Head to Fresh Fruits Lab any time from 10am to 3pm and order up their Fruity Berries Pancake (S$13) or Bananalicious Pancake (S$13), which are only available on their brunch menu. Instead of just being topped with fruits, the fruity flavours are infused into the pancakes so you can expect every mouthful to be flavourful, to say the least!

Fresh Fruits Lab Changi
351 Changi Rd
Singapore 419818
Tel: +65 6677 6741
Tue to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Eunos/ Kembangan

Fresh Fruits Lab – The Z Edition
28 Clementi Road
Singapore 129754
Tel: +65 6803 7472
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 1am
Sat: 11am – 1am
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Kent Ridge

POOFY BY RIZ LABO

If you’ve never tried, soufflé pancakes redefine how pancakes should be done. Basically, they’re so light and airy you can imagine yourself eating a pancake cloud. Poofy by Riz Labo at habitat by honestbee makes theirs without a pancake mould so the edges are very soft with insides that are beyond fluffy.

We tried Poofy Pancakes (S$14) which was topped with fresh berries and cream and Matcha by Riz Labo (S$17) which was heavily sprinkled with matcha powder. Both tasted markedly different despite the same base, cream topping, and maple syrup drizzle. The easy way out of deliberating between them is to order both as afternoon tea with your pals.

Poofy @ habitat by honestbee
34 Boon Leat Terrace, #01-01
Singapore 119866
Sun to Fri: 10am – 10pm
Sat: 10am – 12am
Nearest Station: Pasir Panjang

KYUSHU PANCAKE

Best known for their 100% natural, organic pancakes, what you get at Kyushu Pancake are pancakes that are made with seven different grains—all grown in Kyushu. The result? A premium pancake mix that gives the perfect texture and unique taste.

Some of the highlights include Kyushu Butter Milk Classic Pancake, Salted Caramel French Toast, Matcha Azuki Waffle, Egg Benedict Pancake and of course, their signature Matcha Montblanc that is not to be missed.

Kyushu Pancake
275 Thomson Road
Novena Regency #01-08
Singapore 307645
Tel: +65 6352 6265
Tue to Sun: 11am – 9pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Novena

Photo Credit: Oriole Coffee

ORIOLE COFFEE + BAR

Whether it is gourmet coffee that you are craving or alcohol for you to indulge in during a night out with your friends, Oriole Coffee + Bar posits as one of the best spots in town for you to have a meal at and chill out.

Their Espresso Hotcakes (S$14) features a thick slab of vanilla pancakes, seeds, berries, maple syrup and homemade whipped espresso orange butter that gives the seemingly simple dish a touch of complex, bittersweet flavour.

Oriole Coffee + Bar
96 Somerset Road, #01-01
Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard
Singapore 238163
Tel: +65 6238 8348
Sun to Thu: 8am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 8am – 12am
Nearest Station: Somerset

PARK

Located in the neighbourhood of Holland Village, PARK stands out against the rest of the restaurants for its affordability on top of quality food.

On their menu, you can find an entire page dedicated to solely pancakes and crepes. Diners can select from a variety of sweet and savoury options for their pancakes, and choices include Pancakes with Smoked Salmon (S$15.50), Pancakes with Choco Bananas (S$11.50) and Mixed Berries Pancakes (S$13.50).

PARK at Holland Village
281 Holland Ave, #01-01
Singapore 278621
Tel: +65 9721 3815
Tue to Thu & Sun: 11am – 12am
Fri to Sun: 11am – 2am
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Holland Village

THE BRAVERY CAFE

One of the most popular Muslim-owned cafés in Singapore, The Bravery is known to whip up pretty mean cafe grub with an ambience that’s perfect be it for a girl’s night out or a romantic date.

Their Pancake Stack (S$15.50) is what you should keep your eyes peeled for on their menu. Piled atop one another, the pancakes are topped off with bananas, ricotta cheese and maple syrup. We can imagine this tall stack of pancakes to be nothing short of fluffy and moist just by the looks of it!

The Bravery Cafe
66 Horne Road
Singapore 209073
Tel: +65 9388 2973
Sun, Mon, Wed & Thu: 9am – 6pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 10pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

Photo Credit: Wild Honey

WILD HONEY

Wild Honey is one of those gorgeous, elegant restaurants that would spring into mind when you’re thinking of impressing your other half. Best known for their all-day breakfast, their menu comprises a wide variety of options that will surely leave you spoilt for choice.

Their Canadian (S$20) is one of their Chef’s Recommendation. Paired with a savoury side, diners get a stack of thick, moist and fluffy pancakes. A marriage of sweet and savoury flavours, we totally understand why this dish remains as the crowd-favourite item for brunch!

Wild Honey
6 Scotts Road
Scotts Square #03-01
Singapore 228209
Tel: +65 6636 1816
Sun to Thu: 9am – 8:30pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 9:30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

WILDSEED CAFE & BAR

Boasting tranquil greenery and a cosy environment, Wildseed Café & Bar is a great respite to unwind after a hectic work week over good coffee and better food.

What you should be keeping your eyes peeled for would be the Highland Pancake (S$9). Unlike many over-the-top desserts that flood our Instagram feeds, Wildseed Cafe’s rendition of pancakes is fairly simple but one that nonetheless manages to capture our hearts. Crunchy roasted sweet corn bits are served beside the fluffy pancakes before being topped off with house-made butter for the final touch.

Wildseed Cafe & Bar
3 Park Lane
Seletar Aerospace Dr
Singapore 798387
Tel: +65 9643 9116
Mon to Fri: 9am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 8:30am – 6pm
Nearest station: Punggol

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

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

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

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

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

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

JIRO SPECIAL SET

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

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

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

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

A SUSHI LOVER’S PARADISE

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

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

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

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

ASSORTED SASHIMI

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

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

THE ROLLS ROYCE OF BEEF

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

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

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

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

This post was brought to you by Sushi Jiro.

% Arabica Coffee, famous coffee shop from Kyoto, is finally opening its first outlet in Singapore.

Given how Singaporeans are such caffeine addicts, there is certainly no shortage of cafes and coffee bars dedicated to offering high quality brews. As we see more Japanese concepts—Kurasu Singapore and Omotesando Koffee—opening up one after another, we are more than excited for the addition of % Arabica Coffee right here in Singapore.

According to % Arabica Coffee’s Instagram account on 12 June 2019, the first outlet at Arab Street will be ready by next week. % Arabica Coffee Singapore has also announced the opening of two other outlets at Chip Bee Gardens and 313@Somerset.

You can have a taste of their signature brews at (place) when % Arabica Coffee Singapore officially opens to the public.

This coffee shop is the brainchild of Kenneth Shoji, who worked with head barista Junichi Yamaguchi—champion of the Coffee Fest Latte Art World Championship in Tokyo—to make % Arabica Coffee the world-class brand it is today.

Watch this space as we bring you the latest news of the opening of % Arabica Coffee Singapore.

% Arabica Coffee Singapore
56 Arab Street
Singapore 199753
Nearest Station: Bugis/ Lavender

There’s no shortage of Japanese ramen restaurants in Singapore, and joining the lineup over at South Beach Avenue is Ebi-Tori Menzo.

Hailing from Osaka, Ebi-Tori Menzo, as per namesake, specialises in both chicken ramen and shrimp tsukemen. For the uninitiated, tsukemen is a form of dipping noodles, and the sauce it’s served with is a thicker and richer version of the usual ramen soup broths that we are used to.

Their signature ramen offering may not rank as high as compared to many others out there but here’s why you should pay this humble ramen restaurant a visit anyway.

We ordered both their signature dishes—their Signature Ebi Tsukemen (S$17.90) and their Shio Chicken Ramen (S$15.90).

Their Signature Ebi Tsukemen was served with a mix of fresh salad leaves, tomatoes, sweet potatoes cubes, a slice of baguette and a thick slice of Chashao.

They use over 15 ingredients—all of which are on display on their wall mural—in just their shrimp based dipping sauce and broth alone. The result is reminiscent of both mee rebus and lobster bisque.

To be completely honest, in spite of the hype of the sauce itself being intensely flavoured with shrimp and other seafood items, our taste buds felt differently. Granted that the sauce was rich (as it’s meant to be), the flavours of prawn did not really come through as prominently as we would have liked.

We actually preferred the Shio Chicken Ramen. It was topped with two slices of the same thick-cut Chashao, bamboo shoots and shards of sweet potato crisps.

What caught our attention was not the noodles or broth, but surprisingly, the sweet potato crisps. The flavour of the long crisps melded well with the flavour of the Shio broth, unlikely to be found anywhere else.

Both bowls of noodles were served with Chashao. We found them neither too fatty nor too dry, and it provided an adequate chew before melting away in our mouths. However, for some, it might be considered too salty.

Ebi-Tori Menzo
South Beach Tower
26 Beach Road
#B1-18 South Beach Avenue
Singapore 189767
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 11am – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade

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

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

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

AFFORDABLE JAPANESE RESTAURANTS IN SINGAPORE

DISTRICT SUSHI

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

Their stellar Bara Chirashi Don, which is priced at an unbelievable S$13 per bowl (no GST and service charge), is stacked high with generous cubes of fresh marinated fish and is one of their most frequently ordered items. Besides that, the casual eatery also has a range of sashimi, nigiri sushi and a la carte sides that are mostly below S$15.

91 Bencoolen Street, #01-15
Sunshine Plaza
Singapore 189652
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2pm, 6pm – 8.30pm
Nearest Station: Bencoolen

FISH MART SAKURAYA

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

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

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

IZAKAYA NIJUMARU

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

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

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

KOH GRILL & SUSHI BAR

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

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

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

OMOTE

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

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

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

SUMO BAR HAPPY

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

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

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

THE SUSHI BAR

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

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

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

TSUKIJI FISH MARKET

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

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

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

MID-RANGE JAPANESE RESTAURANTS IN SINGAPORE

EN SAKABA

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

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

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

Photo Credit: Tatsu

TATSU

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

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

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

UNI GALLERY

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

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

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

JAPANESE FINE DINING RESTAURANTS IN SINGAPORE

FAT COW

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

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

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

Photo Credit: Keyaki

KEYAKI

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

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

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

MIKUNI

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

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

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

SHINJI BY KANESAKA

Boasting an exquisite selection of fine sake, food and impeccable service, Michelin-starred Shinji By Kanesaka over at Carlton Hotel Singapore promises a dining experience like no other.

An extension of 1 Michelin star Chef Shinji Kanesaka’s Edo-style sushi restaurant in Tokyo’s exclusive Ginza district, the restaurant promises nothing but the finest Japanese cuisine around.

76 Bras Basah Road
Carlton Hotel Singapore
Singapore 189558
Tel: +65 6338 6131
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bras Basah / City Hall

SUSHI JIRO

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

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

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

TATSUYA

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

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

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

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

Miyagawa Honten—125-year-old Unagi Speciality Restaurant—is opening its first-ever overseas outlet in Singapore.

With the arrival of so many international brands in Singapore this past couple of months, it has been a challenge to keep track but one, in particular, that has got us stoked out of our minds is the renowed unagi speciality restaurant, Miyagawa Honten.

For those who are unfamiliar, Miyagawa Honten is one of Tokyo’s most well-known unagi restaurants, with a history that spans 125 years. Its first outlet was Tsukiji Miyagawa Honten back in 1894, and it has since grown from strength to strength, now operating 20 outlets in Japan alone!

The restaurant’s very first foray out of Japan and the very first one out of Japan will be known as Ichinoji Miyagawa and we are all ecstatic to get our hands—or rather our tastebuds—on their speciality eel that boasts a unique, thick and somewhat spicy sauce—very different from the usual unagi dishes that we are familiar with.

The 34-seater restaurant located at Riverside View, Robertson Quay will serve unagi in three of its signature styles: hitsumabushi, seiro mushi and donburi.

Hitsumabushi is a traditional Nagoya’s style of cooking freshwater eel that involves slitting the eel open along the belly and grilling it whole without steaming beforehand. This style of preparing freshwater eel can be enjoyed on its own or with dashi, nori, wasabi and green onion.

For those who are wish to experience and savour the natural flavours of grilled unagi at its purest should definitely opt for the donburi option that features clean flavours and neutrally-flavoured accompaniments to really bring out the taste of the fish.

Photos credit: Miyagawa Honten

Ichinoji Miyagawa Singapore has yet to announce its official opening date. Watch this space as we bring you the latest news about its opening in Singapore.

Ichinoji Miyagawa Singapore
01-05 Riverside View
Robertson Quay Singapore 238251
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay