Tag: japanese food

OCBC Is Offering 100 1-For-1 Dining Deals – Take A Pal To Feast On These 10 We Picked

When we’re out for a day with friends, family or a significant other, the question we always ask is not “what to do?”, but “where should we eat today?”.

Because having good food
is undoubtedly the favourite Singaporean activity that anchors everything else
we do.

Some may even say the
mission is to hunt down and try as many great food places as possible each time
we make a trip out. 

Hitting one
gastronomical delight after the next is a sure way to satisfy our souls and
make it all seem right in the world, but the only problem will be the hole that
burns in our wallets.

If you’re often bursting
your budget on food, split the cost with a pal next time, because anytime is a
good time for a hearty meal when you can tap on more than 100 1-for-1 dining
deals in Singapore! Only with OCBC Cards.

Ready to feast? We’ve compiled 10 deals for you to start with.

1. Limoncello

From idyllic Amalfi, to
the bustling Singapore River, the owners of Limoncello have brought
their team over from the famous Italian coastal town itself.

Bringing the flavour
right from its origins, they promise an authentic spread of traditional Italian
fare. Needless to say, you can expect they check all the boxes like homemade
pastas, wood fired pizzas and charcoal-grilled meats.

Limoncello may not give
you a view of green hills and crystal blue waters, but they offer plenty of
alfresco seats, and even private dining rooms where you can raise your glass to
the fancy life.

Dishes like linguine
aragosta (lobster linguine) and costolette di agnello alla griglia
(grilled lamb chop) can be a mouthful, but you won’t be fretting over the
pronunciation once you actually dig into them.

If you think dining by
the riverside along Robertson Quay is certain to rack up a big bill, you’ll be
surprised that you can indulge in a 3-course set lunch for just $35++ per pax.

Limoncello
Address: 95 Robertson Quay, #01-19/20, River Gate Condominium, Singapore 238256
Opening hours: Mon – Tue: 5:30pm – 10:30pm, Wed – Sun: 12pm – 2:30pm; 5:30pm – 10:30pm

Get A 1-for-1 Set Lunch Here.

2. Kyoaji Dining

It’s all in the name: Kyoaji
means “tastes from Kyoto”.

Among the endless
plethora of restaurants around Orchard, this hidden gem is tucked away inside
TripleOne Somerset where you can take a breather from the busy shopping crowd.

It’s helmed by Executive
Chef John Phua who has almost 30 years of experience in authentic Japanese
cuisine. Previously, he served at Fukuichi Japanese Dining, and he’s keeping
some of his old fan favourites alive after its closure.

Decked out in modern
furnishings, Kyoaji features a live sushi bar so you can watch Chef John and
his team cook up a storm before your eyes.

While they’re known for
their decadent assortment of sashimi and sushi, Kyoaji also dishes out a
refreshing experience with less common items like gyuniki fagura sauce
(grilled beef with goose liver sauce) and hiyashi gyomen (fish meat
noodles).

Kyoaji Dining
Address: 111 Somerset Road, #02-05/06, TripleOne, Singapore 238164
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 11:30pm – 3pm; 5:30pm – 10:30pm, Sat – Sun & PH: 11:30am – 10:30pm

Get 1-for-1 Grilled Lobster With Garlic Sauce Here.

3. The Chop House

Meat lovers come to The
Chop House to get their mouths watering over a great selection from steaks
and burgers, to baby back ribs and pork knuckles.

With their creators
hailing from the highly praised Wooloomooloo Steakhouse, The Chop House is a
more laidback rendition, bringing a range of mains and sharing dishes perfect
for hanging out with a group of pals.

Just like the first
outlet at VivoCity, its second branch at I12 Katong is decorated with an
industrial woody interior that eases you into a cosy mood. 

Its hidden secret? This
location houses the legendary Southbend broiler from the US; the same one used
by the chefs at Wooloomooloo to make magic with their famous steaks.

When you’ve cleaned off
your plateful of chunky chops, hit up the bar to wash it all down with ice cold
beers, wine, or cocktails.

The Chop House
Address: 112 East Coast Road, #01-13, I12 Katong, Singapore 428802
Opening hours: Mon – Sat: 12pm – 12am, Sun: 10am – 12am

Get 1-For-1 Baby Back Ribs With 2 Pints Of Beer Here.

4. Commons

Nestled in the expansive
‘integrated community’ of Our Tampines Hub, Commons (previously
Commonground) prides itself for creating memories with its customers in the
neighbourhood.

Its warm lights and
leafy fronds give the eatery a welcoming vibe for casual get-togethers at any
time of day. Fancy a nice breakfast with your tribe of early-risers? No
problem, they’re open from 8am on weekends.

Truly a place to eat in
good company, their signature is the Commons meat platter hero loaded
with a medley of roast chicken, beef tenderloin, lamb chop, Italian sausages,
mashed potatoes, beetroot coleslaw and grilled tomatoes.

Commons
Address: 51 Tampines Ave 4, #01-103 Our Tampines Hub, Singapore 529684
Opening hours: Mon – Thu: 11am – 10pm, Fri: 11am – 11pm, Sat: 8am – 11pm, Sun: 8am – 10pm

Get 1-for-1 Pizza And Pasta On Weekdays Here.

5. Pietro Ristorante Italiano

Pietro
Ristorante Italiano takes
residence along a row of old shophouses in the peaceful Seletar area.

Settle yourself in among
the traditional decor, and you’ll soon be greeted with warm hospitality and a
complimentary plate of herb-baked bread with garlic dip.

Aside from the familiar
thin crust wood fired pizzas (try the bismark: honey baked ham, feta,
mozzarella and rockets topped with a sunny side up) and pastas cooked in
parchment paper, Pietro also boasts a melt-in-your-mouth pork belly with
porcini kidney beans as its must-try item.

Pietro Ristorante Italiano
Address: 12 Jalan Kelulut, Singapore 809030
Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 11am – 2:30pm; 6pm – 10:30pm

Get 1-for-1 Pasta, Pizza Or Mains Here.

6. Chicken Up

The comforts of Korean
fried chicken never fail, and if you’re already a fan of the cuisine, then Chicken
Up is likely to evoke involuntary ‘mmm’s.

Since they opened in
2010, their fried chicken wings in ganjang (soy) and yangnyum (spicy)
flavours have been considered a reliable favourite among many Korean food
lovers in Singapore.

When it comes to the
temptation of sides like bulgolgi and kimchi fries, yangpa bomb
(fried blooming onion), and toppoki (spicy rice cakes), we’re sorry to
say there’s no way you can win this battle—so go on and indulge in your sins.

And if you and your
friends come with a big appetite, there’s nothing more quintessentially Korean
than sharing a UFO stew along with Chicken Up’s watermelon soju,
served right in the watermelon husk!

Chicken Up
Address: 277C Compassvale Link, #01-13 (Unit No.2A), Singapore 543277
Opening hours: Sun – Thurs: 11am – 11pm, Fri – Sat: 11am – 2am

Get 1-for-1 Chicken Wings Here.

7. Masons @ Gillman Barracks

Tucked away in the artsy
locale of Gillman Barracks, the extra walk in (or drive) to get to Masons is
totally worth it.

Housed in a fully
restored black and white 1935 colonial bungalow and shrouded in lush greenery,
the restaurant gives you an uncommon chance to picture yourself in a time of
classic European luxury.

Between their main
dining hall and the serene alfresco verandah, visitors love coming to the
exclusive location to sneak away for a romantic date, or to celebrate an
occasion. It’s no surprise that many choose this venue to tie the knot too.

Mason’s kitchen is
headed by Executive Chef Jack Woolner, who has gone through training under Michelin-star
chefs and served at acclaimed restaurants in the UK.

Among a grand spread of
European cuisine peppered with local Singaporean influences, Masons highly
recommends their house special pizza and duck pasta.

Masons @ Gillman Barracks
Address: 8 Lock Rd, #01-17, Gillman Barracks, Singapore 108936
Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 11:30am – 11pm

Get 1-For-1 Handmade Fresh Italian Pizza Here.

8. MeatSmith Telok Ayer

With glass windows
embellished like a gentleman’s barber, a ‘rustic garage’ interior, and the
tunes of classic rock and blues, MeatSmith Telok Ayer is the ultimate
smokehouse diner in the CBD.

It’s the brainchild of
Chef Andrew Baldus and General Manager Emmanuel Bernados, who are here to prove
that a real-deal American barbecue can exist in our part of the globe too.

Chef Andrew spent most
of his life working in Southern style restaurants in Nashville and Memphis, and
he’s now brought over two Southern Pride smokers from the States to Meat
Smith’s kitchen.

Meat is taken super
seriously here, with mouth-watering homemade sausages, stuffed
suckling pig, and pork ribs slowly smoked over hickory wood for up
to 14 hours.

Beef lovers shouldn’t
miss out on their beef brisket, perfectly charred on the outside, fatty
and tender on the inside, and of course packed full of smoky flavour.

Meat Smith
Address: 167-169 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 068620
Opening hours: Mon – Thurs: 11:30am – 3pm; 5:30pm – 10:30pm, Fri – Sun: 11:30am – 10:30pm

Get 1-For-1 Beef Brisket Here.

9. The Fine Line

The
Fine Line is comfortably nestled
in Holland Village, a popular chill-out spot that draws young Singaporeans and
expatriates to its dining and bar scene.

Head over to unwind
after a long day of work, or ring in the weekend with some well-deserved toasts
to the backdrop of rustic red brick walls and live music performances.

While some bars are
thought to offer food just to be paired alongside their main attraction of
drinks, The Fine Line doesn’t cut the slack in the kitchen, serving a
delectable spread from brunch to dinner and late night snacks.

The gastro bar’s
signature dishes include their Fine Line burger, angus steak, and
a perfectly balanced plate of salt and pepper squid.

The Fine Line
Address: 23 Lor Mambong, Singapore 277682
Opening hours: Mon – Thu: 3pm – 1am, Fri: 1pm – 1am, Sat: 11am – 2am, Sun: 11am – 1am

Get 1-for-1 Steak Here.

10. Kanpai Izakaya 

Kanpai!
Also at Holland Village,
this casual establishment is another laidback joint to raise your glass, and a
great fit for those who have a taste for Japanese cuisine and drinks.

Lifting spirits with
their all-day happy hour till 10pm (except on Fridays and public holiday eves),
Kanpai Izakaya offers a range of Japanese sake, whisky and beer.

As the food here is
served izakaya style, you’ll want to sample a variety of different bites. 

Make your meal an entire
journey, starting with classics like their recommended bara chirashi or tuna
crown don. 

Then dive into more
adventurous terrain to try the also popular chicken heart skewers and blowfish
seasoned with sweet sake!

Kanpai Izakaya
Address: 40 Lor Mambong, Singapore 277695
Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 12pm – 2pm; 5pm – 1am

Get 1-for-1 Mains Here.

—

All OCBC Credit/Debit
Cardmembers can enjoy the full selection of over 100 1-for-1 dining deals.

Click here to see the full list.

If you’re not an OCBC Cardmember, but don’t want to get FOMO (fear of missing out) over these 1-for-1 deals, it’s easy to sign up for their OCBC 365 Credit Card, which also gives you 6% cashback on all your dining spend (capped at S$80, and subject to a minimum total monthly spend of S$800 per calendar month).

On top of that, the fastest fingers get the most spoils, as new OCBC Credit Card applicants who sign up by 30 September 2019 and get their card approved by 31 October 2019 will also receive a S$50 cashback!

Get instant approval right away when you sign up here.

This article was written in collaboration with OCBC Bank.

Header Image Credit: Pietro, Kanpai Izakaya, Chicken Up

Also Read: Feast On Food From All Around The World Without Leaving The House – Heres How

Keisuke Is Opening A New Omurice Joint At Bugis+ – Prices Start From $9.90 And You Can Upsize For Free

You may have already seen that viral video of Japanese chef, Yukimura Motokichi, who wows his customers with his theatrics whenever he prepares the famous omurice in his resturant, Kichi Kichi.

Originating more than 100 years ago in Kyushu, this Japanese soul food is a staple dish in many Japanese homes and restaurants as they are reasonably priced and affordable to the masses. Most Japanese diners have grown up eating omurice and this yōshuku (Japenese-style Western food) brings back many childhood memories for them.

Comfort Food For The Soul

Celebrity Chef and Ramen King, Keisuke Takeda kicks off the new year with the opening of Keisuke Group’s 17th outlet in Singapore, Omurice Keisuke. This classic Japanese dish consists of a wrapped omelette (“omu”) over western fried rice with ketchup.

While it may seem like the typical “Nasi Goreng Pattaya” you can get at most hawker centres, omurice is actually quite challenging to make. The key to perfecting this dish is that the egg has to be soft, creamy on the outside and smooth on the inside.

Situated on the fourth floor of Bugis+, Omurice Keisuke is a cozy 22-seater outlet, perfect for dinner with the family or a night out with your partner. As the eatery is not exactly spacious and they don’t take reservations, you might want to avoid peak hours if you plan on bringing more than 4 people.

You can also choose to sit at the bar counter so you can watch the chefs prepare the dishes right in front of you.

While it may not be as entertaining as it is at Kichi Kichi, the food here definitely does not disappoint.

The Omurice ($9.90) features Keisuke’s own locally-farmed eggs which come from hens fed with omega-rich grains. The difference is that you’ll get a richer and creamier omelette that pairs perfectly well with the fried rice. The rice is simple and perfectly seasoned with ketchup dashi, diced chicken and corn.

There is also an option to customise your omurice by choosing from a range of sauces including wafu, demi-glacé, creamy white sauce or chilli tomato sauce. We highly recommend pairing your omurice with the wafu or dami-glacé sauce as it cuts the richness of the eggs. We had the creamy white sauce as well, however it got pretty jelak by the time were halfway through our meal.

You can also have the option of adding cheese ($2.00) to your Omurice. The cheese is a combination of mozzarella and two types of cheddar which will be melted and prepared right in front of you over your main dish.

Best part, if you have a bigger appetite, you can choose between the regular or large size at NO additional cost. Honestly, we were already struggling to finish the regular portion so a large portion will be perfect for two.

There’s also an option of getting Spaghetti instead of the Omurice. They serve two types of spaghetti here – Mentaiko Spaghetti and Neapolitan Spaghetti ($9.90). There’s nothing outstanding about the pastas but it definitely gave us the comfort of a home-cooked meal.

For those who can’t choose between the omurice and spaghetti, you can choose to have the best of both worlds in one plate. For $12.90, you can get the Omurice Combo which comes with omurice, spaghetti and a refreshing side salad – potato salad, coleslaw, green salad or spinach and miso soup.

Diners can also order additional side dishes such as deep fried chicken wing, ebi-fried, teriyaki chicken hamburg and pork spare ribs which cost between $2 – $3. If you’ve been to Hamburg Steak Keisuke, then you’ll definitely want to get the teriyaki chicken hamburg here. The seared patty itself has a lovely char, but was still very tender and juicy in each bite.

Omurice Keisuke officially launches in Singapore on Monday, 14 January 2019. This is the 17th outlet under the Keisuke Group with plans to open more locations with different concepts later this year.

Omurice Keisuke
Official Launch: Monday, 14 January 2019
Address: 201 Victoria Street, #04-01, Singapore 188067
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 10pm, daily
Contact No.: 6634 4558
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Also Read The McVerdict: Are McDonald’s New Items As Bad As Everyone Says They Are?

(Header Image Source: Omurice Keisuke & Discover SG)

All Aboard The Pikachu Train! This Event At Tanjong Pagar Lets You Indulge In Japanese Food And Movies From Oct 11-14

Pikachu fans and train otakus, it’s time.

This October, Tanjong Pagar Centre Urban Park will transform into a “Japanese Train” with live music, a wide array of food and movie screenings.

Opened by East Japan Railway Company (JR East), Japan Rail Café will be hosting a train-themed event called “Autumn in the Train” at Tanjong Pagar Centre!

In Japan, 14 October is also known as “The Railway Day” (Tetsudou-no-hi), as it marks the opening of the country’s first railway back in 1872. To celebrate this special day, Japan Rail Café, will unfold a train-themed event at Tanjong Pagar Centre from 11 – 14 October.

Pikachu Meet-And-Greet Session

The most exciting part of this 4-day event is definitely the Pikachu meet-and-greet session. If you missed the first Pikachu Parade that was held at Changi Airport in 2017, this is the perfect time to catch this adorable character in action.

Pikachu will be making a special appearance on all 4 days at different times to promote the makeover of the “POKÉMON with YOU” train which runs between the JR Ichinoseki Station and JR Kesennuma Station in Tohoku.

Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to snap a photo with Pikachu at the train photo panel!

If you’re visiting Japan soon, you can purchase the JR-East Pass (for Tohoku) to enjoy unlimited train rides including the special Joyful Train here.

Meet-And-Greet Timings

11 & 12 Oct (Thu & Fri): 1pm – 1.30pm

13 & 14 Oct (Sat & Sun): 2pm – 2.30pm

Food & Movie Screenings

If you’re not into Pikachu or trains, there are plenty of other things to look out for at the event as well such as trying out amazing Japanese food. From onigiri and bentos to cakes and ice cream, you definitely won’t go hungry at this event.

Look out for the autumn-themed cakes by Chef Yamashita, marron cream buns from Hattendo Singapore, roasted sweet potatoes and melon cream buns from Japan Point and much more.

Or catch the critically acclaimed Japanese movie “Jimami Tofu” featuring a Chinese-Singaporean chef discovering his love for Okinawan cuisine. A Makoto Shinkai Anime Marathon will also be held, featuring some of his acclaimed works such as “5 Centimeters per Second”, “Voices of a Distant Star” and “The Garden of Words”.

Jimami Tofu Screening
Date: 11 Oct, Thursday
Time: 7.45pm – 9.45pm

Makoto Shinkai Anime Marathon
Date:  13 Oct, Saturday
Time: 5pm – 7pm

For The Train Otakus

Live your fantasies of driving a train at a train simulation game “Densha de go” – one of the most interesting things to check out at the event, given the depth of the game’s realism.

This game set up has a realistic control system and hyper realistic graphics making it the top train simulator around. Check out videos of the game on YouTube as it’s pretty much a dream arcade game for hardcore train lovers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuEeUlJe9JE

This is possibly the closest you’ll get to Autumn in Japan right here in Singapore. Head down to Tanjong Pagar Centre Urban Park from 11 – 14 October for 4 days of food, anime and trains!

Autumn In The Train
Venue: Tanjong Pagar Centre L1 Urban Park
Date: 11 – 14 Oct 2018
Time: 11am to 10pm

Also Read Chanel Is Painting The Town Red With Its New Le Rouge Beauty Pop-Up This October

(Header Image Source: Japan Rail Cafe)

Kampai! This Joint In Dhoby Ghaut Serves “Beer Ramen” And Classic Japanese Dishes

Considering how ubiquitous ramen has become in Singapore, it’s no surprise that some restaurants are to switching things up to set themselves apart from the rest.

Hawker heroes A Noodle Story, for example, add special ingredients like wanton to their recipe, while the folks at Ramen Champion have turned their chefs into bona fide celebrities.

Probably the most memorable ramen we’ve seen in recent memory, however, is En Sushi’s Beer Ramen.

Not As Crazy As It Sounds

Located in a discreet corner along Prinsep Street, En Sushi is a cozy Japanese restaurant that’s probably best known for their affordable Bara Chirashi Dons.

The new hotness on their menu, however, is the aforementioned Beer Ramen, which — as its name suggests — serves the Japanese noodles in a mug and employs other forms of visual trickery to make the dish look like an ice-cold pint.

The “beer” for example, actually consists of the restaurant’s in-house broth, while the “foam” is made out of egg whites.

Thankfully, aesthetics are where the similarities end, but the dish still has one more trick up its sleeve.

While ramen is more often than not a warm dish, this rendition is served cold, making it feel more like soba than ramen.

The taste is very soba-esque as well, with the broth giving off a strong umami flavour and sweet aftertaste.

According to provided “instructions”, you can chug the ramen like an actual beer, or use chopsticks and imagine that you’re eating out of a very narrow bowl.

For $22.90, you’ll get one mug of noodles, along with an assortment of fried dishes (Tori Karaage, Kaisen Tofu, and Kakiage Tempura) and Tsukenomo (Japanese Pickles).

You’re supposed to dip the fried dishes in the broth, but they’re tasty enough to be eaten on their own too.

Not A One-Trick Pony

While Beer Ramen is definitely something you should try at least once, you shouldn’t sleep on the rest of En Sushi’s menu either.

The Pitan Tofu ($4.90), for example, is something I wish I had discovered earlier in my life. The strong taste of century egg creates a perfect balance with the lighter tofu, and is a great way to kick off your meal.

Seafood lovers, on the other hand, can opt for the Hotate Mentai Aburi ($13.90) as an appetiser as well — while these thin slices of scallop might not look like much, they’re actually packing a decent amount of sweet (the scallop) and savoury (the mentaiko), and the inclusion of fish roe means that it’s quite literally bursting with flavour.

No Japanese restaurant is complete without some sushi, and the Salmon Aburi Mentai Maki ($15.90) certainly does not disappoint. Drizzled with a very generous amount of mentaiko and fish roe, you might not even need soy sauce for this one.

And finally on the dessert side of things, the Tofu Cheesecake ($8.90) is a light-but-flavourful way to end off your meal. It isn’t available just yet, but you should order it when it to the menu soon.

Whether you’re going for the Bara Chirashi Don or the culinary anomaly that is Beer Ramen, En Sushi ticks all our boxes for a good Japanese meal.

The Beer Ramen might not sit too well with those looking for a more “traditional” ramen experience, but even without that there’s more than enough here to warrant a visit.

En Sushi
Address: [email protected]: 30 Prinsep Street #01-02, Singapore 188647
Opening Hours: 11:30am-3pm, 5:30pm-10pm

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Also Read This Hawker Stall In Bedok Run By 3 Young Dudes Serves Ume-Zing Japanese Fusion Food For Under $7

(Header Image Source: Discover SG)

This Hawker Stall In Bedok Run By 3 Young Dudes Serves Ume-zing Japanese Fusion Food For Under $7

Fusion food is a rather ingenious concept that gives us the best of both worlds, but it more often than not comes with a premium price tag as well.

The much-hyped Lobster Nasi Lemak, for example, costs a whopping $22 — a price point higher than some restaurants, mind you — while hawker chain Fish & Chicks charges $12.90 for their chilli crab and salted egg fish & chips.

The folks at Plum & Rice, however, have flipped that idea on its head, and the result is an incredibly satisfying meal at an even more satisfying price.

Small Menu, Big Flavours

Occupying a humble corner stall at Bedok North Street 1 Market and Food Centre, Plum & Rice serves Japanese-inspired rice with Singaporean-inspired dishes.

The concept is the brainchild of three friends who graduated from the Culinary Institute of America (Singapore) — they discovered the titular combination of Umeboshi and rice while searching for inspiration in Japan, and decided to adopt the fusion angle to better suit the Singaporean palate.

The menu, while small, is all about choices — right from the get go you can choose between rice or porridge, both of which are infused with an Umeboshi paste.

Unfortunately, the porridge was sold out by the time we got there (a testament to how popular it is, perhaps), but the rice is definitely something to write home about.

Thanks to the addition of house-made furikake, cereal, curry leaves, dried shrimp and seaweed, everything comes together to form an extremely flavourful bite, and I could have seriously ate a bowl of it on its own. The owners have also recently added red rice into the mix, making it as healthy as it is tasty.

On the meat side of things, you have three choices: braised pork belly, braised pork shoulder, and fish. Both pork dishes are prepared in the same dark soy sauce and are therefore rather similar in taste, but the belly is ultimately is the one to get thanks to its silky smooth texture.

Breaking apart at the slightest touch, every slice quite literally melts in your mouth. There’s also a rather…homely feel to the taste, which forms a nice juxtaposition with the Japanese rice.

The fish was also sold out (pro-tip: go early), but co-owner Raphael tells us that it’s cooked sous-vide style, which makes it very, very tender. Judging by how smooth the pork belly was, we wouldn’t doubt it.

Each meal also comes with a side and (refillable!) soup, both of which change every two weeks. We were served bean sprouts and peanut soup, and their lighter tastes balanced out with the savoury meat and rice perfectly.

One personal recommendation I have to make is the house-made chilli —it provides a decent kick of spice without going overboard, and adds a whole new dimension of to an already-flavourful meal.

Cheaper Than You Think

You might think that all this would be pretty expensive, but a meal at Plum & Rice will actually cost you less than $7.

Yup, that’s right — you’re getting rice, meat, a side and free-flow soup for the unbelievable price of $4.90 ($6.90 if you’re going for the fish, which is still very reasonable), which honestly might be the best deal we’ve seen in recent history.

One caveat, however, is that the stall closes at 2pm, which might be a problem for office workers and those not living in the east.

Those willing to put in the effort to try them out, however (there’s always the weekend), will not be disappointed.

Plum & Rice
Address: 216 Bedok North Street 1, #01-45, Singapore 460216
Opening Hours: 8am – 2pm (Closed on Mondays)

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Also Read Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant Is Pretty Close To The Real Deal — Serves Fish, Ramen, Yakiniku All In One Place

(Header Image Source: Discover SG)

Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant In S’pore Is Pretty Close To The Real Deal – Serves Fish, Ramen, Yakiniku All In One Place

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)

Can’t Fight This ‘Filling’ – This Izakaya In Novena Serves Gyoza In Unique Flavours Under $8

If you were at the Ramen Revolution back in July, you might’ve bumped into this restaurant’s booth at the event and watched Food League SG’s own competitive eater, Zermatt Neo, scarf down their signature gyozas.

Introducing Chao Chao Gyoza.

As the name suggests, they specialise in gyoza. All kinds of gyoza.

Gyozas For Days

Chao Chao Gyoza might be a new Japanese joint in Singapore, but it already has outlets in Japan, as well as Philippines and Hong Kong.

The quaint izakaya situated in Novena serves up gyoza in assorted flavours. You can expect to find traditional gyoza flavours such as Cabbage, Ginger Pork, and Spring Onion Pork.

For those of you more adventurous, Chao Chao Gyoza also has Curry, Onsen Egg and Cheese, Cabbage with Sriracha and Mayo, and even a seafood Kani and Ebi gyoza.

Some of their bestselling gyoza flavours are the Prawn, Garlic Pork with Kimchi Sauce, Chicken and Mozzarella Cheese, and the extremely local-sounding Salted Egg Chicken.

Don’t miss out on their signature Chao Chao Gyoza ($4.90 for 8, $$7.90 for 16).

These gyoza are served a little differently from the others, in that they’re panfried and served together rather than individually, like gyoza usually are.

The signature gyoza are filled with minced pork, handmade daily and use less oil in the cooking process. I can’t help but wonder if the “less oil” is because they’re all cooked together at once.

But anyway, while Chao Chao Gyoza specialises in gyoza of all sorts, it does not comprise the entire menu.

If you’re like me and believe that gyoza are side dishes and not mains, then go for the more substantial Wagyu Abura Soba ($16.90) which uses 80% buckwheat soba noodles and Australian 400-day grain-fed Wagyu.

There are plenty more sides available to go with your order of gyoza. Either come with a big group or be prepared to make multiple visits if you’re planning to try everything on the menu.

Chao Chao Gyoza
Address: 103 Irrawaddy Road, #01-05 Royal Square @ Novena, Singapore 329566
Opening Hours: Daily: 11am – 12am
Contact no.: 6352 0200
Website

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

(Header Image Source: Chao Chao Gyoza and Burppler Blanche Tan)

Takagi Ramen Now Offers Delivery For Under $10 A Bowl: But Is Dabao-ed Ramen Any Good?

When you’ve worked for more than a year in Tai Seng, lunch options quickly run out and nothing seems more appealing for lunch than a nap.

But today, the office decided to order in. We were sick of fast food options so we decided to get ourselves some ramen.

Enter Takagi Ramen.

https://www.facebook.com/TakagiRamenShop/videos/10160524102020317/

They’ve recently started offering islandwide delivery for their ramen, which is great news because Tai Seng is a ghost town and the queues at Takagi Ramen outlets are always long.

I managed to find 6 other like-minded colleagues who thought ramen makes for great comfort food on a rainy day.

Send Nood(le)s

Unlike food delivery services, what you find on the menu at Takagi Ramen outlets, is what you’ll find on their delivery menu as well.

And the thing about Takagi Ramen is that it’s really affordable, with their base ramen all below $10. You can check out their full delivery menu here.

We ordered a Miso Ramen, a Mazemen, a Takagi Ramen, 2 Karaka Ramen, and 2 Black Tonkotsu Ramen. The total came up to $63.60 with a delivery fee of $20.

The delivery fee wasn’t explicitly stated on their delivery site, so it was a bit of a shock. They do have free delivery for orders above $100 though.

Good luck trying to scrounge up enough orders to hit $100 with such affordable prices.

Ramen Reviews

Our ramen arrived in neat little tubs that resembled upsized ice cream tubs. Also, Takagi Ramen switched to this current all-paper, 100% biodegradable packaging since last year so, kudos to them.

They may seem small but they’re really not. Here’s a hand for comparison.

If you’re wondering why some orders have a ramen egg, it’s an add-on for $1.50 per egg.

Here’s a closer look at the different ramen.

What you’re looking at is the signature Takagi Ramen ($7.90), which is their most basic and standard ramen.

The tonkotsu broth here is surprisingly light, and not too rich, making it easier to finish. We’ve had broth that’s too rich and by the time we finish the noodles, more than half the soup remains. The noodles were clumped together even when it was placed into the broth.

We had to microwave the tub so the noodles would split. Thankfully, the taste remained the same.

This was by far the crowd favourite out of all the orders.

Verdict: 4/5

Up next is the Miso Ramen ($8.50).

The Miso Ramen didn’t fare as well as the Takagi Ramen. It’s pretty normal, with a light broth. If you prefer lighter broths for your ramen, then you might like this.

But the miso flavour wasn’t very prominent and we would prefer it to be a little stronger.

Verdict: 2.5/5

For the spice lovers, there’s the Karaka Ramen ($8.50).

The Karaka Ramen is great because the spice doesn’t overpower the tonkotsu broth, so you can still the underlying broth.

And it’s not too spicy either, so it’s great for those of you who like to add shichimi (chilli powder) to your ramen.

Verdict: 3/5

Next is the only dry ramen order we had – the Mazemen ($7.90).

The dry ramen is served with sweet corn, roasted nori strips, scallions, and sweet ginger-braised pulled pork.

While it sounds good, the flavours did not really translate properly, and the rest of ramen came across as a little bland. The only real flavour came from the ginger-braised pulled pork, and even that was relatively mild.

If you’re looking for something extremely light on the palate, get this.

Verdict: 2.5/5

Now, for my order, the Black Tonkotsu Ramen ($8.90).

The Black Tonkotsu Ramen comes with slow-roasted black garlic-infused tonkotsu broth and comes with menma (bamboo shoots) and black fungus strips for added crunch.

I like ramen with black garlic oil and it’s my usual order at my go-to ramen restaurants. So I decided to give this one a try.

Right off the bat, the noodles were surprisingly springy even after I microwaved it. The black garlic-infused broth wasn’t too salty, which is good for me I guess, though I personally prefer stronger flavour.

I felt that there wasn’t enough black garlic oil, so an option to ask for more black garlic oil would be good.

The lean chashu was a little tough, which is to be expected since it’s been left out of the broth for quite a while.

It wasn’t as shiok as other Black Tonkotsu ramen I’ve had, but it still does the job. Plus it’s affordable, so that’s a plus point.

Verdict: 3/5

Overall Verdict

Takagi Ramen markets themselves as “Ramen For The Average Singaporean”, and they stay true to that motto.

Their ramen, while it’s nothing to shout about, does its job and is incredibly affordable. Plus, now that they deliver islandwide, getting your hands on a comforting bowl of ramen is much easier than before.

But if you’re going for quality, you might fare better if you visit any of their outlets. After all, ramen was never meant to be a takeaway dish.

Also 8 Hawker Food Haunts That Are Tried, Tasted, And Recommended By True Blue S’poreans

(Header Image Source: DiscoverSG)

If You Love Tori-Q And Satay, You’ll Love This Kushiyaki Bar That Serves Grilled Skewers

‘Kushiyaki’ is a term that many people in Singapore are not familiar with.

Don’t worry, we will explain. Kushiyaki essentially refers to skewered food that is grilled.

Grilling brings out the natural flavours of the food. It caramelises the sugars in vegetables and marinated meat tend to take on a distinctive roast aroma and flavour.

Enter Kimoto Gastro Bar. This hole-in-the-wall restaurant bar located at The [email protected] Bay serves up a wide range of skewered meat and vegetables, tempura, rice bowls, and an extensive menu of saké to go with the food.

This quaint bar may be small but their food is big on flavour.

Stick After Stick Of Deliciousness

Now, this is the fun part. The food!

The Buta Bara (Iberico Pork Belly) is a must-try. The iberico pork belly is brushed with a special sauce before being grilled to caramelised perfection. We promise that this will disappear from the table faster than you can say “Buta Bara”.

New on the menu is this Kimoto original, the Unagi Riceball. Generous amounts of grilled fatty unagi is wrapped in a toasted riceball and is served with their special sauce, bonito flakes and a dollop of tobiko mayo.

This delectable creation is crispy and packed with flavour. We love how umami the unagi is when paired with the special sauce. However, it is quite a hassle to try and get rid of the toasted rice from your teeth afterwards.

It is still a really good riceball though, so do give it a try!

Another Kimoto original, the Crispy Fried Squid is an addictive bar bite that is fried to perfection, yet tender and moist on the inside. This is a hot favourite on the menu so order fast or it might just run out!

The Uzura Tamago (Quail Egg) is a mini ramen egg. The yolks are not fully cooked so it’s still a bit runny and the umami is concentrated. Each bite of the quail egg is akin to setting off an umami bomb.

Grilled and simply seasoned with salt is the Zucchini kushiyaki ($4.50). It looks underwhelming but don’t let that fool you. We never knew zucchini could be this good.

When you finish your food, don’t just leave the skewers lying around. Kimoto provides these cups for you to leave your finished skewers. Handy!

For those of you who are craving something a little more familiar, Kimoto has that covered.

The Tempura Moriawase comes with battered prawns, shitake mushroom, brinjal, sweet potato, carrot, and interestingly, chicken breast!

The chicken breast is tenderised before being coated in tempura batter and fried. The result is a flat, tender piece of chicken breast that just melts in your mouth.

Kimoto also has a rather extensive saké menu, because no decent japanese bar serves food without alcohol. Prices for the saké go from $70 to $1688. Yes, $1688. If you’re not sure about the drink pairing, feel free to ask the friendly staff for recommendations!

All in all, Kimoto Gastro Bar is a great spot to unwind with friends, with great food, great saké and reasonable prices for quality food.

Kimoto Gastro Bar
Address: 6 Marina Boulevard #01-15 The [email protected] Bay Singapore 018987
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm; Sat – Sun: Closed
Contact no.: 6222 7588
Website

Also read 21Moonstone Lets You Revisit Your Youth With Arcade Games, Cheap Booze, And Old School Snacks

(Header Image Source: Kimoto Gastro Bar)

At Just $10 A Bowl, This Wagyu Beef Donburi Will Have You Dashing For It Like A Mad Cow

If you’re a meat lover and your ideal meal is one that’s piled high with meat – and specifically beef – Gyu Nami is a lunch spot we think will quickly become one of your favourites.

Newly opened in Amoy Street Food Centre, Gyu Nami is easy to spot with its minimalist white, black and red signboard, and logo resembling Japan’s famous wave print, “The Great Wave off Kanagawa“.

Priced at an affordable $10, the young foodies behind Gyu Nami wanted to make high quality gourmet-fare available for the masses – and they do not stinge on their ingredients.

A Mountain Of Beef

Order a bowl of their Beef Donburi and you’ll find your bowl piled high with slices of beef so that you can barely see the rice beneath!

Slow roasted to a nice medium rare, the beef is tender and juicy.

A creamy yoghurt sauce is poured over the mountain of beef, with a sous-vide egg to go along. If the thought of eating so much meat puts you off, don’t worry, the bright, tangy yoghurt sauce offsets the meatiness of the dish, while also giving it that extra dimension of flavour.

The next time you’re in Amoy Street Food Centre for lunch, stray from your typical order and try one of Gyu Nami’s beef Donburi bowls! Delicious and great value for money, your first time at Gyu Nami will likely not be your last.

Gyu Nami
Address: Amoy Street Food Centre, 7 Maxwell Road, Singapore 069111 
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11am – 3pm 
Contact no.: 9066 3566
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Also read This Local Instagram Account Is Turning Dabao-ed Hawker Food Into Works Of Art

(Header Image Source: @gyunamisg)