Ashino is an omakase restaurant at Chijmes that’s famous for their aged sushi, and the 8-seater restaurant is so popular that there is a waitlist for a seat.

But is it really worth the hype? We waited 2 months for a seat, and finally got down to trying the S$250 omakase served by Chef Taku Ashino himself—who was trained in Tokyo for more than a decade, and worked at Hide Yamamoto before he opened his own at Chijmes in 2015.

There are 4 options for lunch: S$120, S$180, S$200 and S$250. We went for the S$250 Omakase lunch, because why go for the S$120 one when we already waited 2 months for a seat, right?

Ashino At Chijmes prides themselves on using air-flown Mt Fuji water cooked in a traditional iron kettle for their shari-sushi rice, and a great range of his fish is aged for extra flavours.

We started out with two sushi—marinated tuna in soy sauce and botan ebi—and were a little puzzled as to why we went straight into sushi instead of appetizers. Then came along more sushi, but nothing exactly stood out, rest for this piece featuring merikari (shining eyes)—a very lightly sweet white fish that was firm to the bite.

There were more appetiser-like bite-sized dishes (such as a single deep-fried hotate with lotus root) were slotted in between the sushi pieces.

In between, you may expect pieces such as hokkigai (surf clam), budai (parrot fish) and chutoro. Notably, Chef Ashino has a penchant for the very uncommon fish, but perhaps, one who gravitates more towards the simplicity of natural flavours would appreciate his omakase more.

And the most memorable ones were the sea perch that was prepared with citrus and pepper as well as the one with Uni.

Oh, we loved the fukugi tea. Made from camphor wood, smoked branches and leaves, this caffeine-free tea served at the end of the omakase meal was lightly aromatic and very palatable.

Ashino
30 Victoria Street #01-23 Chijmes, 187996
Tel: +65 6684 4567

Kogane Yama, whose name translates to “Golden Mountain”, specialises in serving premium Japanese tendon and other traditional Japanese fares with modern twists and flavours. Known for using only the freshest ingredients and creating the most delicious dishes at a rather affordable price point, Kogane Yama is not one to disappoint.

This August, Kogane Yama has launched a new menu with 3 brand-new Japanese side dishes, 4 flavours of Chahan (garlic fried rice), 2 flavourful bowls of ramen and their National Day dishes, the Salted Egg Tori Karaage Don and Chilli Crab Tendon.

With the market still riding the strong wave of local-inspired dishes, Kogane Yama’s National Day dishes should definitely be on your must-try list. They will only be available from 1 to 31 August 2019 so savour these delectable donburis before they’re gone for good!

SIDE DISHES

Kicking off the meal were three brand new additions to Kogane Yama’s side dish menu. The selection features Idako (seasoned baby octopus), Chinmi (scallop frills) and Kurage (seasoned jellyfish). Prepared with fresh seafood and seasoned to perfection, these traditional Japanese side dishes are a great way to start your meal at Kogane Yama.

We particularly enjoyed the Kurage, seasoned simply with sesame oil, sesame seeds and Japanese chilli flakes. Simplicity at its best, the savoury taste and fresh crunch of the jellyfish definitely whet our appetites.

CHAHAN – GARLIC FRIED RICE

Next up on the table was Kogane Yama’s new myriad of Chahan—an aromatic garlic fried rice. There will be not one, but four, new renditions of this Japanese classic, featuring 4 different types of meat and seafood—Unagi (eel), Salmon, Shirasu (white bait) and Chicken.

Japanese pearl rice is fried with egg, soy sauce and golden brown garlic chips to achieve that smoky flavour known and loved by Japanese cuisine fans. It is a savoury dish that is full of flavour yet still light on the palate.

Our favourites were definitely the Unagi and Salmon Chahan. The fresh flavour and buttery texture of the salmon paired perfectly with the aromatic fried rice, giving it that extra indulgence.

The Unagi Chahan, on the other hand, had a smoky and strong savoury taste, bringing an added depth of flavour to the lightly-flavoured rice. The smoky unagi paired immaculately with the crispy garlic and pearl rice such that we could not help but go for seconds!

HOKKAIDO-STYLE MISO-TONKOTSU RAMEN

Kogane Yama has also released two new ramen dishes with an enriched pork-bone miso broth and springy Hokkaido-style ramen noodles. It comes with two different toppings—Seafood Miso Ramen and Pork Belly Miso Ramen.

The Pork Belly Miso Ramen contains thinly-sliced pork belly strips, fried cabbage and a perfectly runny Hanjuku egg. Simple yet full of flavour, this umami-bomb bowl of ramen will tingle and tantalise your tastebuds.

The Seafood Miso Ramen, on the other hand, comes with juicy prawns, scallops, squid slices and a Hanjuku egg—perfect for seafood lovers. The seafood adds a hint of sweetness to the rich miso-tonkotsu broth, making it even more indulgent and delicious.

You can complete your meal, making it a set that comes with a mini salad or chawanmushi (steamed egg) and a cup of green tea.

CHILLI CRAB TENDON

Kogane Yama is well-loved for their generous portions and delicious Tendon bowls. This National Day, Kogane Yama has created one for Singaporeans and tourists alike to enjoy, featuring a nation-wide favourite flavour—Chilli Crab.

Thick, rich and with a kick of spice, the Chilli Crab gravy is drizzled over a generous array of deep-fried golden-brown ingredients including crispy soft shell crab, sweet potato and long beans. The perfectly-fried savoury toppings complement the sweet and spicy sauce and fluffy Japanese pearl rice.

This Tendon is definitely the show-stopper of Kogane Yama’s upcoming menu.

SALTED EGG TORI KARAAGE DON

If you’re following the cult-favourite Salted Egg trend that has been going strong in Singapore for the past few years, you will be absolutely delighted with this National Day launch from Kogane Yama.

Their Salted Egg Tori Karaage Don features crispy yet juicy fried chicken chunks, stir-fried with a thick salted egg gravy such that every single piece is coated. The salted egg sauce is not overly cloying, having a slight sweetness and a hint of spice from chopped chillis.

Topped with an onsen egg, the dish will be your most indulgent guilty pleasure this August. The Chilli Crab Tendon and Salted Egg Tori Karaage Don will only be available from 1 August to 31 August 2019 so catch these National Day specials before they are gone forever!

YUZU YOGURT JAPANESE SODA

Of course, something to quench your thirst while having such rich and indulgent flavours is necessary. Give Kogane Yama’s Japanese Sodas a try. They come in big pitchers and are great for sharing with friends.

The tanginess and tartness of the yuzu combined the mild sweetness of the yogurt make for a refreshing palate cleanser. It’s perfect in-between dishes or just as a way to wrap up a good meal with your pals!

200 Victoria Street
#02-50 Bugis Junction
Singapore 188021
Sun to Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

50 Jurong Gateway Road
#01-16, JEM
Singapore 608549
Sun to Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Jurong East

This post is brought to you by Kogane Yama.

We often crave for Japanese food, but some days, we do have a budget that limits our choices.

We’ve stumbled upon Yamaya – a hidden gem stowed away in Fortune Centre—serving up delicious and filling set meals at a fraction of the price of the average Japanese restaurant. Check out what we ordered and our thoughts on this hidden gem!

We first ordered a Ten-Don Set (S$12.80) and we were pleasantly surprised by the generous portion of tempura-fried toppings. The set also comes with a side of Oden, pickled radish and sour plums.

The fried ingredients consisted of two juicy ebi prawns, two long beans, slices of eggplant, sweet potato, perilla-wrapped fish and pumpkin. A sweet ten-don sauce was drizzled atop the fried items and fluffy Japanese rice, completing the dish.

Next up on the table was the Shabu Don Set (S$9.80). A bed of Japanese pearl rice was topped with thinly-sliced beef with a sweet-and-savoury sauce and onions.

The set came with a Sesame Salad, an onsen egg, Oden, pickled radish and sour plums.

The best part was the gooey yolk that when burst, coated the beef, onions and rice oh so deliciously!

Yamaya is located on the first floor of Fortune Centre, and lunch hour sees hungry executives flocking there for cheap lunch sets. It dons a traditional wooden interior, making it look like it came straight out of a street in Japan.

Yamaya
190 Middle Road
Fortune Centre, #01-33
Singapore 188979
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
(Closed on Sundays)

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.