The truth is, I haven’t been to Ang Mo Kio’s Jubilee Square for a while and ventured there to try out Haru Haru, a new Japanese family restaurant on the 2nd level.
Who would have thought? This humble eatery actually serves up quite decent fare at prices that won’t break the bank, especially its satisfying bowl of Tendon that could give bigger players a run for its money.
Check out that spread!
Not to be confused with Big Bang’s hit song of the same name, Haru Haru represents ‘spring time’ in Japanese and is perhaps a wish of the owners to bring new beginnings and life to the area.
You can choose to sit at the counter where you can observe the sushi chef at work directory, at the main restaurant area (glad that there was some partition so that it is not so cramped) or the private rooms.
Haru Haru’s menu is extensive (the big book kind where you have to keep flipping), featuring a wide range of otsumami (appetizers), sashimi, sushi, sushi rolls, salad, agemono, yakimono, donburi, noodles, desserts and sake. The type of restaurant that would have something to appeal to each person in the family.
Some of the best items I tried were not in obvious sight in the menu, and only found out after I have asked.
Haru Haru Premium Tendon
While the menu has another (cheaper) version of the Tendon, order the Haru Haru Premium Tendon ($21.90, not found in the menu yet) which is value for its buck.
Oh, look at that prawn. So gorgeous that we couldn’t wait to sink our teeth in.
The bowl arranged with a deep fried large sea prawn lying across with vegetables below, won us over with its tasty sweet-savoury tendon sauce served separately. This would have been a perfect 10 if the rice was fluffier with that glossy sheen to match it overall.
Premium Chirashi Don
The Chirashi Don ($31.80) is hidden on one corner of the menu, sans the typical big picture.
The bowl came neat-fully arranged with slices of fresh sashimi, from Sake, Otoro, Chutoro, Hotate to creamy Uni right smack in the centre.
I initially wondered about the price point, especially in a neighbourhood mall, but ingredients were generous, slices thick enough, some melt-in-the mouth to warrant a return visit for this.
Kagoshima Wagyu Don
Hara Haru’s signature dish that the servers were eager to recommend, was the Wagyu Don ($24.80) – because it is not all the time you can get Kagoshima A4 grade wagyu beef over rice at such a price.
The beef slices were well-seared, tender in the middle with a smoky flavour. A comforting bowl to have. You can choose to mix in the onsen egg, or eat it as a dip for the beef slices. I noticed the liberal use of fried garlic, so you may like to inform the kitchen prior if you are not too big a fan.
The Wagyu is also available in grilled tataki form ($26.80). Though comparing the two, we preferred the pieces in the don because they seem better marinated and executed in achieving that balance in tenderness.
Aburi Sushi
If you are the type who likes to try a bit of everything, the Aburi Sushi ($23.80) could be a suitable choice, consisting of Salmon with Mentai (my favourite of the lot), Salmon with Ponzu, Hotate with Mentai, Ootoro Ponzu and Wagyu Ponzu (their recommended).
Sashimi
Other than the usual sashimi plates and moriawase mixed style, Haru Haru offers fresh fishes such as the Akou (red spotted garoupa) that can be cooked two (or more) ways.
Request to have the fish in sashimi or grilled version first, while the rest of the fish (with the other parts of the flesh and bones) can be used to make into soup. Prices depend on the type of fish, but is generally affordably priced at about $30-$40.
If you go down to Haru Haru during lunch (weekend inclusive), bring at least two more other people. There is a daily lunch special where you can buy 2 sets and get 1 free!
Haru Haru
61 Ang Mo Kio Ave 8 #02-03 Jubilee Square Singapore 569814 (Ang Mo Kio MRT)
Tel: +65 6451 3201
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3:00pm, 5:30pm – 10pm (Mon-Thurs), 11:30am – 10pm (Fri-Sun)
* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Haru Haru Japanese Restaurant.
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