Japanese food lovin’ Singaporeans will find more reasons to get really excited, especially with the launch of Japan Food Town at Wisma Atria Orchard.
This is a 20,075 square feet food hall on the 4th level of Isetan Singapore (next to Food Republic), which will offer authentic Japanese cuisine at affordable prices.
The concept does remind us of Emporium Shokuhin at Marina Square, and Eat At Seven at Suntec City. Some more no-business than the others. Opps.
Japan Food Town’s location is not a bad one – town area, right next to Ngee Ann City where the Japanese are known to hang out and shop.
Having 16 dining restaurants in one place, instead of the typical food court style, can mean that each outlet will have certain level of quality and consistency, and diners will likely make return visits. (Even if you decide to ‘restaurant hop’, the max any group could handle is probably 2-3.)
The food outlets appear to be well-curated, with a level of variety and affordability.
You can expect Dassai Bar (sake), Hokkaido Izakaya (Hokkaido produce), Inaniwa Yosuke (udon), Bonta Bonta (onigiri), Yomoda Soba (soba), Nabe Seizen (the original being a 2 Michelin stared Kaiseki restaurant), Sabar (mackerel), Osaka Kitchen (Teppanyaki), Sushi Takewaka, Machida Shoten (ramen), Temura Tsukiji Tenka (tempura and donburi), Yakiniku Heijyoen, Shabu Shabu Tajimaya, Rang Mang Shokudo (fried chicken), Anzu (farm to table concept).
Here is a first look at some food outlets which are already opened at Japan Food Town:
Machida Shoten #04-40
The ambience here was boisterous and buzzling, which reminded me of ramen shops in Japan. Machida Shoten from Kanagawa prefecture specialises in Iekei ramen, which directly translates to “house-type” from its kanji characters.
This means that noodles are cooked to diners’ preferences, just like how one’s mother might cook it at home. They come in a tonkotsu and shoyu stock, with spicy miso and shio options.
I was recommended the Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen, in which I chose the Special All-In ($17).
The cha-shu indeed tasted like what grandma would have spent hours cooking at home, superbly tender though notches too salty for the average Singaporean’s taste buds.
The slightly thick and flat Yokohama-style yellow noodles reminded me of a slight thinner version of the Hokkien-style noodles, which I did not quite mind. The soup was invariably thick and on the saltier side, so be mindful before slurping the whole spoonful down.
Yomoda Soba #04-53
“Yomoda” supposedly means many things – Carefree, Easy-going – but most of all, it is a word to be used for friends, to see things on the lighter side of life.
Okay, while service was adequate, maybe more than be purported to deliver that warm, carefree sense of fun.
The recommended dishes include Kake Soba ($10.80), Hote Pork Nanban Soba ($16) and Hote Picy Soy Milk Chicken Soba ($22). You can choose either hot or cold versions.
I ordered a Cold Katsu Soba which supposedly came in hot and juicy pork cutlet dunked within the dashi soup.
Enjoyed the bite of the thin and slippery buckwheat soba. The dashi stock made from mackerel, sardines, bonito, kelp and shiitake was expectedly refreshingly.
Tempura Tsukiji Tenka #04-42
Tempura Tsukiji Tenka which specialises in Tempura and Donburi, is run by graduates of the Tokyo Sushi Academy, one of Japan’s top traditional culinary institution.
The recommended dishes are Kaisendon ($24.80) and Tendon ($19.80).
I liked the freshness of the ingredients used in the Tendon – the prawn was sweet, and squid surprisingly tender and NOT rubbery (my friend commented finally no ‘jun jun’ bite). The batter could have been crisper and less oily though.
It is almost for certain Japan Food Town will pack in the crowds during opening days. Hopefully, the quality will not let us down.
Japan Food Town will officially open on 16th of July 2016, from 11am. Bookmark this page for further updates.
Japan Food Town
435 Orchard Rd, #04-39/54 Wisma Atria Shopping Centre, Singapore 238877
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm Daily
Other Related Entries
10 Japanese Cafes In Singapore
A Healthy Taste Of Miyzaki Food
Emporium Shokuhin (Marina Square)
Hokkaido Izakaya (Tanjong Pagar)
Ginza Kushi Katsu (Paragon Orchard)
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