Opened by Chef Raymond Tan—the owner of high-end sushi restaurant, Hiyru—Shinsho Ramen is a new ramen eatery at Singpost Centre. Originating from Malaysia, Shinsho Ramen specialises in chicken paitan (white soup) ramen.

Shinsho’s paitan ramen is made from boiling and simmering a large amount of whole chicken, pork bones, chicken legs, and several kinds of vegetables over more than 8 hours. The result? A creamy, collagen-rich consistency with deep, savoury flavours.

There are 8 ramen on Shinsho Ramen’s menu:

• Aged Soy Sauce Ramen (S$14.90)
• Black Garlic Ramen (S$15.90)
• Spicy Red Miso Ramen (S$16.90)
• Special Black Truffle Flavour Ramen (S$17.90)
• Sakura Ebi & Chashu Curry Tsukemen (S$17.90)
• Pork Ribs Teriyaki Ramen (S$29)
• Half Rock Lobster Ramen (S$48)
• Kuroge Wagyu Ramen (S$54)

For delivery, you can opt for Shinsho Ramen’s raw noodle pack and cook the ramen yourself. The ramen ingredients, noodles and paitan soup broth will be packed separately and all you have to do is to cook the noodles in boiling water and heat up the soup broth which comes in a vacuum-packed bag. It’s a great way to enjoy piping hot ramen at the comfort of your place.

There are also premium ramen options including Half Rock Lobster Ramen and Kuroge Wagyu Ramen.

Apart from ramen, you can also choose from a selection of sides such as Fried Chicken Skin with Spicy Aioli, Homemade Wagyu Gzoya (S$12.40 for 4 pcs) and Roasted Pork Belly Bun (S$6.20).

We absolutely loved the spicy aioli dip which came with the fried chicken skin.

While we didn’t quite like the roasted pork belly which was too lean and dry, we thoroughly enjoyed the Homemade Wagyu Gzoya.

• Order Shinsho Ramen from their website—http://order.tabsquare.ai/ShinshoRamen.
• Islandwide delivery at only S$4 per trip with a minimum order of S$25.
• Free delivery for orders S$100 and above.

Shinsho Ramen
10 Eunos Rd 8, # 01-136, Singapore 408600
Daily: 11am – 8pm

Matsukiya at Paragon is a Japanese charcoal grill concept by Sushi Tei which offers traditional Kushiyaki that is grilled over binchotan. Other than Kushiyaki, the slightly upmarket Japanese restaurant also has Donburi and set lunches that start from S$25++.

The highlight of our meal was, however, not the Kushiyaki. While Matsukiya’s grilled skewers were decent, the Miyazaki A4 Ribeye Wagyu Donburi completely stole the show.

There is a selection of seafood and meat that are grilled over binchotan:

• Ise Prawn (market price)
• Gindara (S$26)
• Kagoshima Pork (S$22)
• Miyazaki A4 Wagyu (S$45)

Some of the dishes that you can Matsukiya’s Kushiyaki menu include:

• Thigh (S$4)
• Miyazaki A4 Wagyu (S$12)
• Bacon Enoki Mushroom (S$7)
• Chicken Ball (S$5)
• Pork Belly (S$5)

If you are there during lunch, there are three set lunch options that are available daily from 11.30am to 2pm and they start from S$25++.

The Wagyu Donburi set lunch (S$65++) features Miyazaki A4 Ribeye, onsen egg, foie gras and a generous serving of Ikura on the side. The set also includes an appetiser, salmon tataki, a prawn soup with a charcoal-grilled prawn and mushrooms, as well as a scoop of ice cream.

It is by far one of the most value-for-money Wagyu Donburi you can get in Singapore.

Charcoal-grilled Unagi set lunch (S$30++)

We wouldn’t go all the way to Matsukiya for the Kushiyaki but we definitely wouldn’t mind dropping by for the Miyazaki A4 Wagyu Donburi again.

Matsukiya
290 Orchard Rd, #05-04 Paragon, Singapore 238859
Tel: +65 6219 1771

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

11/11 is a well-loved date if you are a shopaholic because it means sales and deals everywhere! Literally anything can be on sale—from clothes to electronic appliances to gadgets and even food!

Over here at ladyironchef, we are celebrating with Asia’s largest dining discovery platform—Chope—for their ChopeDeals 11.11 Mega F&B Sale which is happening on 11 Nov 2020.

Look forward to 10 Japanese restaurants in Singapore with up to 50% off and they include ramen restaurant, sushi restaurant, Japanese BBQ restaurant and more. It’s such a bummer that we can’t travel this festive season but hey, we can buy lots of ChopeDeals to stock up for your year-end feasting with your loved ones.

CHOPEDEALS 11.11 MEGA F&B SALE (11 NOV 2020)

ChopeDeals is Chope’s e-commerce initiative, which allows diners to enjoy exceptional savings at over 800 top restaurants and it will be having its 11.11 Mega F&B Sale on 11 Nov 2020. Look no further, this is the sale to snag the best dining deals in Singapore.

There will be over 200 exclusive dining deals, 1-for-1s and up to 66% off, flash deals from $1 at 12pm, 6pm and 9pm and many more. Plus, score extra $9 off storewide* with code <9OFF1111> when you pay with DBS PayLah!. Limited quantities are available, so fastest fingers first!

*T&Cs apply.

BAO MAKERS (WESTGATE)

Quite possibly the first Bao concept restaurant in Singapore, Bao Makers specialises in traditional Chinese buns filled with local and international flavours.

During ChopeDeals 11.11 Mega F&B Sale, Bao Makers will be offering an exclusive Set Menu for 2 pax at S$29.90 nett which is a pretty sweet deal.

Bao Makers’ Exclusive Set Menu for 2 pax at S$29.90 nett (U.P $53.80):

• 1 x Teriyaki Chicken Spaghetti
• 1 x Rice Bowl (everything except beef steak and Korean sliced beef)
• 2 x Baos of your choice
• 2 x Drinks (iced citrus tea or iced lychee tea)

Photo Credit: Bincho

BINCHO (HUA BEE, MIN JIANG)

Bincho is an all-in-one unique dining concept by Unlisted Collection—who is behind many stellar restaurants in Singapore including Burnt Ends, Meatsmith, Esquina and The Market Grill—inspired by a yakitori-ya (traditional small grilling stalls) in Osaka.

Here’s your chance to score a good deal for your next date at Bincho. Get the 30% off All Day Cash Voucher from ChopeDeals 11.11 Mega F&B Sale.

• 30% off All Day Cash Voucher

CHICHI

A modern Japanese restaurant at Amoy Street, CHICHI is opened by the folks behind Nesuto Patisserie. CHICHI, which means father in Japanese, envisions itself as a place where everyone comes together to enjoy a good meal. Most of the dishes are in sharing portions as Chef Daniel Yee loves the idea of communal dining.

On its menu, you can look forward to interesting creations such as Chirashi Salad, Ang Kar Prawn, Uni Pasta as well as the signature Crab XO Fried Rice.

Get 30% off CHICHIi’s modern Japanese dishes with ChopeDeals 30% off All Day Cash Voucher.

• 30% off All Day Cash Voucher

Photo Credit: Keyaki

KEYAKI

Located on the 4th level of Pan Pacific Singapore is award-winning Keyaki Japanese Restaurant. Indulge in a sumptuous selection of sukiyaki, sashimi and signature teppanyaki. Surrounded by a tranquil Japanese garden and koi pond, Keyaki is a befitting location for a quiet celebration.

A meal at Keyaki isn’t cheap, which is why the ChopeDeals’ 25% all All Day Cash Voucher is what we are eyeing.

• 25% off All Day Cash Voucher

Photo Credit: Kure Menya

KURE MENYA (FRASERS TOWER)

Known for its collagen chicken broth ramen, Kure Menya at Frasers Tower is a Muslim-friendly restaurant which uses ingredients sourced from Halal-certificated suppliers. There is no MSG, pork and lard used in their ramen.

How does a 50% off promotion sound? ChopeDeals is offering a 50% off All Day Cash Voucher from Kure Menya.

• 50% off All Day Cash Voucher

TENKAICHI JAPANESE BBQ RESTAURANT (CINELEISURE, MARINA SQUARE)

Tenkaichi Japanese BBQ Restaurant is known for its value-for-money Japanese BBQ buffet which comes with unlimited wagyu beef from Kagoshima, Hokkaido, USA & Australia.

And you know what’s the best part? You can enjoy even more savings with ChopeDeals’ sale at 45% OFF its Premium à la carte buffet (Mondays to Sundays) at only S$68.48 nett.

• 45% Off Premium À la Carte Buffet @ S$68.48 nett (U.P S$124.52)

Photo Credit: Mitsu Sushi Bar

MITSU SUSHI BAR

Offering a variety of Japanese food, sake and shochu, Mitsu Sushi Bar ships in fresh seafood and produce from Kyshu and Hokkaido five times a week to ensure the freshness of their ingredients.

Don’t miss out on the 45% off Off-peak cash voucher from Mitsu Sushi bar during the 11.11 Mega F&B Sale.

• 45% off Off-peak cash voucher
• 10% off All Day cash voucher

Photo Credit: Teppan Kappo Kenji

TEPPAN KAPPOU KENJI

Over at Teppan Kappou Kenji, Chef Kenji Okumura has curated a creative menu which features his signature teppanyaki dishes. Take a seat at the chef’s table and watch the chefs in action as they whip up a feast using fresh ingredients that are imported directly from Japan.

• 30% off All Day Cash Voucher

UMA UMA RAMEN

Originating from Fukuoka in 1953, Uma Uma Ramen is as authentic as you can get. They serve up delicious ramen made using a family recipe, and their tonkotsu broth is known to be robust and aromatic. It’s just like getting a taste of Japan without having to travel there.

Enjoy 1-for-1 Ramen (choose from Uma Uma Ramen or Mazesoba Chasiu) from Uma Uma Ramen at S$18.73.

• 1-for-1 Ramen @ S$18.73

Photo Credit: Yujin Izakaya

YUJIN IZAKAYA

Located along Zion Road, Yujin Izakaya is a modern 50-seater izakaya by Les Amis Group which serves creative bites that take its inspiration from a traditional Japanese izakaya.

You can get S$50 cash vouchers from Yujin Izakaya at S$35 during the mega sale.

30% off All Day Cash Voucher

Score over 200 exclusive deals with ChopeDeals 11.11 Mega F&B Sale now!

This post was brought to you by ChopeDeals.

Established in 1980, Shima at Goodwood Park Hotel is the oldest Japanese restaurant in Singapore which is known for its traditional teppanyaki. It is frequented by Japanese expats and those with has a discerning appetite for fine Japanese cuisine.

Freshly grilled food (yaki) on an iron plate (teppan), Shima offers teppanyaki courses in a slightly aristocratic yet traditional setting. In short, you can expect nothing short of the finest quality and dedicated service.

The beef tenderloin steak came with a smoky exterior and medium-rare interior. Accompanied with deep-fried garlic chips and yasai-yaki, this main course was a true stunner.

Other than its signature Teppayaki menus, Shima also offers sashimi and sushi which is air-flown at least once a week from Japan.

Every grain of rice is coated with the oil used to fry the garlic, with pepper added to elevated the overall fragrance of this dish. It was, hands down, the best garlic rice that we’ve had in Singapore.

Shima Restaurant
22 Scotts Rd
Goodwood Park Hotel
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 6734 6281

Located in the heart of the CBD, Kinki Restaurant & Bar is an urban Japanese concept with an underground vibe that offers one of the best views of the waterfront and skyline of Marina Bay. It is a great place to hang out with your friends and unwind with Asian-inspired cocktails and bar bites at the rooftop bar, before heading down to the restaurant for a scrumptious dinner.

Kinki Restaurant & Bar is quite unlike the typical Japanese restaurants. Other than its graffiti-filled walls and murals which add on to the enigmatic charm of the place, Kinki Restaurant & Bar offers bold and cheeky modern Japanese cuisine. Think Japanese classics with a twist; expect the unexpected when you are dining here.

Kinki Restaurant & Bar has recently introduced new dishes to the menu and the highlights include Spicy Buffalo Katsu, Unagi Claypot, Buta Kakuni Claypot & Crusty Lamb Rack.

Enjoy 15% off a la carte items when you pay with your Mastercard® at Kinki Restaurant & Bar.

SPICY BUFFALO KATSU

The classic tonkatsu is given a Kinki twist in the form of a spicy Buffalo wings-inspired marinade.

Famed for its superior marbling, Nagano pork complements the Buffalo wings-inspired
marinade of Worcestershire sauce, la-yu (Japanese chilli oil) and shichimi togarashi (a classic Japanese seven-spice mix) perfectly. The cutlet is then coated in panko and fried before it’s topped with nori and shredded chilli.

The Spicy Buffalo Katsu (S$28++) is available for lunch and dinner. The set lunch (S$28++) comes with garden salad, miso soup and mochi dessert.

UNAGI CLAYPOT

Previously a chef’s special only served on occasion for regulars in the know, the Unagi Claypot has been upgraded to a permanent spot from its cameo role, and deservedly so.

Rice is fried with chopped unagi before it is finished in the claypot, topped with more unagi slathered with an addictive house-made unagi sauce.

The Unagi Claypot (S$32++) is available for lunch and dinner. The set lunch (S$32++) comes with garden salad, miso soup and mochi dessert.

BUTA KAKUNI CLAYPOT

Another claypot dish that you should try is the Buta Kakuni Claypot which is inspired by the signature Okinawan braised pork belly dish. Similar to the Chinese-style stewed pork belly, or what we know as ‘dong po rou’, the Okinawan rendition is a flavourful dish of pork belly.

Here, Hokkaido kurobuta pork belly is braised for 12 hours so that the fat renders as the pork simmers, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture and deep flavour. Garnished with briny umami shio kombu, the Buta Kakuni comes with Japanese rice and an onsen egg.

The Buta Kakuni Claypot (S$32++) is available for lunch and dinner. The set lunch (S$32++) comes with garden salad, miso soup and mochi dessert.

CRUSTY LAMB RACK

Fans of lamb will be delighted to know that Kinki Restaurant & Bar has finally introduced a lamb dish on the menu.

Australian lamb chops are first wet-aged in a koji yeast brine for a day. The lamb is first seared to render the excess fat off before it is coated with panko and mentaiko. The chops are baked, retaining tender meat on the inside.

Surely something to look forward to the next time you dine at Kinki Restaurant & Bar.

The Crusty Lamb Rack (S$45++) is available only for dinner.

As mentioned earlier, don’t forget to pay with your Mastercard® to enjoy 15% off a la carte items at Kinki Restaurant & Bar.

Kinki Restaurant & Bar
70, #02-02 Collyer Quay, Customs House, 049323
Tel: +65 6533 3471
Website: www.kinki.com.sg
Reservations: www.kinki.com.sg/Reservations
Deliveries: delivery.kinki.com.sg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kinkibar
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinkibar

This post was brought to you by Kinki Restaurant & Bar.

If you love Japanese food and have been a huge fan of Isetan’s popular Japan Food Town at Wisma Atria, you’d be sad to know that the place has closed down due to non-payment issues.

Isetan has officially issued them a notice to quit and their tenancy has since been terminated.

The 20, 075 square feet food hall on the 4th level of Isetan Singapore at Wisma Atria was home to 16 restaurants. Each of these offered a plethora of well-curated Japanese dishes at wallet-friendly prices.

Well patronised by both locals and Japanese who wanted a taste of home, the food hall provided diners with a taste of authentic Japanese cuisine without having to leave sunny Singapore.

It’s a shame that they’ve closed down as the entire concept, in our opinion, was well thought out, and the featured restaurants did serve some really good food.

Japan Food Town
435 Orchard Rd
Wisma Atria
Singapore 238877

There’s nothing quite as thrilling as discovering something that is hidden—be it intentionally or not. Just the feeling of exclusiveness, being part of a special few to actually know of a hidden gem’s existence gives us a sense of gratification.

In our case, we simply love it whenever we discover hidden food gems. Some tucked away in some of Singapore’s lesser-known shopping malls and even some that find themselves nestled within industrial parks.

Some may say that secrets are meant to be kept, but as far as good food is concerned, sharing is caring—and we care. So here is our list of 11 secret eateries hidden in ulu places.

CAFE COLBAR

Back in 1953, Colbar—also known as Colonial Bar—was used as a British army canteen. Today, people still dine at Colbar and the sense of nostalgia still remains.

Colbar serves a wide range of food on the menu with dishes like their Hor Fun and Chicken Curry Rice being notable favourites. While others make the trip down here for the old-school vibes, many others (like us) come especially for their massive array of craft beers and ciders. That’s right, this unassuming cafe curates some of the world’s finest craft beers around and prices are pretty affordable too!

9A Whitchurch Road
Singapore 138839
Tel: +65 6779 4859
(Closed on Monday)
Tue to Sun: 11.30am – 8.30pm
Nearest Station: Queenstown

DA LUCA ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Serving up real-deal Italian food Da Luca Italian Restaurant is one spot that never fails to leave an impression. Owned by chef-owner Luca Pucciani along with his wife, this cosy Italian restaurant in Goldhill Plaza dishes out an arsenal of stellar antipasti, pasta and hearty mains.

Fresh ingredients, masterful preparations, friendly owners and good vibes all rolled out into one, this is without a doubt a place that promises a sensational dining experience. While many other Italian restaurants exist elsewhere, this is by far one of the most hearty and authentic around. And the best part? So few know it even exists.

1 Goldhill Plaza Novena #01-19/21
Singapore 308899
Tel: +65 6258 4846
(Closed on Monday and Tuesday)
Wed to Sun: 11.45am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Novena

DISTRICT SUSHI

District Sushi is a relatively new Japanese joint 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—pretty nifty for a hidden eatery.

91 Bencoolen Street
#01-15 Sunshine Plaza
Singapore 189652
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2pm, 5.30pm – 8.30pm
(Closed on Sunday)
Nearest Station: Bencoolen

ICHI TEI

This low-key Japanese eatery in Sunshine Plaza is where one can find affordable Japanese food in town. If you are on a budget, Ichi Tei serves simple and flavourful meals below S$14. We thoroughly enjoyed the Chicken Teriyaki Rice Set which comes with a small portion of potato salad and miso soup.

Otherwise, Ichi Tei also has other options such as Curry Rice, Udon, Udon Curry and some of the basic side dishes.

91 Bencoolen Street
#01-52 Sunshine Terrace
Singapore 189652
Tel: +65 9139 1746
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 8pm
(Closed on Sunday)
Nearest Station: Bras Basah

IZAKAYA NIJUMARU

Izakaya Nijumaru is one hidden gem (literally) in Cuppage Plaza. It is tucked at a corner on the 2nd level of Cuppage Plaza and you wouldn’t otherwise walk past it unless you were particularly looking out for it.

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. Our personal recommendations include the Buta Shioyaki Set (S$13), Deep Fried Pork Filet (S$13) and Tendon (S$13).

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

NEW STATION SNACK BAR

Salted egg yolk fanatics rejoice because New Station Snack Bar nestled in Far East Plaza is where you can find one of the tastiest salted egg yolk pork ribs around and affordable Chinese food. This small eatery that sits on the 5th floor of the mall serves a surprisingly wide array of dishes.

Conveniently located within walking distance from Orchard MRT Station, this is one great destination for a wallet-friendly meal in Orchard Road. Yet, it is also astonishing how so many people are unaware of its existence after so long.

14 Scotts Road
#05-95 Far East Plaza
Singapore 228213
Tel: +65 6734 2862
Mon to Sat:11.30am – 9pm
Sun: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

PIGSFLY KITCHEN & BAR

Pig’s Fly is a melting pot of 6 different food concepts featuring Western, Japanese, Indian, Italian, Thai and British fare. During the day, this unassuming eatery is basically a slightly more upmarket coffee shop but once the sun sets, it turns into a bar.

Food options are aplenty and the beer taps never run dry, but as exciting as this place sounds, it still finds itself relatively under the radar and is patronised mainly by office workers and residents working and living nearby.

273 Thomson Road #01-05
Singapore 307644
Tel: +65 6256 0261
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri and Sat: 12pm – 1am
Sunday: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Novena

TASTE OF THAILAND

Nestled within one of Yishun’s more ‘ulu’ industrial parks, Taste of Thailand stands as a beacon for all things delicious, especially where Thai food and zi char is concerned. This is seriously value-for-money food at its finest and so long as you do not mind the shabby environment, this is definitely a great place to take your friends and family.

Their pineapple rice, fried fish and fried calamari come highly recommended but who are we kidding, all their dishes are amazing.

701A Yishun Avenue 5 #01-01
Singapore 761701
Tel: +65 6756 4883
Mon, Wed to Sun: 11.30am – 2pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
(Closed on Tuesday)
Nearest Station: Yishuan

THAI GOLD FOOD

Located in Sunshine Plaza, Thai Gold Food’s menu has popular Thai dishes like Mango Salad, Thai Fish Cake, Pineapple Fried Rice, Phad Thai, and Green Curry. Most of the items are reasonably priced below S$10 and they make for a real-deal Thai food experience—right down to the Thai servers and music that plays in the background.

91 Bencoolen Street
#01-14/22 Sunshine Plaza
Singapore 189652
Tel: +65 6883 1575
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 10pm
Sun: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Bras Basah

VICTOR’S KITCHEN

Even if you have not been to Sunshine Plaza, chances are you would have heard of Victor’s Kitchen at some point. This hidden dim sum gem is a favourite among those who frequent town because it is one of the few places where one can find coffee shop-style dim sum that won’t burn too big a hole in their wallet.

The prices of the dim sum here are around S$3-4 per basket—which isn’t particularly the cheapest but the reason why people constantly make trips down to Victor’s Kitchen is for the down-to-earth atmosphere and quick service.

91 Bencoolen Street
#01-49 Sunshine Plaza
Singapore 189652
Tel: +65 9838 2851
Sun to Thu: 10.30am – 8pm
Fri to Sat: 10.30am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Bras Basah

WILDSEED CAFÉ & BAR

Nestled in Seletar Aerospace Park, Wildseed Café & Bar is a picturesque venue where you can break out of the city’s hustle and bustle. Located on the ground floor of The Summerhouse Dining Room, this farm-to-table concept café serves hearty lunch and brunch during the day and transforms into a casual bar with a delectable grill selection in the evening.

From a wide selection of mains and sweet treats in their daytime menu to an even larger range of alcoholic drinks on their bar menu, there is something for everyone to indulge in at Wildseed Café. From Fridays to Sundays, there is live acoustic music in the evening.

3 Park Lane
Seletar Aerospace Drive
Singapore 798387
Tel: +65 6262 1063
Mon to Thu: 9a – 11pm
Fri: 9am – 1am
Sat: 8.30am – 12am
Sun: 8.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Punggol

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.

From the uncountable Japanese restaurant options we have in Singapore, one thing is for sure—Singaporeans can never get enough of Japanese cuisine. From sashimi to sushi and donburi, there is surely no lack of decent ones to be found in Singapore and the only concern is the price tag that comes along with it.

While many people would assume that Japanese cuisine in Singapore is generally heavy on the wallet, there are actually some dining establishments that aim to offer reasonably-priced Japanese dishes for the mass market.

Although the furnishings are simpler and there is no top-notch service to speak of at these places, you can expect value-for-money when it comes to these 17 no-frills Japanese eateries in Singapore.

Photo Credit: Char Sticks & Grill

CHAR STICKS & GRILL

As a kushiyaki bar concept, Char Sticks & Grill is a hangout spot for the young who are able to indulge in Japanese skewered meats that are grilled over an open charcoal fire.

Their impressive menu comprises no less than 50 items to choose from—poultry, seafood and vegetables included—you name it, they have it! For the hardcore carnivores, the Japanese eatery also offers a range of ribs so you leave with a satisfied tummy.

2 Jalan Lokam #01-54
Kensington square,
Singapore 537846
Tel: +65 8188 2902
(Closed on Mondays)
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 3.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bartley

DISTRICT SUSHI

District Sushi is a Japanese joint that serves up delicious Japanese fare at wallet-friendly prices. Their stellar Bara Chirashi Don, which is priced affordably sans 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)
Daily: 11.30pm – 2pm, 5.30pm – 8.30pm
Nearest Station: Bencoolen

DONYA JAPANESE CUISINE

Donya is known for their super affordable Salmon Mentai Don (S$8.80) that comes with generous portions of mentaiko sauce. Located within a HDB coffeeshop in Toa Payoh, this stall also offers other pocket-friendly donburi and sushi rolls available there.

126 Lor 1 Toa Payoh
Singapore 310126
Daily: 11am – 2:30pm, 5pm – 8:30pm
Nearest Station: Braddell

Photo Credit: En Sushi

EN SUSHI

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 at reasonable prices to every diner.

112 Middle Road, #01-00B
Midland House,
Singapore 188970
Tel: +65 6259 8548
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Fri to Sun: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

ICHI-TEI

This low-key Japanese eatery is where one can find affordable Japanese food in town. If you are on a budget, Ichi Tei serves simple and flavourful meals below S$14. We thoroughly enjoyed the Chicken Teriyaki Rice Set which comes with a small portion of potato salad and miso soup.

Otherwise, Ichi Tei also has other options such as Curry Rice, Udon, Udon Curry and some of the basic side dishes.

91 Bencoolen Street
#01-52 Sunshine Plaza
Singapore 189652
Tel: +65 9139 1746
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 8pm
Nearest Station: Bras Basah

Photo Credit: Maki Alcarde

IDATEN UDON

Idaten Udon is a budget-friendly option for some slurp-worthy, customisable udon! From just S$5.80, you can enjoy their Zaru Udon or Kake Udon with various sides available at the counter. For S$1 more, you can upgrade your udon to their special flavours such as Matcha, Yuzu, Tomato and Carrot for a colourful bowl of noodles.

Aside from soup and dry udon, you can also opt for their Curry Udon (S$6.90) that comes with chunks of carrots and potatoes. Idaten Udon also serves rice bowls, such as the Beef Curry Rice (S$9) and Beef Sukiyaki Rice (S$9), for those who are not feeling udon.

1 Raffles Link
#B1-21 CityLink Mall
Singapore 039393
Tel: +65 6238 7490
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall/Esplanade

IZAKAYA NIJUMARU

Izakaya Nijumaru is one hidden gem in Cuppage Plaza.

It is tucked at a corner on the second level of Cuppage Plaza and the nondescript outlet features a comprehensive menu that comes at reasonable prices. Its traditional setting—complete with dim lights, counter seats, seasonal menu handwritten in Japanese will have you reminiscing your times in Japan.

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

JAPANESE EXPRESS CURRY

Situated within Fortune Centre, Japanese Curry Express is one of our favourite places to get affordable Japanese fare. They do mentai dishes well, with a balance of savouriness and creaminess; Their signature Salmon Mentai Don (S$11 Small, S$14 Large) is a hit amongst the crowd!

We recommend you guys to get their sushi rolls as well, especially the Ebi Mango Maki and Spider Maki, that costs below S$10 each. This eatery gets extremely packed during lunch time, so be sure to drop by early.

190 Middle Rd
#03-04 Fortune Centre
Singapore 188979
Tel: +65 9689 6314
Mon to Sat: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 8:30pm
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Bugis/Rochor

KAZOKU JAPANESE CUISINE

Kazoku Japanese Cuisine is a humble family Japanese eatery that serves up quality Japanese fare at affordable prices.

Kazoku Japanese Cusine’s Salmon Don met all expectations. A whopping 10 pieces of fresh, thinly-sliced salmon sashimi sits atop a bed of rice and is topped off with a spoonful of wasabi and fish roe.

1 Goldhill Plaza #01-05
Singapore 308899
Tel: +65 9687 3782
Mon, Wed to Sat: 12pm – 10pm
Tue: 11am – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Novena

OMOTÉ

Now re-branded as Omoté, this humble donburi-speciality restaurant serves up awesome value-for-money Bara Chirashi Don. But do not be fooled by its unbelievably affordable price tag because what you get are insanely thick cubes of fish and a generous amount of Japanese rice.

No doubt the queues might be off-putting, but we assure you that it is definitely worth the wait!

#03-24A, , 301 Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574408
Tel: +65 9450 1020
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Mon to Sun: 11.45am – 2.15pm, 5.45pm – 9.15pm
Nearest Station: Marymount

SORA BORU

Conveniently located in 313@Somerset, you can find affordable donburis at Sora Boru. From meat to seafood options, there’s a plethora of dishes to choose from. Their signature Flaming Beef Don (S$11.90) is stacked with slices of mountainous-looking flame-grilled beef then drizzled with their made-in-house spicy gochujang sauce.

They offer customisable chirashi dons ranging from S$6.50 to S$16.90, depending on the size chosen. For Japanese curry lovers, you can indulge in a rich and robust bowl of curry don at Sora Boru as well.

313 Orchard Road
#B3-19/20 313@Somerset
Singapore 238895
Sun to Thu: 11am – 9:30pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

SUPARAKKI RAMEN

Ramen is our guilty-pleasure, even more so on rainy days. Suparakki’s Dry Truffle Ramen (S$6.90) is deeply-infused with truffle oil and topped with a concoction of pulled pork, hanjuku egg and other condiments. An absolute treat for the fungi-loving people. The Spicy Original Tonkotsu Ramen (S$7.90) was soaked in a rich pork broth with springy noodles, and was well-complemented with the melt-in-your-mouth chashu.

1 NorthPoint Dr
#B2-154 Northpoint City
Singapore 768098
Daily: 10:30am – 9:30pm
Nearest Station: Yishun

TACHINOMIYA

Tachinomiya is a quaint Japanese bar that serves up Japanese street food and a variety of Japanese sakes and beers. From yakitori to sashimi, you will be surprised at how much this little hole in the wall can conjure up.

Tachinomiya opens until late on most days which is always great for an evening tipple.

211 Hougang Street 21
#01-285
Tel: +65 6286 0738
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 12am
Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 1am
Sat: 11.30am – 2am
Sun: 11.30am – 12am
Nearest Station: Kovan

TAKAGI RAMEN

Who would think that it is possible to get a lip smacking bowl of authentic Japanese ramen at  for less than S$10? From their first outlet in 2015 at Ang Mo Kio, they have now expanded with three other outlets in Pasir Ris, Jurong West and NUS.

You can savour quality ramen such as their popular Karata-men (S$7.50) that is, a spicy tonkotsu soup topped with tender sliced chashu and handmade thin ramen. There are donburis and dry ramen options available too!

51 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3
#01-01C 51@AMK
Singapore 569922
Tel: +65 9138 8017
Daily: 11am – 12am
Nearest Station: Ang Mo Kio

THE SUSHI BAR

Originally a small sushi place at Far East Plaza, The Sushi Bar has seen tremendous success amongst Singaporeans and currently has two outlets, with the other one located at Ngee Ann City.

They serve the standard dishes like sushi, sashimi, and donburi bowls, but if you only have room for one dish, you must try the famous Salmon Aburi Sushi.

14 Scotts Road
#04-28 Far East Plaza
Singapore 228213
Tel: +65 9653 6464 (SMS reservation only)
Daily: 11.30am – 9.45pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

WASABI TEI

Nestled within Far East Plaza, Wasabi Tei is a humble Japanese eatery that offers affordable Japanese cuisine. There is nothing fancy about its interior and diners huddle around a counter that comes with limited seats. The standards have dropped over the years and we will not go to Far East Plaza just to have a meal. But if you happen to be in the area, go for their lunch sets (S$12 onwards) which include as Teriyaki Chicken Set, Unagi Kabayaki Set and Salmon Chirashi Set.

14 Scotts Road
#05-68/70, Far East Plaza
Singapore 228213
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 5.30pm – 9.30pm
Sat: 12pm – 4pm, 5.30pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

YAKINIKU LIKE

This Yakiniku chain in PLQ Mall attracted queues that never seem to end ever since their opening in Feb 2020. Aside from being an affordable choice, this is also a place perfect for solo diners who are seeking to enjoy yakiniku without feeling awkward.

You can get a Karubi Set for just S$8.80! This is probably one of the cheapest yakiniku set you can ever find in a restaurant setting, or in Singapore even. If you’re feeling more premium, opt for the Wagyu Steak Set at just S$19.80 for 120g. All sets come with rice, soup and kimchi or salad, it’s definitely gonna fill you up.

10 Paya Lebar Road
#B1-28 Paya Lebar Quarter
Singapore 409057
Daily: 11am – 10m
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar

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

While there are many things about Japanese cuisine that we love, few are able to satisfy our cravings for crispy, greasy delight as well as a hearty tonkatsu. Be it in the form of meat, poultry or seafood—anything coated in egg and panko breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection warrants our attention.

Anzu—a popular tonkatsu restaurant from Japan—at Wisma Atria’s Japan Food Town specialises in tonkatsu and it features a remarkable range of katsu offerings on their menu.

Tonkatsu joints may be in abundance in Singapore, but if you are someone who values great service on top of delicious food, then Anzu is a place you have to pay a visit to.

THICK PORK LOIN KATSU SET

Fat is flavour as far as meat is concerned and more importantly, it keeps the tonkatsu itself incredibly moist. We loved every bit of Thick Pork Loin Katsu (S$25++) from the crunch of the breaded exterior to the pork juices that come spilling out all over our tongue with each bite.

Every katsu set comes with free-flow portions of rice and salad, chawanmushi as well as your choice of either seaweed or clam soup.

PORK LOIN KATSU SET

Considerably easier to manage given that it is not as huge as its thicker counterpart, we enjoyed this version in the sense that we could really taste the porky goodness erupt the moment we bit into it.

Our only issue was that, due to the lack of delicious fat, this tonkatsu option (S$20++) was quite dry—to the extent that we had to rely heavily on the sauce and soup to balance it out.

We must say that we were impressed by how every component was executed properly from the pork katsu to even the accompanying side dishes right down to the house-pickled carrot and cucumber served on the side.

Anzu
435 Orchard Road
4F Wisma Atria
Singapore 238877
Tel: +65 6262 3408
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

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