If you’ve travelled to Japan before, you’d realise that some of the restaurants cycle their menus according to the four seasons. This is due to certain ingredients being more readily available than others during specific parts of the years.

JW360°, which stands for Japan Way Three Sixty, took this season-based concept and ingeniously transplanted it to ever-summer Singapore. Occupying a 486 square meter premise that can accommodate up to 140 seated patrons, JW360° is a concept store that consists of three operating divisions: JW360° Cafe, Suju Restaurant and a retail corner called Nomono.

As the focus of the store revolves around the four seasons, their menus and retail items here are switched up every few months, meaning that you will always have something new to look forward to.

Out of the many places around the world, they chose to set up their first outlet at the newly opened Jewel Changi Airport as they believe that this strategic location will enable them to connect with travellers from all around the world and allow them to provide everyone with the full Japanese experience. 

SUJU RESTAURANT 

JW360°’s restaurant segment is operated by Suju Masayuki, a notable Japanese restaurant that has over 200 years of rich history, seven stores in Japan and one store in Orchard, Singapore. The restaurant creates dishes based on the produce that is available in Japan according to the four seasons, so do expect a constantly changing menu!

Suju Restaurant is helmed by Head Chef Atsushi Yamakawa who was previously the Head Chef of Suju Restaurant in 2016. As Chef Yamakawa has had work experience in countries such as Australia, America and New Zealand, many of his dishes are infused with a unique western touch.

Based on his extensive knowledge of both Japanese and Western cuisines, the restaurant’s highlights include Yoshoku, which is essentially a western-influenced Japanese cuisine.

Some Yoshoku dishes to look forward to in the current season are the Hamburg Steak — an outrageously tender and thick beef patty which is glazed in a viscous miso demi-glace sauce. The robust sauce was a perfect complement to the patty and enhanced the umami of the whole dish.

The Mixed Katsu set comes with an assortment of pork, chicken, beef and shrimp croquette. Each crisp piece of katsu is fried to a gorgeous golden brown and every bite lets out a satisfying crunch.

Fish aficionados would appreciate the Gindara Misozuke Yaki, which is essentially a grilled miso-marinated codfish. Do not let its simple plating fool you; the codfish needs no other accompaniment and is absolutely ambrosial by itself. The fish is so insanely tender that it literally melts in your mouth!

JW360° CAFE 

For those of you who are looking for something a little lighter, pop over to JW360° Cafe to indulge yourselves in their decadent array of desserts and tea time treats.

Their gelato comes in an array of different flavours. We were told that it is a must to try their strawberry ice cream as it is made from Amao strawberries—deemed to be one of the highest grades of Japanese strawberries. These strawberries are so premium that they give the ice cream a naturally creamy texture and flavour without the addition of milk or cream.

As it is currently cherry blossom season in Japan, they have an entire selection of seasonal desserts dedicated to the well-loved flower. Prepare to spoil yourselves silly with some pretty pink desserts that don’t just look good for the ‘gram, but taste amazing too. We love their Sakura Cranberry Cakes!

We also recommend that you have a go at their matcha desserts which are made from high-quality matcha. Each and every one of these desserts has a rich, earthy flavour that has the perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness.

NOMONO RETAIL CORNER 

If you love Japanese snacks and trinkets but you have no money to fly all the way to Japan to get some, Nomono will be your saving grace. The retail corner is renowned for procuring snacks and souvenirs from all over Japan and they have three outlets within Tokyo, with Singapore being their first venture outside of Japan.

The colourful store is packed with an assortment of scrumptious, creatively packaged Japanese snacks and sweets. These amazing treats are bursting with flavours of Japanese origins reputably known as ‘Oyatsu Times’ which translates to ‘Japanese Snack Time’.

All the snacks and sweets available here hail from various prefectures across Japan and each of these is a representation of what their prefectures specialise in. We were recommended to get their zesty Apple Chips which consist of raw apples that have been air-fried to preserve its crispiness and natural apple flavour.

For the alcoholics out there, you’d be glad to know that there are also a variety of different sakes available. We love the ones that come in little glass jars that have detailed paintings on them; it makes for a perfect keepsake or a gift!

In celebration of the current sakura season in Japan, Nomono has also stocked up on a range of sakura-themed food items that are hard to resist. From pink-hued pasta shaped like sakura flowers to even sakura salt, you’ll definitely be left spoilt for choice!

Other highly recommended snacks include Hagi no Tsuki Custard Cake, a soft and fluffy sponge cake that is filled with custard cream. The dessert originates from Sendai, one of the largest Tohoku regions in Japan. This dessert is so popular that it would be considered a crime to go on a trip to Japan and not come back with a box of these.

JW360°
#01-223/224/225
Jewel Changi Airport
Tel: +65 6242 8377 (Retail) +65 6243 2466 (Restaurant)
Daily: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Changi Airport

This post was brought to you by JW360°.

Japanese food is all the rage in Singapore and the demand for Japanese cuisine continues to grow by the day. So does gourmet Japanese groceries, for experimenting with Japanese cuisine in our own kitchens is a form of therapy, too.

Japanese supermarkets are well-received thanks to the range of their unique snacks, premium fresh foods and the fact that they offer certain Japanese groceries that are otherwise unavailable in usual supermarkets. 

If you are looking to stock up on your favourite Japanese snacks or if you are simply searching for that one particular ingredient to complete your Japanese meal, here are 11 Best Japanese Supermarkets In Singapore For Japanese Gourmet Groceries. 

DON DON DONKI

The popular Japanese discount king store was all over the news in 2017 because they had finally opened an outlet in sunny Singapore. This megastore sells a plethora of things such as food, household items, makeup and novelty items. We also love how it is open 24-hours so that we can do some late night shopping when insomnia strikes.

Orchard Central, B1 & B2
181 Orchard Road
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6444 2422
Daily: 24-hours
Nearest Station: Somerset

ISETAN SCOTTS

Right in the heart of the city centre, Isetan Scotts is arguably one of the all-time favourite grocery shopping spots for most Singaporeans.

Isetan Scotts has a fantastic line-up of fresh and frozen Japanese products. From freshly-baked bread at Johan Paris Bakery and a dashi bar serving made-to-order piping hot broth, there is so much to love about Isetan Scotts and the products offered.

Shoppers will also have the opportunity to experience Japanese delicacies through food fairs, live kitchen demonstrations and sampling stations.

Isetan Scotts
350 Orchard Road, Shaw House, Singapore 238868
Tel: +65 6733 1111
Sun to Thu: 11am – 9pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

ISURAMUYA 

Situated on Level 4 of JCube, the authenticity of the Japanese cuisine and produce available at this Japanese restaurant-cum-marketplace goes unquestioned.

All produce are sourced directly from Japan and Kuriya is also the only marketplace which offers Halal Japanese goodies and snacks.

Isuramuya
2 Jurong East Central 1 #04-10 JCube Jurong, Singapore 609731
Tel: +65 6262 3008
Daily: 11am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Jurong East

J-MART JAPANESE FOOD MARKET

A retail outlet of the Japan Prestige Sake Association, J-Mart Japanese Food Market is conveniently located on the 1st level of The Star Vista and you will be able to find an expansive range of Japanese food products to cater for your cooking needs.

The supermarket also offers a selection of Japanese confectionery and snacks and affordable hand-brewed and premium Japanese sake.

J-Mart Japanese Food Market
1 Vista Exchange Green, The Star Vista, Singapore 138617
Tel: +65 6694 3228
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Buona Vista

KURIYA 

You cannot get any fresher than this. As seafood is flown in thrice-weekly from Japan, you can be assured that not only is the seafood at Kuriya well-stocked but that they will be extremely fresh as well.

Apart from fresh seafood, there are also ready-made sushi platters, snacks and drinks. Feel free to also approach one of Kuriya’s fish specialists and perhaps glean a few cooking tips from their rich culinary experience.

Kuriya
#B1-07 Great World City, 1 Kim Seng Promenade, Singapore 237994
Tel: +65 6836 4910
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

MEIDI-YA SUPERMARKET 

Meidi-Ya—one of Singapore’s pioneering Japanese supermarkets—is closing its flagship outlet at Liang Court by 31 Mar 2020.

Located in the basement of Liang Court, Meidi-Ya is undeniably one of the best Japanese supermarkets in Singapore and it has been operating in Liang Court for the last 17 years.

Fans of Meidi-Ya will be relieved to know that the popular Japanese supermarket is not closing in Singapore. Medi-Ya has another outlet at the newly-revamped Great World City’s basement 2 and you will still be able to get groceries and your favourite Japanese snacks there.

It is an all-rounder supermarket that only provides high-quality Japanese products such as Japanese rice, noodles, and other Japanese homemade products. Prices may be on the steeper side but the splurge is worth it.

Look out for their ready-made sushi platters, sashimi platters and bento boxes if you wish to pick up a quick meal on the go.

Meidi-Ya Supermarket
Great World City
1 Kim Seng Promenade, Singapore 237994

NIPPON-YA 

The first Japanese food boutique in Singapore, Nippon-Ya aims to not only introduce traditional Japanese products such as Kisyu Pickled Plum or the Kansai Yatsuhashi in Singapore but to also raise awareness about any other trendy or popular Japanese products in the market.

Apart from confectioneries, you will also find wine, sake, gift boxes and even accessories available for purchase at this food boutique.

Nippon-Ya
2 Orchard Turn, #B2-68 ION Orchard, ION Orchard, Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6534 9020
Nearest Station: Orchard

SAKURAYA FISH MART 

Sakuraya Fish Mart is another gem in Singapore. From frozen ingredients, Japanese rice, Japanese tidbits, ice cream and beverages, you will be spoilt for choice. This market is also known for its affordable seafood such as salmon and tuna.

And while shopping, you may want to stop by the eatery within the supermarket for a bowl of chirashi don.

Sakuraya Fish Mart
154 West Coast Road, #B1-50 West Coast Plaza, West Coast Plaza, Singapore 127371
Tel: +65 6773 6973
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Clementi / Dover

SHIOKJAPAN BY AKIBA TRADING PTE LTD 

Most fondly known for selling the Tokyo Banana Shiroi Kobitoi, ShiookJapan is a retailer of premium Japanese treats such as Japanese Kit Kats, giant Pocky and giant Collon.

At present, the only ShiokJapan outlet is tucked away at the corner of Burlington Square. The Japanese snacks are shipped from Japan to Singapore on a weekly basis so you can be rest assured that the shelves are constantly stocked.

ShiokJapan by Akiba Trading Pte Ltd
175 Bencoolen St, #01-14 Burlington Square, Singapore 189649
Tel: +65 8168 6935
Daily: 12am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Rochor

YAMAKAWA SUPER 

Yamakawa Super is located in the basement of Clarke Quay Central. Bringing in Japanese confectioneries and beverages not available in local supermarkets, this is the place to visit if you are a big fan of Japanese snacks.

Some of the exciting beverages and snacks at Yamakawa Super include the wasabi-flavoured soda and pudding-flavoured biscuits. Try them if you dare!

Yamakawa Super
Clarke Quay Central #B1-28B, 6 Eu Tong Sen St, Clarke Quay Central, Singapore 059817
Tel: +65 6534 9518
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

ZAIRYO SINGAPORE

How does shopping for Japanese groceries online sound? Zairyo Singapore is a family business which sources all its high-quality products directly from Japan.

Some of its freshly-imported food products include seafood, seasonal vegetables and fruits, premium meats, sauces, condiments and snacks. This online supermarket also provides recipes and serving suggestions online so as to allow customers to have a truly memorable Japanese culinary experience.

Zairyo Singapore
15 Yishun Industrial Street 1 #01-26 Singapore 768091
Tel: +65 8808 0811
Mon to Fri: 10am – 6pm
Sat: 10am – 4pm
Sun: 12pm – 5pm
Nearest Station: Yishun

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