[Tokyo] Shinjuku 新宿 must be one of my favourite wards in Tokyo. While it is a business district, it is also home to considerable dining, entertainment and shopping options.

Shinjuku Station also happens to be the world’s busiest railway station, handling more than 2 million passengers.

I liked the fact that many lines lead here, especially the JR Yamanote Line, which makes travelling to places like Shibuya, Harajuku, Ikebukuro, Ueno and Tokyo Station very convenient.

Travellers get a good mix of sights here, from cherry blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen during spring time, Central Park, to the colourful Kabukicho – Japan’s largest red light district lined with restaurants and pachinko parlours.

Not forgetting large departmental malls of Takashimaya (with Tokyu Hands), Iseta, Odakyu, Keio, Lumine, and Mylord, all within a 10 to 20 minute walking distance.

There are TOO MANY food choices to list down here. Omoide Yokocho (also nicknamed the Piss Alley) is literally lined with yakitori, oden and soba shops. Or you can just go to Takashimaya and Isetan basement, especially during closing times to get some discounted food buys.

Here are 10 Must Eats At Shinjuku Tokyo 新宿 – From Affordable Michelin Meals, Handmade Soba To ¥350 Gyudon (I tried to include a range, and also added exterior photos for you to find the shop more easily.)

Shinjuku Kappo Nakajima 新宿割烹 中嶋
B1F, Hihara Bldg, 3 32-5 Shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo Prefecture 160-0022, Japan (Shinjuku Station North Exit)
Tel: +81 3-3356-453
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 2pm (last order 1:45pm), 5:30pm – 9:30pm (last order 8pm)
Closed mid-August, late December-early January, Sunday and Public Holidays
http://www.shinjyuku-nakajima.com
Google Maps – Shinjuku Kappo Nakajima

Probably The Cheapest Michelin Star Meal In Tokyo
Nakajima is probably the cheapest Michelin star meal you can get at Tokyo, Japan.

This is how affordable it can get. A lunch set is priced at ¥800 (SGD$9.90, USD$7.40), and we are talking about one of the most expensive cities in the world.

The star of the lunch is to my amazement… sardines.

The Iwashi (sardines) are presented in 4 different ways – the Furai deep fried sardines with panko, raw sashimi-style with seaweed and sesame, the Nizakana simmered in dashi with soy sauce, or the Yanagawa Nabe served in a hot piping eggy casserole for a ¥100 extra. Shinjuku Kappo Nakajima (Shinjuku, Tokyo)

Tsunahachi 天ぷら 新宿 つな八
3-31-8 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022 (Shinjuku Station East Exit or Shinjuku-Sanchome Station Exits A1-A5)
Tel: 03 3352 1012
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 10:30pm
Google Maps – Tsunahachi

Historical Tempura Restaurant Popular Among Locals
Tempura restaurant Tsunahachi 天ぷら 新宿 つな八 総本店 which was founded by Kyuzo Shimura in 1923, has remain highly popular among most locals and tourists.

At the heart of Shinjuku where you get surrounded by stores from BIC Camera and Uniqlo, I was excited to find such a restaurant. FYI, another famous tempura restaurant Funabashiya Honten is within sight.

Considering that I have spent quite a far bit (can be above SGD$100) at other tempura restaurants, the more reasonable price range over here is welcomed.

Lunch starts from ¥1,512 (SGD$19.50), and dinner from ¥2,484 (SGD$32).

A basic Tempura Set goes for ¥2,484 (SGD$32) which includes two shrimps, assorted seafood, vegetables, Anago (sea eel), deep-fried small shrimps (kakiage), appetizer; and a set of rice, miso-soup and Japanese pickles (osoroi). Tsunahachi 天ぷら新宿つな八 (Shinjuku, Tokyo)

慎 Shin Udon
2 151 0053, 2 Chome-20-16 Yoyogi, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0053, Japan (Shinjuku Station, Exit 6)
代々木2-20-16 (相馬ビル1F), Shibuya, Tōkyō, 151-0053, Japan
Tel: +81 3-6276-7816
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Thurs, Sun), 11am – 11pm (Fri – Sat), Closed during New Year period
Google Maps – Shin Udon

Udon Never Tasted This Good, Awesome Find
Entering the shop, I realised it was a cramped 10-seater – 6 at the counter, 2 and 2 at the table, typical Japanese style. Counter of course to catch the chefs in action.

The buckwheat udon is made in house, fresh upon order, in cold or hot versions, topped with ingredients such as tempura, sliced beef, mentaiko and soft boiled egg.

The basic variants are Kake Udon – Hot udon in broth topped with thinly sliced scallions; Zaru Udon – cold noodles accompanied with a chilled dipping sauce; and Bukkake Udon – cold udon with thicker dashi broth.

There is a short English translation for its quite-pictorial menu, so do not worry. Shin Udon 慎 (Shinjuku, Tokyo)

Fu-unji 風雲児
2-14-3, Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan (10 min walk from JR Shinjuku Station South Exit)
Japan, 〒151-0053 Tokyo, Shibuya 代々木2-14-3 北斗第一ビル 1F
Tel: +81 3 6413 8480
Opening Hours: 11am – 3pm, 5 – 9pm (Mon-Sat), Closed Sun & New Year Holiday Period
Google Maps – Fu-unji

Umami Fish Based Tsukemen & Ramen
Fu-unji 風雲児 is tsukemen like never before, creamy broth of chicken (imagine the collagen) with fish, topped with bonito-like smoked fish powder. This is UMAMI.

The taste of the stock when you mix them all together, is quite unimaginable, and is one of the must-haves when you are at Shinjuku Tokyo.

There are 3 noodle sizes with namimori (small, 200gm or so), chuumori (medium, 300 gm), and oomori (large, 400gm).

The same price for all for the Tokusei Tsukemen 特製つけめん at ¥1000.

Its layered flavours of rich chicken broth and smoky fish powder was revolutionary good, grabbing you to just focus on its unique taste. Fu-unji 風雲児 (Shinjuku, Tokyo)

Menya Musashi 麺屋武蔵
Shinjuku-ku, Nishi Shinjuku 7-2-6, Tokyo Prefecture, Japan, Tel: +03 3796 4634
東京都新宿区西新宿7-2-6 ビル1F (About 5 minutes from the JR Shinjuku West Exit, near Prospect AXE or the former Oakwood Shinjuku Apartments)
Opening hours: 11:30am-3:30pm, 4:30pm – 9:30pm (Mon-Sat), 11:30am-4:30pm (Sun)
Google Maps – Menya Musashi

Where Chefs Cook Ramen With Style And Flair
Menya Musashi’s founder Yamada Takeshi, together with Ippudo’s Kawahara Shigemi and Nanttsutei’s Furuya Ichiro are said to be icons of the ramen industry.

Both its signature and tsukemen dipping noodles (¥1000) are basic but spectacular – with chunks of melt-in-your-mouth pork, chewy noodles and addictive soup which made me finish till the last drop.

Its highlight has to be the broth, a flavourful shoyu soy sauce base made with pork and chicken bones, with taste slightly ‘seafood-y’ due to the addition of dried saury fish.

What was also impressive is the visual experience the cooks present. It was almost as if they were presenting a martial arts dance as they cooked and dried the ramen noodles in the open kitchen. All with such great force, adding collective yells of “Hey-Hai” and Japanese idioms. Menya Musashi 麺屋武蔵 (Shinjuku, Tokyo)

Sushi Tokyo Ten
Shinjuku NEWoMan, 4-1-6 Shinjuku, Shinjuku 160-0022, Tokyo
Tel: +81 3 6274 8540
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 3:00pm, 5:00pm – 11:00pm

Sushi Omakase At ¥7000
Sushi Tokyo Ten is perhaps the best find during my most recent trip. For those who has not been to Tokyo in the last 2 years or so, you would be surprised to find a new shopping mall NEWoMan right next to Shinjuku Station (South Exit).

While restaurant Sushi Tokyo Ten is located within the food court, do not discount its quality at all. Its vibes are more casual, and thus you would not get that intimidating feel like some other sushi restaurants.

The dinner omakase is priced at ¥7000 while the lunch set is at ¥3500. At first I thought I heard wrongly (plus there is no menu), as sushi meals are typically expensive in Tokyo.

The variety and taste were amazing, and I had fully enjoyed almost every sushi piece including fresh shrimps, lobster, abalone, and 2 types of uni.

Tatsuya たつ屋
35-2, 3chome, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81 3 3354 0611
Opening hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm (Mon – Fri), 7:30am – 9:00pm (Sat – Sun)

350 Yen Gyu Don
Even while Tokyo is one of the most expensive cities in the world, you still can find affordable eats here.

Let me direct you to Tatsuya, a hole-in-the-wall eatery specializing in Gyu Don (¥350) which is simmered beef on rice, and Katsu Don (¥450) pork cutlet with egg on rice. ¥350 is only about SGD$4.50.

The staff strength is lean, but the friendly elderly cooks will whip up warm bowls of donburi, complete with tender slices of beef on fluffy rice.

Blue Bottle Coffee
新宿カフェ 4-1-6 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Shinjuku Station, New South exit)
東京都新宿区新宿4-1-6
Opening Hours: 8am – 10pm

One Of The Best Coffee Shops, Now At Tokyo Shinjuku
The hipster and executive-type Japanese are obviously into specialty roasted, artisanal coffee, especially with a specific prominent brand.

This coffee place in the heart of Shinjuku was brisk, right next to a Le Pain de Joel Robuchon bakery, where many office goers grab-and-go a takeaway cup with that signature blue bottle logo.

There is a full menu of drip coffee and espresso drinks – a Blend of Drip Coffee at ¥450 (SGD$5.60), Single Origin at ¥550 (SGD$6.80).

I had a Latte (¥520, SGD$6.50). It was smooth, very smooth, as though every ingredient came together in harmony. Blue Bottle Coffee (Shinjuku, Tokyo)

Gontran Cherrier Shinjuku Branch
Shibuya-ku, Yoyogi 2-2-1, Southern Terrace (next to Shinjuku station, South exit)
東京都渋谷区代々木2－2－1 新宿サザンテラス内
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 10:00pm Daily

Some Of The Best Pastries, Especially The Croissant
Celebrity pastry chef Gontran Cherrier has found one of the best spot in Shinjuku, a double storey space at Southern Terrace steps away from the extremely populated Shinjunku station, with a connecting bridge to Lumine.

The lower floor is the bakery, while the upper storey is for a sit down meal.

Other than the signatures Kouign-Amann (¥240) and Mont Blanc (¥330), there were several items created for the Japanese market, from Pain au Curry (¥220), Pain De Seigle Au Miso (¥440), jet black looking Baguette Noir A L’encre De Seiche (¥250), to Yuzu Citro (¥450). Gontran Cherrier (Shinjuku, Tokyo)

Sarabeth
Lumine Shinjuku Lumine2, 2nd Floor, 3-38-2, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Shinjuku Station South Exit – JR Line, Odakyu Line, Keio Line)
Tel: 9:00am – 10:00pm Daily, Last Order 9:00pm

Breakfast Queen Of New York In Shinjuku
The “No.1 Dessert restaurant in New York” continues to enjoy long queues at the Shinjuku store at Lumine2. So much so that it can start an hour before opening, with a line all the way down the escalator to Level 1.

People are there for Sarabeth’s French Toast (¥1,250), Lemon and Ricotta Pancakes (¥1,450), Classic Eggs Benedit (¥1,45) and Velvety Cream of Tomato Soup.

The fat and fluffy French Toast (¥1,250) is what almost every table orders. It is a classic sweet brunch item, served for over 20 years, topped with fresh strawberries and maple syrup.

Other Related Entries
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Shinjuku Kappo Nakajima (Shinjuku, Tokyo)
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Blue Bottle Coffee (Shinjuku, Tokyo)
Shin Udon 慎 (Shinjuku, Tokyo)
Fu-unji 風雲児 (Shinjuku, Tokyo)

Click HERE for other Tokyo Food Entries

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

The post 10 Must Eats At Shinjuku Tokyo 新宿 – Afforable Michelin Meals, Handmade Soba To ¥350 Gyudon (<$5) appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Calling a restaurant “Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant” after THE famous Tsukiji wholesale market at Tokyo can be an uncertain move.

While the name is easy to recall, and those not in the know may even think they are related, it is a loaded title that will carry along huge expectations. (On another note, it is disadvantageous for SEOs and google searches as well.)

Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant is located on the rooftop garden of Orchard Central. Fantastic view by the way. (Tip: You need to take the correct elevator to get up there to Level 12, otherwise you will land up to be in a maze game.)

There are 6 different concepts under one roof, though only 3 are opened now.

They are:
– Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant for seasonal fresh fish and seafood. Essentially the sushi and sashimi.
– Takumen Ramen Galley, offering 3 different types of ramen.
– Ebi Zo Ebi Tempura Restaurant
– Ikezaki Japanese BBQ (not yet opened)
– Tori-Sho Chicken (not yet opened)
– Ueki Omakase Restaurant (not yet opened)

Perhaps because not all concepts are launched, there seems to be a lack of vibrancy, interactivity and energy one would expect from a “Tsukiji Fish Market”.

Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant
The menu you look at for a comprehensive range of food, from sushi, sashimi, grill, donburi, salads, and tempura.

I ordered a Tsukiji Special Bara Chirashi Sushi Don ($19.80) which was a standard bowl of cubed sashimi. The rice used was interestingly moderately sweet and sticky, though I wished the fish could have been sliced thicker for a more satisfying mouthfeel.

Due Italian Ramen – Ramen with cheese and ham in chicken broth.

Bigya Ramen – Special whole wheat flour noodles in shoyu soup scented with yuzu.

Sakuta-ya – Lekei ramen in rich broth.

Takumen Ramen Gallery
3 different types of ramen are served, included 2 with Michelin Bib Gourmand from where it originated – Due Italian ($16.80) originally conceived by an Italian chef; and Bigiya ($16.80) with a shoyu based ramen scented with yuzu.

I had all 3, and it turned out that my favourite was not the above 2, but Sakuta-ya ($16.80) – a rich broth lekei ramen.

Perhaps it was the execution of the former two, the noodles turned out to be too soggy, and therefore marred the overall taste.

The Due Italian bowl could also be hotter, so that the cheese could blend within better.

Ebi Zo Ebi Tempura Restaurant
My favourite dish of the lot was the Ebizo Signature Tempura Don ($18.80) which was generously piled with tempura seafood, egg and mushroom.

The pieces were crisp enough, and ingredients fresh. While the savoury-sweet tendon sauce might not have been as impressionable as some of the popular stores in Singapore, it was appetising enough for me.

People will come with expectations to a Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant. There is a wide range of food items to appeal to groups and family.

What they can further work on is to build up the vibes and mood, and perhaps look into the consistency of the different menus. Can be confusing.

Oh yes, skip the matcha crepe cake. Lady M is downstairs.

Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant
181 Orchard Road #12-02 Orchard Central Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6634 2803
Opening Hours: 12:00pm – 2:30pm, 6:00pm – 10:00pm Daily

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* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

The post Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant Singapore – Sashimi, Ramen, Tempura All Under One Roof At Orchard Central appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

[Tokyo] I must admit there was something about the slicing of the wobbly Japanese Omurice at Taimeiken that was oddly satisfying.

Taimeikan is established in 1931, known to be a pioneering Western style Japanese restaurant that specialises in Yoshoku cuisine.

Yoshuku cuisine gained popularity in Japan after 1868 when a ban was lifted by the Meiji emperor.

Western influenced food in the likes of tonkatsu (pork cutlet), spaghetti, cream stews, gratin and hamburg steak became accepted widely by the Japanese.

This restaurant at Nihonbashi, about a 15 minute walk from Tokyo Station, is famous for its Omurice – omelette plus rice.

There are also other items on its menu such as Spaghetti, Deep Fried Pork Loin, Beef Steak, Ramen and Rice dishes, but most tables I observed had that longish omurice somewhere there. (There have been mixed reviews about this restaurant, so am not too sure of its other food.)

Another reason why Taimeiken is so well known. Japanese film “Tampopo” was filmed in its premises, and one of the signature dishes – the Omurice was part of an important scene.

It is no wonder that their version is also called the “Tampopo Omurice”.

The key difference between the “Tampopo Omurice” is that the omelette rests on a bed of fried rice, rather than having the rice being stuffed inside.

They serve both varieties, with the wrapped omurice coming in choices of the basic (¥1700), Beef (¥1950), and Prawn (¥1950).

Add the Taimeiken specialty sides of Borsch soup and Coleslaw, both sold at ¥50 – a price they kept since the beginning days of the restaurant.

After coming all the way here, and waiting in line for about half hour (considered short as I came during the tail-end of lunch), I just had to order both the Tampopo Omurice (¥1950) and Tampopo Beef Omurice (¥2650). It was considered relatively expensive for a SGD$33 rice.

The excitement came when the bright yellow egg was served on your table, hands holding a fork and knife wondering which direction you should go.

Then, it just happened.

SLICE, OPEN, FLOW.

The hidden surprise. It was like the omelette was pregnant with wet and fluffy scrambled egg. I am a sucker for such things.

The fried rice at the bottom was delightful as well, and there was something about their sweetish ketchup that made the overall combination delightful.

I preferred this to the beef version, only because the amount of heavy demi-glace sauce distracted me from the goodness and softness of the egg.

Just so you know, “Tampopo” means dandelion, and therefore the action of cutting it open is like a flower blooming.

Taimeiken たいめいけん
1-12-10 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (Nihonbashi Station – Asakusa, Tozai, Hibiya lines, Exit C5)
Opening hours: 11:00am – 9:00pm Last Order 8:30pm (Mon-Sat),
11:00am – 8.30pm, Last Order 8:00pm (Sun & PH)
Google Maps – Taimeiken

Other Related Entries
Tsunahachi 天ぷら新宿つな八 (Shinjuku, Tokyo)
Shinjuku Kappo Nakajima (Shinjuku, Tokyo)
Shin Udon 慎 (Shinjuku, Tokyo)
Sukiyabashi Jiro (Tokyo)
Rokurinsha 六厘舎 (Oshiage, Tokyo)

Click HERE for other Tokyo Food Entries

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

The post Taimeiken Tokyo – Soft, Fluffy Omurice. Oddly Satisfying When You Cut Through The Egg appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Do you know that Suntec City is home to more than 100 F&B outlets? You are literally spoilt for choices with the wide range of restaurants, cafes and kiosks within the mall.

We love Japanese food, and Suntec City boasts quite a number of Japanese F&B outlets with Eat At Seven (that’s 7 restaurants), Gudetama Café, Ginza Lion, Hoshino Coffee, Ramen Dining Keisuke Tokyo, Kuishin Bo, KURO Izakaya, Monster Curry Café & Bar (coming soon), Shabu Sai, Sumiya, Sushi Goshin by Akashi, and umisushi.

They are available in all four zones from North, East, West Towers and Fountain Court.

(Click PLAY for the Japanese food highlights of Suntec City.)

To help you navigate though the food options if you have cravings for Japanese cuisine, here are 12 HOTTEST Japanese Restaurants & Cafes You Can Find At Suntec City:

Gudetama Café Singapore
Suntec City, West Wing, #01-361/362/363/364
Tel: +65 6677 6195
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon-Sun)

Popular Theme Café Of Famous Sanrio Character Gudetama
“Gude-tamatama… Gude-tamatama” Fans of the popular Sanrio character Gudetama – the lazy, grumpy egg character that sleeps all day long, will be EGG-cited to see their favourite character right here at Suntec City.

This is a garden-themed 112 seater café, comprising of a main dining area and an indoor garden with a green wall and a Gudetama water fountain, with entire food menu revolving Gudetama.

We Recommend: Gudetama Lobster Onsen
There are too many instagrammable, cute dishes to choose from, such as “I’m Cold” Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict ($26.90), “Are You Busy” Burger ($27.50), TA-MA-GO sushi cakes ($17.90) and “Shoyu Ramen” Set ($21.50) which is actually a dessert. 

The Gudetama Lobster Onsen ($16.00) is worth a try, with velvety lobster bisque with a poached egg in bread bowl served with seasonal greens.

KURO Izakaya
Suntec City, East Wing, #01-604/605
Tel: +65 6235 1066
Opening hours: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 10pm (Mon-Thu), 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 11pm (Fri), 12pm – 2.30pm, 5pm – 10pm (Sat & Sun)

Japanese Gastrobar Firing Up Robatayaki, Kushiyaki and Small Plates
KURO Izakaya is ramen and donburi shop by day, and a Japanese gastrobar at night – catering to the nearby office crowd who needs to unwind and let their hair down.

Their name is inspired by “Kurobuta” with references in their dishes, that feature the sought-after porcine, wagyu and other charcoal grilled seafood.

Be it Hump Day, Happy Hours, or TGIF, there is a variety of more than 70 dishes available from the Robatayaki, Kushiyaki and small plates menu. Pair your food together with a wide selection of Sake and Whisky.

We Recommend: Kushiyaki Platter
Other than signature dishes of Onsen Tamago ($8), Wagyu Beef with Momotaro ($38) and Kurobuta Pork Jowl ($16), the Kushiyaki Platter ($18 for 6 sticks / $34 for 12 sticks) makes a great dish for sharing.

What you get include thin crispy chicken skin (our favourite), chicken, mushroom, pork, juicy scallop wrapped with bacon. All these with choice of 2 dips – Yuzu Pepper and Wasabi Roots. Certainly value for money.

Ginza Lion
Suntec City, East Wing, #01-650
Tel: +65 6836 6053
Opening hours: 11.30am – 10pm (Mon-Thu), 11.30am – 11pm (Fri), 12pm – 10pm (Sat-Sun)

Famous Beef Hall Established In Tokyo Since 1899
If you have walked past the glitzy streets of Ginza, you would have noticed Ginza Lion, which was started in Tokyo way back in 1899.

This is the first Japanese Beer Hall owned by the Sapporo Lion Group, specialising in quality draft beer.

It has expanded beyond Japan and into Singapore, offering Western-Japanese fusion dishes of Ginza Lion Platter ($75), Fried Chicken ($12 for 4pcs, $20 for 8pcs), Seafood Tomato Soup Style ($18 half / $26 Regular) and more.

We Recommend: Roast Black Angus Beef
Ginza Lion’s Roast Black Angus Beef ($18 for 150g / $26 for 250g) is a signature that was ‘inherited’ from the old beer hall in Japan.

From the photo alone, you can even tell that the roast beef resembles a steak, specially presented in a different way.

The slab was specially grilled using a far-infrared grill, giving the US Angus beef a tender and juicy quality. The slices were also interestingly pleasant when paired with wasabi and Japanese soy sauce. 

Kuishin Bo
Suntec City, Sky Garden, #03-333-337
Tel: +65 6341 9200
Opening hours: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm (Mon-Sun)

Japanese Buffet Featuring Over 100 Varieties Of Food Items
Kuishin Bo at Suntec City offers 100 over variety of buffet items ranging from all-time favourites like Zuwaigani, (snow crab legs), tempura prawns, eel, kaminabe (paper steamboat), oden, cha soba, udon, ginseng porridge as well as fluffy mochi.

For families, this Suntec outlet also has a “Kids Haven” section dedicated specially for children. Other than a kids-friendly spread, look out for the popcorn machine, candy floss machine and mini chocolate fountain.

We Recommend: Zuwaigani
Indulge in the fresh, juicy and succulent Zuwaigani (snow crab legs) which are available FREE FLOW, one of the highlights in Kuishin Bo available during dinner time.
 

Sumiya
Suntec City, Sky Garden, #03-332
Tel: +65 6235 1816
Opening hours: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm (Mon-Sun)

1st In Singapore Genshiyaki With Unique Sake Connoisseur Experience
Sumiya which means “Charcoal House” in Japanese, specialises in charcoal grilled items (as what their name implies) and fresh seafood air-flown into Singapore 2-3 times a week.

The menu is specially curated by Master Chef Naoki Tsuzuki, with a focus on Irori Genshiyaki, a traditional method of grilling over charcoal fire. During lunch time, get the Kaisen Bara Don Set ($25.80) which is popular among officer workers.

For sake lovers, look out for the digital sake dispensing machine that houses more than 20 different kinds of sake available in sampling portions, including one made by Master Chef Naoki Tsuzuki. This is possibly the first-in-Singapore circular Sake dispenser.

We Recommend: Mixed Seafood Can Can Mushi
This is something we couldn’t stop slurping. The Mixed Seafood Can Can Mushi ($68.80) arrived with a square-shaped hotpot. One of Sumiya’s signature items, this was inspired by the traditional method of Japanese hotpot in which fishermen would cook their freshly caught seafood in a metal tin can.

You will be given a choice of clear, tom yum, soy sauce, miso-based broth with garlic and dried chilli, each mouthful brimming with freshness from the seafood. 

We liked how the soup was rich with a tinge of spiciness, making this one of our favourite Japanese hotpots in Singapore.

Ichiban Boshi
Suntec City, Fountain of Wealth, #B1-111/163
Tel: +65 6238 7088
Opening hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon-Sun)

For Wide Selection Of Soba, Sushi, Sashimi And Set Meals
Singaporeans would be familiar with the Ichiban Boshi brand, known for its contemporary Japanese cuisine priced affordably.

No two Ichiban Boshi restaurants are the same. Exclusive to the Suntec City outlet is a Soba specialty menu, with 26 different soba dishes to choose from.

Freshly made daily and cooked upon ordering, the soba (buckwheat noodles) at this branch is popular with office workers and gym junkies for being high-protein, low-calorie.

We Recommend: Nishiki Shokado
The signature item is the Nishiki Shokado ($24.90) that is a complete set with a variety of food items from soba, BBQ unagi, salmon sashimi, assorted tempura, appetizer, chawanmushi and fruits.
 

Maguro-Donya Miura-Misaki-Kou Sushi and Dining (Eat At Seven)
Suntec City, Sky Garden, #03-314
Tel: +65 6684 5054
Opening hours: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm (Mon-Sat), 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm (Sun)

The Maguro (Tuna) and Sashimi Specialist
Home to 7 of Japan’s top food specialist concepts and restaurants within Eat At Seven, Maguro-Donya Miura-Misaki-Kou Sushi and Dining is one of the most renowned maguro (tuna) and sashimi wholesalers in Japan.

Diners at Suntec City can taste similar quality of maguro and sashimi that can rival those served in the best restaurants in Japan.

Tuna lovers can go for the Hon Maguro Megumi Trio Lunch Set ($49), Five Cuts Hon Maguro Sashimi ($49) and Megumi Hon Maguro Gunkan ($18).

We Recommend: Megumi Hon Maguro Gunkan
A Gunkan is a seaweed wrapped rice sushi, and this Megumi Hon Maguro Gunkan ($18) wins the battle with indulgence ingredients of with fatty otoro (tuna belly) on two rice balls, further topped with generous portion of ikura (salmon roe) and uni (sea urchin).

Tendon Kohaku 天丼琥珀 (Eat At Seven)
Suntec City, Sky Garden, #03-311
Tel: +65 6333 4386
Opening hours: 11.30am – 4pm, 5pm – 10pm (Mon-Sun)

Edomae Tendon That Captured The Heart Of Singaporeans
Specialising in Edomae Tendon, where bowls of Hokkaido rice are piled with tempura drizzled in a specially made sauce, Tendon Kohaku had been one of the top dining options at Suntec City.

We admit that we do brave the hour-long wait on weekends just to satisfy our tendon cravings.

We Recommend: Spicy Flavour Kotaku Tendon
The options are straight forward – the signature Kohaku Tendon ($15), Vegetable Tendon ($14), Spicy Flavour ($15) and Vegetable Spicy Flavour ($14).

But the bowl that stole our hearts was the Spicy Flavour Kotaku Tendon ($15) piled up with ingredients of long beans, mushroom, chicken breast, squid, crab stick, baby corn, and shrimp. VERY filling, very fulfilling.

Ramen Dining Keisuke Tokyo
Suntec City, West Wing, #02-391/392
Tel: +65 6337 7919
Opening hours: 11.30am – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm (Mon-Fri), 11.30am – 10pm (Sat-Sun)

Ramen King With Special Crab Stock Ramen and Niboshi Ramen
Chef Keisuke Takeda is no stranger to Singapore’s F&B scene with a total of 12 dining concepts in Singapore.

He is known for Japanese culinary dishes with a different touch inspired by his French cuisine background, and his ramen shops have constantly attracted long, long queues.

We Recommend: Niboshi Ramen
You get a variety of ramen from Crab Stock Ramen ($13.90), Miso Tonkotsu Ramen ($12.90), and Spicy Miso Tonkotsu Ramen ($13.90) here.

Exclusively at Ramen Dining Keisuke Tokyo is the Niboshi Ramen (dried fish stock ramen) made from a tailored combination of pork, chicken and fish stock and simmered over long hours for a flavourful and aromatic broth.

The Niboshi ramen (13.90, $18.90 for all toppings special) may look like a heavy portion, but in fact, the clear soup was light and refreshing on its own, distinctively different from the common Tonkotsu (pork-based) ramen. 

Sushi Goshin by Akashi
Suntec City, West Wing, #02-389/390
Tel: +65 6338 5760
Opening hours: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm (Mon-Sun)

Epicurean Concept With Over 100 Dishes
With over 100 dishes on the menu, Sushi Goshin uses the finest ingredients imported from Japan which are personally bought from Tsukiji market and air-flown to Singapore daily to maintain the freshness.

We Recommend: Botan Uni Chirashi Don
The hearty bowl of Botan Uni Chirashi Don ($28) was full of sashimi toppings, from salmon, tuna, salmon roe, uni to prawn.

Also look out for the $0.80 per piece sushi promotion, with a choice of up to 20 types of sushi. So worth it!
 

Hoshino Coffee
Suntec City, East Wing, #01-651/652
Tel: +65 6836 9881
Opening hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon-Fri), 10am – 10pm (Sat-Sun)

Hand-Dripped Coffee, and Soufflé Pancakes
Specialising in hand-dripped coffee and fluffy soufflé pancakes, Hoshino Coffee has launched new dishes to celebrate their 4th anniversary.

These include Hamburg Steak Plate served with rice or toast ($17.80), Angus Beef Steak Plate ($21.80), Beef Stew Plate ($18.80), “Omu Rice” & Angus Beef Steak Plate with salad ($18.80), Beef Stew “Omu” Rice ($16.80) and Fuwa Fuwa Hoshino Soufflé with Beef Stew Doria ($17.00).

We Recommend: Pancake Soufflé Style
Known for their soufflé pancakes, we had their seasonal spring menu – Pancake Soufflé Style with Strawberry ($14.50 for single/ $17.80 for double).

The soufflé was known to be soft and fluffy, freshly baked upon order, and therefore required a minimum of 20 minutes waiting time. 

Rive Gauche
Suntec City, East Wing, #B1-K2
Tel: +65 6238 0882
Opening hours: 10am – 9.30pm (Mon-Sun)

Cakes That Marry Passion And Artistry
When you walk past Rive Gauche at the basement of Suntec City, you may find their cakes hard to hard to resist;especially their signature Guanaja bitter sweet chocolate cake with a crispy bottom layer.

The name of the cake shop actually refers to the left bank of Seine River in France, and has been a hit with customers since 1992.

We Recommend: The Strawberry Shortcake
With a selection of French and Japanese pastries, one of the best sellers is the Strawberry shortcake, in signature Japanese light and fluffy style.

What you get is a sweet delight of sliced strawberries and freshly whipped cream sandwiched by two layers of sponge, complete with fresh strawberries on top.

A Chance To Dine For Free (till 21 May 2017)
With a minimum F&B spend of $30 in a single same-day receipt, receive 3,000 Suntec Rewards points, a ‘Match & Win’ card and a complimentary parking coupon. Collect 2 matching cards to win a $50 e-voucher. There are a total of $150,000 worth of rewards up for grabs.

On top of that, American Express® Card members will receive a complimentary $5 Suntec City voucher when they charge to their card.

Not to be missed are a plethora of 1-for-1 dining deals from participating tenants! For full deals listing, more information and other exciting events, click here.

Also, do not miss out on the 1855 Wine & Whisky Week and Urban Farmer’s Market happening till 30th April!

1855 Wine & Whisky Week
19 Apr to 30 Apr, Suntec City East Atrium
11am – 10pm

Urban Farmer’s Market
20 Apr to 30 Apr, Suntec City North Atrium
11am – 9pm

Suntec City
3 Temasek Boulevard Singapore 038983
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm
http://sunteccity.com.sg

* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape and Daniel Ang @DanielFoodDiary. This entry is brought to you in partnership with Suntec City.

The post 12 Japanese Restaurants & Cafes At Suntec City, To Dine Like You Are In Nippon appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

I had a good laugh when I saw the kanji of “Birders”, which was 鳥人. This is a word we use to scold others in Mandarin.

It is an easy-to-recall name of this modern style yakitori bar on 55 Tras Street, ironically right next to another ‘birdy’ sounding Nesuto.

Owner Adam Chen (yes the actor) is not unfamiliar with Japanese style drinking places, having opened bar chain FIVE.

My dining companion thought ”The server looked familiar”… can’t blame her, she hasn’t watched local drama in years.

The menu is conceptualized by Chef Makoto Deguchi, an alumni of the one Michelin starred Sola in Paris.

While traditional yakitori shops focuses on either shio or tare for seasoning the skewers, Chef Makoto prefers the use of different toppings for each cut of chicken meat such as including Negi puree and black sesame on chicken thigh skewer, or nori vegemite on a chicken breast stick.

Some of the recommended items to order include Bonjiri Chicken Tail ($4.00), Tsukune Chicken Meatball ($4.50), Curry Crouqetas ($10.00), and Liver Mousse ($16).

My friends were initially wondering about the Bonjiri ($4.00), which was a piece of meat taken from around the tailbone – not the anus (never imagined myself using this one in a food blog) actually.

That turned out to be one of the best sticks we had that night – hot, soft and tender, drizzled with garlic shoyu sauce. Gone in two bites but slow chewing.

The Chicken Meatball ($4.50) came with served with onsen tamgo and sweet tare which acted as an interesting, tasty dip, which you could use to pour over rice subsequently.

I wished the meatballs were more packed with a better bite though.

The Curry Crouqetas ($10.00) were described by the waiter as similar to lava balls, so we had some expecting of oozing fillings.

There wasn’t, but were still decent deep fried items with a mild touch of spice.

Our best item were fried mantou slices ($16), which you could spread bourbon and yuzu marmalade, and chicken liver mousse over like jam. The spread was somewhat like foie gras, though less fatty.

The combination of part tangy, part alcoholic, part savoury worked. We wished we had more bread.

I thought that the sharing plates overall fared better than the sticks, mainly because many of the yakitori pieces lacked that distinct smokiness and high flame heat.

Birders often little 180 ml cup sake, with the sake list curated in house and flown directly from Tokyo to Singapore. While sake is commonly shared on a table, the cup sake offering allows customers to try out different types instead of having to wait to finish a bottle.

Birders
55 Tras Street Singapore 078994 (Tanjong Pagar MRT)
Tel: +65 8748 4585
Opening Hours: 6:00pm – 12:00am (Mon -Thurs), 6:00pm – 1:00am (Fri – Sat) Last Order 11:00pm

Other Related Entries
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Man Man (Keong Saik Road)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

The post Birders 鳥人 – Modern Yakitori Bar At Tras Street, Opened By Actor Adam Chen appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Haráru Izakaya has indicated that it is the 1st Muslim Owned Izakaya in Singapore, boosting of a modern ‘bar’ with tatami dining experience.

Even though the Japanese word “izakaya” 居酒屋 technically represents a casual gastropub, there is NO ALCOHOL sold at Haráru Izakaya.

Only mocktails, flavoured sodas, dealcoholized wines, fruit juices and Japanese style milkshakes.

Located at 16 Bussorah Street, Haráru Izakaya is in the heart of Kampong Glam, of walking distance from the iconic Sultan Mosque, about 10 minutes away from Bugis MRT.

The counter seating is on the ground floor, while the tatami area is on the 2nd. Reservations are highly encouraged. My friend and I were the 3rd pair in the queue, but waited more than half an hour before we could get in.

During lunch time, you get four donburi sets in the likes of Salmon Teriyaki Don, Unagi Don, Gyuniku Don and Tori Karaage Don, priced at $12 or $13.

The dinner ala-carte menu has a wider variety, serving a spread of starters such as Deep Fried Chicken Skin, Gyoza, Fresh Octopus marinated with wasabi sauce, Salads, Charcoal Grill items, Kushiyaki, Deep Fried Food, Donburi, Noodles and Desserts.

The focus here is on the Charcoal Grill and Kushiyaki sticks, with variety including Mushroom & Leek, Quail Eggs, Diced Wagyu Beef with Capsicum and Shitake Mushroom, Chicken Wings, Chicken Thigh to the less commonly seen Chicken Butt.

The price for 2 sticks is from $3.50 to $14.00.

I had the Momo Chicken Thigh ($5.00) in teriyaki sauce, and Hotate wrapped with Sliced Turkey ($6.00), accompanied by shio seasoning.

The challenge with Kushiyaki is about getting that juiciness with slight smoky taste. I thought that the Turkey sticks were slightly on the dry side, such that you would not fully savour the plumpness of the scallop.

I liked the other dishes of Gyuniku Nira Itame ($14.00) – Teppanyaki style stir fried beef & beansprout, and Gyuniku Soba ($10.00) with simmered beef much better.

The hot and steamy bowl of buckwheat soup was comforting, with the clear broth still flavourful, yet not overly rich.

I would imagine that the Tori Katsu ($14), a piece of deep fried breaded chicken with 3 different sauces could have been a crowd-favourite.

Except that I wondered why such a thick slab wasn’t cut up to make consumption a much easier process, especially if you feel like sharing that piece.

Harāru Izakaya is already off to a promising start. The food and vibes were better than expected.

Perhaps they could next work on the music choice – it was rotating around Japanese pop of the 90s, and instrumental; and waiting times – possibly due to teething issues.

Harāru Izakaya
16 Bussorah Street Singapore 199437 (Bugis MRT)
Tel: +65 62915373
Opening Hours: 12:00pm – 2:30pm, 5:00pm – 10:00pm, Last Order 9pm (Tues – Thurs, Sun)
12:00pm – 2:30pm, 5:00pm – 11:00pm, Last Order 10:00pm (Fri, Sat, Eve of PH)

Other Related Entries
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Kumoya (North Bridge Road)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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Been to Great World City recently? You would have noticed the brand NEW Japanese Food Street Shokutsu Ten at the basement, all brightly lighted up modelled after yatai street stalls.

Japanese food lovers can now literally ‘restaurant-hop’ from Ami Ami, Shimbashi Soba, Men-ichi Sapporo Ramen, to the existing Ichiban Boshi and Kuriya Japanese Market.

I have been to the Ichiban Boshi at Great World City a number of times, and it is typically crowded with families and groups especially the weekends. They obviously see a demand, and this is a good call to offer more variety to the diners in the vicinity.

My interest was in Ami Ami as this is a new-to-market brand in Singapore.

(Click PLAY for video highlights of Ami Ami.)

Ami Ami which means ‘net’ in Japanese, is a Tempura, Robatayaki and Seafood-focused restaurant.

It is helmed by award-winning Master Chef Naoki Tsuzuki with over two decades of culinary experience.

You can easily spot him with his jovial face and signature pink Chef’s uniform – can’t miss that.

As its name suggests, a strong selling point at Ami Ami is that the seasonal catch of the freshest quality is air-flown from Japan three times per week.

What immediately appealed to me were the counter seats, where you can watch the tempura masters fry the hot tempura behind, then presented to you on your plate. FRESH.

Yes, piping hot tempura battered, deep-fried a la minute, served piece by piece.

While tempura counters are more common over at Japan and in fine-dining tempura restaurants, you hardly see them here at more casual dining eateries.

Here are the signature Ami Ami dishes you can expect

Ami Ami Tempura Set ($45.80++)
The signature set is very value-for-money, as it includes prawn, chicken, fish, vegetable tempura deep fried ala-minute, along with Sashimi of the day, Charcoal-grilled live scallop, Egg tempura & vegetable kakiage tempura rice bowl, Miso soup and Pickles.

That’s a spread.

Every tempura item was coated in fluffy-light batter, fried in an original blend of sesame oil and soya bean oil to make it crisper. I liked that the pieces tasted fresh, and were not too oily.

I would recommend sitting at the counter so that you can experience some interactivity with the chefs, where pieces are freshly presented while they are still piping hot.

You can have the tempura dipped in tempura sauce, drizzled with the sweet tendon sauce, or just sprinkled with some salt to better appreciate the original flavours of the ingredients.

Ten Don Set ($23.80++, ala carte $20.80++)
See that egg. The must order. Tempura Prawn, vegetable and original egg tempura on rice served with pickles, miso soup and chawanmushi.

The highlight is the Tempura Onsen Egg, first wrapped in deep-fried beancurd skin then deep-fried. Crisp on the outside, oozy on the inside.

Watch it burst, then mix it with the rice or use the runny egg yolk as a dip for the tempura.

Take note, the Tempura Rice Bowl set is limited to only 10 daily. (Why…)

If you add $3.50 for an upgrade, you get a flask of dashi broth. Pour the soup over the tendon (towards the end with some rice), with sprinkled spring onion, shredded nori and a dash of wasabi for a different way of eating.

Original Egg Tempura Rice ($6.50++)
The kids should love this, just the Egg Tempura on rice.

Air-flown Fish Robatayaki Set (Seasonal price of fish + $24.80++)
Ami Ami combines both a tempura and robatayaki concept.

Over at the Robatayaki counter, seafood is grilled slowly over charcoal flame, a process said to bring out the best flavours of the ocean.

The signature Air-flown Fish Robatayaki Set (Seasonal price of fish + $24.80++) is a generous spread of charcoal-grilled air-flown seasonal fish, charcoal-grilled live scallop, and a selection of fresh sashimi served with rice.

Ask for a Kinki fish if they have. While it may not be the most instagrammable dish, you should enjoy its soft, sweet-tasty meat with smoky flavours.

Live Scallop Robatayaki – With Crabmeat, Uni, Salmon Roe
Fleshy, plump scallops charcoal-grilled.

Have them with indulgent 3 toppings of crabmeat, uni (sea urchin) and salmon roe ($19.80++); crabmeat ($12.80++) or with the classic house-special sauce ($7.80++).

Here are other food items I tried on the menu:

’Fuji’ Sashimi 5 Kinds ($26.80++ for two pax)
Assortment of the freshest seafood.

Snow Crab Garlic Rice ($15.80)

Seafood Nagekomi ($18.80)

Matcha Cream Daifuku Mochi ($4.00)

My favourite is still probably the freshly deep-fried tempura, and the Tendon. If you intend to head over, do note that the Tempura & Robatayaki counter seats at Ami Ami are on a first-come first-served basis.

Promo: During Ami Ami’s opening special, you can enjoy $6.80++ per glass of selected sparkling wine with any food order.

Ami Ami
Shokutsu Ten Japanese Food Street, #B1-03/04, Great World City, 1 Kim Seng Promenade, Singapore 237994
Tel: +65 6835 9071
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 3:00pm, Last Rrder 2.30pm (Mon – Sun)
5.30pm – 10:00pm, Last Order 9.30pm (Mon – Sun)
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/amiami.sg
Website: http://www.amiami.com.sg

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Shokutsu Ten Japanese Food Street.

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Ramen Blanc, Rouge and Noir? Not seeing wrong. Ramen Atelier is a contemporary ramen bar influenced by French culinary techniques, located at The Ascent SavourWorld, Science Park Drive.

Chef-owner Andrew Ng was trained in French cuisine, and had been working in Western food establishments for more than a decade.

His love for ramen has brought him to merge his French culinary know-how with Japanese cooking techniques to create his version of the ideal bowl of ramen.

Ramen Atelier’s intriguing selection of French style ramen includes the striking Ramen Rouge ($13), which incorporates tomato and butter, among other spices, into its broth, as well as the Ramen Noir ($14) – a jet-black bowl of noodles and soup that gains its colour from their special squid ink miso seasoning, accompanied by a lava egg and tender pork belly chashu slices.

During my first visit, while I like the springiness and texture of the noodles, both the Ramen Blanc and Noir tasted slightly off.

I could imagine getting the balance right for something this experimental is a challenge.

During my next visit when they moved to a more permanent space, the ramen tasted more polished.

The tomato aroma of the Ramen Rouge ($13) was undeniable, and taking slurps of it might remind you of a version of minestrone soup.

My friend said it almost felt like the having the tomato instant noodles at Hong Kong – he didn’t mean it in a good or bad way.

“Funky” would be the word I would use to describe this. Not the typical style that Singaporean diners would like immediately, but it could grow on you.

The thing I wondered about was the addition of chilli flakes, which chef said was an original recipe and fried in-house.

To be honest, I thought that tone of spiciness didn’t blend with the tomato soup, clashing (lang-ga) and distracting at parts, and could be better off served separately.

The ramen that I really liked out of the four tried was the Duck Confit Mazemen ($16), available in limited quantities.

It was served dry ramen style, with shredded duck confit, king oyster mushroom, purple cabbage, carrot, spring onion, topped with onsen egg.

After you toss it, the noodles would be coated with this unique citrusy-soy dressing, which was both refreshing and uplifting. And yes, not that ordinary and needed getting used to.

Ramen Atelier
2 Science Park Drive, #01-14 Ascent Singapore 118222
Tel: +65 9008 3614
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3:00pm (Mon – Fri), 12:00pm – 3:00pm (Sat), Closed Sun

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Kajiken (Novena Square 2)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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A hidden gem. Tucked away in a quiet corner at Level 2 of Fortune Centre is Kappou Japanese Sushi Tapas Bar.

It is a 12-seater sushi restaurant which serves Omakase sets during dinner service from $68 onwards.

Hmm, Fortune Centre?

Known for its vegetarian restaurants and casual eateries, it is probably the least expected location for me to satisfy my Omakase fix.

While Japanese Omakase in Singapore has been more or less popularized, the premium restaurants would usually cost more than $150 for a meal.

Hence the $68 price tag piqued my interest in terms of affordability.

Single-handedly helmed by Chef Aeron, the 23-year old bubbly female sushi chef greeted us once we walked through the door.

Over at Japan and even in Singapore, Japanese sushi restaurants are largely male-dominated, with female sushi chefs facing the challenge of a lack of professional recognition.

So, I would like to tell Chef Aeron, ”Gambatte!”

During the course of the meal, she enthusiastically shared with us her sushi experience and sushi dining etiquette.

For instance, she mentioned on the golden ratio of rice proportion in sushi, how it affects sushi bite texture, as well as demonstrated the various sushi kneading techniques.

From our conversation, I could felt her flaming passion which drives her in perfecting the art of sushi making.

Her style is to let the nature flavor of the ingredient stands out on its own, probably by enhancing with a pinch of salt, a brush of shoyu or a light glaze using blowtorch.

Chef Aeron has also adopted the modern methodology of using aged fish in sushi making.

She shared that similarly to aged beef, ageing process can also be used on fish to bring out the umami flavors at its best.

I did a quick google on this and found out that it requires a great deal of expertise and experience to master the art of ageing fish.

It is remarkable that Chef Aeron is able to execute this methodology well at such a young age.

While fresh fish sashimi usually comes with a subtle sweetness, I observed that aged fish sashimi has a distinctive flavor and aroma.

In fact, I found the stronger flavor appealed more to my palate.

Point to note, as Chef Aeron runs the place on her own, she only accept diners by reservation, and does not take walk-in requests.

Kappou Japanese Sushi Tapas Bar
190 Middle Road #02-10A, Fortune Centre, Singapore 188979
Tel: +65 9170 4583
Opening Hours: 6:00pm – 11:00pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun
https://www.facebook.com/KappouJapanesesushitapasbar/

Other Related Entries
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* Written by Lewis Tan @juicyfingers, a self-proclaimed coffee addict. Daniel’s Food Diary pays for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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The popular Sama Curry & Café hailing from Hokkaido Japan, has opened its first Singapore store at OUE Downtown 2 Gallery Level 2.

There are 10 stores in Japan mainly in Hokkaido, Sendai, Tokyo and Fukuoka, and one at Gough Street, Central Hong Kong.

If you have tried Japanese curry before, this is not quite the same.

The first thing you would notice upon entering the shop is the many cute bear graphics. That is because the soup curry here is available in 3 different categories of spice levels, labelled as “Baby Bear”, “Adult Bear” and “Crazy Bear”.

Japanese curries are typically thick with a slight tinge of sweetness.

However, Sama soup curry uses a different recipe, with ramen style broth as its base, then mixes tomato, coconut or shrimp to turn it into a full bodied soup before adding curry spices.

The difference is in its texture and depth of flavour.

The very first step you should do is to choose the type of Curry, ranging from Marathon Chicken ($14.90), Oink Oink Hamburg ($16.90), Keema Natto ($16.90), a seafood bowl of Ocean Trophy ($18.90) to Vegetarian Bear ($13.90).

Next is to choose the level of spiciness. While most shops would just have 0-5 to demarcate, this goes from 0 all the way till 30.

The server explained that the average Singapore should be able to take up a Level 15, and for something safe, I could have an 8.

After which, you have to choose a soup base from Tomato, Coconut, Shrimp, or the lightest Japanese Wafu.

I had a Cheesy Bear ($16.90), Level 7, Coconut base.

It turned out to be a pleasant meal, with the curry base flavourful and with depth. In fact, I wished I had ordered something spicier so that it would have more kick.

In terms of texture, the curry was thin, so you could drink it like noodle soup, or mix it with the given Japanese rice.

I liked that there were varying ingredients which kept eating the entire bowl non-monotonous.

The fried chicken provided some juiciness and bite, roasted cabbage crunch and smokiness, cheese some pull and saltiness, and assorted vegetables such as corn, capsicum and lady’s finger helped balance out so that it did not feel too greasy.

Even though Sama Curry & Café specialises in only one item, there are enough permutations and side dishes that keep diners interested enough to want to come back again. Don’t miss the oozy Hokkaido Crab Cream Croquette ($6.50 for 2).

Sama Curry & Café
OUE Downtown 2 Gallery, 6 Shenton Way #03-26 Singapore 068809
Tel: +65 6224 0590
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 9:00pm

Other Related Entries
12 Japanese Restaurants & Cafes At Suntec City
Niku Kappo (ION Orchard)
Kaisen Tei (313@somerset)
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Tengawa Hokkaido White Curry (Millenia Walk)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

The post Sama Curry & Café – Popular Hokkaido Soup Curry Shop Arrives In Singapore, 30 Levels Of Spiciness appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

[Tokyo] Matcha lovers from Singapore to Tokyo and Kyoto may get confused between the different “Tsujiri”s around.

Just for your information, the Tsujiri chain store that we see in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei, Bangkok, Malaysia, Melbourne, is NOT the same as the famous Gion Tsujiri found in Kyoto and Tokyo.

You can spot the difference from the logos, the kanji characters (都路里 found in Japan vs 辻利) or well by drinking the teas if you are discerning enough. Some may be surprised that the Tsujiri that we are more familiar with, had no branches in Japan.

This entry is on the Saryo Tsujiri 茶寮 都路里found at Daimaru Tokyo, under the Gion Tsujiri company.

Finding this green tea specialised Japanese café wasn’t that difficult. Just take a train to the centralised Tokyo station, find Daimaru and make your way up to the 10 floor.

The queue to get in was extremely long though, mainly frequented by Japanese female customers. I waited for about 50 minutes or so before I could get a seat, but this could be because I visited during peak period.

The highlights of this store are the different matcha, genmaicha and houjicha parfaits, layered or topped with cakes pieces, red bean, matcha or vanilla gelato, anmitsu (jelly cubes) and rice cake.

I had a limited edition Sakura flavour exclusive to this store (¥ 1544, SGD$19.30) pricier than usual due to the quality of the ingredients used.

The parfait was a good-looker, arranged in a tall cup with all ingredients in different shapes and sizes coming together as a whole.

This dessert was not just ice cream or softserve, but one which you could experience the layered textures with cake and jelly, and sweetness level – the matcha parts had bitter notes, while the sweeter azuki acted as a fine partner.

Good quality matcha is just different.

I do not know how to fully describe the cup I had, but it was smooth, fresh-tasting, pleasantly-bitter and complex at the same time.

Another surprising drink I had was the Matcha Lemon, which I didn’t expect to be in perfect harmony with each other.

The sweetness light and alluring, with an initial taste of earthy matcha followed by zesty lemon (I wondered how it would be if I were to replicate at home.)

Saryo Tsujiri at Daimaru Tokyo comes with a small departmental section for you to purchase matcha, houjicha and genmaicha home, including instant ones.

Another travel tip: also make your way to Daimaru Tokyo where you would be greeted with the most amazing spread of Japanese goodies and souvenirs.

Saryo Tsujiri Daimaru Tokyo 茶寮 都路里
10F Daimarutokyo Yaesu North, Chiyoda 100-6710, Tokyo Prefecture (Tokyo Station)
Tel: +81 3 3214 3322
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 8:00pm (Mon – Wed, Sat – Sun), 10:00am – 9:00pm (Thurs – Fri)

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BAKE Cheese Tart (Shinjuku, Tokyo)
Blue Bottle Coffee (Shinjuku, Tokyo)

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When I heard of a new ramen shop at Chinatown Point basement, I chiong-ed (rushed) down to have a go at the Truffle-flavoured Mazesoba. Perhaps it was the rain that made me crave for noodles.

Kaneta Shoten is the 2nd shop opened by the team Otoko Ramen, who has more than 10 years of experience in Japan making traditional style ramen.

Otoko Ramen located at Alexandra Central Mall might have ‘suffered’ in terms of lack of publicity and awareness, so hopefully Kaneta Shoten would have a better draw.

Compared to the first outlet, this shop provides a wide variety of ramen type and Japanese rice bowls, and signatures include Kaneta Mazesoba ($13.90); Tsukemen ($14.90), Clear Shoyu Ramen ($10.90~$16.90), and Tonkotsu ramen ($11.90-17.90), Kaisen Don ($15.90) and Unagi Don ($12.90).

This is probably to cater to the family-type crowd that frequent Chinatown Point.

Their top recommendations are the Shoyu (soy sauce) Ramen which follows a traditional old Kyoto style, with a brown and clear tonkotsu broth with special tamari soy sauce added; and Tonkotsu (pork bone) Ramen made from boiling bones and collagen over heat for more than 20 hours, creating a creamy consistency.

As I was in a “Mazesoba” mood, I went for the signature Kaneta Mazesoba ($13.90) – a truffle scented dry ramen with special sauce. Some people call this the Japanese ’Bak Chor Mee’.

I find the pricing reasonable (some ramen are quite ridiculously priced nowadays), especially when this comes free up size, free eggs and free flow pickled spicy pineapple.

There was a good mix of flavours and texture, from the spicy minced pork and soft mushrooms. The truffle does not ‘hit’ you immediately, but comes as a subtle aroma upon every bite.

Compared to Kanshoku Ramen Bar, this uses thicker noodles and has a more ‘complicated’ overall taste. Think each will have their own following.

On the first look, Kaneta Shoten seems quite promising, and I will probably return to try the broth versions.

Kaneta Shoten
133 New Bridge Road, B1-44/45 Chinatown Point Singapore 059413 (Chinatown MRT)
Tel: +65 6443 8366
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 3:00pm, 5:00pm – 10:00pm (Mon – Fri), 11:00am – 10:00pm (Sat, Sun, PH)

Other Related Entries
Kanshoku Ramen Bar (ION Orchard)
Kajiken (Novena Square 2)
Menya Sakura (Boat Quay)
Jimoto Ya (Pickering Street)
Ramen Atelier (Science Park Drive)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

The post Kaneta Shoten – Truffle Mazesoba and Tonkotsu Ramen Shop At Chinatown Point appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Ippudo Ramen has opened its 9th outlet at Tanjong Pagar Centre, its 2nd in the CBD other than Asia Square. (I lost count.)

Few ramen-lovin’ friends have asked me, ”How is it?”, and I possibly had given a boring-sounding “It’s Ippudo lor.”

Actually, I meant it not in a bad way, as Ippudo has by far been quite consistent in all its branches (except that I have yet to try its express outlets.).

The Tanjong Pagar Centre branch has brought back three seasonal ramen dishes, and introduced three new side dishes – though I remember seeing one of them over at Marina Bay Sands.

Three of Ippudo’s seasonal ramen creations – Spicy Black Ramen ($19 for basic, $22 with tamago), Chuka Soba ($16, $19) and Hakata Niku Soba ($17, $20) – are all brought back by popular demand.

The Spicy Black Ramen ($22, I got the egg version) features a homemade miso paste prepared with a medley of spices and peppers, which is interestingly said to be inspired by the Singapore’s iconic Bak Kut Teh.

Even though I was all-ready for spices, I found the broth on the spicy-hot side, and needed to reach out for more water than usual.

I was on the fence for this, as this ramen was even more ‘potent’ and intense than the hot Akamaru Shinaji version (fans of Ippudo would identify this by the red bowl).

While it could activate all your tastebuds, I thought the level of richness could hinder appreciation of the tonkotsu base and noodles.

The new side dishes include the Teppan Chashu Hamburg ($15) of handchopped pork patty topped with a raw egg yolk with homemade teriyaki sauce; and Salmon Katsu ($18) of raw salmon coated with breadcrumbs then then deep-fried where the inside would still be pinkish.

I had the Aburi Beef Sushi with Ikura ($18) as recommended by the service staff, featuring Hokkaido sushi rice wrapped with pan-seared prime beef slices, topped with fresh ikura.

The roe provided burst of saltiness, and I thought this was a not-bad side dish, without major surprises.

For more budget-concerned diners, lunch time ramen are available at $15 – $17, with a side dish top-up at $3.

(Oh yes, check out who I saw queuing for Ippudo Ramen… sometimes it is good to check out the competition.)

Ippudo Tanjong Pagar Centre
Tanjong Pagar Centre #01-15, 7 Wallich Street, Singapore 078884
Tel: +65 6235 2547
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 10:00pm (Sun – Thurs), 11:00am – 11:00pm (Fri – Sat)
(Last order for A La Carte 1hr before closing & Ramen at 40 mins)

Other Ippudo Singapore outlets
– Orchard: 333A Orchard Road, #04-02 /03 /04 Mandarin Gallery, Singapore 238897
– River Valley: 207 River Valley Road, #01-55 /56 (Along Mohamed Sultan Road)
– Shaw Centre: 1 Scotts Road #04-22 /23 Shaw Centre, Singapore 228208
– Asia Square: 12 Marina View #02-01 Asia Square Tower 2, Singapore 018961
– Westgate: 3 Gateway Drive #03-03 Westgate, Singapore 608532
– Changi Airport T2: 60 Airport Boulevard Changi Airport T2 Singapore 819643 (Departure/Transit Lounge Central, Kiosk L)
– Changi Airport T3: 65 Airport Boulevard #02-K3 Changi Airport T3, Singapore 819663 (Departure/ Transit Lounge South)
– Marina Bay Sands: 2 Bayfront Avenue #B2-54/55 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands Singapore 018972

Other Related Entries
Tsuta Ramen (Tai Seng)
Kajiken (Novena Square 2)
Menya Sakura (Boat Quay)
Jimoto Ya (Pickering Street)
Ramen Atelier (Science Park Drive)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

The post Ippudo Ramen – Bak Kut Teh Inspired Ramen, And NEW Outlet At Tanjong Pagar Centre appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

This was a birthday meal (where I ended up treating my friend instead. LOL) We chose Ginza Sushi Ichi at Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, because this was one relatively-known sushi restaurant in Singapore we have yet to visit.

Ginza Sushi Ichi propelled further into the limelight after it won a Michelin star in Singapore, ‘beating’ other hot favourites such as Hashida Sushi and Aoki Restaurant.

(The other Michelin-starred sushi restaurants in Singapore are Shoukouwa at One Fullerton, and Shinji by Kanesaka – now located at Carlton Hotel and St Regis.)

The intimate 23-seater restaurant is a branch of the award-winning Tokyo based Ginza Sushi Ichi, helmed by 34-year-old executive Head Chef Masakazu Ishibashi, more affectionately known as Masa.

He comes from a line of sushi restaurant owners, and takes great pride in preparing sushi with an artful flair for his guests.

They have also opened an exclusive sake lounge next to their restaurant serving authentic Japanese sake in collaboration with the Japanese Sake producer Suigei Shuzo from the Kouchi province in Japan. (So be careful about entering the wrong entrance. The sushi restaurant is on the right hand side.)

The interior is like a typical high-end sushi restaurant, with the sushi masters preparing food in full view of the patrons, with a counter made from a 200 year-old cypress trees.

However, if some diners choose to talk louder, you may be able to hear the entire conversation. For example, a girl looking no-older than 12 was thankful for real wasabi served, not “the cheap ones served from paste.”

Fair enough. On that note, children aged 7 years and older are permitted to dine at the restaurant.

Lunch would generally be the cheaper option, which includes Tubaki at 100++ (appetizer, 10 pc nigiri sushi, roll sushi, miso soup, and desert), Botan at 150++ (similar to tubaki except 1 extra side, assorted sashimi and nigiri sushi is 8 pc), and lunch omakase at 240++ (appetizer, 2 assorted sashimi, 2 dishes, 8 pc nigiri sushi, roll sushi, miso soup and desert). Dinner options can also be selected for lunch.

For dinner, you can opt for the omakase nigiri at 220++ (appetizer, nigiri sushi, small dish, roll sushi, miso soup and desert), sushiichi course at 300++ (appetizer, assorted sashimi, assorted dishes, nigiri sushi, roll sushi, miso soup and desert) and Omakase at 430++ (no fixed menu).

The restaurant serves Edomae Sushi which is deeply associated with seasonality (Edomae: A traditional style of sushi making in the 1800s where Chefs would use a variety of seafood preservation methods such as aging, marinating, salting, as well as boiling and grilling.)

Tuna and sea-urchin are the restaurant’s specialty. Ingredients are purchased directly from Japan and flown in 4 to 5 times a week so only the freshest picks of the season are served to the guests.

Their tuna is wild-caught in small batches, carefully selected by their staff to maintain quality and purchased from the Tsukiji market from one of the top 5 suppliers there.

I enjoyed the Blue Fin Tuna from Nagasaki, super-fresh, melt-in-your-mouth fatty.

Their sea urchin is also purchased from the Tsukiji market at the first auction of the day in order to ensure quality and freshness.

It is no wonder one of my favourite items was an Uni Ikura Don served towards the end of the meal.

The chefs were quite interactive, and would engage with the guests to give them better understanding of the food. All the better if you are a regular.

My friend thought liked the selection of sake, and thought it was served at the right temperate. Sushi-wise, comparable to Shinji by Kanesaka.

I generally liked the sushi pieces which were deliciously-fresh and of high quality, though there was something missing about the entire package.

At the level, plus I am no sushi-connoisseur where it is hard to tell the top-tier sushi restaurants apart. However, I would have wished for something that extra touch of something special, say a warm soup or imported Japanese fruit, to go a little beyond sushi.

Ginza Sushi Ichi
320 Orchard Road, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel #01-04, Singapore 238865 (5 min walk from Orchard MRT)
Tel: +65 6235 5514
Opening Hours: Lunch 12:00pm – 2.30pm Last order at 2:00pm (Tue – Sun)
Dinner 6:00pm – 11:00pm Last order at 9.30pm (Tues – Sat)
Dinner from 6pm to 10pm Last order at 8.30pm (Tues – Sun)
Closed Mon
www.facebook.com/ginzasushiichisg

Other Related Entries
29 Singapore Michelin Starred Restaurants & Stalls
Shoukouwa (One Fullerton)
Shinji by Kanesaka (Raffles Hotel)
Ki-Sho (Scotts Road)
Syun (RWS)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

The post Ginza Sushi Ichi – Michelin Starred Sushi Restaurant At Orchard, Fish Flown 5 Times A Week From Tsukiji appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Before I even start on the savouries, GO FOR THE DESSERTS at Misato, made using premium quality matcha powder specially imported from Nara prefecture.

Misato is located at the revamped Gastro+ at The Centrepoint (right next to Honolulu), where you would need to walk towards the back of the mall on Level 1. It is considered ‘hidden’, but worth a find.

(Click PLAY for video highlights of Misato.)

Even though it is in a mall (can imagine the rental cost), the menu consist of a range of dishes at pocket friendly prices.

This is considering that many of the ingredients – from kurobuta, cabbage to tomatoes are imported from Japan.

The tableware collectively cost a jaw-dropping $400.000.

No typo, that is the cost of a flat. (So while viewing the food photos below, do also pay attention to the intricate tableware.)

Check out the Japanese castle container for the Tamagoyaki ($5.50) and Edamame ($4.90).

Here are some of the recommended dishes and desserts at Misato:

Cha Soba ($13.80)
One of my favourites among the savouries, served beautifully in a bento box in fours twirls of refreshingly oishii Matcha soba with a good bite.

My friend initially thought that the dip must have been from a good quality brand, and wanted to get some. I believed it tasted unlike all others I had.

Turned up it was made using Misato’s *secret* recipe.

Chawanmushi ($4.90)< Steamed egg made using homemade dashi stock cooked from scratch. Seafood Kaminabe Set ($20.80)
This was recommended as Misato’s signature dish. The Japanese hotpot came with fresh tiger prawns, Norwegian salmon, chicken, assorted Japanese mushrooms, toufu and vegetables, complete with a bowl of fluffy Japanese rice.

I did think it was a satisfying version, better than the average ones sold in casual Japanese restaurants, and ended up finishing the homemade niboshi broth (despite eating quite a lot). I just wondered about using “Kaminabe” as THE dish, as it didn’t come across as having strong mass appeal.

Okonomiyaki ($14.90)
The one food that always remind me of Osaka. There was an interactive moment when the chef would turn up to cut the savoury pancake in front of you.

Made with high-quality Japanese yam with crunchy Japanese cabbage in its fillings. Yes, even the cabbage used is imported from Japan.

Handmade Gyoza (S$6.90 for 6 pieces, S$10.90 for 10 pieces)
This version came with a flat, crispy base – technically it was the top upon serving. The inside of steamed chicken and vegetable was hand-chopped, wrapped then grilled, landing itself a juicy-sweet finish.

Misato Oyakodon ($13.90)
Chicken and egg in seasoned broth, served over Japanese rice. Considered value-for-money, as there were both ikura and tobiki (flying fish roe) in a heart-shape.

Sounded extremely promising, except that it could be better if the mix was less soupy and mushy.

Mixed Fried Set ($18.80)
Somewhat like a mixed tempura set, this consisted of deep fried chicken looking like tonkatsu, fresh tiger prawn, and cheese korokke coated with fresh panko (bread crumbs), with fresh Japanese shredded cabbage served at the side. Don’t miss out on the goma (sesame) sauce.

While I liked the Korokke with mozarella cheese fillings, I didn’t fancy that much for the complicated-looking deep fried tiger prawn which looked coated with strips of spring-roll skin.

That could be distracting diners from appreciating the fresh-sweetness of the prawns, and the batter tasted ‘flour-y’.

Sanshoku Warabi Mochi ($8.80)
To me, all three desserts ordered were truly the highlight of the meal, all ‘stars’ in their own right.

Using high-quality ingredients air-flown directly from Japan, the Sanshoku Warabi Mochi which arrived in an elegant crescent-shaped plate, are freshly handmade every day, and the entire preparation process takes approximately two hours. So much effort.

But it was worth it for the customers, because the three different pieces I had were so soft till melt-in-your-mouth. The goma was fragrant, matcha alluring, and kinako authentic-tasting.

Almost life-changing, it was like back in a Kyoto traditional teahouse again.

Kuzukiri ($8.80)
You don’t get to see this commonly here. So now you know where to go to satisfy some of the Japanese desserts cravings.

The cold Japanese arrowroot slippery noodles looked like horfun, tasted similar to smooth jelly.

Eat it on its own, or dip the noodles into kuromitsu dipping sauce – the Japanese sugar syrup, literally “black honey”.

Matcha Bavarois ($7.80)
The “Insider Food” worthy Matcha Bavarious came super-wobbly like a pudding in a merry-dance (great for boomerangs), the texture alone was worthy for a visit down here.

So smooth, so delicate. The matcha powder used was of high quality, imported from Nara prefecture. It is believed that Misato is the first in Singapore to use this ingredient.

The only catch?

Due to the amount of time, effort and special imported moulds (notice the jewel-shaped top?) needed to create these puddings, Misato can only serve up to 12 of these Matcha Bavarois per day. (I asked, even if you want to order more, they can produce only 12 max-max daily currently.)

Every dish at Misato is freshly cooked on the spot upon ordering, so be prepared to wait a while during peak hours.

My main feedback for Misato is that its signature dishes – the Okonomiyaki and Kaminade, are not considered your every-day-type of Japanese food.

If they could work on their Oyakodon, and offer sets of their Cha Soba, say with accompanying meats and sides, they could attract diners and fans to come by more regularly.

Misato
176 Orchard Road #01-33E The Centrepoint (Gastro+) Singapore 238843 (Somerset MRT)
Tel: +65 6235 2822
Opening Hours: 12:00pm – 10:00pm (Mon – Sun)
https://www.facebook.com/MisatoSingapore

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Misato.

The post Misato – Impossibly Wobbly Matcha Pudding, Worthy Cha Soba And Okonomiyaki At The Centrepoint appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

In ramen-popular Singapore, it is about time that SOBA gets some attention.

Nadai Fujisoba Ni-Hachi, Japan’s number one soba restaurant, has quietly opened in Singapore at 100AM Mall Tanjong Pagar.

(Click PLAY for video highlights of Nadai Fujisoba Ni-Hachi.)

Located at the corner unit of Level 3, it may not be obvious at first sight, but you should make your way there. I first spotted it when I wanted to dine at one of the Japanese restaurants under the cluster Itadakimasu Singapore.

The soba specialist 蕎麦屋 was first established in 1966 at Shibuya Tokyo, and currently has 125 outlets around Asia. This is its 1st branch in Singapore.

Its name “Nadai Fujisoba Ni-Hachi” can be a mouthful. I just call it “Fujisoba” for easier recall.

For those of you who know some basic Japanese, you should know that Ni and Hachi mean 2 and 8 respectively. That represents the 2:8 ration which is the golden combination of wheat flour (20%) and buckwheat flour (80%) needed to make the perfect soba. Sodesu.

The buckwheat flour used for the freshly made soba is said to be specially imported from a well-established milling factory in Japan, then kept in a warehouse with temperature control to maintain the quality.

Fujisoba’s menu offers an extensive variety of soba, soba, soba, including Dry Maze Soba ($14 – $16), Curry Nanban Soba ($16 – $24), Hot Tempura Soba ($18 – $20), Hot Tanuki Soba ($11), Cold Soba ($11 – $20), donburis and ala carte dishes.

Here are some of the recommended dishes at Fujisoba:

Deep-Fried Soba with Sizzling Seafood Spicy Sauce ($18.50++)
My recommended must-order, and the highlight of the meat. A plate of fried soba would be presented to your table, with a separate piping-hot pan of prawn, squid, kamaboko fish cake, pork, shitake mushrooms, beansprout, cabbage in gooey savoury sauce.

The entire combination would be poured on the crispy noodles, attracting some eyes from neighbouring tables to peek over due to the combination of sizzling sound and seafood aroma.

This looked almost like the local zhi char fare of ‘sheng mian’. Wait till you try it.

There was some taste of familiarity. Oh wait, could that be chopped up chilli padi? Yes, it was, and that gave the noodles an additional element of spicy-satisfaction.

And the portion. I reckon 3 or perhaps even 4 can share this, even though it was supposed meant for an individual. I never had deep fried soba before, and I know this won’t be the last.

Crispy Sakura Ebi Tempura & Soba Drizzled with Truffle Oil ($19.50++)
In this case, I liked the broth more than the tempura. The shrimp soup base was clear, but had a deep, exquisite flavour.

Interestingly, the two large prawn tempura were coated in a orangey-crimson coloured batter, the result from addition of mentaiko (spicy cod roe) in the mix. The prawns were tasty, though the crisp wasn’t at the level of most other tempura restaurants.

Hot Sukiyaki Soba
If you are on a search for something warm and comforting. The dashi created by a special blend of dried bonito, kaeshi (Japanese noodle concentrated soup base) and well-aged mirin (sweet rice wine), had an alluring umami flavour.

Thankfully, the soup wasn’t too salty as what you typically would have expected from a sukiyaki base.

I would generally recommend the hot soup versions, if you want to have a better appreciation of the chewy, slight-grainy texture of the soba noodles.

Hot Mentai Cream Soba ($17)
Remember the sensation when having Japanese style Italian pasta such as carbonara? This feels almost like its cousin.

The thin soba noodles is covered in a creamy pink sauce made from mentaiko (seasoned cod roe), fresh cream, dashi, spring onion, and nori seafood sauce.

On the rich side, would recommend some form of sharing.

Special Truffles Dashi Maki Tamago with Club Japanese Sauce ($15)
The other dish that I would highly recommend. Soft, fluffy omelette in blocks, cooked with bits of truffle imported from France, then poured over by a thick dashi sauce cooked with crab meat and soy sauce.

Please eat this while the tamago is still hot.

A bite would be a combination of taste of the luscious seafood-y sauce, matched with softness of the eggs, and subtle aroma of the truffle.

Nadai Fujisoba offer value for money soba set lunches ($18++) which includes Hot/Cold soba, Japanese Pickles, Crispy Sakura Ebi & Fresh Cut Fruits.

The portions are generally quite big here.

Nadai Fujisoba Ni-Hachi
100AM Mall #03-14, 100 Tras Street Singapore 079027
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 3:00pm, 5:30pm – 10:00pm (Mon – Sun)
Tel: +65 6443 8827
https://www.facebook.com/FujiSoba

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Nadai Fujisoba Ni-Hachi.

The post Nadai Fujisoba Ni-Hachi – Japan’s No 1 Soba Restaurant Opens In Singapore. Go For The Crispy Soba appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Since Tendon Kohaku at Eat At Seven Suntec City is doing so well, I reckon the group is carrying with the same formula at Katsudon Hanakatsu.

The space on Level 3 near the Sky Garden used to be taken up by Tonkatsu Agedoki, but perhaps Singapore diners do not fancy thick-cut pork cutlets that much.

Katsudon Hanakatsu looks like it is off to a positive start. The restaurant serves only Katsudon filled with deep-fried chicken and pork in 2 different versions – regular and spicy.

Price is considered reasonable, at $13.50 per bowl with a sizable portion.

You cannot help drawing parallels to the tendon shop next door – similar pricing, similar bowl, similar condiments, similar original and spicy version.

I guess if it works, why change it?

The bowl came piled up with medium-thick crispy pork and chicken slices, looking as though it was trying to emulate the shape of a blossom. Were there like six slices of them?

The first bite already sent some ”wow” down my spine – thinly breaded, crisp and hot throughout, tender meats, and higher than normal spiciness with a tinge of sweetness.

Somehow, not many eateries in Singapore can do pork this tender and juicy, with a good bite.

A cautionary note, for diners who cannot take strong levels of spiciness, this bowl looked unintimidating, but it was.

There was a choice of Nanatsuboshi Hokkaido Rice or the 16 Multigrain Rice.

I had the multigrain rain, drizzled with sweet sauce, probably had some stock over as well, but not as wet as other katsudon served elsewhere.

Top up $2 and you get a bowl of tasty miso soup filled with pork and vegetables.

I struggled with finishing the entire bowl, not because it wasn’t tasty (it was very), but there were too many pieces of meat. Happy problem, I guess.

Katsudon Hanakatsu
3 Temasek Boulevard, #03-331 Eat At Seven, Suntec City Mall Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 63334386
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 3.30pm, 5:00pm – 9.30pm (Mon – Sun)

Other Related Entries
Kohaku Tendon (Suntec City)
Sama Curry & Café (Downtown Gallery)
Kaisen Tei (313@somerset)
Niku Kappo (ION Orchard)
Misato (The Centrepoint)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

The post Katsudon Hanakatsu – Popular Tendon Kohaku Sells Katsudon Next Door, And It Is Delicious appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

I am typing this while drinking from a bottle of Japanese Amazake, and am totally getting into the mood of things.

It is form of ‘sweet wine’.

Amazake is an alcohol-free beverage made from fermented rice, said to be a 1500-year-old Japanese culture. How unusual and bold to have an Amazake concept in Singapore, considered a rather niche market.

Amamoto Café is located at the basement of One Raffles Place, aimed at the office crowd. While it is called a “café”, a better way to describe would be a take-away kiosk as there are no seats or coffee.

I tasted from the sampling cup first. The drink was sweet, though there is no added sugar. The natural sweetness comes from the rice.

Japanese have Amazake because it is packed with enzymes – the special koji mould used in its fermentation will in turn produce essential amino-acids, oligosaccharides, vitamins, minerals, and a host of other bio-chemicals that supposedly bring repair, nutrition and health to the body. Add the beautifying benefits.

Will I get a glow in the face after drinking?

Beverages offered at the kiosk include Original ($4.80), Roasted Soybean ($5), and Matcha ($5), all containing Amazake and non-sweetened soymilk.

There is also a selection of Cold-Pressed Fruit Drinks with Amazake and non-sweetened soymilk, including Kiwi ($5.80), Orange ($5.80), Blueberry ($5.80) and Mango ($5.80); and Cold-Pressed Vegetables and Fruits with Amazake and non-sweetened soymilk such as Orange & Carrot with Ginger ($6.80), and Kiwi & Mustard Spinach ($6.80).

I ordered a Matcha ($5) and saw the serving mixing matcha powder into the concoction. Okay lah.

Verdict? It wasn’t quite what I was expecting, and so I didn’t enjoy the drink very much.

The matcha taste was possibly insignificant, and it got moderately heavy after a few sips.

I preferred the bottle drink somehow, without the additional flavours, more of the natural taste. In fact, I could feel some of the rice grains within.

As a bottle can be quite filling, I could take my time to sip while doing work.

Somehow, the Amamoto Café’s version tasted different from the ones I had in Japan. It has less of the ‘wine’ aftertaste.

Turned out that Amamoto uses Thai rice instead of Japanese short grain rice for its export Amazake. The result is supposedly Amazeke with a lighter note and less sweet.

I am divided on this. On one hand, it is quite a unique, healthy drink; on the other, I was wondering if there would be a sizable demand in the CBD, or if the taste is mass enough. My take is, CBD workers may prefer something lighter and more refreshing. (Like well, unhealthy bubble tea.)

Just so you know, Amazake is also Lactose-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten-Free.

Amamoto Cafe
1 Raffles Place #B1-39, One Raffles Place Singapore 048616
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 9:00pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun

Other Related Entries
Matchaya (Tanjong Pagar)
Nigiro Café (Suntec City)
Tachihara Coffee (Millenia Walk
Rive Gauche Patisserie (CityLink Mall)
Châteraisé Singapore (Toa Payoh)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

The post Amamoto Café – Japanese Fermented Rice Drink Shop Opens In Singapore. There Is Matcha Amazake appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

Another Tendon shop! Tendon, short for Tempura Donburi, has become one of Singapore’s most trendy food items. There should be no less than 10 specialty Tendon shops in Singapore which sprouted in the last year or two.

That one NEW Tendon shop to look out for is Kogane Yama, located on Level 2 of Bugis Junction.

Imagine my surprise when I found out that this was conceptualised by the team who introduced popular Korean fried chicken chain Chir Chir Fusion Chicken Factory and customisable meat stews outfit Masizzim to Singapore.

From Korean to Japanese. Can or not?

The team wanted to offer something delicious yet customisable at the same time, as they realised diners may have different preferences to their favourite bowl.

Therefore, the creation of “Kogane Yama”, which means “Golden Mountain”. This also reflects how the Tendon bowls are arranged, with crispy golden pieces of tempura stacked up on rice like a mountain.

The main question I had were: How do they differentiate themselves from other Tendon shops in Singapore? I found some 8 differences.

1. Customise your own tendon bowl
This should be the only Tendon shop in Singapore that allows diners to customise their own tendon bowl, from the key ingredients (chicken, prawn, vegetable or mixed), to base (rice, soba, udon), sauces (choice of four), and add-ons of chawanmushi and miso soup.

2. Crunchy coating
If you are looking for the fair, thin-coated type of tempura, this is no quite so.

You would find that the tempura looked more yellowish-golden, and upon eating would have a moderate *crunch*, crispier than the average brand – which might have turned soggy sometimes due to the drizzling of the sauces (or otherwise).

That is because premium Japanese tempura flour with fish seasoning is used to create that crispiness.

Bite into the shiso leaf and seaweed while they are hot to know what I am talking about.

3. Sesame oil aroma
The one thing that hit me first when the bowl was presented on the table was its distinctive nutty aroma, as each piece is deep-fried in a soybean and sesame oil blend.

4. (Almost) everything in a bowl
If you order a Mixed Bowl ($15.80), you get almost everything in that bowl.

Other than the ‘staples’ of crispy tempura prawns and chicken fillet, some of the other seldom-seen ingredients include shiitake and enoki mushrooms, sweet potato, seaweed (love this), shiso leaf, and the highlight to top it all up… eboki prawn roe.

Another interesting point I noted was that the prawn heads were separately fried from the body – so one part would be crunchy, while the body still juicy beneath the batter.

5. Four types of sauces
There are four types of tentsuyu sauces to choose from, which is a sweet-and-savoury blend of garlic, sesame oil and premium Japanese shoyu. I would recommend this sauce if you want to savour the original freshness of taste of the pieces.

6. Three levels of spiciness
Instead of one, you get a choice of three levels of spiciness, with the sauce created from bird’s eye chilli and Capsaicin.

I may not be the best gauge of fieriness, but the Level 3 was actually just nice for me. And I thought anything less didn’t have that shiok kick.

7. Soba or Udon
Not a rice lover? No problem. Kogane Yama provides two other options of soba or udon cooked in flavourful dashi broth.

Great that the tempura pieces were served separately on another plate, so that they stay crisp.

The udon was the thinner type so that you won’t feel that heavy after the meal.

8. Add-ons
Add on $2 to create a set meal which includes chawanmushi and miso soup. Quite value for the money.

End of the meal with an ice-cold refreshing drink. If you know me, I would recommend the Matcha Latte ($4.80), which also comes with more fanciful versions of chocolate ($5.80) and Azuki red bean ($6.80).

If these drinks are too ‘filling’ then the Honey Yuja ($5.80) and Honey Ume Soda ($5.80) could help cleanse some of that oily feeling after fried food.

Kogane Yama with its customisable Tendon bowls and crispy tempura should be able to appeal to young diners.

It just needs more visibility to attract the Bugis crowd as it is hidden in a corner. Look out for Chir Chir when you are there.

Since this is a locally conceptualised brand, I think they can afford to put limits and try out more varied ingredients, or even try some Japanese-Korean sauces – since this is their strength.

Kogane Yama
Bugis Junction #02-50, 200 Victoria St, Singapore 188021
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm Last orders 9.30pm (Sun – Thurs), 11am – 11pm Last orders 10.30pm (Fri – Sat)
https://www.facebook.com/koganeyama

* This entry is brought to you in partnership with K Food Holdings.

The post Kogane Yama – Customisable Crispy Tendon Bowls, Layered Matcha Latte At Bugis Junction appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.

A bright yellow and fuchsia pink signboard is up at one end of Holland Village. The vibrant colours got me interested enough for a visit, then I realised it was the sister outlet of Chikuwa Tei and Manzoku by Yoi Group.

Chikuwatei Nishi at 48 Lorong Mambong is a new izakaya-style concept by the group, but has younger, more casual vibes. (Prices are more ‘casual’ downstairs than upstairs though.)

Both Chikuwa Tei and Manzoku have been popular for their chirashi bowls and thick-sliced sashimi, so one should come expecting similar this newest outlet.

There are two levels.

(Photo credit: Chikuwatei Nishi)

Level 1 is a “Momo Bar” dining and retail concept, offering quick fuss-free Japanese street food and bowls.

Food is ordered via a vending machine, with most items below $10. There is Barachirashi ($9.80), Curry Tempura Don ($7.80), Unagi Tamago Don ($9.80), Sashimi Soba ($8.80), and Salmon Ontama Don ($8.80).

The upper level is a sit-down dining concept with a sake bar, with Japanese fare with starters of Tempura Moriawase ($11), Fried Oysters Kaki ($9), Steamed Pork Buns ($8.80), Tori Karaage ($9) to Fugu Mirin ($15) – that is grilled puffer fish.

Signatures include Chirashi Kou ($35), Truffle Salmon Aburi ($18), Sashimi Soba ($16), Mixed Nigiri Set ($18), Kurobuta Nishi Bowl ($16) and Nishi Tendon ($12).

I had their star dish of Chirashi Kou ($35) with salmon, sweet prawns, medium fatty tuna, scallops, swordfish, unagi, tamago and ikura.

Quite a bountiful bowl a variety of ingredients. Sashimi slices were generally fresh-tasting, though I think those at Manzoku were more thickly cut. A tad expensive in comparison to the rest of the items.

The US Wagyu Don ($22) was drizzled in sweet Nippon sauce, topped with onsen eggs and garlic chips.

I thought that the pieces were tender with the right amount of fattiness, and made quite a satisfying bowl.

Note: As the restaurant is just starting out, and there are two levels, they may not be THAT operationally ready.

Chikuwatei Nishi
48 Lorong Mambong Singapore 277699 (Holland Village MRT)
Tel: +65 6734 4436
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10:00pm (Mon – Sun)

Other Related Entries
Kappou Japanese Sushi Tapas Bar (Fortune Centre)
Ami Ami (Great World City)
Kaisen Tei (313@somerset)
Niku Kappo (ION Orchard)
Takumi by Sushiro (Thomson Plaza)

* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook and Instagram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.

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