Violet Herbs is what we call an alternative dating spot if you want to do away with the crowd and pretentious vibes at posh establishments.

Conveniently located at Tanjong Pagar, this modern semi-fine dining restaurant is within walking distance from the train station. The restaurant occupies the entire three stories of the shophouse unit along Tras Street – with the first two floors for dining, and a rooftop herb garden where fresh produce are used for the cooking.

Helmed by Chef Edward Hoe, Violet Herbs is one of the most underrated restaurants in Singapore that offers splendid 3-course set lunches (S$33+/pax) and 4-course set dinners (S$58+/pax) at very decent prices that feature high quality and intricate plating.

The main courses are also nothing short of impressive. Mark Violet Herbs down – it should be your next romantic lunch/ dinner spot.

Chef Edward Hoe runs the show in Violet Herbs’ kitchen. He who was part of the pioneer team that spearheaded Restaurant Ember has 20 years of culinary experience, and at Violet Herbs, traces of familiarity are evident from the restaurant’s star dishes. Chef Edward was the head chef in The 2nd Floor-The American Club, as well as Greenwood Fish Market & Bistro.

SOUPS & APPETISERS

The menu boasts a good range of appetisers that include both hearty and light options. Lighter options include the Basil Pesto Salad (S$18) and one that we thoroughly enjoyed – Pistachio & Herb Crusted Scallops (S$18).

The scallops were wonderfully plump and we liked the textural distinction between the soft juicy scallop flesh and the crunchy outer layer of pistachio and herbs. The dish is complete with tasty butternut pumpkin puree, bisque gel, parma potato chip and chocolate soil. This dish deserves a star for its presentation too!

Guess what we love most about Violet Herbs’ appetisers? The variety of foie gras options from Roasted & Poached Foie Gras (S$24) and Truffle Foie Gras (S$26).

We are usually unimpressed with lobster bisques because they are more often than not fishy or artificially flavoured. But the Lobster Cappuccino & Brandy (S$16) at Violet Herbs is easily the best we’ve tasted in recent times.

The bisque was so intensely flavoured – the sheer sweetness of fresh lobster coupled with brandy is a feat in itself. With every scoop, we became more and more addicted. This is one stellar soup.

ALL THE MAINS TO LOVE

With so many interesting mains to choose from, it will be one of those I-can’t-decide-because-I-want-everything-from-the-menu moments. We started with Violet Herbs’ bestseller – the Marinated Red Miso Cod (S$39). It is an a la carte main, but can be a top-up option in the dinner menu.

The cod cooked to a glistening glory with a miso marinate was spot-on. With a side of roasted pumpkin puree, almond eggplant and some dehydrated parsnip chips, this stunning dish is a combination of healthy veggie goodness and fresh white fish presented in varying textures and colours.

Even if you are not the biggest fan of lamb, we still urge you to try the Colorado Lamb Rack (S$48). Of course, besides the fantastic medium-rare cook on the lamb, it was the simple marination itself that made it so tasty with every bite.

It also comes with mini pistachio foie gras roulades that you can choose to eat with the meat to cut the richness.

Duck Confit is something we have to try if we see it on a menu, and of course, we tried the one at Violet Herbs. The Sous Vide Duck Confit (S$36) has a crackling outer crust and the most tender duck meat inside.

The duck jus reduction that accompanied the duck was just right. We also liked how the duck confit is placed atop a bed of rustic vegetables of herb potatoes and sautéed baby spinach.

Feeling really hungry or looking for something hearty? The Sous Vide 48 Hours Wagyu Beef Cheek is for those who are after something more robust.

The beef is fork tender, has a sweet red wine glaze, and is jazzed up with Sardinian fregola sarda and zucchini spheres.

In the pasta menu, you can find dishes such as Homemade Butternut Squash Gnocchi (S$42) and Lobster Risotto & Fregola Sarda (S$44).

These aside, you should go for the Ebi Angel Hair Pasta (S$38) if it is your first trip to Violet Herbs. The pasta is cooked to a beautiful al dente, then tossed in lobster essence, rayu oil and bird eye chilli (or as we call it, chilli padi). Using only premium air-flown Japanese sakura ebi, the pinkish-red dried shrimps are sweet and crispy. That’s all we need for our pasta, really.

SWEET TREATS

Some desserts to expect here include Yam Strudel (S$12), Chef’s Special Tiramisu (S$16) and Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake (S$16).

However, our heart was stolen by the Frozen Nougat (S$14). The dessert comes with little bits of lychee sorbet all around that complements the nougat with varying sweetness.

Also, being huge fans of chocolate-anything mean we couldn’t miss the Valrhona Chocolate Fondant (S$16).

The surprise of this dessert lies in the fact that it comes with truffle oil – an unexpected ingredient that actually makes the dessert even more fragrant.

VALUE-FOR-MONEY SET MENUS

Violet Herbs has superb set menus for lunch that is priced at S$33 per person, and that includes a total of three courses.

To sample Chef Edward’s signature foie gras dishes, you have the option to upgrade your set menu appetiser to a foie gras (+S$7) of choice. It is little wonder Violet Herbs is such a popular lunch spot, especially for business luncheons. Such value for money; we can all do away with the lunch hour rush and noise everywhere else, and embrace the cosiness of Violet Herbs with an intimate lunch.

Dinner degustation menus begin from S$58 per person. Now, that is practically impossible if you want some fine dining. A typical main at fine dining establishments would usually start from S$40 already! But at Violet Herbs, the degustation menus begin from S$58 for a 4-course meal.

EVENTS AND PARTIES

If you are looking to host your events and/or plan your company gatherings here, you can also have a menu personalised for you. Private rooms are also available, else if all else fails, we say book the entire second level – which is the prettiest spot at Violet Herbs that is more than befitting for events of all sorts.

For more information and reservations, call +65 6221 3988.

Violet Herbs
81 Tras Street
Tanjong Pagar Conservation Area
Singapore 079020
Tel: +65 6221 3988
Mon to Sat: 11:30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

This post is brought to you by Violet Herbs.

If there was only one kind of cuisine that we could live on, it would be Japanese food. There is no one reason why; if we really have to, the list will never end.

You see, there will always be something to love. Sashimi, sushi, ramen, tonkatsu… whatever you have a taste for, Japanese cuisine will answer that. And a Japanese meal need not necessarily burn a hole in your pocket. While it is true that the premium quality ingredients come with a hefty price tags, sometimes, all we really want is a quick and fast Japanese meal in between meetings, or to simply lift our moods, yes?

Yes, we hear you and we feel you. Here, we share with you our favourite haunts when we need an affordable fix. Enjoy our list of 15 Value-For-Money Japanese Restaurants in Singapore and eat to your heart’s content! Itadakimasu.

#1 AKASHI JAPANESE RESTAURANT

Among the many mid-tier Japanese outlets in Singapore, we love Akashi for its consistency. The menu is neatly categorised, and whether you are looking for sushi, sashimi or teishoku, there will be something to please. Or you can sit by the sushi counter and do an omakase meal while interacting with the chefs to understand more about what goes on your plate.

290 Orchard Road
#B1-01 Paragon
Tel: +65 6735 8887
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

#2 BAR BAR BLACK SHEEP HOLLAND VILLAGE

The usual Bar Bar Black Sheep has Northern Indian, Thai and Western kitchens. But at the all-new Holland Village outlet, expect a large Japanese menu of comfort snacks and main courses.

Staying true to Bar Bar Black Sheep’s philosophy of serving affordable comfort food in a casual and chill-out setting, every dish on the Japanese izakaya menu is well priced under S$15. It is fuss-free, and the prices are unbelievably affordable, you’d do a double take and wonder if you were really at a bistro or a coffee shop!

17D Lorong Liput
Holland Village
Tel: +65 6463 2161
Nearest Station: Holland Village

#3 CHIKUWA TEI

This is our all-time favourite. We LOVE Chikuwa Tei at Mohamed Sultan Road for their chirashi-don. So good that we have to use Chikuwa Tei’s Chirashi Sushi Set (S$25) as the benchmark for a good sushi rice bowl. Parking around that area may be a challenge, but we always find ourselves returning to Chikuwa Tei. Apart from chirashi-don, they have many other value-for-money sets like the Saba Teishoku (S$14), Sukiyaki Teishoku (S$24) and Tencha Soba (S$14).

Chikuwa Tei’s chirashi sushi is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s Best Chirashi-don.

9 Mohamed Sultan Road #01-01
Tel: +65 6738 9395
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

#4 GINZA BAIRIN

Tonkatsu – or deep fried breaded pork – is not a cheap dish to begin with. And of course, the bigger the price tag, the more premium quality you get. If you are not too fussy and you just want a simple and comforting tonkatsu option, stop by Ginza Bairin at Ion Orchard. Sitting within the food hall at Basement Four, this casual outlet has pretty decent tonkatsu with most options not costing more than S$20.

2 Orchard Turn
#B4-39/40/41/42 ION Orchard
Tel: +65 6509 8101
Daily: 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

#5 ITACHO SUSHI

Salmon skin sushi for S$0.40 – everyone will know Itacho Sushi because of this. And more than that, they are a favourite because of the wide variety of sushi creations at very friendly prices. When dining at Itacho, treat yourself to a selection of makis, rolls and nigiris made with fresh ingredients. They have very value-for-money lunch sets, too.

Itacho Sushi is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s Affordable Sushi Restaurants.

#03-03/31 Changi Airport Terminal 3
65 Airport Boulevard
Tel: +65 6241 8911
Sun to Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Changi

#6 KINSA SUSHI

Nestled in the quaint HillV2, Kinsa Sushi is made for the heartlanders and all who love a simple Japanese meal. Prices are not at all intimidating to say the least, and the menu is well-covered with the usual Nippon favourites prepared with premium ingredients. Dishes that we love include the premium Wagyu Don at only S$24.80, Grilled Prawn Mentai (S$9.80), Kinsa Roll (S$14.80) and Tempura Bento Set Lunch (S$11.80).

It is not every day that we need to sit down for a lavish and aristocratic Japanese meal, because more often than not, what we seek is comfort food that will not have our wallets take a beating. A recent lunch at Kinsa Sushi fits this bill exactly, and we are so adding this to our list of all-time favourite inexpensive Japanese eats.

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

#7 KOH SUSHI GRILL & BAR

This place needs no further introduction, right? Koh Grill & Sushi Bar is a small eatery that sits within Wisma’s Food Republic, and they serve honest Japanese food at affordable prices. And the one dish that makes everyone go back again and again is the Shiok Maki. This is surely one place to head to for a quick fix of Japanese food in between shopping at Orchard Road. Be prepared to queue though; an hour’s wait is the norm.

Koh Sushi Grill & Bar is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s Affordable Sushi Restaurants.

435 Orchard Road
#04-21 Wisma Atria Shopping Centre
Tel: +65 9180 3805
Daily: 11.30am – 10.30pm

#8 MARUTAMA RAMEN

We do not usually fancy chicken broth for our ramen, but Marutama is an exception. Deserving exception, surely. For so many years, they have been serving diners nothing but the tastiest chicken broth ramen. At S$12 per bowl for the default ramen, you get a hearty serving of springy noodles with a few slices of chashu. There is also a spicy option at S$12 too.

Marutama Ramen is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s best ramen.

#03-90 The Central
8 Eu Tong Sen Street
Tel: +65 6534 8090
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

#9 MIHARU SAPPORO RAMEN

The first few brands that we fell in love with when the ramen trend hit Singapore was Miharu Sapporo Ramen. The new outlet at Millenia Walk is slightly bigger and very comfortable, while your favourite ramen with the famous Nishiyama noodles specially imported from Japan, and rich miso broth is still flavourful as always. Our favourite ramen is most definitely the Tokusen Miso Ramen with a special miso blend (S$14.80++).

Miharu Sapporo Ramen is also listed in our guide to 7 affordable Japanese restaurants at Millenia Walk.

Millenia Walk #01-06
9 Raffles Boulevard
Tel: +65 6733 8464
Daily: 12.00pm to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall/Promenade

#10 RAMEN KEISUKE TONKOTSU KING

A good bowl of tonkotsu ramen is all we need sometimes. Keisuke is a fuss-free outlet that we turn to when the craving kicks in. There are various combinations for you to pick from – black, spicy and original – and they are all built on their famed tonkotsu broth. Rich, creamy and very porky; just the way we like our ramen broth to be. The ramen ranges from S$10.80 to S$15.80 per bowl.

Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu King is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s best ramen.

#01-19 Orchid Hotel
1 Tras Street
Tel: +65 6636 0855
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

#11 RAKUICHI JAPANESE RESTAURANT

Rakuichi Japanese Restaurant has been around for a few years, and its much-lauded aburi sushi deserves a special mention. The Tokubetsu Set (S$28.60) – includes a salad, an assortment of 6-piece aburi sushi, stir-fried fish head with teriyaki sauce, seafood & vegetable tempura, miso soup, and sesame ice cream – is extremely value-for-money. There are also cheaper lunch sets like saba shioyaki, shake teriyaki and katsu don at S$18.60.

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10 Dempsey Rd
Singapore 247700
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

#12 SYUN

An upmarket fine dining establishment by a celebrity chef usually comes along with hefty price tags, but we were pleasantly surprised by how affordable Syun’s set lunches actually are.

While prices are considerably higher than the other restaurants (mentioned in this guide), it is actually reasonable for the quality that you’ll get. The Sashimi Set Lunch (S$28) comes with three kinds of sashimi, as well as rice, miso soup, chawanmushi and a salad. Our favourite is the Bara Chirashi Sushi Jyu (S$32) - generous chunks of sweet sashimi and ikura atop plump Japanese rice drizzled with a ginger-like sauce.

Festive Walk, Resorts World Sentosa
8 Sentosa Gateway
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Tel: +65 6577 6688
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

#13 TEPPEI SYOKUDO

Teppei first rose to fame with its super value-for-money chirashi-don at its nondescript outlet in Tanjong Pagar. Over at Millenia Walk, Teppei Syokudo is a hassle-free outlet where you can choose to eat in the outlet or takeaway your favourite sashimi rice bowl, and it is simply perfect for days when you need to pack lunch back to the office. Everyone’s favourite Kaisen-don is at S$16 for a serving, and if you do not want raw fish, sure, there is the Katsu-don (S$15.80) and Saba Miso Bento (S$12.80).

Teppei Syokudo is also listed in our guide to 7 affordable Japanese restaurants at Millenia Walk.

Millenia Walk #01-105
9 Raffles Boulevard
Tel: +65 6238 1945
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: City Hall/Promenade

#14 THE SUSHI BAR

The Sushi Bar at level four of Far East Plaza serves the standard dishes like sushi, sahimi, Japanese-style pastas and donburis, but if you only have room for one dish, you must try the much-lauded Salmon Aburi Sushi (S$14.50). It is one of the best rolls we’ve ever tasted, and you will see that every diner orders this when at The Sushi Bar.

The Sushi Bar’s chirashi don is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s Best Chirashi-don.

#04-28 Far East Plaza
14 Scotts Road
Mon to Fri: 12.30pm – 3pm, 5.30pm – 9pm
Sat: 12.30pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

#15 YAYOIKEN JAPANESE RESTAURANT

Of course, Yayoiken does not have the most incredible tastes, but its casualness and fuss-free setting is satisfying enough when we need a simple Japanese food fix, and the prices won’t have your wallet take a beating. Set lunches are mostly around S$10, just so you know. The next time you need an inexpensive lunch when you are at Orchard Road, this will be your answer.

313 Orchard Road
313@somerset #B3-33/34
Tel: +65 6884 7550
Sun to Thu: 11am – 9.30pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

For more recommendations, read our guide to Singapore’s best Japanese restaurants.