Japanese donburi sets for only S$12 nett? Yes, you got that right!

Katanashi is a Japanese tapas bar along Boat Quay that offers reasonably priced set lunch meals on weekdays, catering mostly to working professionals whose offices are nearby.

For those who are not familiar with the area, Katanashi is a less-than-ten-minutes walking distance from Raffles Place MRT station. We are giving the Japanese bar bonus points for easy accessibility, but is their food really value-for-money? 

While Katanashi has an alfresco area, we would recommend going indoors to escape the scorching heat. Those who are dining alone can also choose to sit by the bar as you watch the chefs prepare your food right before you.

We first tried the Unatama-Don (S$12) which came in a lovely presentation.

The plump unagi glistened from the teriyaki sauce drizzled over it and went extremely well with savoury egg omelette and warm Japanese rice. There is also the usual seaweed flakes which adds extra texture in your donburi.

Every set meal comes with pickles, miso soup and cold chawanmushi. Considering the generous portion, having a lunch set meal at Katanashi is definitely a bargain!

Next up, we decided to go for that day’s Special Don—which happened to be Spicy Tuna Sashimi Don. Also at S$12 nett, it came with a huge serving of deep red tuna sashimi slices served atop warm rice and the same side dishes.

While the tuna was fresh and well marinated in spicy sauce, we would enjoy it more if the sashimi was served chilled instead.

Those who are keen to try other options can look forward to Rouleau-Don, Chicken Teritama-Don, Katsu Curry-Don and Maguro Salmon-Don (S$12).

Otherwise, treat yourself to something slightly more luxurious, such as the Hokkaido-Don and Roast Beef-Don (S$15).

Katanashi
77 Boat Quay
Singapore 049865
Tel: +65 6533 0490
Mon to Fri: 11.45am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 11.30pm
Sat: 5pm – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

Julee is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She is an advocate of travel and hopes to visit Iceland someday. She enjoys having a good conversation over tea and a slice of cake. There are two things in the world she cannot live without—food and humour.