Considering how many Japanese restaurants there are in Singapore (seriously, there’s like at least one in every mall), it’s no secret that we love our Japanese food.
Anyone who’s actually been to Japan, however, can tell you that our food court Katsudons and conveyor belt sushis are a pretty poor representation of how good Japanese food can actually be.
Obviously, the best place to eat authentic Japanese food would be in…well, Japan, but for the 90% of us who can’t book a flight at a moment’s notice, the next best thing to do when the cravings strike might be to head over to Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant.
One Restaurant, Five Concepts
Located at the top floor of Orchard Central, Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant is named after the iconic wholesale market in Tokyo of the same name.
And while it might look like just another Japanese restaurant at first glance, what sets this restaurant apart from the rest is the fact that it’s home to not one, not two, but five dining concepts under one roof.
Ranging from fish (duh) to Ramen to Yakiniku, each concept specialises in a particular type of Japanese cuisine, and you can order from their respective menus to create the perfect meal.
Spoilt For Choice
With the collective menu being so extensive, there’s really no wrong way to kick off your meal.
Sushi lovers can start with the 7 Kinds Sashimi Boat, which — as it name implies — serves seven types of sashimi in a miniature wooden boat. Considering that the restaurant receives fish from the actual Tsukiji Fish Market four times a week, it’s no surprise that every slice was incredibly fresh and smooth.
Meat lovers, on the other hand, can consider the Chicken Yakitori Moriawase, which consists of 8 skewers that each use a different part of the chicken. We were initially squeamish at the thought of eating a chicken’s heart, but its unique taste and springy consistency made it one of the more memorable selections on the plate.
If you’re feeling particularly luxurious, you might want to spring for the Fresh Oysters, which definitely live up to their name. There wasn’t a trace of fishiness in its taste, and the addition of soy sauce makes for an explosion of flavour that effortlessly slides down your mouth.
On the mains side of things, there’s no shortage of choices either. The Bara Chrisashi Don comes with a generous assortment of sashimi, and while favourites like salmon and tuna make an expected appearance, the dish includes more premium pieces like swordfish and Uni (sea urchin) as well.
For a heartier alternative, you might want to try the Wagyu Roast Beef Don instead. As expected the wagyu beef is good enough to eat on its own, but the simple, yet impactful inclusion of a soft boiled egg truly take this dish’s flavour to a whole other level.
If you happen to be eating in a group (or are just really hungry, we won’t judge), we’d recommend getting a few extra dishes to share. The Soft Shell Crab and Premium Beef Cutlet With Ponzu Sauce are both deep fried to perfection, and add some crunchy goodness to your meal without being too heavy.
The standout sides, however, are those from the Hamayaki menu, which are grilled right at the comfort of your table. From squid to scallops to crab risotto, everything is extremely juicy and tender thanks to being cooked on the spot. If you’re committed to only getting one side, it’s got to be from here.
Considering how extensive the menu is (we’ve barely scratched the surface, really), it’s no surprise that there’s a pretty varied dessert menu as well. Whether its the Yuzu Cheesecake, Mango Puree or Matcha Fondant, any choice cleanses your palate without being overly sweet, and is the perfect way to close out your meal.
Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant might not be the cheapest place to scratch your Japanese food itch, but it’s very much a “you get what you pay for” situation. If you love Japanese food and want to treat yo self, this is definitely one place to consider.
Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant
Address: Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road #12-02, Singapore 238896
Opening Hours: 12pm-2:30pm, 6pm-10pm (Monday to Sunday), 3pm-5pm (Saturday, Sunday)
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(Header Image Source: Discover SG)
