The Bettership, a sashimi-centric eatery, has recently opened up on the ground floor of The Cathay. This humble Japanese eatery serves up boats—yes, boats—of fresh restaurant-standard sashimi as well as show-stopping donburi.

Priced decently at no more than S$20 for a sizeable donburi, this makes it a rather affordable option as opposed to many restaurants. And if you happen to be in the area during noon time, take advantage of their set lunch promotion. Available from 12pm to 6pm on weekdays, their Chirashi Don goes for only S$15.90 with the addition of a bowl of miso soup and green tea.

If you happen to be looking for a bite either before or after a movie or simply just an affordable alternative to satisfy your sashimi cravings, The Bettership is a great spot to check out.

The Bettership adopts a rather simple hole-in-the-wall concept with an open kitchen where diners can watch as their food gets prepared. Sticking true to its name, you will also notice that the shape of the dining counter is shaped like the front of a ship.

Their menu is pretty straightforward, either you pick from their wide selection of donburi potions or simply go for their variety of sashimi options that can be served in the form of a Basic Don, Premium Don, or in the classic Sashimi Setting.

Served in a tiny wooden ship-like bowl, the Chirashi Don (S$17.90) comprises diced salmon, tuna, tamago, cucumber and a variety of other fishes—all of which were laid out neatly atop a bed of tasty Japanese rice.

As with any good chirashi don, the ingredients were fresh, chunky and plentiful, allowing the unique flavour and textural qualities of each individual item to shine through. The addition of nori, although intended as more of a garnish, provided a lovely umami note to the dish which bolded well with the robust fishy flavours.

An alternative to consider should you wish to enjoy sashimi at its textural best is the Kaisen Don (S$17.90) which is served in a sashimi boat. This dish features thick slices of salmon, maguro (tuna), hamachi (yellowtail), swordfish, scallop and is accompanied by tamago, radish, jellyfish, inari (beancurd) skin, and ginger slices.

Overall, we were very impressed by the quality of food here and the sheer hospitality of the staff also helped make our lunch a very pleasant one.

The Bettership
2 Handy Road #01-03,
The Cathay
Singapore 229233
Tel: +65 6835 9006
Daily: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

Nouvelle Fusion Kitchen & Bar takes centre stage at SCAPE as an edgy fusion restaurant with signature tapas conveyor belt. It is uncommon to see anything other than sushi on conveyor belts, and Nouvelle Fusion Kitchen & Bar sure wins for novelty.

This very modern restaurant boasts a funky interior with colourful neon lights. The spacious cushioned booth seats make it very intimate and comfortable to hang out at, and ordering is made convenient with e-menus via iPad.

Here’s other tidbit – the fusion tapas conveyor belt items are all at a flat price of S$1.50 per plate.

Besides tapas, Nouvelle Fusion Kitchen & Bar also serves classy fusion mains with equally reasonable price tags. Think risotto, duck confit and so much more. Nouvelle Fusion Kitchen & Bar is surely a new restaurant in Singapore to love and check out in 2016.

FUSION TAPAS ON THE CONVEYOR BELT

The belts are lighted up with colour-changing neon lights; very fun, very trendy. And the selections on the conveyor belt will not “disappoint you” with the usual options of sushi and sashimi; instead, expect unique creations and interesting tapas that feature both Asian and Western ingredients. Some of our favourite tapas items were Duck Rillette Tartlet, Mushroom Tartlets with Feta Cheese, Salmon Tartlet and Iberico Ham with Fresh Melon.

All these bite sized treats are priced at S$1.50 per plate – regardless of what they are!

SUSHI & SASHIMI OPTIONS

This is not a fusion restaurant without sushi; you still get your Japanese food fix, in unconventional ways. The King Salmon Belly Aburi with foie gras (S$4 each) was to die for. Everything just melts in your mouth; delightful to say the least. It is one of those one-bite-wonders that really hits the spot, and you bet everyone at the table went gaga over it.

Another contender (especially for those who do not take salmon) was the Hamachi Belly Aburi (S$4 each).

Torched and slightly fatty, this winter fish sashimi is less fishy and easier to eat for all of you who are not huge fans of raw fish. Hamachi is Japanese amberjack, or more commonly known as yellowtail tuna.

DRINKS

We had both the Matcha Miruku (S$13) and the Iced Lemon Tea (S$7). And of course, being huge fans of matcha latte, the former worked better for us. The matcha did not reek of the generic processed taste and was a very pleasant drink alongside the dishes at Nouvelle Fusion Kitchen & Bar.

A-LA-CARTE MAINS & OTHER DISHES

The mains here really surprised us as we did not think that the mains could top the tapas dishes. The Ikura with Blinis (S$10) – was a surprising hit with everyone. The ikura (salmon roe) was generous and the mini blinis really balanced out the saltiness of the roe. The portion is also just right for sharing.

There was something about the perfectly cooked soba noodles that was simple but so refreshing; this dish of Cold Yuzu Somen (S$8) is good for days where you prefer light meals.

We know foie gras is not for everyone, but we have to point out that Nouvelle Fusion Kitchen & Bar’s rendition is our idea of temptation.

The price is not only reasonable, this Miso Foie Gras (S$14) was beautifully pan-fried and the presentation is the cherry on top.

Chirashi-don is not hard to find, but at Nouvelle, we have the Chirashi Tartare (S$12). Essentially diced sashimi atop sushi rice, this presentation is ingenious.

It is served with Yuzu/Shoyu foam on the side (which also comes as an add-on version for the sashimi platters), and this dish has redefined how chirashi-don can be enjoyed.

On to the main stars, which are the risottos; you’d be surprised by the renditions. The Truffle Cod Risotto (S$22) was stunning.

Every grained was cooked to perfection with a lovely truffle aroma, and the cod comes in a substantial portion that makes the dish so value-for-money.

The Curry Chicken Risotto (S$18) sure wowed us for its creativity and brilliant layers of flavours. The chicken was made into a roulade with ham and cheese, then battered and deep-fried to a golden brown.

Served on top of a bed of tasty curry risotto rice, which strangely reminded us of the Singaporean-style curry chicken rice, this risotto is one hearty and homely dish with a unique twist.

From the crisp skin to the tender meat inside, Nouvelle’s Duck Confit (S$22) is one of those dishes that will totally keep us coming back for.

This Matcha Fantasy (S$8) is such an adorable dessert dish that we can’t help falling in love with. Well, matcha anything always works for us, and the mini ‘watermelon’ mochi on the top only added to the likability of the dish.

For the latest updates, go to www.nouvellefoodconcepts.com, and like Nouvelle on Facebook and Instagram.

Nouvelle Fusion Kitchen & Bar
Scape, #03-03,
2 Orchard Link,
Singapore 237978
Tel: +65 6834 4063
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

This post is brought to you by Nouvelle Fusion Kitchen & Bar.

Sushi Rolls are a prominent dish in most Japanese eateries or restaurants, or what we otherwise know as ‘maki’. These delightful rolls comprise amalgamations of flavours that can never go wrong, and the combinations are endless.

What we love about sushi rolls is the palatable fillings and toppings, often drenched with sauces that are absolutely addictive.

Without further ado, here we share with you 7 Creative Sushi Rolls That Taste As Good As They Look.

#1 ROLLIE OLIE - BOLLYWOOD SUSHI ROLL  

Rollie Olie serves up speciality sushi rolls which includes interesting fusion flavours. The Bollywood (S$14.95) features curry prawns and avocados cushioned in tasty sushi rice, topped with the most amazing tempura crunch and curry mayonnaise – proving that both Indian and Japanese flavours can triumph together.

The Star Vista
1 Vista Exchange Green, #02-05
Singapore 138617
Tel: +65 6316 5710
Daily: 11:30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Buona Vista

#2 MAKI-SAN - DIY SUSHI ROLL 

Maki-san sets itself apart by encouraging patrons to customise their sushi rolls and salads. At S$7.90, diners can create the Little San from an array of 27 toppings with your choice of rice, wraps, essentials, sprinkles, specials and house sauces.

Former Cathay Building
2 Handy Road, #B1-17/18
Singapore 229233
Tel: +65 6737 8772
Daily: 11:30am – 9:30pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

#3 SUSHI BURRITO - HOT CHICK 

Sushi Burrito delivers sushi rolls that work as a quick snack or meal. At S$5.90 for a Half Roll and S$10.90 for a Full Roll, the Hot Chick is one of the bestsellers with pan fried spicy chicken as the highlight.

100AM Shopping Mall
100 Tras Street, #01-06
Singapore 079027
Tel: +65 6543 6860
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

#4 KINSA SUSHI - HOTATE MENTAI MAKI 

Kinsa Sushi’s maki rolls are prepared using healthy purple rice – a good switch from your regular sushi white rice with its distinct nutty textures. The Hotate Mentai Maki is wrapped with French scallop slices, with deep-fried radish situated in the sushi centre that gives it a hearty added crunch. Wasabi-infused tobikko are then added atop the maki for a gorgeous finishing touch. What’s not to love about this?

4 Hillview Rise
HillV2 #02-02
Singapore 667979
Tel: +65 67107278
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
PH, Fri, Sat & Sun: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bukit Batok

#5 MAD NEST - OISHII MAKI 

Even though Mad Nest is not a specialty Japanese restaurant, their sushi rolls still wow the crowd. The Oishii Maki (S$16) features grilled eel, roasted salmon and avocado, served with delicious homemade mayo and a generous dollop of ebiko. The soft and creamy flavours interplaying in our mouths made it immensely satisfying to savour.

370/380 East Coast Road
Singapore 428986
Tel: +65 6348 6861
Mon to Fri: 4pm – 1am
Sat, Sun & PH: 11am – 1am
Nearest Station: Eunos or Kembangan

#6 KOH GRILL & SUSHI BAR - SHIOK MAKI

Okay, this is it. If you are looking for the ultimate sushi roll to have in Singapore, then the Shiok Maki (S$16.80) at Koh Grill & Sushi Bar is the only answer. The Shiok Maki needs no introduction by now – that special blend of mayonnaise generously drenched on the sushi is something we can never get sick of.

Wisma Atria Shopping Centre
435 Orchard Road, #04-21
Singapore 238877
Tel: +65 9180 3805
Daily: 11:30am – 10:30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

#7 THE SUSHI BAR - SALMON ABURI SUSHI 

The Sushi Bar is famed for their signature Salmon Aburi Sushi (S$16.90) that consists of salmon sashimi, tamago, crab stick and avocado, then wrapped with lightly grilled salmon slices and finished off with torched mentaiko. However, the standards are inconsistent and they vary from day to day.

Far East Plaza
14 Scotts Road, #04-28
Singapore 228213
Tel: +65 9653 6464
Mon to Fri: 12:30pm – 3pm, 5pm – 9pm
Sat: 12:30pm – 9pm
Closed on Sunday
Nearest Station: Orchard

For more recommendations, read our guide to 16 value-for-money Japanese restaurants in Singapore.

It is hard to resist a beautiful bowl of Chirashi-don that is filled to the brim with fresh, premium seafood. Apart from the fact that it is completely colourful and photogenic, a good bowl of chirashi-don does wonders for the soul with all the goodness in one serving.

Chirashi-dons come in many shapes and sizes. The most popular serving in Singapore is the classic chirashi-don, where big slices of sashimi are served atop vinegar-ed Japanese rice, and more often than not comes with a premium price tag. On days that we need our sashimi and rice fix without burning a hole in our wallets, we turn to ‘bara chirashi-don’, which typically refers to diced sashimi – sometimes marinated with mirin or soy sauce.

Thankfully, we have several affordable chirashi-don options in Singapore and most of the ones on this list are so affordable that we are not even kidding! Here is a guide to Chirashi-dons In Singapore That Are S$20 And Under.

#1 BABETTE

Served with plain Japanese Niigata rice, Babette’s Chirashi Donburi (S$19) first impressed us with the colourful assortment of sashimi, tamago and even mini carrot cubes that added a nice textural variety to the dish.

The sashimi blocks were marinated in a light soy dressing, so the donburi is good to eat on its own. Finished off with tobikko, Babette’s Chirashi Donburi was love at first sight, until the last bite.

165 Tyrwhitt Rd
Singapore 207569
Tel: +65 6341 7727
Mon to Thu, Sun: 11am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 1am
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

#2 GINZA KUROSON

There are many restaurants along Robertson Quay, but most of them come with relatively higher price tags. If you are in the are during lunch hours, why not drop by Ginza Kuroson for some sweet deals? At S$20, you enjoy a serving of “fisherman’s bowl”. We do think this is a pretty darn value-for-money deal, because will you just look at the number of slices of sashimi, on top of a whole prawn?

Topped with ikura, the bowl’s variety may differ from day to day, but you will always be guaranteed a reasonable portion for S$20.

30 Robertson Quay
Singapore 238251
Tel: +65 6737 5547
Daily: 11.30am – 2pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

#3 HINOKI

Hinoki is known for their fresh sashimi, served in a semi-fine dining setting. A lesser known fact is that during lunch, they serve a chirashi-don for only S$16.80 in a set with salad and soup.

Besides just cubed sashimi, Hinoki also adds other ingredients such as pickled jellyfish. Upgrade your accompanying miso soup to a rich pork broth with tender pork slices for only S$1.50 to complete your meal.

22 Cross Street, #01-50/53
China Square Central
Singapore 048421
Tel: +65 6536 7746
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

#4 IKKI

If you live near Buona Vista or work around the area, make sure you make a trip down to IKKI Izakaya, just a stone’s throw away from the MRT Station. For just S$14, you get a half Barachirashi Don with a half bowl of Udon.

On the side, you get a serving of deep-fried salmon, salad and miso soup. For the extremely affordable price, we are definitely loving what IKKI has to offer.

9N Buona Vista Drive, #01-06/07
Singapore 138588
Tel: +65 8138 8578
Mon to Thu: 11am – 12am
Fri: 11pm – 2am
Sat: 6pm – 12pm
Nearest Station: Buona Vista

#5 KINSA SUSHI

Kinsa sushi has just introduced a special Purple Fusion menu which consists of 8 maki rolls, 1 sushi and 1 #ChirashiCupcake – all of which are prepared with purple rice. Just to clarify, there is no cake nor icing in the Chirashi Cupcake, and it is actually just a beautifully plated chirashi-don, using purple rice and freshly sliced sashimi.

The rice is dressed with a nice sesame ponzu sauce and sandwiched with some denbu (pink fish flakes) for an extra oomph to the dish. We loved how, in this dish, you could taste the distinct yet subtle nutty flavour of the purple rice, which reminded us of a classic local dessert, Pulut Hitam.

This is a great choice especially for lunch and it comes at an affordable price of only S$15.80 per bowl.

4 Hillview Rise
HillV2 #02-02
Singapore 667979
Tel: +65 67107278
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Fri, Sat & Sun: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bukit Batok

#6 KOJI SUSHI

Tucked in China Square, along Nankin Row, Koji Sushi gets naturally packed with people during lunch hours. Most people would have a bowl of the Chirashi Don (S$17) on their table, and we can safely say its popularity is due to its friendly price tag.

The main plus point of this Chirashi Don is the dollop of fatty negitoro and use of Japanese ginger flower for a unique and fragrant touch.

3 Pickering Street
#01-42 Nankin Row
Singapore 048660
Tel: +65 +65 6225 6125
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

#7 SUMIYA

We dare say that this is the most value-for-money chirashi-don in Singapore. The Bara Kaisendon (S$18.80) is a lunch-exclusive item at Sumiya, Orchard Central and this beauty features extremely generous cubes of sashimi, crowning a bed of perfectly cooked sushi rice.

The sashimi cubes are dress in a Japanese sesame dressing and is mixed in with Ikura, Tobiko and avocado pieces. The set comes with salad, soup, chawanmushi and a dessert too – definitely an amazing deal you can’t find anywhere else.

181 Orchard Road
#12-02 Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6509 9618
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

#8 SUSHI AIRWAYS

Also another lunch exclusive, Sushi Airways’s Bara Chirashi Sushi Set (S$15) surprised us with how fresh the sashimi were. Avocado cubes were also mixed in here and we loved how it added a nice creamy texture to the dish.

The set comes with a side of soup and for just $15, it is definitely worthwhile. Sushi Airways has a whole list of other lunch donburi sets, but we say skip the rest and dive right into this beauty.

20A Baghdad Street
Singapore 199659
Tel: +65 6291 1151
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

#9 TEPPEI SYOKUDO

The Teppei group has had their loyal fans since they first started, has ventured out into other concepts, and now, even a takeaway counter. A mainstay in all of their outlets is the Barachirashi Don or Kaisendon (S$16), as it is referred to at Teppei Syokudo.

The marinate on the sashimi is possibly one of the best you can find in Singapore and the thick cubes of sashimi feels more satisfying.

391 Orchard Road
#B2 Takashimaya Food Hall, Ngee Ann City
Singapore 238872
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best chirashi-don in Singapore.

About the writer:
Cheryl is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She loves a good steak and an even better cuppa. She eats just about anything and everything. In her free time, she regularly starts on sci-fi or fantasy movie marathons.