6 Dishes Crazy Rich Asians Should Have Tried At Newton Food Centre Instead Of Satay

If the sheer number of articles, videos and opinion pieces showing up on our news feeds in the past week are any indication, it’s clear that we’ve reached peak Crazy Rich Asians hype.

There’s been a lot of discussion surrounding the movie, and while we’re generally okay with how Singapore was portrayed, one scene that did irk us was when the main characters visit Newton Food Centre and declared its satay as the best in Singapore.

[caption id="attachment_36901" align="aligncenter" width="2560"]Newton Crazy Rich Asians (Image Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures YouTube)[/caption]

Uh…no. We’re not calling ourselves the ultimate authority on food, but we’re pretty sure that we’ve had better ones at East Coast and Lau Pa Sat, at the very least.

While it might not have the best satay, it *is* true that Newton Circus is home to some really good eats. If you’re planning to head down to this iconic hawker centre to channel your inner Rachel Chu, here are the six dishes that you should be trying out instead:

Bee Heng Popiah

[caption id="attachment_36905" align="aligncenter" width="6000"]NewtonPopiah01 (Image Credit: Discover SG)[/caption]

If you’re looking for an appetiser before going all-out, then Bee Heng Popiah ($4.40 for a minimum order of 2) is pretty much the only right choice here.

The generous amount of shredded turnip is probably enough to warrant a place on this list, but it’s the skin that’s the real star of the show. Unlike other Popiah’s it has a light, sweet taste of its own, which blends well with the other ingredients of egg, nuts and shrimp.

[caption id="attachment_36904" align="aligncenter" width="6000"]NewtonPopiah02 (Image Credit: Discover SG)[/caption]

The soft skin makes for a weak foundation, however, and there’s about a 60% chance that the abundance of ingredients will spill out before you can bring it to your mouth.

Some might prefer more structurally sound Popiah’s, but if you’re willing to put up with the mess you’ll be treated to one of the tastiest versions of this beloved dish that we’ve had.

Bee Heng
Unit: #01-12

XO Bak Chor Mee

[caption id="attachment_36909" align="aligncenter" width="6000"]NewtonBCM01 (Image Credit: Discover SG)[/caption]

There’s Bak Chor Mee…and then there’s XO Bak Chor Mee ($4.50).

If you’re a fan of minced meat noodles and haven’t tried this variant, you owe it to yourself to. Thanks to the addition of…well, XO, the noodles don’t dry out as fast, and quite literally add a new layer of savoury taste to it.

[caption id="attachment_36908" align="aligncenter" width="6000"]NewtonBCM02 (Image Credit: Discover SG)[/caption]

The “meat” part of the dish isn’t anything to scoff at, either — the pork was extremely lean and pretty much melted in our mouths, and the minced meat was so abundant that we had enough to put in every spoonful.

The best part of the dish, however, is still the Fuzhou fish ball, which might honestly be the best Fuzhou fish ball that we’ve ever eaten. There’s only one per bowl, which is probably a good thing because any more would lead to a full-blown addiction.

XO Minced Meat Noodle
Unit: #01-10

Kwee Heng Duck Noodle

[caption id="attachment_36906" align="aligncenter" width="6000"]NewtonDuck01 (Image Credit: Discover SG)[/caption]

On their own, the ingredients of Kwee Heng’s Duck Noodles ($4) aren’t anything to write home about — the noodles and soup are standard prawn noodle fare, and the duck strangely enough tastes a bit like chicken.

When eaten as a whole, however, the flavour profile is flipped on its head in the best of ways. The saltiness of the soup is perfectly complimented by the lighter taste of the meat, creating a balanced taste that’s just the right amount of savoury.

[caption id="attachment_36907" align="aligncenter" width="6000"]NewtonDuck02 (Image Credit: Discover SG)[/caption]

And if for some reason that isn’t enough, adding a hint of chilli further enhances the flavour with an extra kick of sweet spiciness. We admittedly weren’t expecting much from this dish, but it quickly grew to become one of our favourites.

Kwee Heng
Unit: #01-13

Stall 51 Hokkien Mee

[caption id="attachment_36913" align="aligncenter" width="6000"]NewtonHM01 (Image Credit: Discover SG)[/caption]

With the use of thinner noodles, Stall 51’s Hokkien Mee ($5) is reminiscent of those served at Old Airport Road or Serangoon Gardens’ Chomp Chomp, and taste just as good as well.

The dish has just the right amount of wetness, and retained its consistency even after being left on the table while we got our other dishes (the hallmark of a good Hokkien Mee). The amount of seafood is decent enough, but its the generous serving of egg that really puts this on a whole other level.

[caption id="attachment_36912" align="aligncenter" width="6000"]NewtonHM02 (Image Credit: Discover SG)[/caption]

And what’s Hokkien Mee without some good chilli? The owner jokingly warned us about how spicy his blend was, but despite its belachan-esque appearance we found it to be more sweet and spicy, and added a new dimension to the dish’s flavour. Needless to say, we wiped the plate clean.

Stall 51
Unit: #01-51

Alliance Seafood

[caption id="attachment_36903" align="aligncenter" width="5781"]NewtonStingray01 (Image Credit: Discover SG)[/caption]

Being awarded the coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand for two years straight is no small feat, but we can totally see why the folks at Alliance Seafood managed to do so. The stall is probably best known for their Chilli Crab and Cereal Prawns, but we decided to go for the other crowd-favourite choice of stingray ($12) instead.

the meat was well-cooked throughout, and flaked off the bone as soon as we applied the slightest amount of pressure with our chopsticks. The dish is also lathered with sambal, and while it wasn’t as spicy as we would have wanted it to be, has a rather sweet taste that grows on you.

[caption id="attachment_36911" align="aligncenter" width="6000"]NewtonStingray02 (Image Credit: Discover SG)[/caption]

Much like Kwee Heng’s Duck Noodles, the two ingredients are okay on their own, but produce an entirely new taste when eaten together. We’d recommend flaking all the meat and giving it a good mix before eating to achieve the maximum effect.

Alliance Seafood
Unit: #01-27

Bangkok Express

[caption id="attachment_36914" align="aligncenter" width="6000"]NewtonBE (Image Credit: Discover SG)[/caption]

When you think of “good Thai food”, the usual suspects like Nakhon Kitchen and…well, the entire Golden Mile Complex are usually the first places that come to mind.

Don’t let the rather random location of Bangkok Express fool you, though — with food prepared by an actual Thai chef, this unassuming stall will give your favourite haunts a run for their money, and is one of the best-kept secrets of those working around the Newton area.

Their extensive menu offers everything from Phad Thai to Basil Chicken, and with so much food already on our plates we decided to go for the Seafood Tom Yum Soup ($6).

While most Tom Yum dishes will have you ordering another cup of sugar cane, this iteration is surprisingly light on the spiciness, while still packing a strong, sweet flavour at the same time. They’re pretty generous with the seafood part as well, with squids and prawns appearing in pretty much every spoonful.

Bangkok Express
Unit: #01-04

Also Read 5 Must-Order Dishes At Hougang’s Hainanese Village For $4 And Under

(Header Image Source: Discover SG)

The Only Montreux Jazz Cafe in Asia Has Finally Opened Its Doors In Pan Pacific Orchard

If you’re a Jazz enthusiast and love heading down to Jazz cafes and bars, you’re going to love this new kid on the block. Montreux Jazz Cafe is the newest Jazz cafe-bar-restaurant to open its doors. Named after the famous Montreux Jazz Festival, this 500 seater 7,000 sq ft spot brings amazing live Jazz music and incredible eats together.

Located in Pan Pacific Orchard, this multi-concept restaurant and live-music venue is the first Montreux Jazz Cafe in Asia joining other other outlets in Geneva, London, Paris and Abu Dhabi. Other than having both indoor and outdoor dining, Montreux Jazz Cafe also boasts two live stages!

Montreux Jazz Cafe – Restaurant

[caption id="attachment_16107" align="alignnone" width="800"]1 ontreux Jazz Cafe has even put a Jazz(y) twist to their menu items. Named after iconic Jazz legends, the B.B Cheese Burger, the Quincy Jones Roast Chicken and Ella’s Cheesecake( named after Ella Fitzgerald, the “First Lady of Jazz”) you’re bound to find something that’ll tickle your fancy!

The restaurant features a subtle balance of supper club and swanky fine dining restaurant. The restaurant features light wood and pops of colour, so it’s the perfect space for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner. The bar is a lot more intimate with small tables and dark wood filling the space.

[caption id="attachment_16123" align="alignnone" width="800"]
3 Estella Ho was there to witness first hand the magic behind Montreux Jazz Cafe! Estella got to try some of the restaurant’s signature eats and drinks while enjoying some live Jazz music! The perfect end to a busy week!

[caption id="attachment_16106" align="alignnone" width="820"]estella Estella Ho[/caption]

estellahoa dash of sax and the city at Montreux Jazz Café last night – the tunes and ambience were exquisite, so if you adore the genre as much as i do, or simply wish to expand your auditory horizons with a swanky drink in hand (your soul will thank you for it i swear!!), drop by and get swingin’. ?

my greatest thanks goes out to @discoversgofficial for this treat, you guys are jazz amazing. ?

So what are you waiting for? If you’re a huge Jazz fan, Montreux Jazz Cafe is the place to be! And even if you’re not a huge Jazz fanatic, the Montreux Jazz Cafe will definitely spice up your weekly dinner plans!

Ambassador Highlights #2: Ultra 2016, Ellysage Launch & Against The Current!

Here at DiscoverSG, we’re all about everything local! Local events, local food you name it and we’re there! Our ambassadors attended some really exciting events this past month. Here are some of the highlights!

1. Kimberley’s Weekend Stay At Hotel Indigo

[caption id="attachment_14967" align="alignnone" width="750"]kim-1 kimberleyyong_ Just another chill day by the pool. // Floral Kimono from @98th.street // Quote for free normal mail upon your purchase![/caption] [caption id="attachment_14968" align="alignnone" width="1024"]kim-2 kimberleyyong_ Loving the Peranakan theme and vibes at this hotel. An interesting experience indeed. I would definitely stay here again.[/caption]

Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong is one of Singapore’s Peranakan-themed hotels. Filled with old-school fixtures and splashes of bright colours, this hotel would make any Peranakan feel right at home. Infusing Singapore culture and history into its hotel, Hotel Indigo has its walls decked out with drawings of old school Singapore.

What’s a better way to spend the weekend than to catchup on some R&R!? Kimberley Yong, one of our ambassadors, spent her weekend doing just that! She got a chance to laze by Hotel Indigo’s infinity pool which offers breathtaking views!

If you’re looking for a little R&R without breaking the bank or if you’re looking to spend a weekend time-travelling to Singapore’s yesteryear Hotel Indigo is the place to be!

Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong
86 E Coast Rd, Singapore 428788
Contact: 6723 7001

https://www.instagram.com/p/BKxJ5X2BqCR/

2. Ellysage Launch

[caption id="attachment_15086" align="alignnone" width="1024"]collage-ellysage Ellysage[/caption]

If you’re into shopping online (and shopping local!) you would definitely have heard of Ellysage. Offering modern versatile pieces perfect for work or play, Ellysage has a made a name for itself amongst local apparel brands! Great news for Ellysage fans, they’ve opened their first flagship store at ION Orchard! Ellysage’s flagship store opened its doors on 15 September to much fanfare and our ambassadors (Estella Ho, Shivon ChuaVictoria, Stephanie Ler) were there to witness it firsthand!

Ellysage
ION Orchard, B3-12, 2 Orchard Turn, S238801
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm
Contact: 6509 8816

3. Against the Current Singapore Tour

[caption id="attachment_14994" align="alignnone" width="1024"]van-ho vaneszs.h Concert-ready!#againstthecurrentsg #atcsg#snowbirdproductions #scapesg#discoversg[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14995" align="alignnone" width="1024"]against Susan Huang[/caption]

Vanessa Ho, Anissa Tan and Dacia Kee were all there to catch Against The Current LIVE! Sadly, if you missed out on this spectacular performance, you’re pretty much stuck to listening to them on Spotify. But don’t let that get you down! They’re coming back to SCAPE* pretty soon!

4. Ultra Singapore

[caption id="attachment_15089" align="alignnone" width="1024"]collage-ultra-2 Ultra Singapore[/caption] [caption id="attachment_15091" align="alignnone" width="1024"]ultr-2 Ultra Singapore[/caption] [caption id="attachment_15090" align="alignnone" width="1024"]collage-ultra Ultra Singapore[/caption]

Ultra 2016 needs no introduction! The 2 day electronic dance music festival was chock full of music, dancing and of course memories that will last a lifetime! Our ambassadors Novita Lam, Estella Ho, Raeanne Ang, Noreen Fong, Clare Chang, Shivon Chua and Dacia Kee hung out together at this year’s biggest music festival while enjoying the music from big names like Above & Beyond, deadmau5  and Kygo! And really, what else do you need for a perfect weekend?!

5. Shangri- La Food Launch

[caption id="attachment_15092" align="alignnone" width="640"]shangrila Shangri-La The Table[/caption]

Shangri-La has always been at the forefront for elegant meals ideal for special occasions! But with Shangri-La’s  latest food initiative The Table, they’ve just created a new way for the food obsessed to fully immerse themselves at meals!

Nicole Lee had to say about her meal!

6. DSG Ambassador Shoot

[caption id="attachment_15017" align="alignnone" width="1024"]untitled-design-1 Novita Lam (Photography: @byshaz)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_15016" align="alignnone" width="1024"]untitled-design-2 Noreen Fong (Photography: @byshaz)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_15019" align="alignnone" width="1024"]untitled-design-3 Dacia Kee (Photography: @byshaz)[/caption]

We brought our ambassadors for a photoshoot and had way too much fun taking pictures of them! Check out our ambassadors in action!

If you’re looking to increase your brand’s awareness and you want to introduce products both old and new to more Singaporeans! Drop us an email at [email protected], we would love to work with you!

We’re also on the lookout for more ambassadors who are on the mission to discover the fun and exciting things in Singapore! If you love eating, shopping, and discovering new places in Singapore, just drop us an email [email protected].

(Feature Image: Clare Chang)

Also Read: Ambassador Highlights #1: Food Tastings, Secret Life of Pets Preview & Beers!

Wanna Share? 7 Steakhouses With Portions So Huge, You Need To Call Your Entire Squad!

Who can resist a good steak? Be it Wagyu or Angus, a seared chunk of peppered beef never fails to tickle our taste buds.

But not all of us are built to chow down 300g-portions effortlessly. For the light eaters, sharing a meal with friends is the perfect solution! Here are 7 steakhouses that offer some of the most generous sharing portions you can find in Singapore!

1. Morton’s The Steakhouse

Start off your steakhunt with one of the more atas spots: at Mandarin Oriental Hotel!

Swanky international restaurant Morton’s maintains its name by using the highest quality, US Department of Agriculture-designated ‘prime’ steak.

mortons
Image: pinkypiggu.com

We recommend the Double Porterhouse Steak (1.3kg at $250++), which can serve around four to five pax! If you’re still craving for more, get a ribeye (460g at $102) to share between two to three peeps.

Morton’s The Steakhouse
Address: 5 Raffles Avenue, Fourth Storey, Mandarin Oriental Singapore, Singapore 039797
Tel: 6339 3740

2. Badoque Café

Nothing beats a food joint with friendly service!

Not only does Badoque Café have warm and approachable service staff, but they also whip up a really good steak too.

badoque
Image: thehalalfoodblog.com

Feast like royalty with their “King & Queen” promotion, which unites 1.2kg worth of ribeye with a 1.3kg king crab for $298. The set also comes with two starters (blue oyster and Greek salad), four soups and four drinks. This serves about five to six pax!

Badoque Café
Address: 246 Upper Thomson Rd, Singapore 574370
Tel: 6552 1646

3. iSTEAKS Diner

This grill-specialist has gathered a sizable fan following since its conception as a humble hawker stall in Serangoon Gardens years ago.

Having evolved into a modern diner, the long queues at both its current branches at MyVillage (Serangoon) and Holland Village are no doubt due to the superb and affordable grilled meats that iSTEAKS whips up.

[caption id="attachment_14480" align="aligncenter" width="1080"]Credit: iSTEAKS Diner Credit: iSTEAKS Diner[/caption]

Share a 1.2kg Australian Wagyu D-Rump amongst four pax at $85 (includes four complementary sides), or a 600g Australian Porterhouse T-bone for $49. They make fantastic burgers too! Yummeh!

iSTEAKS Diner
Address: MyVillage, 1 Maju Ave, Singapore 556679
Tel: 6285 8839

4. Bedrock Bar & Grill

Think chic dark wood, plush leather and dim lights on a hot date night. We like!

Tucked in the middle of Somerset Road, Bedrock Bar & Grill was named Singapore’s top restaurant in 2015 by Wine & Dine.

bedrock
Image: facebook.com/BedrockBarAndGrill

The must-try F1 Tomahawk Steak serves up to three persons at 1.4kg (market price), while the double cut dry-aged Porterhouse feeds two (1kg at $180).

Complete your meal with a side of bedrock mac n’ cheese. Ooh. La. La.

Bedrock Bar & Grill
Address:
96 Somerset Road, #01-05 Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard, Singapore 238163
Tel: 6238 0054

5. Pepper Steakhouse & Bistro

When all else in life fails us, we need a no-frills, value-for-money diner we can fall back on.

Look no further than Pepper Steakhouse & Bistro! The Australian Tomahawk is available here with an 800g option at $98, that comes with crushed green peppercorn and feeds around two pax.

pepper
Image: peppersteak.com.sg

Light-eating duos can try the 500g Chateaubriand tenderloin fillet at $74 (each sharing option also comes with thick-cut fries, sautéed spinach and a sauce of your choice). Apart from the meats, Pepper also offers an affordable lunch special that comes with five main-course items (at $15-18 each) and a buffet for salads and soups!

Pepper Steakhouse & Bistro
Address: Great World City, #01-66/67, 1 Kim Seng Promenade, Singapore 237994
Tel: 6887 3229

6. Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse

Italian restaurants don’t just serve pasta and meatballs okay!

Bistecca Tuscan is one of the best fine-dining steakhouses in Singapore, using only organic-fed Australian F1 Wagyu for their steaks (with an impressive marbling score of 6+). Their Florentine-style cooking method produces steaks with juicy cores and charred crusts.

bistecca
Image: facebook.com/BisteccaTuscanSteakhouse

Dig into a sumptuous 1.1kg Bistecca alla Fiorentina T-bone or Bistecca alla Costata ribeye ($188++ each) with one or two other friends. Don’t forget to take a wefie in the breezy al fresco area.

Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse
Address: 25 Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore 238969
Tel: 6735 6739

7. Cocotte

Nestled on the ground floor of the quaint Wanderlust hotel along Jalan Besar is the snug French restaurant-bar Cocette.

They serve up family-esque rustic French cuisine inspired by homemade meals enjoyed by the entire kampong (or the French-countryside equivalent).

cocotte
Image: facebook.com/restaurantcocotte

Order a Tasmanian grass-fed Prime rib Côte de Boeuf to share in a group ($18++ per 100g), or the Truffle Wagyu for one (250g at $69++).

Still got space? Top your meal off with a helping of mussels and clams (350-400g at $35).

Cocotte
Address: 2 Dickson Road, Singapore 209494
Tel: 6298 1188

Steaks come from different sources, in various cuts, and the taste varies based on individual cooking styles.

Depending on the number of people you are eating with (and how much you can eat) you should try out different types of steak, as they all have unique experiences to offer.

If the quantitiy is too much for you, it’s okay! You can always share with your friends! Bon appetite!

Also, read We Hopped On The Makan Bus And Didn’t Wanna Get Off – Here’s Why!

Verdict Is Out! Michelin Bib Gourmand Singapore For Best Food Under $45

Where to get the best Curry Laksa? Which hawker stall has the best Hainanese Chicken Rice? Don’t know where to bring your tourist friends for the best Chai Tow Kway?

Worry no more because some of Singapore’s best eateries have been awarded a”Bib Gourmand” (high-quality menu at reasonable prices) by the very first edition of the Singapore Michelin Guide! So who made the cut? Here are the 34 hawker stalls, restaurants and food establishment that made the list.

What is Bib Gourmand?

“Not quite a star, but most definitely not a consolation prize, the Bib Gourmand…is a just-as-esteemed rating that recognises friendly establishments that serve good food at moderate prices. ” In Singapore – the meal must be under SGD$45 to qualify.

[caption id="attachment_11205" align="aligncenter" width="750"]Credit: Michelin Guide Credit: Michelin Guide[/caption]

Michelin Bib Gourmand Singapore – Hawker Stalls

Without further ado, here’s the full list!

1. Claypot Laksa – Alexandra Village Food Centre

[caption id="attachment_11187" align="alignnone" width="650"]Image source: Daniel Food Diaries Image source: Credit: Image source: Burple Image source: Image source: SG Food on Foot Image source: Chey Sua

(Image credit: Image source: Burple Image source: Credit: Image source: Spring Tomorrow Image source:Image source: Burple Image source: Image source: kate2.0[/caption]

23. New Ubin Seafood – Sin Ming Road

24. Peony Jade at Keppel Club (Cantonese) – Bukit Chermin Rd

25. Shish Mahal (Indian) – Albert Street

26. Song Fa Bak Kut Teh – New Bridge Rd

[caption id="attachment_11194" align="alignnone" width="601"]Image source: Yayforfries Image source: Yayforfries[/caption]

27. 328 Katong Laksa – East Coast Road

28. True Blue Cuisine (Peranakan) – Armenien Street

TrueBlue
(image credit: Image source: Yhingthai Palace Image source: Image source: Bismillah Biryani Image source: Bismillah Biryani[/caption]

33. JB Ah Meng Kitchen (Cantonese) – Geylang Road

34. Sin Huat Eating House (crab rice noodle) – Geylang Road

[caption id="attachment_11210" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Credit: chickenscrawlings.com Credit:

With so many yummy approved food to choose from, we reckon you bookmark this page (and share with your friends) for future reference. You’ll always know “what to eat” and “where to eat” from now. No more arguments about who has to decide meal plans!

Header image source: Clearing All Your Doubts – How Exactly Does The Michelin Guide Work?

6 Affordable Japanese Buffets So You Can Gorge On Fresh Sashimi!

With free flow of fresh sashimi and more, who can resist Japanese buffets? Though some restaurants at hotels charge exorbitant prices for a buffet, we’ve found 6 places where you don’t need to spend a bomb.

Here’s our list of affordable and good Japanese buffets to indulge in. At the same time, you don’t have to burn a hole in your pockets!

1. Shin Minori Japanese Restaurant

[caption id="attachment_9068" align="alignnone" width="800"]shiminori Image credit: sethlui[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9093" align="alignnone" width="800"]shiminori Image credit: sethlui[/caption]

Tucked away at a corner of UE Square’s Level 3, Shin Minori offers high quality Japanese buffet at an affordable price. Diners can enjoy their meal watching sushi chefs prepare sashimi and sushi while sitting at an open sushi bar. Alternatively, opt for a window seat with views to Robertson Quay area.

There’s a wide range of fresh sashimi, sushi, maki, yakitori, teppanyaki and many more. If you are looking for a private gathering with some privacy, call them to book their private rooms. They have 2 adjourning table sitting rooms which can accomodate 12 pax in each room and also a tatami room that can sit a total of 12 pax for a cosy setting.

irodori jap restaurant Image credit: burpple[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9094" align="alignnone" width="695"]irodori jap restaurant Image credit: Irodori[/caption]

With many positive reviews from customers, Irodori Japanese Restaurant in Riverview Hotel consistently draws crowd for their fresh seafood and selection of over 100 dishes. Prepared by skilful chefs, the restaurant only uses fresh seafood from Australia, New Zealand, Norway and Europe.  They serve appetisers, sashimi, sushi, teppanyaki, tempura and many more.

Three private rooms that sit 8, 10 and 12 are available for your business meetings or for some private family time. Be sure to make reservations as this restaurant may be packed even on a weekday!

(Selegie Road)
Price: $36.80++ (Adult); $23++ (children under 10 years old)
Address: 1 Selegie Road, #01-14/15 POMO, Singapore 188306
Contact: 65 6337 7230 
Opening Hours: Daily 1130am-2.30pm; 6.00pm-10.30pm

3. Ikoi Japanese Restaurant

[caption id="attachment_9105" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Ikoi Japanese Restaurant Image credit: misstamchiak[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9104" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Ikoi Japanese Restaurant Image credit: misstamchiak[/caption]

Located just opposite Riverview Hotel lies another affordable yet delightful Japanese buffet. Ikoi Japanese Restaurant is located in the lobby of Hotel Miramar. This small and cosy restaurant keeps diners happy with an extensive selection of fresh Japanese cuisine.

Simple, no-frills and usually full house, this restaurant is highly popular and recommended for its buffet. To keep customers happy while they wait for their food to be served, Ikoi serves complimentary side dishes from salmon sashimi to Japanese teapot soup. On their menu, the fresh cuts of sashimi and wide selection of tempura dishes are the most popular.

It’s best to make reservations at least 1 week in advance.

momiji sethlui Image credit: sethlui[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9106" align="alignnone" width="682"]momiji Image credit: sethlui[/caption]

Be spoilt with endless servings of snowcrabs, oysters, Häagen-Daz ice cream and free-flow Sapporo Beer at Momiji! With a wide range of quality Japanese cuisine, you probably won’t be able to try every item in a single visit. You can even make your own waffles at their DIY waffle stations!

The servers at Momiji are quick and attentive. Plates are cleared quickly to make room for more food. If you are looking for an intimate dining space, do book their private rooms available at their Revenue House outlet. Be sure to arrive at 6.30pm for their free-flow beer which lasts till 7.30pm!

6509 1193
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm (Lunch); Mon-Thu 6pm-10pm (Dinner); Sat, Sun, Eve of PH, PH 11.30am-3.30pm (Brunch); Fri-Sun, Eve of PH, PH 5.30pm-10pm (Dinner)

6253 2469
Opening Hours: Daily 5.30pm-10pm (Dinner); Sat, Sun, Eve of PH, PH 11.30am-3.30pm (Brunch)

5. Senki Japanese Restaurant

[caption id="attachment_9109" align="alignnone" width="640"]senki Japanese restaurant Image credit: burpple[/caption]

Located right in the heart of the city, yet away from the hustle and bustle, Senki serves up a wide range of dishes for its buffet menu. With many items available on their menu (138 items to be exact), it would be best to skip lunch if you are coming for dinner.

Priced reasonably, the service at Senki is efficent. This is the place to go if you are looking to unwind and have an unhurried meal in the city.

himawari japanese restaurant Image credit: burpple[/caption]

Hidden in a low-rise office complex in Alexandra, the restaurant is surprisingly crowded at 8pm on a weekday. Premium sashimi cuts including swordfish, yellowtail and tuna are fresh and melt in your mouth! Not only do they serve the usual sushi, maki and tempura, but diners are also able to have a shabu shabu or sukiyaki hotpot. There is also teppanyaki at their Alexandra outlet too! With such a wide variety of over 150 items, including appetizers to desserts, this is definitely a spot worth returning for more! Check out their menu  (Alexandra)
Price: Lunch $41.80++; Dinner $45.80 (Mon to Thu), Lunch $44.80++; Dinner $48.80 (Fri-Sun, Eve of PH & PH), Lunch/Dinner $30.80 (Child), Lunch/Dinner $33.80 (Adult above 65 yrs old)
Address: 991B Alexandra Rd, #01-08/09, Singapore 119970
Contact: 65 6272 1110
Opening Hours:  11.30am-2.30pm; 6pm-10pm

For Dad – A Perfect Meal With Free-flow 48-Day Prime Rib & Beer