Tempura Tendon Tenya Singapore is opening its second outlet at ION Orchard.

The largest tempura restaurant chain in Japan, Tempura Tendon Tenya first opened in Singapore at Orchard Central in Oct 2020. The new outlet will be at ION Orchard food hall, at Basement 4 next to Toss & Turn.

The popular tendon chain is known for its affordable tempura bowls and prices range from S$7.90 to S$12.90.

We were in disbelief when we first had the Tenya Tendon in Japan many years ago. It might not be the best tempura, but it was very decent, and surely a steal for the price.

First-timers have to try their signature Tenya Tendon which is priced at only S$8.50 for a hearty bowl of tempura tiger prawn, red fish, squid, pumpkin, and French beans.

With the opening of Tempura Tendon Tenya, shoppers at ION Orchard will now have another option for cheap and good tendon.

Tempura Tendon Tenya Singapore
ION Orchard basement 4

Tenjin is opening a second outlet at Raffles City on 1 Dec 2020.

Tenjin is a Japanese restaurant by the Les Amis Group that specialises in Tempura Donburi and the first outlet is located on the third floor of Shaw Centre.

Photos credit: Tenjin

Tenjin serves a variety of tendons and tempura and the prices start from S$12.80 for the Vegetable Tendon to S$24.80 for the Tempura Moriwase Set.

The menu at Tenjin Raffles City will be similar to that of their original outlet but with one new addition. The Hot Inaniwa Udon comes with crisp tempura and it will be exclusive to the Raffles City outlet.

Tenjin
Raffles City #B1-46
Daily: 11am – 9pm

Read our guide on the best tendon restaurants in Singapore.

Japan’s renowned Kushikatsu chain with over 160 outlets, Kushikatsu Tanaka, is now in Singapore. Located right smack in the middle of bustling Clarke Quay, this less-than-a-year-old eatery is famous for its Kushikatsu (fried cutlet skewers) and signature dipping sauce.

Kushikatsu is a Japanese delicacy comprising an assortment of lightly breaded and deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables. In Japanese, kushi translates to skewers while katsu refers to a deep-fried meat cutlet.

A step into Kushikatsu Tanaka will transport you to a traditional izakaya in Japan, with its dim-hued interior and a rustic decor that sets does well to mimic a similar mood. Offering a range of wallet-friendly Japanese bar grub and alcohol, this is definitely the go-to spot for some after-work drinks and gathering.

First up on our table was the lightly steamed and perfectly salted appetiser, Edamame (S$5++). These protein-rich soybeans are fresh and sweet, making for a good pre-meal snack.

Moving on to something that required a little elbow grease, was the DIY Potato Salad Mentaiko ($10++)!

It came with a generous portion of potatoes, an ajitsuke tamago (Japanese marinated soft-boiled egg) and crunchy bacon bits seasoned with black pepper and mayonnaise, topped with a decent portion of savoury mentaiko chunks—all of which required grinding and mixing using a pastel. 

By grinding everything together yourself, you can adjust the texture of the salad to suit your taste. We liked ours to be slightly chunky so that we can taste a bit of everything.

The star of the night was definitely the legendary Kushikatsu (Assorted Skewers). We got ourselves the Recommended 5 (S$8.20++), which came with Asparagus, Lotus Root, Beef, Pork and Onion.

Coated in Panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried till golden brown, the skewers were insanely crispy without being greasy at all. What made this dish even better was the special dipping sauce that was tangy and extremely addictive.

Kushikatsu Tanaka
3A River Valley Road, Merchant Court
Clarke Quay Block A #01-01B
Singapore 179020
Tel: +65 6258 3789
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5pm – 12am
Sat: 12pm – 1am
Sun: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

Izakaya bars are all the rage now, especially among the office crowd and En Dining (previously known as En Sakaba) under the Izakaya Japanese Dining Group (which manages En Japanese Dining at Mohd Sultan, En Japanese Dining Bar at Bukit Timah and Z’en Japanese Cuisine) is not a name unheard of.

Now with a total of 4 new outlets—each boasting different concepts—this izakaya slash Japanese restaurant group is a true haven for those in search of tantalising Japanese fare, a chic yet cosy spot to relax at and a solid tipple.

Introducing its new flagship restaurant and the group’s fourth outlet, En Dining at Capital Tower is set to enthrall with their stellar shabu shabu offering, visually stunning à la carte items as well as a selection of curated Japanese whiskies and sake for your after-work tippling pleasure.

For a limited period and exclusive only at Capital Tower, En Dining is having a hot pot buffet dinner that comes with a selection of appetisers, 3 kinds sashimi platter, wagyu sushi, prawn and vegetables tempura, Häagen-Dazs ice cream as well as a monumental shabu shabu that sees unlimited servings of Japan’s No. 1 of Miyazaki wagyu beef, premium zuwai kani queen crab, ibérico kurobuta pork, assorted vegetables, udon and Japanese porridge—all at only S$78++ per pax (U.P. S$108++ per pax).

We kid you not, from the sweet flesh of the queen crab to the perfectly marbled, melt-in-your-mouth Miyazaki Wagyu, this is a shabu shabu feast that you must try and you’d be a fool if you missed it.

If your idea of a Japanese izakaya is a shabby, small and dimly lit hut then En Dining’s flagship will change that perception. The interior is decked out in beautiful furnishings that screams chic and cosy.

We especially adore the bar counter that allows diners to peek into the open kitchen, as well as the wide selection of premium Japanese spirits and sakes on display.

APPETISER, SASHIMI, TEMPURA 

The buffet commences with an assortment of 3 different appetisers, each with different textures and flavours, yet sharing an element of freshness that no doubt will help to ease diners into the heavier courses.

Their sashimi platter comes with 3 varieties of seasonal fish and seafood, cut thick and gorgeously presented while the tempura platter consists of ebi (prawn) and a variety of vegetables—all deep-fried to crispy and golden perfection.

Considering that the buffet commences with these 3 stellar items, what follows may prove a tad too hard to resist. Period.

JAPAN’S NO.1 MIYAZAKI WAGYU SUSHI

To fully experience the natural taste of Wagyu, the buffet comes with a serving of Wagyu Sushi. Served raw atop sushi rice and garnished with freshly diced scallions, each mouthful promises a delicious flavour punch of pure beefy goodness that runs off your tongue almost like butter.

JAPAN’S NO.1 MIYAZAKI WAGYU (UNLIMITED SERVINGS)

Nobody leaves En Dining without having some A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Beef and this was love at first sight for us. From top-notch farms in Japan to the waiting mouths of hungry patrons, En Dining’s elite offering—premium Miyazaki Wagyu beef—is one that promises sheer, melt-in-your-mouth decadence in every bite.

An order of their prized Miyazaki Wagyu sees a platter of elegantly laid out slices of perfectly marbled beef, pleasing not only to the tongue but also to the mind and eye. Whether you deem yourself a wagyu connoisseur or not, a sight like this is the pinnacle of gourmet.

Our suggestion is to not overcook it. Simply simmer your beef for a few seconds and bring it to a pinkish-brown shade, remove it, and dip it generously in ponzu to bring out the best of the fatty beef.

A good point to note about the restaurant’s prized Miyazaki Wagyu is that it has won various prestigious industry awards, including the most honoured ‘Prime Minister Award’ by the Wagyu Registry Association in Japan for its outstanding meat quality.

Given to the best cattle once every five years, this award has been won by Miyazaki Wagyu for 3 consecutive contests, meaning it has held the reigns for 15 years and has been labelled ‘Japan’s Number One Beef’ ever since!

In terms of marbling, firmness, texture and sheer lustre of the fat within the wagyu, this is easily one of the best things you can ever put into your mouth.

IBÉRICO KUROBUTA PORK (UNLIMITED SERVINGS)

The Miyazaki Wagyu may be a showstopper in its own right but following close behind is the Ibérico Kurobuta Pork. Also available in unlimited portions, this gorgeous pork variety boasts a delicate, nutty flavour with melt-in-your-mouth marbling.

ZUWAI QUEEN CRAB (UNLIMITED SERVINGS)

Yet another highlight of this shabu shabu buffet is the unlimited servings of premium Zuwai Kani Queen Crab.

Sweeter in comparison to its male counterpart, the Zuwai Queen Crab is deemed by the chefs here a better choice for Japanese shabu shabu as it adds a heightened sweetness to the overall soup broth. The delicate flesh of the crab is insanely sweet and produces a lovely aroma when allowed to cook gently in the Bonito broth.

MIYAZAKI WAGYU SPECIALITIES

Besides shabu shabu, En Dining also prepares their highly prized Miyazaki wagyu in a number of ways (and in various cuts too) to allow diners to fully appreciate the premium quality beef at its best—namely in the form of sushi, sashimi, carpaccio and more!

A dish that beautifully enhances the wagyu and brings out the most of its beefy potential is the Wagyu With Quail Egg. Sliced into thin strips and topped with a quail egg yolk, what you get is a simple cold dish that fully allows you to savour every morsel of flavour.

Serving sizes may be a tad small but believe us when we say, you probably wouldn’t be able to stomach more than one serving of this given how rich the components are.

These Wagyu Specialties are available at all 4 restaurants—Capital Tower, JEM, Orchard Central and Clarke Quay.

SASHIMI PLATTER

As if all that unlimited servings of decadence are not enough, you will be spoilt with a deluxe platter of sashimi as part of the buffet.

PRAWN AND VEGETABLES TEMPURA

Also included in the buffet is this plate of tempura that comes with prawns and an assortment of vegetables such as eggplant, sweet potato and pumpkin. Each one is coated with a light batter mix and deep-fried to a golden colour and served with a bowl of Tentsuyu dipping sauce.

DESSERT

After all that feasting, you might think of turning down dessert but we all know deep down, there is always room for dessert. End your meal on a sweet note with a creamy and robust matcha ice cream from Häagen-Dazs, topped with whipped cream and a dollop of azuki paste.

With such an exciting line-up, En Dining’s Japan No. 1 Miyazaki Wagyu and Premium Queen Crab Hotpot Buffet is one you cannot miss out on. For a limited period only, indulge in 90 minutes of unlimited servings of premium meats and seasonal delicacies at only S$78++ (usual price S$108) per pax.

For dining reservations and enquiries, please call +65 6423 0110 or RSVP at http://www.ensakaba.com.sg/buffet-promotion/.

*This offer is only available at En Dining Capital Towers outlet from Monday to Friday after 5pm and Saturday.

*Valid with a minimum order for 2 pax.

*The menu may change without prior notice.

*Price is subjected to 10% service charge and 7% prevailing GST.

*Management reserves the rights to change terms and conditions without prior notice.

*Valid for dine-in and duration is a maximum of 90 minutes only.

A LA CARTE DISHES

Aside from their premium buffet, En Dining’s menu also boasts a range of delectable a la carte dishes such as Wagyu Sushi, Wagyu Tobanyaki, Wagyu Sukiyaki and Wagyu Yukke.

One of our favourites is the Japanese porridge where diners get to enjoy Japanese pearl rice that is stirred into the flavourful dashi broth and allowed to simmer until soft. It is then finished off with the addition of raw eggs which acts as a thickener as well as provides the porridge with a secondary layer of richness and depth.

En Dining Capital Tower

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

This post is brought to you by En Dining.

Sushi Jiro at Marina Mandarin Singapore is home to one of the finest Japanese dining experiences in Singapore. This quaint sushi restaurant does not disappoint with its fresh fish and seafood options, which are all air-flown from Tsukiji Market in Tokyo 4 times a week.

Helmed by Chef Kenji Nakagawa, who has had many years of experience under his belt, the sushi set lunch set is truly one to behold.

Expect a lavish feast comprising seasonal fish that make up their fresh sashimi and sushi—and even some rarities that cannot be found in conventional sushi restaurants.

From now until 09 Dec 2017, treat yourself to a quintessential sushi experience at Sushi Jiro at only S$80++ per pax when you like Sushi Jiro on Facebook and quote ‘ladyironchef’. This is an incredible deal and you will be guaranteed an unforgettable sushi meal.

Famed for being a sushi restaurant that values tradition, the restaurant’s interior is palatially designed to provide a cosy and comfortable environment to enjoy an unpretentious Japanese meal—much like the traditional Japanese sushi eateries of old. The sushi counter is only able to seat 10, making the experience a truly intimate one where you can feel free to converse with the chef as he prepares your lunch.

The sushi counter also features an open display where diners can marvel at some pretty exotic seafood items from a variety of shellfish items to even shirako (cod sperm sac).

SUSHI JIRO SINGAPORE’S SUSHI COURSE 

Sushi Jiro Singapore’s Sushi Course (S$100) consists of a starter, chawanmushi, 8 pieces of seasonal sushi, negitoro and ikura rice, miso soup and dessert.

The 8 sushi varieties we had were Hirame (flounder), Kinmedai (sea bream), Buri (wild yellowtail), Ebi (prawn), Kamasu (barracuda), Maguro (tuna), Kohada (anchovy) and our personal favourite, Chutoro (medium fatty tuna belly). Note that the variety might differ because every day’s highlights depend on the fish they import from Tokyo.

Each course was unique with a mix of delicate and fresh flavours. Chef Kenji handles each item with care, ensuring to not overwhelm your palate nor have one particular item outshine another.

Some—like the Chutoro—were served as it is, allowing you to savour the sheer decadence that is its rich and fatty contents while others such as the Maguro and the Kamasu were either seasoned with a gentle lick of their homemade shoyu, freshly grated wasabi to better bring out its natural flavours.

Going through the painstaking process of making their own shoyu right down to grating their own wasabi, you just know that Chef Kenji is the real deal. Most, if not all of the fresh fish and seafood served here are seasonal and deliberately chosen during specific seasons where they are the most delicious.

They are specially bid for and air-flown over to Singapore 4 times a week from Tsukiji Market in Tokyo!

The sushi course ends off with the Negitoro and Ikura Rice which is easily a crowd favourite on account of the perfectly struck balance of flavours and textures. Labelled as a ‘small bite’, the Negitoro donburi—which is traditionally made up of Negi (green onion) and Toro (fatty tuna belly)—features a generous serving of ikura, minced fatty tuna, sushi rice and a tiny smidgen of fresh wasabi.

Our recommendation is to include a bit of everything in a single bite to fully enjoy the flavour and textural components—from the gentle popping of the ikura, the rich and bold flavours of the fatty toro, right down to the tiny hit of wasabi which provides a nice touch of heat.

And you get the absolute discount if you quote ‘ladyironchef’ upon making your reservations. Instead of S$100++ per pax, pay only S$80++ per pax for this sushi lunch set.

CHIRASHI DON

Here’s an insider tip: You probably will not be able to find the Chirashi Don among Sushi Jiro’s menu offerings but make a simple request to have it made and Chef Kenji will be more than delighted to prepare it for you. The dish comprises generous servings of thickly cut sashimi and ikura that is all neatly placed atop premium Japanese rice.

Each individual fish boasts its own unique quality, from the fatty tuna to the umami-packed uni. For individuals who adore fresh sashimi, this is the ultimate indulgence.

The Chirashi Don is available at S$38++ per bowl.

STELLAR TEMPURA

Should you find yourself craving for something fried, the Assorted Tempura (S$18++) off the a la carte menu promises to hit the spot. The dish is an assortment of ebi, fish and a variety of vegetable tempura—all of which are thinly coated in a light batter and deep-fried to crispy perfection.

S$58++ LUNCH SETS 

Sushi Jiro also has several lunch sets at S$58++.

Our favourite has got to be the Gindara Teriyaki which features a fillet of grilled Silver Cod that is given a lick of Sushi Jiro’s homemade teriyaki sauce. The oily fish had a robust and deeply charred flavour which the savoury, sweet sauce complemented very well.

The lunch set is served with several slices of sashimi, tofu, pickles, chawanmushi and miso soup.

PREMIUM JAPANESE WHISKY—YAMAZAKI AND HIBIKI

For whisky connoisseurs, Sushi Jiro will be your haven. Boasting an impressive selection of Japanese whiskies from Hibiki to the world-renowned, Yamazaki, we went crazy with all the rare editions! If the finer aspects of Japanese culture can prove elusive to the Western psyche, much of the same could be said for the country’s whisky that boasts clean and very approachable flavour notes.

Your Japanese meal at Sushi Jiro will be complete with a glass of whisky.

Sushi Jiro Singapore
6 Raffles Boulevard
#04-600 Marina Mandarin Singapore
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6445 3055
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade

This post is brought to you by Sushi Jiro Singapore. 

Kimoto Gastro Bar is a quaint little Japanese kushiyaki bar at The Sail @ Marina Bay that offers pretty traditional Japanese bites at a fairly affordable price point.

Set in the busy Marina Bay area, this humble joint exudes a certain rustic charm reminiscent of local eateries off the busy streets of Tokyo. Not just that, the staff here display exceptional politeness and hospitality which gives you a familiar sense of Japanese hospitality.

They serve up an exciting array of caramelised, gorgeously charred kushiyaki (grilled skewers) pleasures along with a decent selection of small plates, salads, donburi and tempura. If you happen to be around the CBD area, this would probably be a good spot to check out.

The restaurant boasts a small and cosy space with a relaxed vibe. You get an amazing view of the open concept kitchen where you can see the chefs work their magic.

The menu here may not offer a huge selection of dishes but for what it lacks in variety, it compensates in quality—you will not be disappointed, we guarantee it!

Each lunch set comes with a simple salad drizzled with a sesame-based dressing and miso soup.

The serving for their Kushiyaki Don (S$14.90++) was modest with a mixture of 3 meat skewers, 2 vegetable skewers, a fried onsen egg and a good measure of the same of Japanese rice providing the cushion for the grilled skewers.

We really enjoyed the pork belly-wrapped asparagus, mushroom and zucchini skewers as they were delectably tender and brimming with a smoky, flame-licked flavour. The chicken breast skewers, however, were a tad bit dry.

Pop a few glances left and right and you will probably notice the Special Tempura Don (S$14.90++) being a popular choice among diners. The individual tempura featured ingredients such as shrimp, chicken, sweet corn, baby corn, pumpkin and a poached egg.

Kimoto Gastro Bar offers one of the best and reasonably priced tempura dons around the CBD.

Kimoto Gastro Bar
6 Marina Boulevard
#01-15 The Sail @ Marina Bay
Singapore 018987
(Closed on Saturdays & Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Downtown

For more recommendations, read our guide on the best tendon in Singapore.

It is not every day you find a restaurant that fuses an unconventional mix of flavour profiles, but Akira Back at JW Marriott Singapore South Beach is one of those places that prides itself on its unique approach and sets itself apart from the rest of the pack in more ways than one.

The restaurant by celebrity Chef Akira Back features innovative dishes centred around modern Japanese cuisine with Korean accents. Kicking off its new weekend brunch menu, guests will be enticed with an unlimited variety of appetising tempura and sushi rolls in addition to their stellar 3-course meal.

Available at S$98++ per person on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 to 3pm (last order at 2.30pm), Akira Back’s brunch menu offers four new options for mains and two desserts to choose from (one of each per pax), allowing guests to mix and match elements encompassing different flavour accents and cultural influences so as to achieve a customised and delectable meal.

Through his many travels, Chef Akira Back has acquired a multitude of culinary inspirations which he applies to the food he creates, dishing out incredible and whacky creations that intricately fuse elements from the places that he has visited, without being too overbearing on the palate.

Look forward to a bit of excitement and adventure when you dine in this signature restaurant at JW Marriott Singapore South Beach because you will not find an experience quite as exquisite as this elsewhere.

STARTER – AB PIZZA (TUNA OR MUSHROOM)

The weekend brunch menu kicks off with a starter of the highly acclaimed AB Pizza which you can have topped with either tuna or mushroom. Created by Chef Akira himself to help ease Americans into eating raw fish, this fusion of East and West is truly one of the best things you could ever put into your mouth.

The pizza comes on a thin, crisp tortilla base spread with an umami aioli, topped with thinly sliced tuna and a dash of truffle oil. Fine sprigs of micro shiso are also added to enhance the visual appeal of this dish.

Every bite fills the palate with robust umami-packed goodness, which is nicely underscored by the gentle crackling of the thin crust.

MAIN OPTION 1 – HAMACHI KAMA

Hamachi Kama refers to yellowtail (Hamachi) collar, which is the fattiest and juiciest part of the fish. It is usually grilled or broiled, allowing the fat to render so as to achieve perfectly crisp skin.

Here at Akira Back, this dish is done to the utmost perfection. The flesh is tender enough that you can easily scrape it off the cartilage with chopsticks, and the ginger balsamic dressing that comes served on the side does well to cut through the richness of the fish collar.

MAIN OPTION 2 – CHIRASHI DONBURI

Neatly and intricately placed atop furikake brown rice, we were impressed by the colourful assortment of cubed sashimi, tamago, fish roe and avocado. The chunks of fish are much thicker than you get in most places and the addition of avocado, although not uncommon, adds a creamy buttery texture to the dish that we really enjoyed.

MAIN OPTION 3 – SPRING CHICKEN

The Spring Chicken is the ideal main to have if you want something relatively light without sacrificing flavour. The chicken pieces are marinated overnight in miso, resulting in tender and outrageously succulent meat. It is glazed with yuzu kosho—a fermented condiment made from green chilli, salt and the juice and peel of the yuzu fruit.

The miso really tenderised the chicken and added enhanced its flavour without being too salty; the glaze brightened up the flavours of the dish with its citrusy notes while giving it a subtle spicy kick at the same time.

MAIN OPTION 4 – PORTERHOUSE STEAK

The Porterhouse Steak (available with a supplement of S$20) is one that will delight steak aficionados. A generous bone-in, Porterhouse cut of Australian Angus beef is seasoned with a house-innovated coffee-spice blend that, once grilled, boasts a deep earthy and smoky flavour.

As much as the steak tastes amazing on its own, try it with the bordelaise sauce, which is made with fermented black garlic, for a heightened umami note.

This massive steak is ideal for sharing between 2 people (hence the one-time supplement of S$20) and steak lovers should know that you really get bang for your buck with this cut. It was the highlight of our brunch and it would be yours, too.

FREE-FLOW TEMPURA AND SUSHI ROLLS

The best part of this stunning brunch is the wide variety of unlimited cooked-to-order tempura and sushi rolls that come as part of the brunch menu.

Take your pick of seafood and vegetable tempura such as the classic ebi (shrimp), ika (squid), anago (conger eel), shiitake, enoki and loads more.

And if you are really out to indulge, go for the nine different varieties of sushi roll types, from the hosomaki—the humble thin rice rolls containing one singular ingredient —to the uramaki, inside-out rolls otherwise commonly known as California rolls.

One of our favourites is the signature Godzilla Roll, which filled with unagi, and topped with sliced avocado and bits of diced strawberry. It took us a while, but we soon figured out how this unassuming dish bore a resemblance to the iconic dinosaur-like monster—think avocado as its green skin, and the strawberry signifying Godzilla’s frenzied eyes.

DESSERT OPTION 1 – AB CHEESECAKE

No brunch would be complete without rounding off with a sweet treat, but at the same time, you would not want something too heavy. Which is why, the menu has been carefully and thoughtfully planned out to include two desserts—the AB Cheesecake and the Pillow. You have a choice between both.

The AB Cheesecake is as rich as a cheesecake should be but the mild acidity from the coconut-lime sorbet and the apricot compote does well to cut through that.

DESSERT OPTION 2 – PILLOW

The Pillow, on the other hand, is essentially an Earl Grey-perfumed white chocolate mousse with morello cherry that is served with chocolate ice cream and a honey-nougat wafer–the perfect indulgence for chocolate lovers.

Weekend brunches are always something everyone looks forward to and with this enticing line-up at Akira Back, there is no questioning where you should be headed to this weekend.

Enjoy this stellar weekend brunch at S$98++ (per pax) on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 to 3pm. Alternatively, you can drop by Akira Back during weekdays for their lunch, as they have also introduced new 3-course set lunches as well.

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn 3 miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

Akira Back
30 Beach Road
JW Marriott Singapore South Beach
Singapore 189763
Tel: +65 6818 1914
Sun to Thu: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade/ Raffles City

This post is brought to you by JW Marriott Singapore South Beach.

Tendon (short for tempura donburi) is gaining immense popularity in the Japanese food scene here in Singapore. In the past, tendon may not be the first thought whenever one thinks of Japanese cuisine—it is often overshadowed by ramen, the eye-pleasing chirashi don, or fresh nigiri sushi—but things are indeed picking up for this humble dish.

A good way to describe tendon is that it is basically a bowl of glistening Japanese rice topped with deep fried tempura and drizzled with a light soy-based dressing. It is the epitome of Japanese comfort food because who can ask for better than deep fried goodness and tasty rice?

If you are looking for places in Singapore to satisfy your tendon obsession, then this guide will surely be beneficial to you. Here is our guide to the 8 Best Tendon Restaurants in Singapore for you to get your tendon fix.

SHITAMACHI TENDON AKIMITSU

Award-winning tempura and tendon restaurant from Asakusa, Tokyo—Shitamatchi Tendon Akimitsu has opened in Singapore with its first outlet at Plaza Singapura. Portion sizes are aplenty and the price is kept affordable. Considering it is an award-winning establishment, being able to savour fresh and perfectly deep fried tendon without having to splurge much is quite a treat.

For prawn lovers, the Ebi Tendon (S$17.90) is a delicious option to have. Comprising solely of prawn tempura, the Ebi Tendon also comes with chawanmushi and miso soup on the side.

At Shitamatchi Tendon Akimitsu diners can expect nothing but authentic and spectacular Japanese cuisine.

Shitamatchi Tendon Akimitsu
68 Orchard Road, #04-65/68 Plaza Singapura,
Singapore 238839
Tel: +65 6264 3390
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm

Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

TENDON KOHAKU

Widely recognised as one of the best tendon eateries in Singapore, Tendon Kohaku is a popular tendon speciality restaurant found at Eat at Seven at Suntec City.

What sets their popular tendon apart from other tendons in Singapore is how exceptionally tasty each individual ingredient is. Unlike many other tendon restaurants that tend to channel more attention into achieving the perfect batter and a crispy tempura, they emphasise more on achieving full-on flavour.

The KOHAKU Tendon (S$15) is a good option if you want to savour many varieties, it comprises vegetables, chicken, prawn and other seafood atop a bed of fluffy rice, with a helping of sauce drizzled all over the tendon. The ingredients were so juicy, tender and well-seasoned and the tempura batter, albeit not as crispy as some others, was delicious and flavourful.

Tendon Kohaku
3 Temasek Boulevard,
#03-310/311 Eat At Seven, Suntec City Mall (Tower One),
Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 6333 4386
Daily: 11.30am – 4pm, 5pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade

TEMPURA TSUKIJI TENKA

Brought to you by the graduates of the Tokyo Sushi Academy, Tempura Tsukiji Tenka is a tendon speciality eatery nestled within Japan Food Town in Wisma Atria. With most dishes on the menu priced below S$20, this is an ideal spot to dine at if you happen to be looking for an affordable dining spot in Orchard Road.

The tempura batter used here is light and crispy with a slight tinge of salt. The sauce layered over the tendon is similarly not heavy in flavour, which accentuates the freshness of the ingredients used.

Tempura Tsukiji Tenka
435 Orchard Road, #04-42 Wisma Atria,
Singapore 238877
Tel: +65 6262 3245
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 11pm
Sat: 11am – 11pm
Sun: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

KOGANE YAMA

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.

Always wanted the chance to customise your own tendon? Kogane Yama allows you to do just that—choose your tendon toppings, base and the spiciness level.

Diners may select their tendon bowls from a range of 4 flavours—Mixed Bowl, Chicken Bowl, Prawn Bowl and Vegetable Bowl. Thereafter, you may choose to enjoy your tendon bowl with either rice, udon or soba. Depending on your personal preference, pick your sauce’s spiciness level.

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

NIKU KAPPO

A brand new dining concept by WATAMI originating from Tsukiji, Japan, Niku Kappo offers diners authentic Japanese Kappo-style delights through its colourful menu filled with a diverse selection of food options

As the word ‘Niku’ suggests, Niku Kappo’s menu has a strong focus on meat. From meat sushi to meat-based hot pots, Niku Kappo only seeks to present Japanese cuisine at reasonable prices. The serving portion of the Niku Tendon here is considerably larger than most tendon, and at S$12.90 makes for a truly value-for-money meal indeed.

Niku Kappo
2 Orchard Turn, #B3-23 ION Orchard,
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6509 9366
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

TENSHO JAPANESE SPECIALITY TENDON

Found in the basement of the recently revamped Centrepoint, Tensho Japanese Speciality Tendon is a recent venture by the Ministry Of Food, which officially opened its doors to public in late September last year.

If you are searching for a reason to visit, the Mixed Tendon at Tensho Japanese Speciality Tendon might be your answer. It features generous servings of tempura which includes prawns, fish and vegetables, and for good measure, a runny onsen egg layered atop a bed of plump Japanese rice—all at only S$14.90++.

Tensho Japanese Speciality Tendon
176 Orchard Road, #B1-20 The Centrepoint, Singapore 238843
Tel: +65 6733 0449
Mon to Thu, Sun: 11.30am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

DON MEIJIN

Don Meijin is a relatively new donburi eatery at Ramen Champion, Bugis+. You can find quite a range of donburi including Jumbo Chicken Katsu Don (S$13.80), Unagi Don (S$18.80), as well as their signature Spicy Chilli Crab Tendon (S$14.80)—a unique combination of chilli crab sauce over crispy tempura.

This is a place where you will not be disappointed. With fantastic ambience, polite staff and efficient service, Don Meijin is great for those who are looking for a quick and delicious meal, and for parties who wish to enjoy their meal at their own time and pace.

Don Meijin
Ramen Champion Bugis+
201 Victoria Street, #04-10, Bugis+
Singapore 188067
Tel: +65 6238 1011
Mon to Thu: 11am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Fri: 11am – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 10.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

TENDON GINZA ITSUKI

Tendon Ginza Itsuki is probably the one who started the tendon trend in Singapore. The small restaurant in Tanjong Pagar is one name that you would resonate with perpetual queues. And what is it they serve that got Singaporeans so obsessed?

A good old Tendon, of course! And you do not have a lot of choices here at Tendon Ginza Itsuki—it is either Special TENDON (S$13.90) or Vegetable TENDON (S$12.90). The former is a classic bowl with 2 pieces of prawns, 2 pieces of chicken, half-boiled egg and 4 pieces of vegetables; the latter is an all-veggie bowl but we’d say just skip that.

Every TENDON comes with steamed egg and miso soup and complimentary pickles.

Tendon Ginza Itsuki 
101 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088522
Tel: +65 6221 6678
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

EBIZO TEMPURA RESTAURANT

The Ebizo Tendon (S$22.80) from the Ebizo Tempura Restaurant in Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant is one hearty bowl that will definitely fill you up. The golden-brown batter which coated the tempura impressed us with its crispiness despite being doused in a sweet soy dressing.

Generously topped with fresh ebi, sea eel, snow crab leg, squid, a tempura egg, and assorted vegetables, this bowl of goodness is sure to leave you satisfied especially if you are a sucker for such deep-fried goodness.

Ebizo Tempura Restaurant
Tsujiki Fish Market Restaurant
181 Orchard Road, #12-02
Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6634 2803
Daily : 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun High Tea: 3pm – 5pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

An award-winning tempura and tendon restaurant from Asakusa, Tokyo—Shitamatchi Tendon Akimitsu has opened in Singapore with its first outlet at Plaza Singapura.

With more than 128 years of culinary experience, Shitamatchi Tendon Akitmisu promises to impress all diners with authentic tempura and tendon. Furthermore, Chef Tanihara Akimitsu, the founder of Akitmitsu and 5th-generation head chef of Dote No Iseya, had flown over to Singapore to personally provide training to the crew at its Plaza Singapura outlet. Now, that is some dedication.

Excited to have a taste of their famous recipe, we made our way down to their Plaza Singapura outlet on their grand opening day. We’d go out on a limb and say that this is one of the best places to have tendon in Singapore.

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Of course, we had to begin our meal with Akimitsu’s Signature Tendon (S$14.90) which features tempura-battered prawn, white fish, egg, seaweed, assorted vegetables and rice covered with their original Tendon sauce. In addition, it comes with a portion of chawanmushi and miso soup on the side.

Diners can choose either the Asakusa Original Sauce—recommended by the eatery—or the Spicy Sauce to go with their tendon. And did we mention that your meal comes with free-flow pickles too?

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At first glance, the portion of ingredients served with Akimitsu’s Signature Tendon deserved much praise. Generous, fresh and perfectly deep fried ingredients; what more could we ask for in a tendon? Even more so at S$14.90, an award-winning, premium quality tendon at an affordable price was quite a treat.

Love your protein? The Ebi Tendon (S$17.90) would be a good and delicious option to have. Comprising solely of prawn tempura, the Ebi Tendon also came with chawanmushi and miso soup on the side. Just as crispy, just as tasty, this dish will be worth throwing your diet away for.

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Other tendon you can try at Shitamachi Tendon Akimitsu include the Kakiage Tendon (S$15.90) and Vegetable Tendon (S$12.90). If not, shake things up a little with the Mixed Tempura Rice Set (S$16.90) and the Kakiage Tencha (S$17.90).

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At Shitamachi Tendon Akimitsu, diners can expect nothing but authentic and spectacular Japanese cuisine. However, do note that Shitamatchi Tendon Akimitsu will get rather crowded during dinner time, so it is advised that you visit early to secure a spot at this quaint Japanese restaurant.

Shitamatchi Tendon Akimitsu
68 Orchard Road, #04-65/68 Plaza Singapura,
Singapore 238839
Tel: +65 6264 3390
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

Read: Best Tendon Restaurants in Singapore

Brought to you by the graduates of the Tokyo Sushi Academy, Tempura Tsukiji Tenka is a tendon speciality eatery nestled within Japan Food Town in Wisma Atria.

With most dishes on the menu priced below S$20, Tempura Tsukiji Tenka is a good option when you are looking for a dining spot in Orchard Road.

The TENKA Tendon is affordably priced at S$13.80++ and it comes with deep-fried tempura battered lotus, prawn, mushroom, salmon and kakiage over a generous portion of rice. It comes with miso soup on the side too.

Before tucking in, we admit that we had high expectations with regard to the freshness and taste of the ingredients as Japan Food Town sources over 50% of their ingredients from Okinawa Prefecture primarily on a daily basis. And we are glad to say that the Tenka Tendon did not disappoint.

The tempura batter of the TENKA Tendon was light and crispy with a slight tinge of salt. The sauce layered over the tendon was similarly not heavy in flavour, which accentuated the freshness of the ingredients used. Our only gripe is that there was not enough sauce drizzled over the tendon as this would make the dish tastier.

We also tried the Assorted Tempura (S$16.80++), which comprises chicken, salmon, mushroom, eggplant, sweet potato and chicken. However, do note that the Assorted Tempura does not come with any rice and you may order the Udon Set (S$3.80++) for a complete meal. 

Besides the above, other dishes you can try at Tempura Tsukiji Tenka include the Sea Eel Tendon (S$27.80) and Ebi Tendon (S$16.80).

Tempura Tsukiji Tenka
435 Orchard Road, #04-42 Wismia Atria,
Singapore 238877
Tel: +65 6262 3245
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 11pm
Sat: 11am – 11pm
Sun: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Fans of tempura rice bowls should check out Kogane Yama—the newest tendon restaurant in Singapore.

Started by the folks behind Chir Chir, Kogane Yama at Bugis Junction officially opens its doors to the public on 04 June 2017. This tempura speciality restaurant offers customisable tendon—choose your tendon toppings, base and the spiciness level.

Always wanted the chance to customise your own tendon? Kogane Yama allows you to do just that as diners can decide what ingredients go into their tendon bowl.

First, select your tendon bowl from a range of 4 flavours – Mixed Bowl (S$15.80), Chicken Bowl (S$13.80), Prawn Bowl (S$13.80) and Vegetable Bowl (S$11.80). Thereafter, choose to enjoy your tendon bowl with either rice, udon or soba. Depending on your personal preference, have your say with the spiciness level of the sauce which will be drizzled all over the tempura.

Diners also have the option to add chawanmushi (S$2) or miso soup (S$1.50) to their meal.

Our hearts led us to the Mixed Bowl Rice Set Meal (S$17.80) which came with chawanmushi and a choice of either miso soup or green tea. The Mixed Bowl comprises of a combination of fresh ingredients which includes chicken, prawns, sweet potato, carrots and more, layered with our choice of Spicy Level 1 sauce.

Considering the generous portion of ingredients served, the Mixed Bowl Rice Set Meal (S$17.80) was definitely a value-for-money meal. Furthermore, the tempura batter coating was crisp and light and ingredients equally flavourful.

The Prawn Bowl (S$13.80) with soba was another dish we tried. With the same tempura selection sans chicken, the tempura was likewise well-executed and tasty. We also liked that the soba was light in flavour which complemented the otherwise heavier tempura taste.

Looking for another tendon to add to your list of favourites? Kogane Yama will be worth a trip. A friendly note that Kogane Yama only accepts payment by cash or NETS.

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

A brand new dining concept by WATAMI originating from Tsukiji, Japan, Niku Kappo offers diners authentic Japanese Kappo-style delights through its colorful menu filled with a diverse selection of food options.

As the word “Niku” suggests, Niku Kappo’s menu has a strong focus on meat. From Meat Sushi to Meat Hot Pot, Niku Kappo only seeks to present Japanese cuisine at reasonable prices.

The serving portion of the Niku Tendon (S$12.90) was considerably larger than most tendon which made for a value-for-money meal.

We loved that the ingredients for the Niku Tendon are different from the typical vegetable-dominant tendon.

It consists of a hearty rice bowl topped with many ingredients—including green capsicum, bacon, thinly sliced pork belly, two chicken fillets and an onsen egg—which are coated with a light and crispy tempura batter and drizzled with a generous portion of sweet yet flavourful sauce.

Another dish that we tried was the Gyu Don (S$11.90), stewed beef with soft boiled egg on steamed rice. Simple dishes are not easy to perfect but Niku Kappo delivered again with the soft and tender stewed beef served.

With a great spread of dishes, the other stand-out items include the Tokusen Niku Sushi Mori (S$36.90) and the Mt. Fuji Nabe (S$18.90).

Niku Kappo
2 Orchard Turn, #B3-23 ION Orchard,
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6509 9366
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

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.

Found in the basement of the recently revamped Centrepoint, Tensho Japanese Speciality Tendon is a recent venture by the Ministry Of Food, which officially opened late September last year. 

If you are searching for a reason to visit, the Mixed Tendon (S$14.90++) at Tensho Japanese Speciality Tendon might be your answer.

Priced at S$14.90++, the Mixed Tendon features generous servings of tempura which includes prawns, fish and vegetables, and a runny onsen egg layered atop a bed of plump Japanese rice.

Diners also have the choice between the original or spicy sauce which is drizzled all over the don. To top it off, the don comes with a small bowl of miso soup and chawanmushi.

The tempura of the Mixed Tendon was executed wonderfully. With a slightly saltier yet rich batter, the flavours of the batter blended well and accentuated the taste of the juicy and fresh ingredients.

We were also delighted that the rice had a subtle sweet taste and slightly sticky texture. 

One other thing that would have made this experience complete would be a less-overcooked onsen egg as our onsen egg was only partially runny. We are confident that a flowy onsen egg would bring an additional level of flavour to this tasty tendon.

Other dishes on the menu include the newly launched Anago Tendon (S$18.90++), Ebi Lover Tendon (S$19.90++) and the Mini Tendon Set (S$17.90++).

A Japanese restaurant with a partially open-concept dining area, will Tensho Japanese Speciality Tendon be your next go-to Japanese restaurant?

Tensho Japanese Speciality Tendon
176 Orchard Road, #B1-20 The Centrepoint, Singapore 238843
Tel: +65 6733 0449
Mon to Thu, Sun: 11.30am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Ippoh, a famous tempura restaurant in Osaka, is opening its casual dining concept in Singapore this month.

Ask any local in Osaka to recommend a tempura shop in Osaka and they are likely to direct you to Ippoh, which is said to be the oldest and best tempura eatery in the region. No foodie would pass up the chance to give this prestigious restaurant a try.

And if you aren’t heading to Japan anytime soon, that’s fine too because you will have the chance to taste Ippoh’s crispy and delicate Osaka style tempura right here in Singapore.

Ippoh Tempura Bar by Ginza Ippoh will be opening at COMO Dempsey on 10 December 2016. Chef Masaru Seki, the fifth-generation member of the founding family has promised that the eatery will stick strictly to the same culinary standards as the original Ippoh outlet in Japan.

Expect only the most premium ingredients to be used which changes accordingly to the season. Every piece of tempura is fried individually with care, using high-quality safflower oil to lock in all the rich flavours in the tempura sans the greasiness found in most tempuras.

Of course, every chef has been trained to master the art of tempura-making, from crafting the tempura to understanding the right oil temperature and time taken on the fryer so that the tempura is crisp on the outside and yet cooked to perfection inside.

Visitors will be seated in a 1,200 square feet restaurant that can fit up to 18 pax, with the best seats at the tempura bar where you will get to watch your tempura being prepared carefully by hand before it is served to you.

Lunch sets start from S$60 to S$100 and dinner sets are going at S$140 to S$200. Besides that, complement your meal with a wide range of sakes, wines and beers.

Ippoh Tempura Bar by Ginza Ippoh
Block 17B Dempsey Road
Singapore 249676
Tel: 1800 304 3388
Sun to Thu: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 9.30pm
Fri, Sat, Eve of PH & PH: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm

We had one of our best Japanese meals this year at Ginza Yoshihiro.

And this is one new Japanese restaurant in town that you definitely must know about. With over 30 years of history, Ginza Yoshihiro first started their family legacy at Ginza, Tokyo. Priding themselves on their signature specialty oden, the Japanese restaurant enjoys great popularity and is now spreading the love of Japanese food in Singapore.

Ginza Yoshihiro at Marina Mandarin Hotel is everything we want in an authentic Japanese restaurant, and if not, more. We dare say it is one of the best new Japanese restaurants in Singapore.

As mentioned earlier, Ginza Yoshihiro sits within Marina Mandarin Hotel. One might be influenced by the common perception that restaurants sitting within a hotel property is “bad and touristy”, but Ginza Yoshihiro will defy this social misconception.

There is almost no restaurant in Singapore that specialises in oden – a healthy dashi broth with different ingredients such as boiled eggs and fish cakes – and Ginza Yoshihiro might just be the first. And the best.

Ginza Yoshihiro boasts a modern-cum-traditional facade. There is a stylish bar area where you can indulge in premium whiskeys and sake, and you can have your meal the traditional way – either at regular tables or at the communal sushi counter where you can watch the chefs in action, or in a private room (which requires advanced booking).

Helmed by Chef Nishioka, who was formerly the chief sushi chef at Hide Yamamoto, the Singapore outpost of Ginza Yoshihiro will not disappoint you.

We had one of the best Japanese meals here, and because Chef Nishioka has such a flare with performing with his knives and whatnot, we were entertained throughout lunch as he prepared our dishes and chatted with us about Japanese cuisine.

Here at Ginza Yoshihiro, the oden is a definite must-try. With zero fat content altogether, the broth is a light one that comes with a distinct sweetness, and the classic serving (served with every set meal) comes with a stunning centrepiece of a tomato.

Yes, it is a tomato! By smashing the tomato and pressing it into the soup, the oden is naturally sweetened and has a tinge of tanginess. The oden comes in different variations, and if the classic one is not enough to satisfy you (which we doubt), opt for the a la carte ones which feature add-on ingredient choices such as king crab legs, Kagoshima beef and a variety of fresh fishes.

It is brilliant how a simple oden can be glorified when cooked with premium ingredients, and that is the beauty of Ginza Yoshihiro’s signature oden – that the broth base is sweet, and can be transformed to just about any flavours with your preferred choice of ingredients while still retaining the distinct dashi aftertaste.

Now, bring your attention to the lunch sets. They may not be the “cheapest” sets, but they are definitely superb value for quality Japanese food.

If you are feeling particularly hungry and want to treat yourself to an exquisite meal, we suggest the Sushi Gozen (S$88) set. All of the set meals here come with an appetiser, the signature oden and dessert of Japanese ice cream. You get a big variety of Nigiri sushi that ranges from Bluefin tuna maguro to fresh and creamy uni (Sea Urchin). No fuss; just classic sushi prepared with fresh imports from Tokyo’s Tsukiji market, with the finest slicing skills by the sushi chef.

The Tempura Gozen (S$52) set comes in a generous portion. With a tempura platter that comes with their signature jumbo prawns (they are really huge and meaty!) and vegetables, the tempura is served with a side of matcha salt that is quite the best complement for the deep-fried goodies.

How good does the Oden Wagyu Gozen (S$58) look? The signature oden is prepared with strips of Kagoshima wagyu, daikon and konnyaku. You do the same – smash the tomato in to the soup, then eat them altogether for a lovely sweet and tangy taste.

And of course, our love for chirashi don never dies. The Bara Chirashi Don (S$38) is our favourite lunch set – with a bed of extremely fresh cubed sashimi atop sushi rice, this bowl is really worth your money. Lunch is definitely satisfying with this bowl, oden and dessert.

When Chef Nishioka whipped out the huge piece of Bluefin tuna to be sliced into sashimi, we stopped eating and just stared at him while he swished his knife. He perfectly ‘dissected’ and produced three perfect sections of Ootoro, Chutoro and Akami; the first being the fattiest and most prized, and the last being the leanest and most common cut.

Have a hankering for fresh tuna sashimi? Now you know where to head to. The fish are flown in every 2-3 days, and prices here for sashimi are also kept reasonable so that patrons have access to the best from Tsukiji Market.

Dinner at Ginza Yoshihiro is most befitting with their Omakase sets. ‘Omakase’ simply means to let the chef decide. The dishes served vary all the time, but they are often creative presentations and interpretations of the season’s ingredients. You can choose from a couple of sets starting from S$148 per person.

You get a total of 9 courses including desserts, and we guarantee you will be so pampered by the chef and his generosity.

On the month that we went, the seasonal ingredient was shirako, or in layman terms, cod fish sperm. Sure, it sounds every bit intimidating, but this odd dish was surprisingly tasty with a delightful creamy texture.

That is what we love about omakase – that in the sheer unpredictability lies excitement and anticipation, and the dishes and ingredients will surprise you. It is like signing up for a mystery present and discovering new favourites that you wouldn’t otherwise order on your own.

The sushi platter was one of the highlights of our omakase meal. As with the Sashimi platter, it features generous strips of various in-season sashimi atop vinegared rice.

You see, omakase need not mean anything scary or out of the norm. The dishes can come in the simplest form of Japanese cuisine, with the aristocracy simply lying in the most forgotten aspect of Japanese cuisine – the art of slicing.

Ginza Yoshihiro has won our hearts in every aspect. And it is going straight into our list of all-time favourite Japanese restaurants in Singapore.

Ginza Yoshihiro
Marina Mandarin 04-600
6 Raffles Boulevard
Singapore 039594
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6am – 10.30pm
Tel: +65 6734 8842
Nearest Station: Esplanade

This post is brought to you by Ginza Yoshihiro.

Updated on 09 June 2016: Ginzawa is no longer in operation. 

When was the last time you had a really impressive Japanese meal that left you breathless?

We are in love with Japanese cuisine and it is no secret. Sashimi, sushi, yakiniku, soba, unagyu, ramen… you name it, we love it. Like how Pooh is always searching for honey, we are on an eternal quest to suss out the best places for Japanese cuisine, and adding a next to our list is Ginzawa (formerly known as Sushi Kuu) – a hidden gem in the heart of the city – at Palais Renaissance, one so elegant that you definitely need to check it out.

Ginzawa has also got one of the best chirashi-don – with 11 types of premium seafood – in town! Lunch set dons start from S$35, and they include the Kurobuta Zaku Don, Tempura & Sashimi Set, and Tokusen Bara Chirashi Don.

#1 SAKURA EBI MIZUNA SALAD

A light salad featuring crunchy cherry blossom shrimps (dried and fresh), Japanese water greens and dried beancurd from Japan with a dressing of mirin, dashi and soy sauce, this Sakura Ebi Mizuna Salad (S$22) will make a colourful start to your meal.

#2 SAKE KINUYA MAKI

Salmon wrapped in delicate slivers of pickled daikon and topped with seaweed and chrysanthemum petals, dressed with an egg yolk sauce – sounds and looks complicated, but the Sake Kunya Maki (S$12) is really very simply an elegant salmon appetizer served cold.

#3 WAGYU TATAKI

Now, this Wagyu Tataki (S$30) is a must-order from the menu. The wagyu beef slices are lighted seared with a very faint smoky taste, leaving a chewy texture that is well complimented with a tart ponzu sauce.

#4 TOKUSEN HOKKAI CHIRASHI DON

The star dish is, without a doubt, the Tokusen Hokkai Chirashi Don (S$50). If we could only choose one item on the menu, this is it. It is a work of art – eleven kinds of premium sashimi beautifully plated and served atop sweet, vinegared rice.

The fish variety may differ from day to day, depending on the catches of the moment, but you can expect most of these – otoro (fatty tuna), kinmedai (alfonsino), shima aji (striped jack), hirame (flounder), tai (sea bream), uni, ikura (salmon roe), botan ebi (botan shrimp), akami (red tuna), scallop (hotate), zuwai kani (wild Alaskan snow crab).

For those who do not want to splurge so much, Ginzawa also has a basic Chirashi-don option.

#5 TAI MOTO TAKI

Chef Donny totally nailed it with Tai Moto Taki (S$22). What is essentially just grilled snapper is brushed with his signature egg yolk sauce; like a touch of magic and a sprinkle of fairy dust, the caramelized egg yolk sauce elevated the fish dish to god level and it was SO. DAMN. GOOD. It comes with a squid ring stuffed with shishamo roe on the side.

#6 KUROBUTA TSUKE SOBA

This is by far one of the best soba dishes that we’ve had in Singapore. The Kurobuta Tsuke Soba (S$20) features icy cold buckwheat noodles served with thinly-sliced black pork and yuzu-perfumed dipping sauce. Not your usual predictable soba, and sure was so utterly delicious.

#7 TEMPURA MORIAWASE

One of the most value-for-money Tempura Moriawase (S$35 for deluxe) in town, Ginzawa’s rendition is surprisingly light and does not make you feel with its greasiness – if any.

In the deluxe version, you can expect premium items like the Uni Tempura (crispy pillows of seaweed stuffed with uni then flash-fried), Amaebi Hotate Kakiage (Deep-fried sweet prawn and scallops) and Anago Ippon Age (deep-fried sea eel).

#8 KUROBUTA ZAKU DON

There will always be times that call for fuss-free, one-dish meals. Comforting and remining us of home, the Kurobuta Zaku Don (S$35) is a pork-with-rice dish that we’d like to think of as our Chinese-style braised pork over rice. Also available only during lunch, the Kurobuta Zaku Don is flavourful, very hearty and all that you’d need to lift your spirits.

#9 WAGYU SAIKORO 

Need more beef? Go for the Wagyu Saikoro (S$48) to share. Grilled cubes of A5 Wagyu beef with crispy garlic flakes and stir-fried bean sprouts, we loved the creamy goodness of the premium meat and how the fragrance of the garlic complemented the beefy goodness so well.

#10 ABURI NIGIRI 

Any time is a good time for aburi sushi. Flame-seared sushi (5 pcs) that changes regularly based on Chef’s preference, this is one platter to look forward to when dining at Ginzawa. Fresh fish slices set atop a pillow of plump Japanese rice and torched to order, the Aburi Nigiri is every bit indulgent and delicious.

For the latest updates, go to www.ginzawa.com and like Ginzawa on Facebook.

Ginzawa
390 Orchard Road
Palais Renaissance #01-07
Tel: +65 6736 0100
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

This post is brought to you by Ginzawa.

Teppei Japanese Restaurant at the ground floor of Orchid Hotel has been gaining a strong following because of its extremely affordable omakase (prices start from S$50/pax). The last time we checked, its omakase during dinner is fully booked till December. If you are not able to get a table for omakase, go for its barachirashi and tempura set during lunch.

The Barachirashi (S$17.60) is decent and inexpensive – probably one of the cheapest chirashi you can get in Singapore – but it is not worth the hype. It suffices as an introductory bowl for first-timers, decent enough, but there are many more chirashi-don out there that shout freshness and variety way better.

The Tempura Set (S$16.50 – S$19.80), on the other hand, fared much better. Fried individually at the bar, the tempura was crispy, light and not overly greasy. We would go back for it regularly if not for the long queue during lunch.

Teppei Japanese Restaurant
#01-18, Orchid Hotel, 1 Tras Link
Tel: +65 6222 7363
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best Japanese restaurants in Singapore.