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

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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

5 Unique Staycations In Singapore You Must Check Out!

Ah…It’s June. The school holiday season. Maybe you’re looking for a break that doesn’t involve expending lots of energy. Maybe your only desire is a short escape to relax and revitalise yourself after the past 6 months of hard work.

Well, you’re looking at the right article. In this list, we have compiled 5 unique staycations in Singapore that you’ll love. Be it with family, loved ones, or your partner, there’ll be something for you.

1. Lloyd’s Inn

[caption id="attachment_8906" align="aligncenter" width="701"]Photo Credits: Lloyd's Inn Photo Credits: Lloyd’s Inn[/caption]

Want to stay within the city but still get away from the hustle and bustle? Located in a quieter estate near the city center lies Lloyd’s Inn. A minimalist approach to their design coupled with a touch of greenery make Lloyd’s Inn a one-of-a-kind experience.

[caption id="attachment_8908" align="aligncenter" width="701"]Photo Credits: Lloyd's Inn Photo Credits: Lloyd’s Inn[/caption]

Not to mention, the rooms are mostly in monochromatic and neutral colours. Instantly comforting, soothing and relaxing. This also makes it the perfect setting for family, instagram, or couple shots.

[caption id="attachment_9205" align="aligncenter" width="640"]10603493_1480241048894509_8562895943839357287_n Credit: Lloyd’s Inn[/caption]

Sunbed lounges and dipping pool, we’re coming for you!

[caption id="attachment_9206" align="aligncenter" width="960"]13336038_1702673299984615_285138258161067737_n Credit: Lloyd’s Inn[/caption]

There are 8 types of rooms at Lloyd’s Inn. Each room captures “the relationship with nature in different ways”. Our room picks are The Skyroom – outdoor bathtub, The Patio – a private deck with outdoor dining area, and The Garden – small private garden.

Suitable for families with children or couples, Lloyd’s Inn makes for a great staycation experience.

Address: 2 Lloyd Road, Singapore 239091
Tel: +65 6737 7309
Price: from SGD 160 per night.

2. The New Majestic

If you are someone who has strong appreciation for the Arts in the local scene, you’re going to love New Majestic Hotel! Each of the 30 rooms at New Majestic is thoughtfully integrated with unique wall murals created by some of our emerging local artists. Support local talent!

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Photo Credits: The New Majestic Hotel Photo Credits: The New Majestic Hotel[/caption]

Private verandas, cast-iron bathtubs and hanging beds are some of the features that can be found in their respective themed rooms.

[caption id="attachment_9204" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Credit: Credit: The New Majestic Hotel[/caption]

The highlight of New Majestic however, belongs to their Lifestyle category, which consists of rooms personalized by Singapore’s top creatives from unique disciplines. You can’t get more artsy than that!

[caption id="attachment_9208" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Credit: New Majestic Hotel Credit: New Majestic Hotel[/caption]
Other than being obviously perfect for couples out there who want to enjoy a lovey-dovey time together (Hint: dual his-and-hers bathtubs), The New Majestic is definitely a place where you can get your mind off things just by looking at the intricate artworks as you soak your troubles away!

3. Wanderlust Hotel

[caption id="attachment_8903" align="aligncenter" width="699"]Photo Credits: Wanderlust Hotel, as noted on jo2theworld.com Photo Credits: Wanderlust Hotel, as noted on jo2theworld.com[/caption]

If you are on the hunt for an adventure, Wanderlust is your gateway to another world. Designed by award-winning design firms with no prior hotel clients, the concept of thinking-out-of-the-box has never been made more apparent in any other hotel designs.

[caption id="attachment_8905" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Photo Credits: designhotels.com Photo Credits: designhotels.com[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8904" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Photo Credits: Wanderlust Hotel Photo Credits: Wanderlust Hotel[/caption]

Embark on a magical journey into the world of spaceships, origami and fairy tales as you relive the whimsical dreams of your childhood. With such creatively designed rooms that look like they came out of a children’s storybook, Wanderlust Hotel offers endless surprises for the child in you, or the child with you!

Address: 2 Dickson Road, Singapore 209494
Reservation Hotline: +65 6579 2026
Price: from SGD 169 per night.

4. The Sultan

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Photo Credits: thesultan.com.sg Photo Credits: thesultan.com.sg[/caption]

By incorporating the immaculately conserved architectural elements of olden day Singapore into their room designs, The Sultan differentiates itself as a Uniquely Singapore hotel that retains our heritage and culture.

[caption id="attachment_8912" align="aligncenter" width="699"]Photo Credits: thesultan.com.sg Photo Credits: thesultan.com.sg[/caption]

What’s more enlightening than getting in touch with our Singaporean roots?

[caption id="attachment_8913" align="aligncenter" width="699"]Photo Credits: thesultan.com.sg Credit: The Sultan[/caption]

Beside those rooms, The Sultan also has skylight and loft rooms. Look out for stars at night, or wake to the rays of sun peeking into the room.

[caption id="attachment_9211" align="aligncenter" width="720"]Credit: The Sultan Credit: The Sultan[/caption]

Experience a glimpse into the rustic past of Singapore as you enjoy a slow-paced lifestyle that is no longer present in our sophisticated city lives.

Address: 101 Jalan Sultan #01-01 Singapore 199002
Tel: +65 6723 7101
Price: from SGD 136 per night.

5. Studio M

Clinching the title of Best Boutique Hotel in AsiaOne’s People’s Choice Awards for two years in a row (2014, 2015), it is no wonder the fully loft-inspired Studio M remains a popular choice for a staycation. If you’ve ever dreamed of staying in a loft, here’s your chance!

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Photo Credits: fnetravel.com Photo Credits: fnetravel.com[/caption]

Nestled in the center of Robertson Quay, Studio M is a stone’s throw away from Singapore’s prime nightlife district as well as the countless cafes littered along the river. Unleash your inner cosmopolitan and book a stay here!

[caption id="attachment_8914" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Photo Credits: hipmunk.com Photo Credits: hipmunk.com[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_9209" align="aligncenter" width="720"]Credit: Studio M Credit: Studio M[/caption]
If you’ve ever fantasized about yourself staying in one of those seemingly perfect executive-condominium showflats, look no further because Studio M will bring your fantasies to life!
Seemingly redefining what it means to stay in a hotel, each of these boutique hotels was meticulously designed and crafted in order to offer a multitude of experiences in their own right. Who said you have to hop onto a plane to experience something new?
*All prices are accurate as of 9 June 2016.

(Header image credit: New Majestic Hotel, words by editor)

Also read: 7 Incredible Places In SEA To Discover With Friends

6 Seriously Addictive Salted Egg Yolk Snacks You Must Try In SG!

The salted egg yolk trend has taken Singpapore by storm and all foodies would have craved for anything salted egg yolk. You have seen salted egg yolk buns, croissants, crabs and even on cakes and waffles! With salted egg yolk, everything tastes better – from chips, salmon skin, to even lotus root. With this in mind, we’ve hunted down some seriously addictive salted egg yolk snacks.

Here’s our take on these snacks.

Warning: They’re seriously addictive!

1. The Golden Duck

[caption id="attachment_8851" align="alignnone" width="1024"]the golden duck Image credit: nkikichua[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8860" align="alignnone" width="1024"]the golden duck Image credit: The Golden Duck Facebook[/caption]

These are not your usual ordinary chips. Hand-crafted using an original Taiwanese-inspired recipe, The Golden Duck is Singapore’s #1 purveyor of premium gourmet salted egg snacks.

Packaged conveniently in a resealable bag, each chip is baked to golden perfection with its Taiwanese Salted Egg Yolk coated evenly onto its potato crisps. Its authentic salted egg yolk flavour leaves you wanting for more after each bite! These gems get sold out quickly so do order online before picking them up in stores. Retails at $7 per pack, it’s definitely worth it!


Address: 133 New Bridge Rd, Chinatown Point, B1 next to lift lobby
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 11am-7pm

2. Irvins Salted Egg

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Irvins salted egg Image credit: Irvins Salted Egg Facebook[/caption]

The guys at Irvins Salted Egg Yolk makes delicious potato chips and deep fried salmon skin seasoned in amazing salted egg yolk sauce! Imagine crisp potato chips coated with a layer of salted egg yolk sauce, spiced with curry leaves, and bits of red chilli that leaves a tinge of spiciness. These chips and fried salmon skin are perfect for stay-home weekends or to satisfy your salted egg yolk cravings. Best consumed within 2 weeks, it was so good we could finish it within hours! Their Salted Egg Yolk Potato Chips and Salted Egg Yolk Fish Skin retail at $15 per pack.

If you’re craving for more salted egg yolk dishes, simply purchase their Salted Egg Yolk Sauce sold in a bottle for $15. You can now cook up any dishes with its addictive sauce! Free delivery if you order over $100. Alternatively, delivery charge is $15. Do check their updated locations on their Facebook page.

 (Pickup)
Address: Leban HK Cafe2 Jalan Leban, Singapore, 577547
Contact: 65 6257 8801
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-2am

Address: Raffles Xchange B1, Raffles Place MRT, Across Pop In store
Opening Hours: Weekdays 11am-7pm (Pickup 11-630pm)

3. TungLok Seafood

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Tunglok Seafood Image credit: goingmerrily[/caption]

Offering the freshest catch to welcome seafood lovers, TungLok Seafood specialises in the best of Singapore-style seafood prepared with the freshest ingredients. Not to be missed is the unique salted egg yolk fish skin! This is a must try. The crispy fish skin is so crispy you can literally hear the crunch when you bite into it.

Indulge in their ala carte lunch buffet on weekdays at $26.80++, on weekends or public holidays at $28.80; or their buffet dinner at $35.80++ at their Orchard Central restaurant. You’ll be able to order countless servings of this addictive snack! Reservations are highly recommended! Do note that prices differ for their Upper Jurong Outlet. Click
Address: 181 Orchard Road, Orchard Central #11-05, Singapore 238896
Contact: 65 6834 4888
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 11.30-3pm (Last order 2.30pm); 6pm-10.30pm (Last order 10pm), Sun/PH 10am-3pm; 6pm-10.30pm (Last order 2.30pm); 10.30pm (Last order 10pm)

blue lotus chinese eating house fried salmon skin

Located at the idyllic Quayside Isle at Sentosa Cove, Blue Lotus is a casual dining restaurant that serves traditional Chinese dishes. Sit at their alfresco area and enjoy the gentle breeze and stunning views of the marina. Their signature dishes include Chilli Pomelo Crab, Szechun Style Spicy Boston Lobster, and also their Crispy Fried Salmon Skin. Coated with salted egg yolk and lime zest, its skin is fried to crispy perfection. Great as a starter but one portion will be never enough to share! Though it’s a whooping $16 for a plate, the salmon skin is crunchy and tasty. So difficult to practise restraint and self control here!

wan he lou Image credit: asiaone[/caption]

You might have heard of Wan He Lou’s award winning Signature Lobster Porridge. Well, this place not only specialises in lobster porridge. Their Crispy Lotus with Salted Egg Yolk ($11.90) is a must try! Thin pieces of lotus root deep fried to perfection are coated with generous crumbs of salted egg yolk. Let’s just start our diet plan the next day instead…

tao seafood asia Image credit: sethlui[/caption]

At Tao Seafood Asia, it is highly recommended to start your meal with their Crispy Fish Skin with Salted Egg Sauce ($10). This is served as an appetizer. The fish skin used is from Eel, deep fried and pan tossed with generous amount of salted egg yolk sauce. While it looks a little sinful and oily, it turns out to be light to the bite, rich and highly addictive! The savoury goodness makes it a good pair with a cold pint of beer.

Ivrins Salted Egg, edited by writer)

Also read: 12 Best Breakfasts To Start Your Day Like A Typical Local

8 Local Dishes Modified To Look Modern, Can You Recognise Them?

Modern Singaporean cuisine (local dishes modified to look modern), or mod-sin in short, amalgamates our familiar Singaporean hawker flavours with international dishes of the world. Very much like our Singaporean culture, mod-sin cuisine takes inspiration from various food cultures and adapts it into an experimental new dish that’s both bold and unique in taste.  

Let us explore the creativity and culinary concept behind some of these innovative creations that are only made possible thanks to our bustling local culture.

1. Hainanese Chicken Rice + Sushi

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Image credit: Lepark

Picture a plate of steamed chicken rice served in bite-sized tapas portions. The Poached Chicken Sushi is unique to Lepark, a rooftop bar that’s situated on the roof of People’s Park Complex. A thin strip of nori sheet wraps around a tender poached chicken and Hainanese chicken sushi rice. Each morsel is topped with some garlic chilli. It ticks all the elements that goes into making a traditional chicken rice dish, but made more portable as side to some beer.

Lepark
Address: 1 Park Road, People’s Park Complex Level 6
Opening hours: Tue – Thu: 4pm – 11pm; Fri: 4pm – 12am; Sat: 12pm – 12am; Sun: 12pm – 11pm

2. Buah Keluak + Pasta

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Image credit: Violet Oon Singapore

The distinctive ingredient used in traditional Nonya cuisine has now found its way into a marriage with Italian spaghetti. Admittedly, the fruit’s nutty and earthy profile makes it an acquired taste, but those who enjoy the rich and slightly bitter profile will appreciate Violet Oon’s take on Buah Keluak Noodle. This aromatic dish is tossed with chilli padi to lend a subtle kick, along with coconut milk and minced prawn.

Violet Oon Singapore
Address:
881 Bukit Timah Road
Opening hours: 
Tue – Sun: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10:30am

3. Ondeh Ondeh + French Toast

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Image credit: Crystalwee

Deconstructing an ondeh ondeh and infusing the sweet flavours into a classic breakfast dish makes the Ondeh Ondeh French Toast at Hyde & Co. a great dish that doubles as both dessert and tea break. The egg-washed brioche slices come loaded with grated pandan coconut and drizzled with gula melaka sauce. Topped with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for good measure and you have for yourself an oozing cold dessert with all the reminiscent flavours of an ondeh ondeh.

Hyde & Co.
Address:
785 North Bridge Road
Opening hours: 
Sun – Mon: 11am – 6pm; Wed – Sat: 11am – 10:30pm

4. Chilli Crab + Bun

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Image credit: Baomakers

The thought of having a chilli crab bun might sound off putting initially, but they actually make sense if you think about how Singaporeans like to soak up the leftover chilli crab sauce with deep fried mantous. Making this Chilli Crab Bao possible is Bao Makers. They take deep fried crab meat and slather it with chilli sauce and top it off with coriander and fried shallots. Essentially a combination of various Asian flavours, think of it as our version of a slider with a local twist.

Bao Makers
Address: 78 Horne Road
Opening hours: 
Mon – Fri: 12pm – 10pm; Sat: 11am – 10pm; Sun: 11am – 6pm

5. Charsiew + Fries

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Image credit: Redpan

Give the standard truffle fries a miss the next time you’re hit with a fries craving. At Redpan, they top their Char Siew Chilli Fries with a charsiew ragout and dolloped with sour cream and some jalapeno salsa. The seemingly contrasting ingredients come together nice to form an addictive starter that you’ll polish off in no time.

Redpan
Address: 6 Raffles Boulevard, #02-03/04
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 9am – 10pm; Sat – Sun: 11am – 10pm

6. Roasted Pork Belly + Pasta

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Image credit: @cayceemeows

Not for the health-conscious, this Sio Bak Aglio Olio from Froth serves up chunks of roasted pork belly that sits on a bed of aglio olio, topped with a slice of their homemade bak kwa. The salty and crispy pieces of fats serve as a good contrast to the al dente pasta, creating a decadent dish that’ll fill you up with satisfaction.

Froth
Address: 2 Finlayson Green
Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 11:30am – 10pm

7. Rendang + Lasagna

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Image credit: Makankaki

Replace the tomato sauce in a plain old lasagna with some authentic rendang gravy and what you’ll find yourself with is an explosion of taste comprising of Italian and Malay cuisine. Alternating layers of pasta sheets, beef briskets and bechamel make for the perfect Ren Dang! Lasagna. But top it with a scoop of rendang gravy and you get a savoury spicy kick in this updated dish. Regular lasagna will never cut it for you again.

Sunday Market
Address: 22 Lim Tua Tow Road
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 11am – 11pm; Sat: 9am – 11pm; Sun: 9am – 9pm

8. Bandung + Latte

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Image credit: Infuse your cuppa with floral accents of rose with Bandung Latte. Getting your caffeine fix just got a whole lot sweeter, with a drink that comes in a pretty pastel shade of pink. The rose floral notes mask the bitterness of the coffee, making this a delicious drink that even non-coffee fans will enjoy.

Working Title – Burger Bar
Address: 48 Arab Street
Opening hours: Mon – Thu: 11am – 10pm; Fri: 11am – 11pm; Sat – Sun: 10am – 11pm

So the next time you’re deciding between local delights or contemporary creations, you’ll be able to get the best of both worlds with these local dishes modified to look modern!

(Header image from Bao Makers, words by writer)

Also read: 9 Of SG’s Best Local Street Snack, How Many Have You Tried?