Tempura Tendon Tenya is opening in Singapore at Orchard Central on 15 October 2020.

The poster boy for cheap and good tempura, Tempura Tendon Tenya is the largest tempura chain in Japan. A basic Tendon (tempura-donburi) with ebi and vegetable is only ¥500 (S$6.4) in Japan.

Tempura Tendon Tenya Singapore will be offering its signature Tenya Tendon at S$8.50.

Tempura Tendon Tenya’s first outlet in Singapore at Orchard Central can accommodate 68 seats.

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.

Other items on Tempura Tendon Tenya Singapore that you can try include Seafood Tendon (S$12.9) and Mushroom Vegetables Tendon (S$7.9).

While the tendons at Tempura Tendon Tenya Singapore are not as cheap as the ones in Japan, it is still reasonably priced and you don’t have to break the bank for a good Tendon.

We are thrilled that the popular tempura chain is finally opening in Singapore. See you at Tempura Tendon Tenya Singapore on 15 Oct!

Tempura Tendon Tenya Singapore
181 Orchard Road #B1-01
Orchard Central
Singapore 238896

In Singapore, many of us love a good bowl of Japanese ramen soup and udon. However, there aren’t many places here that serve up Maze-soba.

Maze-soba, when directly translated to English, literally means “mixed noodles”. It is essentially dry, broth-less ramen topped with an abundance of goodies. When mixed together, it creates a unique blend of flavours that you’ll keep craving for even after you’ve polished off the entire bowl.

Sounds great, doesn’t it? And that is why we were so excited to hear that Japan’s most popular Maze-soba chain, Menya Kokoro, has finally landed in Singapore, and they have opened their first outlet at Suntec City Level 3.

The Singapore outlet is helmed by the founder of Menya Kororo’s, Chef Takuma Ishikawa, who trained under the original creators of Maze-soba. This means you can expect some legit bowls of mouthwatering Japanese-quality maze-soba without even having to make a trip down to Japan itself.

Photo Credit: Brandcellar 

Menya Kokoro has five main types of maze-soba on their menu, namely Original Tokyo Maze-Soba, Cheese Maze-Soba, Curry Maze-Soba, Spicy Maze-Soba as well as Vegan-Mazesoba. Aside from those, they also have some Singapore-exclusive creations such as Curry Maze-Don and Maze-Don.

Menya Kokoro
#03-313 Eat At Seven,
Suntec City Mall Tower,
3 Temasek Blvd, 1&2,
Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 6235 3386
Mon to Thu: 11am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 10pm
Sun: 11am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Promenade

There’s no shortage of Japanese ramen restaurants in Singapore, and joining the lineup over at South Beach Avenue is Ebi-Tori Menzo.

Hailing from Osaka, Ebi-Tori Menzo, as per namesake, specialises in both chicken ramen and shrimp tsukemen. For the uninitiated, tsukemen is a form of dipping noodles, and the sauce it’s served with is a thicker and richer version of the usual ramen soup broths that we are used to.

Their signature ramen offering may not rank as high as compared to many others out there but here’s why you should pay this humble ramen restaurant a visit anyway.

We ordered both their signature dishes—their Signature Ebi Tsukemen (S$17.90) and their Shio Chicken Ramen (S$15.90).

Their Signature Ebi Tsukemen was served with a mix of fresh salad leaves, tomatoes, sweet potatoes cubes, a slice of baguette and a thick slice of Chashao.

They use over 15 ingredients—all of which are on display on their wall mural—in just their shrimp based dipping sauce and broth alone. The result is reminiscent of both mee rebus and lobster bisque.

To be completely honest, in spite of the hype of the sauce itself being intensely flavoured with shrimp and other seafood items, our taste buds felt differently. Granted that the sauce was rich (as it’s meant to be), the flavours of prawn did not really come through as prominently as we would have liked.

We actually preferred the Shio Chicken Ramen. It was topped with two slices of the same thick-cut Chashao, bamboo shoots and shards of sweet potato crisps.

What caught our attention was not the noodles or broth, but surprisingly, the sweet potato crisps. The flavour of the long crisps melded well with the flavour of the Shio broth, unlikely to be found anywhere else.

Both bowls of noodles were served with Chashao. We found them neither too fatty nor too dry, and it provided an adequate chew before melting away in our mouths. However, for some, it might be considered too salty.

Ebi-Tori Menzo
South Beach Tower
26 Beach Road
#B1-18 South Beach Avenue
Singapore 189767
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 11am – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade

It is hard to pass up on Japanese food—let alone Japanese buffets where you are free to indulge in endless fresh sashimi, maki and other Japanese delicacies. While we can never get enough of Japanese buffets, it is sometimes hard to decide which Japanese restaurant  we should patronise in Singapore (not that we are complaining).

On days when you want to treat yourself to value-for-money Japanese cuisine that will not break the bank, Shin Minori is an affordable option you should consider. Best known for its a la carte buffet offering, the restaurant caters to all sorts of cravings for Japanese food—offering anything from sushi to sashimi, tempura and even heavier alternatives such as soba and udon.

Drop by either one of their outlets at UE Square or Katong Square for lunch or dinner and you will be greeted by the likes of pretty hand rolls, gorgeous slices of sashimi, maki rolls, tempura and more.

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No meal at a Japanese dining establishment is complete unless you have tried their sashimi. Diners can either go for the Sashimi Moriwase, whereby you get a platter of assorted seafood or individual raw fish options including Maguro (Tuna) Sashimi, Hamachi (Yellow Tail) Sashimi and Ika (Cuttlefish) Sashimi.

For the buffet’s price point, we were impressed by the freshness of the sashimi, which came in the ideal thickness that was kept consistent for all the sashimi slices.

For the sushi lovers, there are more than 20 different choices that will please your taste buds.

From chef recommendations such as Karashi Maguro Sushi (Spicy Tuna with Avocado & Tobikko) and Aburi shake Sushi (Seared Salmon) to crowd favourites that include Ebiko Sushi (Prawn Roe) and Crunchy Kani Sushi (Crabmeat with Tempura bits), there is something on the menu no matter what your preferences are!

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Moving on to the Yakimono section, this is where you will find all the scrumptious grilled dishes that taste as appetising as they look. We highly recommend the Saba Shioyaki (Grilled Mackerel with Salt) and Tori Teriyaki (Grilled Chicken with Sweet Soy Sauce) which was aromatic and covered with charred bits, just the way we enjoy grilled meat.

Shin Minori A La Carte Buffet Pricing
Lunch – Sun & PH
Dinner – Mon to Sun, Eve of PH & PH
Adult (S$41.90++), Child (S$31.90++)

Shin Minori
88 East Coast Road
#02-08 Katong Square
Singapore 423371
Tel: +65 6386 7337
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar

Whenever we talk about Japanese food whether it’s your humble conveyor belt sushi or a full-on gastronomic omakase experience, the same question never fails to pop up—is it worth the splurge?

Well, while a 500-dollar omakase meal may not qualify for a typical weekday dinner, there are in fact, plenty of Japanese restaurants of varying price points that allow even the most thrifty of individuals to have a pretty solid Japanese meal whenever they are craving for Japanese cuisine—even if they are on a budget constraint.

From top-of-the-line Japanese dining establishments to humble hole-in-the-walls, here is our list of Japanese restaurants in Singapore for every budget.

AFFORDABLE JAPANESE RESTAURANTS IN SINGAPORE

DISTRICT SUSHI

District Sushi is a cosy little shop located inside Sunshine Plaza that serves up delicious Japanese fare at wallet-friendly prices.

Their stellar Bara Chirashi Don, which is priced at an unbelievable S$13 per bowl (no GST and service charge), is stacked high with generous cubes of fresh marinated fish and is one of their most frequently ordered items. Besides that, the casual eatery also has a range of sashimi, nigiri sushi and a la carte sides that are mostly below S$15.

91 Bencoolen Street, #01-15
Sunshine Plaza
Singapore 189652
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2pm, 6pm – 8.30pm
Nearest Station: Bencoolen

FISH MART SAKURAYA

Fish Mart SAKURAYA is a Japanese supermarket-cum-eatery that has three branches in Singapore. You can find all kinds of Japanese food-related items in their mart ranging from fresh sashimi to Japanese snacks and frozen ingredients to buy home—think Don Don Donki without the jungle.

Once you’re done shopping, proceed to SAKURAYA Dining at the back of the supermarket to enjoy Japanese mains and side dishes. If you are there for the sashimi, choose your preferred fish over at the display chiller before heading to your table.

370 Alexandra Road
#01-32 Anchorpoint
Singapore 159953
Tel: +65 6474 2495
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Queenstown

IZAKAYA NIJUMARU

Izakaya Nijumaru is one hidden gem (literally) tucked at a corner on the second level of Cuppage Plaza.

The nondescript outlet has been around for three decades. We actually only discovered it about seven years ago but it has since remained as a favourite of ours whenever we want a simple, affordable Japanese meal in Orchard Road.

5 Koek Rd, #02- 228796,
10 Cuppage Road
Tel: +65 6235 6693
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sun: 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

KOH GRILL & SUSHI BAR

Nestled in the centre of a bustling food court in Wisma Atria, yet serving up restaurant-quality maki rolls, yakitori and sushi is Koh Grill & Sushi Bar. The Japanese restaurant is extremely popular so reservations are recommended.

Must-try’s include their stellar Shiok Maki as well as their various grilled skewer offerings that just ooze smoky deliciousness—if you’re ballsy, go for the chicken heart.

435 Orchard Road #04-21
Wisma Atria Singapore
Tel: +65 9180 3805
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

OMOTE

Omote—formerly known as Sushiro—is a haven for anyone who’s a sucker for raw fish and lots of it. Snaking queues form from as early as before the eatery opens, all just to get their hands on their famous Bara Chirashi Don.

Stacked high, and generously with thick cubes of raw fish and at such an affordable price point too, there is no reason why you should give this a miss if you truly love sashimi—or Japanese food for that matter.

301 Upper Thomson Road
#01-22/30 Thomson Plaza
Singapore 574408
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Mon to Sun: 11.45am – 2.15pm, 5.45pm – 9.15pm
Nearest Station: Marymount

SUMO BAR HAPPY

If you are looking for a casual ramen restaurant which does not compromise on service or quality of food, Sumo Bar Happy is the place to check out. This casual dining concept is brought to you by the team behind Standing Sushi Bar, Tanuki Raw, Shinkansen and The Secret Mermaid.

What makes the ramen bowls there better than average is its collagen-rich tonkotsu ramen broth which can only be achieved through 48 hours of simmer. Every bowl of ramen comes with bean sprouts, toasted seaweed, black fungus and free-flow soft-boiled eggs.

261 Waterloo Street
01-24 Waterloo Centre
Singapore 180261
(Closed on Mondays)
Tue & Wed: 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Thu & Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Sat: 12pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bras Basah

THE SUSHI BAR

Hankering for a quality Japanese meal without the over-exorbitant price tag? Then The Sushi Bar is just the place you need to visit—preferably in a group of 3 or more so you can order more dishes for sharing.

This hole-in-a-wall delights with an impressive array of Japanese food such as sushi, sashimi, Japanese-style pasta and donburi but if you only have room for one dish, you must try the much-lauded Salmon Aburi Sushi.

14 Scotts Road
#04-28 Far East Plaza
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 3.30pm, 5pm – 9.45pm
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 9.45pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

TSUKIJI FISH MARKET

Located on the rooftop garden of Orchard Central is Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant! It houses 5 different restaurant concepts in one, serving up flavourful Japanese fare in generous portions at fairly affordable prices.

Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant takes pride in providing diners with a variety of fresh seasonal fish and you’d be happy to know that most of their seafood products are all air-flown from Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji Fish Market twice a week.

181 Orchard Road, #12-02
Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6634 2803
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

MID-RANGE JAPANESE RESTAURANTS IN SINGAPORE

EN SAKABA

En Sakaba at Capital Tower enthrals with their stellar shabu shabu offerings, visually stunning à la carte items as well as a selection of curated Japanese whiskies and sake for your after-work tippling pleasure.

At the heart of their food offerings, their highly prized A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Beef is something that warrants a visit. From top-notch farms in Japan to the waiting mouths of hungry patrons, this elite offering is one that promises sheer, melt-in-your-mouth decadence in every bite—whether in the form of shabu shabu or even as a nigiri sushi.

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

Photo Credit: Tatsu

TATSU

Boasting a 28-seater restaurant with sushi bar and a teppanyaki counter, Tatsu is the ideal venue if you are after a gastronomical Japanese experience.

To get more bang for one’s buck, order the Teppanyaki Course instead where you get to indulge in a plethora of Japanese delights such as codfish, wagyu steak, king prawn, scallop and lobster.

#01-08 CHIJMES, 30 Victoria Street
Singapore 187996
Tel: +65 6332 5868
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

UNI GALLERY

Nestled in the basement of The Plaza (which is just behind PARKROYAL on Beach Road) is this sea urchin-oriented dining concept that specialises in a wide array of uni-centric dishes. Uni Gallery is where your senses take flight with premium uni that originates from Japan and countries such as L.A’s Santa Barbara and British Columbia in Canada.

Standouts include their Uni Sampler Set that allows you to savour the sheer majesty that is uni of different varieties, as well as the Uni Oyster Shot that sees both ikura and uni atop a massive oyster.

7500A Beach Road
#B1-310 The Plaza
Singapore 199591
Tel: +65 9838 8209
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Nicoll Highway

JAPANESE FINE DINING RESTAURANTS IN SINGAPORE

FAT COW

A place where terrific food, culinary finesse and Japanese hospitality all come together, Fat Cow is one of those restaurants that bears timeless appeal.

Helmed by Chef Shigeru Kasajima—a seasoned Japanese chef with many decades of French culinary skills under his belt—every course in his Chef’s Table Omakase menu takes you on a gastronomic trip from the first course right to the very last.

Camden Medical Centre #01-01/02,
1 Orchard Boulevard,
Singapore 248649
Tel: +65 6735 0308
Sun to Thu: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Photo Credit: Keyaki

KEYAKI

Located on the 4th floor of Pan Pacific Singapore, Keyaki is an elegant Japanese restaurant that is perfect if you’re looking to impress a date. Masters at their craft, the chefs here at Keyaki serve up a culinary experience that is as fresh and vibrant as the quality seasonal ingredients that they use.

Here, diners can look forward to a myriad of freshly-sourced sashimi, teppanyaki and lots more, making this restaurant great for any occasion.

7 Raffles Boulevard,
Level 4 Pan Pacific Hotel,
Singapore 039595
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade

MIKUNI

Captivating in both its stylish, somewhat seductive interiors and top-notch food, Mikuni is one place that takes the values of presentation, produce and culinary technique seriously. The restaurant features 3 live stations—Sushi, Robatayaki, and Teppanyaki—and depending on what you’re craving, will promise you a truly memorable dining experience nonetheless.

Exercising Japanese precision and modern technique into preparing only the highest quality of produce, what you can expect is nothing short of sheer perfection.

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn 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.

2 Stamford Road,
Swissotel The Stamford,
Singapore 178882
Tel: +65 6431 6156
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

SHINJI BY KANESAKA

Boasting an exquisite selection of fine sake, food and impeccable service, Michelin-starred Shinji By Kanesaka over at Carlton Hotel Singapore promises a dining experience like no other.

An extension of 1 Michelin star Chef Shinji Kanesaka’s Edo-style sushi restaurant in Tokyo’s exclusive Ginza district, the restaurant promises nothing but the finest Japanese cuisine around.

76 Bras Basah Road
Carlton Hotel Singapore
Singapore 189558
Tel: +65 6338 6131
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bras Basah / City Hall

SUSHI JIRO

As far as Japanese fine dining goes, Sushi Jiro still remains one of our top few picks for the very simple reason that top quality ingredients remain at the heart of their food.

Their lunch donburi options are stellar and come packed with premium ingredients such as wagyu beef, fatty tuna and more but what you must definitely go for is their omakase. Armed with culinary skills gleaned from his 2-decades-long experience preparing sushi and cooking Japanese food, Chef Kenji astounds with his repertoire of dishes that make use of only the finest produce.

6 Raffles Boulevard
#04-600 Marina Mandarin Singapore
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6445 3055
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade

TATSUYA

A stalwart of the local dining scene, Tatsuya is where in-the-know locals go for top quality Japanese food. The set lunches are extremely value-for-money, and it explains their evergreen popularity.

Their menu changes every fortnight and comprises fresh seasonal produce directly imported from Japan. Go for the Bara Chirashi and you will not be disappointed.

22 Scotts Road,
Goodwood Park Hotel,
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 6737 7411
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6.30pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

For more recommendations, read our guide on the 10 best Omakase restaurants in Singapore.

Uni (sea urchin) is a highly prized Japanese delicacy that can be enjoyed in many forms—raw as sashimi or prepared as a topping on sushi. Highly valued for its sweet and briny flavours, uni has an exquisite creamy consistency that melts almost immediately in your mouth.

It’s as if our prayers have been answered! A restaurant in Singapore dedicated to uni-everything is a legit dream come true. We don’t know about you but we are truly ecstatic about Uni Gallery—a uni-centric restaurant set within The Plaza at Beach Road.

And if you have never had uni before, you ought to visit this hidden gem because you have been missing out. Aside from the large selection of uni specialities, this is also the place where diners are treated to seasonal sashimi and other classic Japanese dishes such as Chirashi Don and Donburi.

From now until 30 April 2018, enjoy 1-for-1 uni sashimi (30g per portion). Uni Gallery has several types of uni sashimi on their menus and prices range from S$28 to S$62. The complimentary item must be of the same value or of a lower price.

To redeem this promotion, simply like Uni Gallery on Facebook and quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy this 1-for-1 promotion.

Nestled in the basement of a mall many of us may not even have heard of, Uni Gallery at The Plaza (which is just behind PARKROYAL on Beach Road) is inconspicuous and hard to locate, but give up the search and you may just regret.

With quirky Japanese-inspired murals on every wall, Uni Gallery provides a cheerful and inviting ambience. While most established Japanese restaurants would have just a few uni dishes on their menu, Uni Gallery is where your senses take flight with premium uni that are mostly from Japan and other places such as L.A’s Santa Barbara and British Columbia in Canada.

UNI RUIBE

The Uni Ruibe (S$45 per serving) is one heck of a sensational item at Uni Gallery and even for those who have tried uni before, this is #nextlevel enjoyment. The intense oceanic brininess of the uni was mind-blowing and there was no competition when it came down to its delicate and creamy texture. Trust us, this is truly worth the splurge.

Marinated in kombu, this is one of the most traditional ways of enjoying uni since the Japanese first did it almost a thousand years ago.

UNI KARATSUKI

Another star dish at Uni Gallery is the Uni Karatsuki (S$30), in which the fresh seasonal uni is cracked open and served immediately so guests are able to have it straight from its shell.

For the purists, this is the best way to enjoy uni at its freshest without the addition of any condiments that will alter its original salty ocean scent and buttery taste.

UNI SAKE SHOT

For a bright and umami-packed explosion in your mouth, we highly recommend giving the Uni Sake Shot (S$18) a shot—pun not intended—or more.

The initial taste that hits your tongue will be the briny, somewhat savoury uni followed by the intense flavour of alcohol mixed with shoyu. Just be mindful to keep the contents in your mouth for a few seconds to properly savour the layers and not chug the entire thing down.

UNI OYSTER SHOT

Taking luxury to a whole new level is the Uni Oyster Shot (S$24). Served in a larger-than-usual oyster shell is a mixture of ikura, oyster and uni. The size of each uni oyster shot may seem daunting, but slurp them all in one mouthful to bring your taste buds on a gastronomical journey.

The combination of the briny oyster, salty ikura and luscious uni makes for one intense flavour explosion.

LE TETSUYA

A dish that is both gorgeous to look at as well as a joy to eat, the Le Tetsuya (S$48) is another must-try premium item. Uni and Sturgeon caviar sit atop fresh, shredded Hokkaido crab; with just 3 key components, this dish may sound simple but it certainly blew us away.

We particularly loved the combination of flavours that this dish brings as you get a delightful balance of both sweet and salty notes respectively from the naturally sweet crab to the fresh ikura and umami-packed uni.

UNI TOKUSEN SASHIMI

For a hit of variety, we highly recommend getting the Uni Tokusen Sashimi (1 pax – S$38, 2 pax – S$74, 3 pax – S$110, 4 pax – S$142) that features seven types of sashimi including one type of uni—all of which are specially curated according to when each fish is at their seasonal best.

The sashimi at Uni Gallery is airflown from Japan four times a week so you can be sure of maximum freshness.

UNI SAMPLER SET

True uni connoisseurs are in for a treat with the Uni Sampler Set (5 types – S$98, 4 types – S$85, 3 types – S$74). Hefty as the price tag might seem, it is actually great value when you consider that the same quantity of premium uni you find elsewhere might cost 2 to 3 times more.

It is really worth it to give this platter a shot because you get to sample different varieties of uni such as bafun, murasaki, aka, ensui and uni shutou. Yes, in case you were wondering, uni do not all taste the same!

2-TYPE PREMIUM UNI IKURA CHIRASHI

While the 2-Type Premium Uni Ikura Chirashi (S$68) may not exactly be affordable, expect a generous portion of uni and salmon roe! You will find two types of premium-grade sea urchin and salmon roe covering a bed of sticky Japanese rice.

Those who find raw uni overpowering can start off with this as the rich uni flavours are balanced out when paired with vinegared rice and fresh slices of cucumber.

UNI MENTAIKO PASTA

An unconventional order at Uni Gallery is the Uni Mentaiko Pasta (S$38) which is topped off with briny karasumi shavings. While it may not be what you are expecting from a Japanese dining establishment, we give props to the chef for being innovative with the menu.

As mentioned earlier, from now until 30 April 2018, enjoy 1-for-1 uni sashimi (30g per portion). Uni Gallery has several types of uni sashimi on their menus and prices range from S$28 to S$62. The complimentary item must be of the same value or of a lower price.

To redeem this promotion, simply like Uni Gallery on Facebook and quote ‘ladyironchef‘ to enjoy this 1-for-1 promotion.

You can earn 2 miles with every S$1 spent at Uni Gallery when you use Mileslife. If you are new to Mileslife, use our code ‘ladyironchef’ to get 1,000 free miles after you download the app and make your first purchase on Mileslife.

Uni Gallery by Oosterbay 
7500A Beach Road
#B1-310 The Plaza
Singapore 199591
Tel: +65 9838 8209
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Nicoll Highway

This post is brought to you by Uni Gallery.

Sushi is a very big part of Japanese food culture and in Singapore, we are blessed with many great Japanese restaurants that are able to satisfy our sushi cravings. These Japanese restaurants range from affordable to mid-tier and right up to the fanciest restaurants that will cost you an arm and a leg when you dine there.

We have heard of sushi dishes that come with exorbitant price tags but not all of us are able to afford that kind of luxury on a daily basis. Then again, who says that good sushi has to be expensive?

If you are looking for good sushi bars in Singapore serving sushi at wallet-friendly prices, carry on reading this guide to find out more. 

TSUKIJI FISH MARKET RESTAURANT

Japanese food lovers, you need to know about this secret Japanese restaurant on the rooftop of Orchard Central—Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant! It houses 5 different restaurant concepts in one, serving up flavourful Japanese fare in generous portions at fairly affordable prices.

Dishing out a vast variety of Japanese food options spanning from sushi and sashimi, ramen, tempura and an assortment of chicken dishes and wagyu dishes, to say diners will be spoilt for choice is an understatement. And the best part is being able to order from any of the 5 menus and having them served and billed together!

181 Orchard Road, #12-02
Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6634 2803
Mon to Thu, Sat & Sun: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

SENMI SUSHI

Do not be put off by Senmi Sushi’s fancy interior—the prices on their menu are actually very reasonable for the quality. Tucked in Marina Square’s Emporium Shokuhin, Semi Sushi is one Japanese restaurant you have to drop by for their scrumptious sushi sets and donburi bowls.

Our favourites at the Japanese restaurant have to be the Chirashi Don, (S$19), Salmon Lovers Platter (S$17.80) and the all-time favourite Dynamite Maki (S$16.80).

6 Raffles Boulevard
Marina Square #01-18
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6812 2179
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall / Esplanade / Promenade

KINSA SUSHI

A hidden gem in HillV2, Kinsa Sushi is one of the most popular restaurants in the area among residents living nearby as prices are kept affordable, despite the premium ingredients used.

Most dishes are priced under S$15, and the star dish is definitely the Wagyu don (S$24.80), served with Grade A4 Kagoshima Wagyu. Some other recommendations include the Kinsa Roll (S$14.80) and Salmon Mentai Maki (S$16.80).

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

KOH GRILL & SUSHI BAR

Any Japanese food lover would have heard of ‘Shiok Maki’ (S$16.80) from Koh Grill & Sushi Bar in Wisma Atria. The melty cheese sauce was the perfect companion for the charcoal grilled eel wrapped with salmon maki.

For those who have not been keeping up, the Japanese restaurant has since launched a second generation of Shiok Maki which replaces unagi with tempura prawn instead. If you are looking for more options, consider their Pork Sukiyaki (S$14) or Yaki Udon (S$10).

435 Orchard Road
#04-21 Wisma Atria
Singapore 238877
Tel: +65 9180 3805
Daily: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

KOJI SUSHI BAR

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.

This stylish sushi bar has a curated menu featuring nigiri sushi sets (from S$9) and donburi bowls (from S$17).

3 Pickering Street
#01-42,Nankin Row
Singapore 048660
Tel: +65 6225 6125
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

STANDING SUSHI BAR

Standing Sushi Bar’s comprehensive menu includes a good variety of handmade sushi, fresh sashimi, agemono, robatayaki, noodle, grilled items and a large collection of sake stocked behind the bar counter.

The sushi bar runs various promotions throughout the week and loyal customers will know that Mondays and Thursdays are the best days to visit for salmon sashimi as they are going at only S$3 for five pieces. What a steal!

8 Queen Street
#01-03, Singapore Art Museum
Singapore 188535
Tel: +65 6333 1335
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bras Basah

THE SUSHI BAR

Originally a small sushi place at Far East Plaza, The Sushi Bar has seen tremendous success amongst Singaporeans and currently has two outlets, with the other one located at Ngee Ann City.

They serve the standard dishes like sushi, sashimi, and donburi bowls, but if you only have room for one dish, you must try the famous Salmon Aburi Sushi (S$14.50).

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

TOMI SUSHI

Tomi Sushi may not be the cheapest restaurant on this list, but the no-frills Japanese restaurant is still considerably affordable for its high-quality ingredients—prices range from S$20 for a tempura set to S$38 for the sushi bento.

9 Raffles Boulevard
#02-12/13 Millenia Walk
Singapore 039596
Tel: +65 6238 1123
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Promenade/ Esplanade

RYOSHI SUSHI IKEIKEMARU

Ryoshi Sushi Ikeikemaru charges by the plate, and prices range from $1.80 to $6.80 for different sushi. In addition, they also have a selection of à la carte dishes such as Tempura Udon ($9.60), Ebi Fried ($5.80), Chawanmushi ($3.80) and Salmon Avocado Salad ($7.60).

Their sushi dishes may not be the most outstanding when it comes to quality but certainly value-for-money and makes for a great everyday sushi restaurant without burning a hole in your pocket.

177 River Valley Road
Basement 1 Liang Court
Tel: +65 6337 1022
Daily: 11am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

FISH MART SAKURAYA

Fish Mart SAKURAYA is a Japanese supermarket-cum-eatery that has branches at Anchorpoint Shopping Centre, West Coast Plaza and Parkway Parade.

You can find all kinds of Japanese food-related items in their mart—ranging from fresh sashimi to Japanese snacks and frozen ingredients to buy home. The SAKURAYA dining area is further inside and that is where you can enjoy air-flown fish from Japan and a wide array of affordable Japanese mains.

370 Alexandra Road
#01-32 Anchorpoint
Singapore 159953
Tel: +65 6474 2495
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Queenstown

For more recommendations, read our guide on 10 Cheap Chirashi don in Singapore for S$18 and under.

Originally located at East Coast, Sushi Jiro is an established Japanese restaurant in Singapore with over 20 years of history. Today, the prestigious restaurant nestles within Marina Mandarin Singapore and still continues to provide top-notch Japanese cuisine, using only traditional Japanese culinary preparation methods and execution.

Having been to Sushi Jiro countless times, the restaurant is now one of our top choices when it comes to Japanese fine dining. And this time around, we’d like to share with you some very amazing lunch promotions that would be for a nice lunch with your colleagues or simply some quality me-time during your lunch break.

For the entire month of March, Sushi Jiro is having an enticing lunch promotion where you get to enjoy a Wagyu Don Set for S$50++ (U.P. S$68++), Una Don for S$48++ (U.P. S$58++) and their signature Sushi Course Lunch Set for S$80++ (U.P. S$100++). Additionally, there is also a 20% discount on all Japanese sake and wine across lunch and dinner—this applies every day of the week so you have no reason to not drink up.

Simply quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy these deals that are valid for the entire month of March 2018.

WAGYU DON

Japanese cuisine comprises many different types of dishes but one that will always win our hearts is Wagyu Don, or otherwise known as ‘gyudon’ in Japanese. It is essentially a rice bowl filled with warm Japanese rice pearls and is layered with premium beef slices before light soy sauce is drizzled on top.

Sushi Jiro’s luxurious Wagyu Don (S$50++/ U.P. S$68++) is definitely something that is worth going back countless times for. Using only top-grade wagyu that Chef Kenji gets from Australia, the perfectly-marbled beef slices are masterfully seared to perfect medium-rare doneness.

The beef is complemented with a runny onsen egg, fried garlic chips, soy sauce and a handful of chives. Break the egg yolk and mix the ingredients together with the rice to achieve rich, luxurious and creamy textures.

What sets Sushi Jiro’s Wagyu Don apart from others is in importing only superior Australian beef and Japanese seasoning.

And at S$50++ for the lunch set which includes a serving of chawanmushi and miso soup, this is a complete steal. The Wagyu Don is otherwise available on its a la carte menu at regular times for S$68++ per bowl.

UNADON

Unagi (eel) is the most talked about produce this season and there is honestly nothing to dislike about the Unadon (U.P. S$58++) at Sushi Jiro. Go for lunch in March and enjoy the special promotional price of S$48++ per set.

What you can expect is a generous portion of perfectly grilled unagi lying on a bed of thinly sliced egg crepes and sticky Japanese rice. The unagi fillets are accompanied with a serving of thick soy-based marinade, sesame seeds and some tsukemono (Japanese pickles).

The slightly charred edges of the unagi gave it a deeper and earthier taste, which we felt had a good balance with the sweet, caramelised sauce. If you are looking for a more premium version of this perennial Japanese favourite, Sushi Jiro’s Unadon will not leave you disappointed.

And you’d be happy to know that Sushi Jiro only uses premium Japanese eels; they do not get their eels from anywhere else in the world.

BOTH LUNCH SETS COME WITH CHAWANMUSHI AND MISO SOUP

Both Wagyu Don and Una Don are served with a portion of chawanmushi and miso soup as part of the lunch set promotion.

S$80 SUSHI COURSE PROMOTION

Alternatively, Sushi Jiro’s Sushi Course Lunch Set is another crowd pleaser to consider. The sushi course comprises a starter, chawanmushi, 8 pieces of seasonal sushi, negitoro and ikura rice, miso soup, and dessert.

Something worth raving about is the sensational Negitoro and Ikura Rice which features ikura, minced fatty tuna, sushi rice and a tiny smidgen of fresh wasabi—every mouthful is a combustion of interesting flavours and textures.

If you quote ‘ladyironchef’ upon making your reservations, you only have to pay S$80++ per pax for this sushi lunch set instead of S$100++ per pax. This is one all-time favourite lunch deal, by the way!

20% OFF ALL JAPANESE SAKE AND WINE

Now, the only thing left to do to complete your dining experience is to pair your Japanese food with Japanese sake and wine!

Sushi Jiro is currently running a 20% promotion off all sake and wine on their expansive drinks menu so there really is no reason why you should be skipping alcohol for your next meal there.

And if you have always wanted to try premium Japanese alcohol (man, the Japanese make really good alcohol beverages!), this is your chance because it is not every day that you get a 20% discount off something so premium, yes?

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.

The rising popularity of izakayas in Singapore is no surprise, especially with Singapore’s growing bar scene that sees drinking holes in all forms and themes.

An Izakaya is essentially Japan’s equivalent to a Spanish tapas bar where you get to dine and drink under one roof. The answer to the woes of the Japanese working class, Izakayas are seen as a haven where people can go to after work to enjoy a tipple, snack on some food and unwind with their mates.

Whether it is an ice-cold beer you crave or something a little more punchy, here are 10 Izakaya bars in Singapore for you to unwind, get fed or simply to drown out your sorrows.

#1 EN BAR

Previously known as En Grill & Bar, En Bar—located along Mohamed Sultan Road—is a contemporary bar and lounge where you are greeted with a selection of Asian and Western tapas and a neat range of Japanese alcohol such as Sake Shochu, Awamori, wines and spirits.

If you are keen on trying something new, do approach their bartenders for a unique cocktail concoction!

#2 FIVE IZAKAYA

Besides their enticing S$5 beer promotions, FIVE Izakaya is a pretty solid place to catch up with friends or colleagues over some yummy grub. Alcohol never runs dry here but perhaps one of the more underrated qualities of this long-time establishment is its food.

From bar bites to authentic Japanese fare, their food offerings are massive.

5 Changi Business Park Central 1, #01-66/67
Changi City Point
Singapore 486038
Tel: +65 6604 8255
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 12am
Sun: 3pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Expo

Photo credit: IZAKAYA 95

#3 IZAKAYA 95

Despite being tucked all the way at The Punggol Settlement, Izakaya 95 is worth a visit.

The izakaya dishes out a wide variety of tasty Japanese food which includes yakitori and did we mention the happy hour promotions that happen all night long? You get to enjoy drinks from S$9.50 onwards!

3 Punggol Point #02-05
The Punggol Settlement,
Singapore 828694
Tel: +65 6384 1132
Mon to Thu: 5pm – 12am
Fri: 5pm – 1am
Sat: 1pm – 1am
Sun: 1pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Punggol

#4 IZAKAYA NIJUMARU

Nestled on the second level of Cuppage Plaza, Izakaya Nijumaru is possibly one of the oldest Japanese eateries around—we’re talking about over 3 decades! From the old-school interior to the wall murals, Izakaya Nijumaru is bound to have you reminiscing your times in Japan.

This cosy eatery serves up an extensive range of Japanese food at really affordable prices. Drink choices are limited but rest assured that thirsty tipplers will still be able to get their fill of sake.

5 Koek Road, #02- 228796
10 Cuppage Road
Tel: +65 6235 6693
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sun: 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

#5 JINZAKAYA

A hidden gem with pretty affordable food, JINzakaya is known for its wide range of grilled delicacies, including everyone’s favourite yakitori. Crowd pleasers include their juicy grilled chicken thigh, tender pork belly slices, and fresh scallops wrapped in bacon—all of which go incredibly well with an ice-cold beer.

Drinks wise, one can choose from more than 10 different types of sake, shochu and beer.

Connexion at Farrer Park
1 Farrer Park Station Road
Owen Link, #01-08/10
Singapore 217562
Tel: +65 6443 1173
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

#6 MO’MOR IZAKAYA

Nestled in the cosy enclave of Tanglin—right on the outskirts of the bustling Orchard district—this contemporary establishment fuses Japanese and European elements together to present a stunning menu featuring mainly tapas and grills.

Other than being aesthetically-pleasing, the quality of their food is also top-notch and go perfectly well with in-house tipples.

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.

56 Tanglin Road
#B1-01 Tanglin Post Office
Singapore 247964
Tel: +65 6463 8080
Sun to Thu: 10am – 11pm
Fri: 11am – 1am
Sat: 10am – 1am
Nearest Station: Orchard

#7 NEON PIGEON

This quaint Japanese fusion restaurant located along the restaurant-laden Keong Saik Road brims with cool indie vibes that just scream out at you as you walk by—and we’re not just talking about the literal neon pink pigeon at its doorway.

The recipes here take on a modern twist and are sure to intrigue as well as delight. There is also a curated menu of artistic cocktails that pair beautifully with their outstanding nosh.

1 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089109
Tel: +65 6222 3623
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Outram Park

#8 SHIROKANE TORI-TAMA

If you’re a fan of grilled skewers—or more specifically, yakitori—then this outpost of the Tokyo-based Toritama group is one to visit. Choose from a selection of over 20 chicken parts—all grilled to tender, smoky perfection.

While you soak up the aromas, feel free to knock back a cold one or even a sake.

11 Unity Street,
Singapore 237995
Tel: +65 6836 5680
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Fort Canning

#9 SHUKUU IZAKAYA & SAKE BAR

Tanjong Pagar may be home to quite a number of izakayas but perhaps one of the standouts is Shukuu Izakaya & Sake Bar. This traditional Japanese restaurant exudes a laid-back vibe that nicely complements the Japanese fare served here.

Along with its remarkable service and accessible location, this spacious restaurant is perfect for large groups—time to round up the entire office!

8 Stanley Street
Singapore 068727
Tel: +65 6327 9240
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Sat: 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

#10 SHUNJUU IZAKAYA

Located along Robertson Quay, Shunjuu Izakaya is a riverfront izakaya that serves up mainly skewers and outrageously affordable sake.

With an incredible variety of 70 grilled skewers and just about 60 different kinds of Japanese sake to choose from, every visit remains a refreshing experience!

30 Robertson Quay
#01-15 Riverside View
Singapore 238251
Tel: +65 6887 3577
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Fort Canning / Clarke Quay

Sushi Jiro is a name that’s appearing here a lot over the last couple of months—and for very good reasons. Home to one of the finest Japanese dining experiences in Singapore, this sushi restaurant located in Marina Mandarin Singapore is one that we find ourselves constantly returning to for a sensorial omakase meal.

After receiving such an overwhelming response towards their dinner omakase last month, Sushi Jiro is now making it available for lunch as well! And the deal of a free upgrade for ladyironchef’s readers remains—you enjoy the 8-course omakase at the 6-course’s price of S$180++, and the 10-course at the 8-course’s price of S$220++. This is yet another wonderful chance to experience Chef Kenji’s famous omakase if you haven’t already.

Under the lunch set, one of the restaurant’s proudest curations is the Sushi Course (S$100++) and the promotion for our readers is extended—quote ‘ladyironchef’ and you pay only S$80++ for this grand platter. These promotions are available from now until 28 February (excluding 14 Feb 2018).

Kicking off the omakase is Shirauo (icefish), a seasonal item that is best eaten between November to March. Served simply with a light soy sauce and garnished with grated radish over top, this dish is a great way to begin the meal with its soft, salty and mildly bitter notes.

ASSORTED SASHIMI

Right after you down the starter—and we reckon it’ll be quick—what Chef Kenji presents you is an assortment of sashimi comprising Chutoro (medium-fatty tuna), Kinmedai (golden eye snapper), Buri (wild yellowtail) as well as a seasonal special, Sayori (needlefish).

A tantalising mixture of flavours and textures, this sashimi platter promises to bring joy to your taste buds from the buttery tuna to the firm and clean tasting needlefish.

ASSORTED NIGIRI SUSHI

Whether you opt for the 8-course or the 10-course, the nigiri options will most definitely leave you craving more. Boasting a fine selection of fresh fish, the 10-course omakase comes with all of our favourites from Maguro (tuna), Hirame (flounder) to even the Rolls Royce of tuna, the insanely fatty Otoro.

Many of their nigiri options may change depending on the season and you can trust that Chef Kenji makes it his personal commitment to only serve fish that is at its seasonal best.

OTORO PREPARED IN 3 WAYS

Only available as part of the 10-course omakase, a platter of otoro prepared in 3 ways is one to get you drooling in anticipation.

Torched till a slight char develops, the otoro aburi gives off a nuance of smoke and a buttery finish on the tongue. The nigiri version allows diners to truly appreciate the sheer melt-in-your-mouth texture that is otoro and last but not least, the sushi rolls give you a more rounded out flavour with the seaweed providing a backbone of umami.

As we mentioned earlier, the menu at Sushi Jiro never remains the same for long, especially during periods of the year where certain ingredients are at their seasonal best.

During the spring season between March and April, ark shell clam, firefly squid and bamboo shoots are all ingredients at their peak and are what gave Chef Kenji the inspiration for creating this beautiful creation that sees a combination of the three mixed in a delicate yet umami-packed dashi jelly.

WAGYU BEEF

Exclusive to the 10-course omakase menu is the wagyu beef. Grilled over charcoal, the wagyu develops a lovely smoky crust that complements the nutty qualities of the intense, beefy flavours exceptionally well.

The marbling on the wagyu speaks volumes, not only of the quality of the meat itself but of the quality that Sushi Jiro guarantees.

IKURA AND UNI BOWL

One notable dish to look out for is their signature Ikura and Uni Bowl. Expect a combustion of complex flavours from two highly-prized ingredients—ikura (roe) and uni (sea urchin).

Given the insane portion of ikura, every mouthful comes with a salty, pleasantly fishy explosion and the uni possesses a smooth, custard-like appeal that boasts a briny ocean taste.

In light of all the rich, briny flavours that have taken up residence on your palate, a good dish to have to wash it all down is the clam soup (only available in the 10-course menu). Made with a base of dashi (and possibly kombu as well), the delicate soup is every bit as comforting as a fireplace in winter.

For the 8-course however, diners will get to enjoy the Dobin Mushi, which pretty much features the same soup broth minus the clams. Instead, the Dobin Mushi comes with a variety of ingredients such as chicken and mushrooms.

What better way to end a heavy meal than with something sweet? The 10-course features a ripe muskmelon served over ice and the 8-course ends off with ice cream with a red bean cake—both of which are sweet and refreshing.

SUSHI JIRO SINGAPORE’S LUNCH SET SUSHI COURSE

If you find it difficult to have a full-on omakase meal during lunch due to time constraints, consider also Sushi Jiro Singapore’s Sushi Course Lunch Set (S$100++) that consists of a starter, chawanmushi, 8 pieces of seasonal sushi, negitoro and ikura rice, miso soup and dessert. This is our favourite lunch set, yet.

The 8 sushi varieties we had in February 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).

But do note that the variety might differ because every day’s highlights depend on the fish they import from Tokyo.

We’ve shared our love for this Sushi Course Lunch Set a few months ago and many of our readers tried and loved it too. If you haven’t had a go, quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy this set at a special price of S$80++ for the month of February.

Both the Sushi Course Lunch Set and Omakase promotions are available for the entire month of February, excluding 14 Feb 2018. Please make your reservation via Sushi.jiro@sushijiro.sg.

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. 

Just a mere mention of grilled unagi (freshwater eels) and most minds would naturally gravitate towards the colossally popular, Michelin Bib Gourmand winner, Man Man Unagi Japanese Restaurant. But that is soon to change especially with the opening of Uya at Wheelock Place.

Striving to keep prices affordable and the quality of their food as true to Japanese traditional unagi cuisine as possible, all of Uya’s eels are meticulously selected to ensure the ideal quality that best matches their house-made tare (sauce) and fresh shipments from both Taiwan and Japan are flown in weekly.

Smoky, sticky and grilled to utmost perfection, grilled unagi is a hard dish to dislike, and we are all extremely stoked to try Uya’s prized dish to see if this new Unagi restaurant truly walks the talk and can prove itself to be a worthy competitor to it’s Michelin Bib Gourmand-winning counterpart.

Uya was set up in partnership with the fourth-generation owner of an eel wholesaler in Japan and is set to make waves in Singapore. The restaurant is helmed by a Japanese head chef that boasts more than a decade’s worth of experience cooking in unagi restaurants in Nagoya.

The excellent quality of their unagi is evident from the creamy and delicate flesh and as such, the fish is given the respect it deserves, that is, a simple application of their tare and masterfully grilled over a charcoal grill.

Their tare is made using a sauce base that carries with it, a family secret that has been passed down from over 4 generations.

There are a few ways the chefs at Uya prepare their unagi. You can opt to experience their unagi in the form of the traditional Hitsumabushi that comprises chopped up unagi eaten 4 ways or the Healthy Unadon that comprises chopped up unagi, assorted vegetables, pickles and sous vide egg.

Once you decide on your order, the live eels undergo cutting, skewering, an initial grilling process without sauce known as shirayaki and a final grilling known as kabayaki where the sauce is applied.

Uya
501 Orchard Road, #02-15/16
Wheelock Place
Singapore 238880
Tel: +65 6732 1096
Sun to Thu: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 9.30pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

*All photos are credited to Uya Singapore.

Nestled within Emporium Shokuhin in Marina Square, Gyuu+ Yakiniku Grill is Japanese beef heaven. 

Their all-you-can-eat buffet option is available for lunch but the premium a la carte wagyu dinner buffet is what you should be looking out for. Featuring the best of Japanese beef cuts—including succulent beef aged for 14, 21 and 28 days—and other types of fresh meat, seasonal fish and seafood, this is one Japanese barbecue restaurant that will leave you with happy bellies.

Boasting a refined interior with low and warm lighting for a sophisticated ambiance, Gyuu+ Yakiniku Grill’s dark wood theme and personal dry aging room reminds us of high-end yakiniku restaurants in Japan. Yes, this is the place to impress your significant other and business associates.

Signature dishes include A5 Miyazaki Shin, USDA Sirloin Steak, USDA Prime Sirloin, Kurobuta Pork Rosu Steak and Pork Shoulder Tare that are air-flown all the way from Japan, Australia and U.S.A.

If you think all that premium meat sounds heavy on your wallet, rest assured that prices are kept affordable as Gyuu+ Yakiniku Grill leverages on Emporium Shokuhin’s direct sourcing means. Top-notch Japanese beef at lower prices? We are sold.

Seafood lovers are not neglected too—the restaurant gets its selection of live lobsters and crabs from the tanks at Emporium Shokuhin. Tasty a la carte options you have include Hon Maguro Steak (S$18++), Madai Fillet (S$16++), Scallops (S$18++) and Prawns (S$13++).

Mon to Thu: S$98++
Fri to Sun, Eve of PH & PH: S$108++

Gyuu+ Yakiniku Grill
6 Raffles Boulevard
#01-18, Emporium Shokuhin
Marina Square
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6224 3433
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall / Esplanade / Promenade

Set within The Plaza at Beach Road, Uni Gallery—opened by online seafood and sashimi retailer, Oosterbay—is a uni-centric restaurant that is bound to get heads turning—especially if you’re a uni fanatic like us. They serve a range of uni as well as premium sushi that are all air-flown from Japan, the United States and Canada.

The 40-seater restaurant serves ‘uni-fied’ dishes such as their Uni Aglio Olio (S$28++), Uni Oyster Shot (S$25++) and the stellar Uni Bomb (S$99++) that is what this humble restaurant gains the most praise for.

In addition to uni, their menu also includes seasonal sashimi such as kinmedai (golden eye snapper), hirame (flounder) and our favourite, ankimo (monkfish liver). Finding exceptional yet relatively affordable uni in Singapore is a tough feat, however, ever since the opening of Uni Gallery, fans of the beloved sea urchin have stopped searching.

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Boasting decadence and creaminess like you have never felt before is the Uni Oyster Shot (S$25++). This tantalising morsel features a scoop of briny Canadian sea urchin alongside generous amounts of ikura (salmon roe), served atop a fresh and plump New Zealand oyster.

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Perhaps one dish that every first timer should order is their signature dish, the oh-so-gorgeous Uni Bomb (S$99++). The dish features 3 different types of uni from varying parts of the world and comes served with a shot of either Japanese sake or gin.

Hefty as the price may be for this stellar dish, we would still urge you to try it nonetheless simply because it is a pure indulgence on a plate.

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But if it’s affordability you are after, their Uni Chirashi set (S$28.90++) comes highly recommended as well. The dish sees a large bowl of rice generously topped with fresh, creamy uni, with sliced ginger, seaweed, furikake and tamago. Fairly affordable and perfect as a work-day lunch option, we can see why this is a popular choice amongst those who work in the area.

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn 2 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.

Uni Gallery by Oosterbay 
7500A Beach Road
#B1-310 The Plaza
Singapore 199591
Tel: +65 9838 8209
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Nicoll Highway

All photos are credited to Uni Gallery by Ooster Bay. 

Better known for its printing services for students studying nearby, the unassuming Sunshine Plaza is actually a food haven that houses some of the city’s most affordable eateries. The latest addition to its list of eateries is District Sushi, a Japanese joint that serves up delicious Japanese fare at wallet-friendly prices.

Their stellar Bara Chirashi Don, which is priced at an unbelievable S$13 per bowl (no GST and service charge), is stacked high with generous cubes of fresh marinated fish and is one of their most frequently ordered items. Besides that, the casual eatery also has a range of sashimi, nigiri sushi and a la carte sides that are mostly below S$15.

If you ever find yourself craving for some donburi, fresh sushi or sashimi without burning a hole in your wallet, this is where you should probably be heading to!

Two-week-old District Sushi is the owner’s first business venture into the F&B industry after working in hotels and Japanese restaurants for many years—both locally and abroad—to gain some experience. The Japanese eatery was then set up with the aim to provide high-quality dishes at affordable prices.

The simple eatery had a basic sashimi counter and long communal dining tables for groups of friends and colleagues to have a meal together. Nothing was particularly outstanding about the interior as the focus was all on creating mouthwatering Japanese cuisine for the patrons.

We went for their highly sought-after Bara Chirashi Don (S$13) and boy, were we blown away by the freshness and quality of the ingredients used. The raw fish had no strong fishy odour and the meat was springy when we bit into it.

Going beyond just the standard ingredients including salmon, tuna and octopus, there is also the addition of a poached prawn on top. Diners get generous portions of sashimi cubes atop sticky Japanese rice—for only S$13! We are definitely going back to District Sushi again just for this.

District Sushi’s 5 Kind Nigiri Sushi (S$10) did not disappoint either. The sushi selection was decided by the chef who gave us a good mix of tamago, unagi, ikura, salmon and tuna nigiri sushi.

While the rest lived up to our expectations, it was the tamago sushi that created the deepest impression on us—the Japanese omelette came with a slightly charred taste which added a new layer of flavour to it.

All in all, District Sushi is a hidden gem we would highly recommend to students studying at the campuses nearby or those who are on a budget. Their value-for-money donburis and nigiri sushi sets are definitely worth a try!

District Sushi
91 Bencoolen Street
#01-15, Sunshine Plaza
Singapore 189652
Nearest Station: Bencoolen

With its extensive array of succulent and high-quality Japanese Wagyu beef that is specially curated from different regions of Japan, Fat Cow is one of the best steak restaurants in Singapore and our go-to place whenever our carnivorous urges kick in.

Presenting the new Chef’s Table Omakase headed by Chef Shigeru Kasajima—a seasoned Japanese chef with many decades of French culinary skills under his belt—allow your senses to take flight as Fat Cow takes you on an edible trip like you have never experienced before.

Every item on the Omakase menu is specially curated and designed by Chef Kasajima himself. From delicate and bright tasting starters to a stellar line-up of sashimi and sushi options, what you can expect from this dinner situation is an array of alluring flavours that will have you drooling between courses.

For foodies looking for a lavish and elevated gastronomic experience, Fat Cow’s Chef’s Table Omakase is available at S$120++ per pax during lunch and S$280++ per pax during dinner. Only eight counter slots are available per session so you better snag those seats quick—especially since that from now until 31 March 2018, you can quote “ladyironchef” upon making your reservations to enjoy a 10% discount off Fat Cow’s omakase menus.

High ceilings and a heavy emphasis on wooden elements and bright amber lights give this space a rather warm and cosy vibe.

Helmed by Chef Shigeru Kasajima, the Omakase dining room offers an exclusive and intimate dining experience for discerning guests. With a sleek counter that sits just eight, guests are able to witness his culinary prowess that embodies the very best of Japanese precision and French flair.

With the opportunity to interact directly with the chef, each guest gets to enjoy a highly personalised dining experience and the calming ambience also allows diners to marvel at Chef Kasajima’s intricate preparations with minimal disturbance.

FAT COW’S CHEF’S TABLE OMAKASE DINNER

We had the Chef’s Table Omakase Dinner (S$280++ per pax) and our sensorial gastronomic trip commenced with four different starter items—each boasting delicate yet refreshing flavours that helped ease us into the heavier courses.

The first tasting platter that greeted our eyes consisted of three different components, of which the stand-out was undoubtedly the marinated egg yolk. For a better idea of how it tastes, think tasty and luscious ramen egg without the egg white.

Served in a martini glass, the Japanese Fruit Tomato Cocktail comprises a chilled Japanese tomato, sweet and sour jelly (Tosazu Jelly), white fish, uni and Oba leaf pesto sauce. Every mouthful was a combination of bright flavours that were nicely underscored by savoury and umami notes.

The Yude Kani (crab) features sweet flakes of handpicked crabmeat mixed with earthy Kani miso. The crabmeat is complemented with Chef’s Kasajima’s special sanbaizu sauce and a tiny dollop of yuzu foam that sits neatly above it. The citrusy qualities helped to balance out the robust flavour of the crabmeat nicely, resulting in a surprisingly refreshing starter.

The tai fish head soup was a much-needed soul booster—hot, comforting and a great palate cleanser.

The sashimi offering is a line-up of Shima-aji (Striped Jack) sashimi with Himalayan pink salt freshly grated over top, Tsubugai (whelk) sashimi and Kinmedai (snapper) Sashimi. Each sashimi item was fresh and we also appreciated the chef’s use of freshly grated wasabi instead of the conventional powdered version.

Depending on the day’s catch, look forward to the delightfully succulent Botan Ebi. Large, clear water prawns come served with a ponzu dipping sauce infused with umami-packed truffle oil. Before you lower the prawn into your mouth, you are first hit with the robust aroma of truffle, followed by the salty, citrusy profiles of the ponzu sauce.

This was easily the best item of the omakase dinner menu.

Lightly-grilled Grade 4 Ohmi Wagyu ribeye comes served with Chef’s “secret recipe” ponzu sauce and a creamy goma dare sauce. The dish comes with three slices of beef, allowing you to savour the experience with each dipping sauce or simply on its own to soak in the natural beefy flavours of the Wagyu.

The Chef’s Table Omakase dinner comes with 10 pieces of nigiri sushi. The sushi selection encompassed a smorgasbord of fresh ingredients that were each carefully executed so as to not overplay one another.

The sushi line-up featured Aburi Otoro sushi, grilled foie gras sushi, baby leeks, sour plum paste and bonito flakes sushi, Maguro Zuke (marinated tuna) sushi, Anago (fresh water eel) sushi as well as the astonishingly refreshing Hotategai (sea scallop) with yuzu foam and grated lime zest.

The uni (sea urchin) sushi was phenomenal and a true luxury to behold. Generous spoonfuls of uni are neatly placed over sushi rice and upon that first mouthful, flavours of the ocean come bursting through.

One of the highlights was the Chef Kasajima’s insanely decadent signature ‘Surf & Turf’ sushi that heaved Wagyu beef tartare, uni, amaebi and ikura. While it seemed at first like a flavour overkill, we were surprised at the different textures present—from the light popping of the ikura to the chewy amaebi, every component could be felt (and tasted) prominently.

The omakase dinner ends off with a hot, hearty bowl of miso soup, a sweet tamago egg (branded with the initials ‘FC’) as well as sliced Japanese pears.

FAT COW’S A LA CARTE MENU ITEMS

At S$98++, the Fat Cow Premium Donburi is possibly the most decadent Japanese rice bowl out there. Served on a bed of rice is a perfectly grilled slab of Wagyu steak accompanied by pan-seared chunks of creamy foie gras, uni, Ikura, caviar and an onsen egg.

This extravagant dish seduced us with its heady aroma of truffle, smoke and vibrant colours. The Wagyu stood up well against the fresh uni, caviar and ikura and although this rice bowl is by no means affordable, it certainly lives up to its price point with each component being executed perfectly. On the contrary, if you think about it, it is actually very value-for-money for all that premium ingredients you get in one bowl!

If you love cod, then the Gindara Saikyo Yaki (S$48++) is sure to get you reminiscing about it for days. Miso-licked black cod is grilled and served alongside pickled ginger root. The miso added a sweet and savoury quality to the fish and its charred exterior provided a secondary depth of flavour.

Fat Cow’s Chef’s Table Omakase Dinner at Fat Cow (S$280++ per pax) comes with starter, appetiser, fish soup, crab, wagyu, seasonal sashimi, 10 pieces of nigiri sushi, Akadashi Miso Soup, Japanese omelette and Japanese fruits; what you will be paying for is fresh and seasonal produce of the highest quality.

Otherwise, you can also go for the Chef’s Table Omakase Lunch (S$120++ per pax) which consists of a starter, appetiser, 8 pieces of nigiri sushi, Akadashi Miso Soup, Japanese omelette and dessert.

From now till 31 March 2018, reember to quote “ladyironchef” upon making your reservations to enjoy a 10% discount off Fat Cow’s omakase menus.

Fat Cow
Camden Medical Centre #01-01/02,
1 Orchard Boulevard,
Singapore 248649
Tel: +65 6735 0308
Sun to Thu: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

This post is brought to you by Fat Cow.

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