Tag: japanese food

Meat Lovers, Renga-Ya’s Hokkaido and Kagoshima Beef Are All You Need!

Meat lovers, listen up! Think you’ve tried the best Japanese beef Singapore has got to offer? Renga-Ya is here to top your must-try Wagyu list.

Rejoice, because Renga-Ya Japanese BBQ & Steak Restaurant has officially opened its doors at Chijmes. And they’ll be dishing the best of beef from the prefectures of Hokkaido and Kagoshima.

Oakleaf Hokkaido Prime Beef

All Oakleaf prime beef served in Renga-Ya is carefully sourced from Hokkaido.

The cows there are breed naturally without the use of antibiotics and genetically modified feed. Instead, herbs are mixed to the feed, so the meat has a natural refreshing flavour.

Kuroge A5 Grade Wagyu

Kagoshima may be well known for its active volcano but their Kuroge (Black Hair) beef is definitely a MUST TRY among meat lovers.

[caption id="attachment_18137" align="alignnone" width="852"] Kagoshima Platter[/caption]

What makes it really special is the well-balanced fat marbling and full-bodied flavour of the meat.

Beef Two Ways

Renga-Ya is as much a Yakiniku restaurant as a steak house.

As they import whole cows from Hokkaido and Kagoshima, diners can look forward to a wide-range of cuts in Japanese BBQ or flamed-grilled style.

[caption id="attachment_18134" align="alignnone" width="837"] Renga Ya Platter[/caption]

We highly recommend the Renga- Ya BBQ Platter (300g at $89.00 and 500g at $139.00) if you’d like to savour the best of both worlds (50:50 of Oakleaf and Wagyu).

[caption id="attachment_18140" align="alignnone" width="923"] Renga Ya Zen Set[/caption]

The Karubi (short rib) and Jou Rosu (chuck roll) are hands down our favourite.

Cut to precise thickness, it’s so tender that it melts in your mouth!

[caption id="attachment_18144" align="alignnone" width="960"] Hokkaido Steak Image source Renga-Ya[/caption]

Steak lovers, you can try the juicy Hokkaido or Kagoshima striploin (200g at $89.00), ribeye (200g at $59.00) or tenderloin (200g at $69.00), complemented with a choice of in-house steak sauce, ponzu radish sauce or peppercorn sauce.

Side Dishes That Are To Die For!

Main star aside, Renga-Ya also specialises in other dishes such as the Hokkaido Beef Tataki with Japanese Onions and Beef Carpaccio, which is eaten raw.

[caption id="attachment_18138" align="alignnone" width="749"] Beef Tataki[/caption]

The Oyster dish is a must try if you’d like to heighten your dining experience.

[caption id="attachment_18141" align="alignnone" width="781"] Oysters[/caption]

Featuring succulent oysters imported from Hiroshima and seasonal vegetables from Hokkaido, this dish will make you feel less guilty from the overload of meat.

[caption id="attachment_18142" align="alignnone" width="904"] Ika Yuzu Jelly Watercress Salad[/caption]

While you’re at it, don’t forget to order the super refreshing Ika Yuzu Jelly Watercress Salad. The acidity of the Yuzu jelly goes extremely well with the watercress, it’s like summer in your mouth.

Our ambassador, Valerie, visited Renga-ya. Here’s what she had to say:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMT3DrrA3mq/?taken-by=cheeriosvalerie

Are you drooling already? Time to recruit your Meat Squad and declare it Protein Day! And don’t forget to make a reservation in advance!

Renga-Ya Japanese BBQ & Steak
Address: 30 Victoria Street #01-11/12 Chijmes, S187996
Contact number: +65 6352 1966
Operating Hours:
Lunch (Daily 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm)
Dinner (Mon- Sat 6:00pm – 11:00pm), (Sun 5:00pm- 10:00pm)
Website: Renga-Ya sg
Instgram: @rengayasg

All photos are by Japan PR Agency

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Kyoaji Dining: Affordable & Exquisite Japanese Food With A Surprising Twist!

If any of you were disappointed by the closure of Fukuichi Dining at TripleOne Somserset, you’ll be relieved to know that Kyoaji Dining is helmed by the same team.

Executive Chef John Phua, with over 30 years of experience in Japanese cuisine, continues to wow our taste buds with a thoughtfully conceived menu featuring familiar and well-loved dishes!

The rebranded name “Kyoaji” literally translates to “A taste of Kyoto”. Situated on the 4^th level of the newly revamped wing of Centrepoint, Kyoaji Dining promises to serve authentic Japanese fare at reasonable prices. Read on for our experience!

1) Kani Tofu

A unique spin on the traditional chawanmushi, the Kani Tofu (tamago with tofu) is topped with a decadent layer of century egg puree with juicy crab meat!

The cold handmade tofu is incredibly silky while the liberally sprinkled Tobikko packs a subtle crunch with each bite.

Crab Meat Bean Curd ($6)

2) Shio Maguro Aburi Maki

Tired of the usual salmon aburi maki dominating the menu in almost every Japanese restaurant?

We have here a beautifully presented seared white tuna roll topped with Tobikko and green caviar.

We would aburi everything if we had it our way! Nice and smoky, each thick slice of tuna, wrapped around a california roll base, was fully savoured.

Seared White Tuna Roll ($22)

3) Caterpillar Maki

If you thought that Japanese food automatically translates into Insta-worthy captures, the Caterpillar Maki is a great example.

The avocado slices give the illusion of a caterpillar coming to life – it even has eyes (made of Tako) to boot!

On a low carb diet? This maki is made without rice.

Pop each little segment of the caterpillar body in your mouth and be overwhelmed from the freshness of each light bite.

Avocado roll ($20)

4) Ebi Almond Tempura 

If you’re a fan of almonds, this dish might just hit the spot! Here’s an ebi tempura with extra crunch and flavour.

Each tempura is generously coated with sliced almonds and deep-fried to perfection. We liked how the nutty profile complemented the sweeetness of the prawns. The batter coating was not too thick too!

Deep Fried Prawns with Almonds ($15)

5) Fukiyose Beinsu

This is one of Chef’s Phua’s signature creations.

A whole eggplant is sliced and stuffed to the brim with a seafood lover’s dream.

The fresh scallop and prawns are coated with a thick, savoury base braised with Japanese soya sauce, mirin and sake. Expect to pick up light notes of yuzu as well. This is one said to be one of their top signature dishes. A must-try!

Egg Plant with Seafood ($25)

6) Fagura Chawan Mushi

Kyoaji Dining sure knows how to get their chawanmushi right- They have an entire menu page dedicated to this particular dish.

This silky steamed egg custard is layered with foie gras liver sauce and cubes (an elevated version of the common chawanmushi) stole the show. The liver sauce tasted almost caramalized and gave the chawanmushi a lot more depth in flavour. The foie gras cubes were oh so sinful, but extremely satisfying.

Goose Liver Steamed Egg ($25)

If you were a fan of Fukuichi Dining, expect to find your favourite Japanese dishes resurrected at Kyoaji Dining. Have a look at their set lunches, they are affordably priced as well!

To celebrate the opening of their new restaurant, you can enjoy 15% of your total bill, valid till 30^th November so head on down soon! We know, good news and great food have to be shared.

This was an invited food tasting session.

Kyoaji Dining
Address: 176 Orchard Road #04-17/18 The Centrepoint
Opening hours:
For lunch, Monday – Friday: 11.30 am-3pm (last order at 2.30pm)
For dinner, 5.30pm – 10.30pm (last order at 10pm)
Sat, Sun & PH: 11.30am – 10.30pm (last order at 10pm)
Website: Facebook, Instagram

Also, read New Hangout Spot, Chip Bee Gardens, Is Where All The Cool Things Are

Tsuta: Japan’s Super Famous & First Michelin-starred Ramen Stall Opens Next Month!

Foodies and ramen enthusiasts rejoice! The world’s first ever Michelin-starred ramen shop, Tsuta, opens in Singapore next month!

If you are on the hunt for world class cuisine that promises to challenge your palate without breaking the bank, this is it.

Where and When?

Tsuta Singapore will be located at 9 Scotts Road, Pacific Plaza.

The bad news? The restaurant will only open their doors sometime in October.

Unless you are already in Japan, at which we suggest you to head over ASAP, we can only look at pictures…

Meanwhile, here’s something you can salivate at.

As much as we want a steaming hot bowl of Tsuta’s ramen to devour this instant, maybe the phrase ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’ can apply to our stomachs as well?

Tsuta in Japan

This is the first overseas venture for Tsuta. The original shop is located in Sugamo, a neighbourhood in Toshima, Tokyo.

In Japan, Tsuta is a 9-seater joint that serves roughly 150 bowls of ramen a day. In addition, it is one of the most affordable Michelin-Starred establishments you can visit.

As a result, it is not surprising for queues to start forming outside the small shop in Japan as early as 6 in the morning.

The catch? The shop only opens at 11am for business.

Tsuta Singapore

Tsuta Singapore will offer 3 different soup bases. They are the renowned shoyu soba, infused with their signature black truffle oil, shio soba, and miso.

[caption id="attachment_15060" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] credit: In keeping with tradition, the Singapore branch will be a small 18-seater joint.

Tsuta Singapore
Address: #01-01 Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Road, 228210 Singapore
Opening Hours: To be confirmed
Official Website: Header image source : Also, read Mai Tu Liao! Up Your Cafe Game And Visit Sin Lee Foods For Some Sinfully Good Food!

Wisma Atria Brings Japan To S’pore – Tsukiji Sushi To Wagyu Beef!

It’s not cheap to fly all the way to Japan for a food adventure. Don’t even get us started on the language barrier! But guess what? Japan Food Town will officially open its doors at Wisma Atria, Orchard on the 16th of July 2016! It’s about curating and bringing the best of Japanese food to our sunny shores!

We Singaporeans loveeeeee Japanese food. From takeaway sushi rolls, cook-it-yourself curry rice or the ‘I saved for moths for this piece of Kobe beef’, there’s always an occasion for Japanese food.

Image source: Japan Food Town

But how about authentic Japanese food? How many of us actually had proper artisanal sushi (not machine pressed rice with corn and mayonnaise)?

What is Japan Food Town?

Known for their deep fried pork cutlet (specifically Japanese black-haired pork, also known as kurobuta) served with homemade sauce, you sure can count on Anzu for your Katsu cravings. Everything is prepared from fresh Kyushu produce. They even grow the vegetables themselves!

2. Onigiri @ Bonta Bonta

Do not underestimate the Rice Balls (onigiri) at Bonta Bonta. Every grain of rice is carefully selected by a ‘Rice Sommelier’ and processed to the highest standards to qualify as Kinmemai – low-calorie brown rice with high nutritional value. Certainly a humble dish prepared with lots of effort and love.

3. Sake @ Dassai Bar

Hokkaido’s unique geographical location means access to the best flavours of both worlds – the sea and the land. You’ve heard people rave about their seafood (Hokkaido crab!!) and soba from the Tanjong Pagar branch. How about trying it for yourself at Japan Food Town?

5. Handmade Udon @ Inaniwa Yosuke

Ramen Ramen Ramen! Need we say more?? We’d love to let the broth do the talking but what makes Machida Shoten really special is their “Iekei” concept, which translates to noodles that are cooked to the diner’s specified softness or hardness. Personalised Ramen, bring it on!

7. 2 Michelin Star Hotpot @ Nabe Seizan

Feeling under the weather? Maybe a 2 Michelin Star hotpot (nabe) will pick you up. Helmed by Tokyo-born chef, Haruhiko Yamamoto, Seizan strives to bring out the true flavours of each ingredient rather than rely on sauces. Be blown away by this nabe.

8. Premium Teppanyaki & Wagyu @ Osaka Kitchen

Ever wonder what a ‘premium Teppanyaki’ experience is like? Just head to Osaka Kitchen for the finest wagyu on hot stove. While you’re at it, order Okonomiyaki (savoury pancake) and Yakisoba (fried noodle) for a true blue Kansai dining experience.

9. Fried Chicken @ Rang Mang Shokudo

This isn’t just ANY fried chicken. Tokyo’s Rang Mang Shokudo’s fried chicken is marinated in buttermilk for 6 hours. It is then double fried in low heat to bring out the umami, that desirable Japanese flavour. Pair it with their signature frozen lemon cocktail…that’s definitely finger licking good!

10. Mackerel @ Sabar

Started in 1997, this eatery operated on a simple motto – “good quality food with reasonable price”. Try their beef and vegetable buffet Shabu Shabu or Sukiyaki and you’ll understand the true definition of amazing quality food and reasonable price.

12. Sushi Takewaka from Tsukiji Market

At Yakiniku Heijyoen, their beef is treated like fine wine – only top quality black haired wagyu beef from Japan is used. Before the beef even sees the kitchen, it is first aged for tenderness to bring out a deeper concentration of beef taste. Beef lovers, this is a treat you don’t wanna miss.

15. Yomoda Soba

“Yomoda” means many things – carefree, fun, easy going, but most of all, it’s a word used for friends to see things on the lighter side of life. Boasting freshly made soba served with “Yomoda” hospitality at a surprisingly affordable price, this is the kind of place you’d want to visit with your family and friends.

With such a wide range of authentic Japanese food to choose from, which eatery would you like to try out first? You can bet that we’ll be heading down with friends & family. Let’s pen this new food town in our food bucket list!

Japan Food Town
Official opening date: 16 July 2016
Location: 4th Floor, Wisma Atria Shopping Centre, 435 Orchard Rd, 238877
Operating Hours: 11am-11pm daily
Website: Japan Food Town

Header image source: Pexels

For more Japanese food in Singapore, click here.
Also, read A Rundown Of What’s Cooking At Food Opera – 8 Stalls You Must Check Out!

A Teppanyaki Dinner That Hits All The Right Spots – Teppan Bar Q

Part of a chain of restaurants by the Ishida Kikaku Group, originating from Hakata city in Kyushu, Japan, Teppan Bar Q is the group’s second restaurant in Singapore. This newly opened restaurant is set in the hip and stylish Robertson Quay area.

The founder, Mr Kyota Ishida, also known as Mr K, promotes the taste of Hakata in all his dining ventures. Mr K has been in the industry since he was sixteen when he started working in a French restaurant. His passion for bringing a sense of excitement and discovery to customers through food has led him to open various restaurants around Japan, and now, Singapore.

Teppan Bar Q

Teppan Bar Q is a contemporary teppanyaki restaurant that offers Spanish Tapas with a creative twist. This cosy and inviting diner seats 21 pax around the counter. Indoor and outdoor seatings are available for drinks and light bites. You can also pair a wide selection of wine from Spain to Japan, private-label sakes, fruit liqueurs, cocktail, and beers,  with its dishes.

Roasted Hakata Mentai

One of Hakata region’s speciality is their Roasted Hakata Mentai ($12.90) – marinated roe of Pollock and Cod, specially flown in from Hakata. The roe is sliced into small nuggets, gently roasted on its grill, and topped with capsicum, chilli flakes.

We found this dish a little too savoury for our taste buds. However, it paired well with sake for a full bodied flavour.

Octopus Galician Style

This is an interesting combination – octopus on potatoes ($13.90). The octopus is well-cooked and seasoned to perfection. Topped with paprika powder, olive oil and spring onions on a bed of soft potatoes, this dish tantalised the taste buds. The dish was delightful – tangy, slightly peppery, and just the right amount of savoury.

Foie Gras with Daikon

The Foie Gras with Daikon ($26.80) is our favourite dish and totally stole the limelight. This dish is chef Kyota’s signature Mediterranean-inspired dish. After grilling to perfection, the foie gras is set to rest for 2 minutes. This makes it more juicy and tender.

The smooth and rich foie gras melted in my mouth. The daikon (white radish), soaked in dashi broth, was heavenly. It oozed with unami and dashi and left me wanting more. This is a truly unforgettable dish.

Tonpei Yaki with Rice Cake & Cheese

One of Teppan Bar Q’s must-haves is definitely their Tonpei Yaki with Rice Cake and Cheese ($25.90). The Tonpei Yaki is a thin batter layered with finely chopped cabbage with slivers of pork, egg, and white sauce. The white sauce is a secret mixture of mountain yam paste and mayonnaise. The restaurant’s mayonnaise is homemade with plum-infused soymilk – a healthier choice. Also, good quality eggs from Okinawa are used for this dish. What’s also special is that this dish is served on special earthenware plates. These plates have an infrared effect that draws out the taste of the ingredients evenly. Definitely a must-try dish!

US Ribeye Angus Steak

The US Angus Ribeye Steak ($58.90 for 200g) was cooked to perfection. It was not tough at all and was juicy and tender. Choose from three accompanying sauces – sesame sauce, soy sauce with wasabi, and garlic ginger onion sauce. Out of all the sauces, we felt that the sesame sauce added a punch to the flavour of the beef. If you want to enjoy the natural flavour of the beef, simply opt for the soy sauce with wasabi.

Garlic Fried Rice

A good garlic fried rice consists of loads of garlic fried to a delectable aroma with eggs and rice. This garlic fried rice ($12.90) totally nailed it! On top of all these goodness, the chef added in a fatty portion of the steak from our previous dish which gave our fried rice a surprise burst of flavour for each bite.

Vanilla Ice Cream Kinako

To wrap up your dinner, try their Vanilla Ice Cream Kinako ($6.90). The ice cream is made from kinako – roasted soybean paste which is a healthy option for diners. A brown sugar syrup at the bottom provides a sweet finish to the dessert.

All in all, we love how quaint and cosy this little restaurant bar is. If you’re looking to unwind with friends or would like to have a family gathering in an intimate casual setting, we definitely recommend visiting Teppan Bar Q!

Do note that the servings seen in the pictures are in mini portions as this was an invited food tasting. Besides the ala carte dishes, Teppan Bar Q also offers a set course menu from $60.

In Singapore, Teppanyaki is either found at food courts or at the high-end restaurants. Teppan Bar Q fills the mid-range gap. To find this restaurant, walk along Muhammad Sultan Road instead of Unity Street.

This was an invited food tasting session.

(All photos are taken by the writer)

Teppan Bar Q
11 Unity Street, #01-21/22 Robertson Walk, Singapore 237995
Tel: 65 6235 0629
Opening Hours: Daily, 6pm – 12am

Also, read Decadent Yet Light Cakes You’ll Love – Waku Ghin @ Marina Bay Sands

Choo Choo! JR East To Open Very First Overseas Japan Rail Cafe In SG

Train enthusiasts, cafe hopper, or lover of all things Japanese, we have great news for you! East Japan Railway Company (JR EAST) has just announced that they will be opening their very first out-of-Japan, tourism-themed cafe this November. And the best part of all, this ‘train’ will be arriving in Singapore!

Get your Japan rail passes at the cafe

Set to open their doors on the ground floor of Tanjong Pagar Centre, the Japan Rail Cafe will be a one-stop Japanese-experience for fans of the country. Besides dishing out yummy gourmet food and displaying kawaii items, prospective Japan tourists can also find information about lesser known regions of Japan and even purchase their Japan rail passes here. Now that sure is convenient!

Monthly menu and display updates

If you think this is just another ‘one visit and you’re done’ themed cafe, you’re missing out the fun here. The kawaii display items imported from Japan will be changed EVERY MONTH. The menu, which adopts the latest recipes developed by JR EAST’s F&B outlets in Tokyo, will also be updated on a monthly basis.

Workshops, pop-up booths, and seminars

On top of that, Japan Rail Cafe will also be hosting monthly workshops, and pop-up booths selling items from shopping malls inside JR EAST’s train stations. If you’re too broke to make a trip to the land of rising sun, you can experience Japanese culture at the seminars and get your Japanese (gift or souvenirs) here!

Get advice for your Japan itinerary

Planning the itinerary of an overseas trip can be a bit of a pain but we have a feeling that this cafe will be the perfect place to work on your Japan trip’s rundown. What’s better than having a local help you with your travel plans? At the Japan Rail Cafe, there will be Japanese service staff (fluent in English) who will introduce their home country to you.

2016 marks the 50th anniversary of Singapore-Japan Diplomatic Relations and having a cultural exchange in a casual setting sure is a great way to celebrate the relationship. #relationshipgoals

Japan Rail Cafe
Address: 5 Wallich Street, #01-20/21, Tanjong Pagar Centre, Singapore
Estimated opening date: November 2016

(Header image source: Wikimedia, words by writer)

Also read: Popular Nightspots – Unwind To Recommended Izakayas in Singapore

Chill Like The Japanese! 6 Izakayas To Wind Down Your Work Week

Looking to unwind over a large variety of sakes or whiskies while indulging in some tapas, yakitori or some good Japanese food? With Izakayas growing in popularity as a spot for after-work drinks and chill out, we have hunted down the best bars and restaurants for your top-notch sake, cocktails and Japanese-inspired bar bites.

Pop by our list of recommended hidden izakayas in Singapore, we’re sure you’ll enjoy the relaxing, chill-out vibes while you hit the bottles.

1. Hokkaido Izakaya

This recently opened bar by the famed Ippudo ramen brand specialises in over 80 Japanese sake labels. These sake labels are from more than 20 sake breweries from Japan. With such a large variety, Bar Ippudo caters to both retail and dine-in customers. With tons of Japanese bar bites to everyone’s favourite Hakata-style ramen, you’ll always have something to pair with your sakes.

This minimalist 12-seater bar is the place to go if you’re looking for a cosy yet intimate sake dining experience.

9 Bras Basah Road, RendezVous Hotel Gallery, #02-02A, Singapore 189559
Contact: 65 6235 2547
Opening Hours: Sun-Thu 11.30am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11.30am-11pm

Tucked at a backstreet off Rangoon Road beside its sister concept restaurant Sushi Jin, lies the new retro-chic JINzakaya. JINzakaya is a small quaint restaurant refurnished as an old Tokyo train station with Japanese commercials playing in the background. The restaurant displays retro posters on dark walls and uses rustic wooden furniture. Choose to dine at the main dining area or simply sit at the counter seat to watch chefs prepare your food.

JINzakaya offers a wide range of yakimono (grilled items), bar bites, and noodles in its cosy small restaurant. For drinks to go along, try their Shichi Hon Yari Junmai Ginjo Tamasakae for a refreshing and slightly tangy taste. If you appreciate a good Japanese meal with a dose of sake, this intimate restaurant is highly recommend! Do book before coming as space at JINzakaya is limited.

1 Farrer Park Station Road, #01-08/10 Owen Link, Singapore 217562
Contact: 65 62443 1173
Opening Hours: Daily 12pm-3pm; 7pm-11pm

Located at the hip enclave of Keong Saik Road lies Neon Pigeon. Serving up Japanese small plates to go along with its lists of craft sakes and other liqueurs, this restaurant is fit for both after-work drinks and intimate dates. The restaurant has a lively atmosphere. Its interior has a funky vibe as its decor is a mix of industrial concrete and wood. Huge graffiti murals adorn the walls.

Their artistic cocktails are to die for. Try their house signature “Throw a Kyuri-ken” which is a refreshing mix of vodka tossed with cucumber. If you prefer sticking to sake, the bar’s special in-house junmai daiginjo sake features a lighter taste that pairs well with food. With a huge crowd flocking to this well-loved restaurant, do make a reservation to secure the best seats! What’s more, what we love about Neon Pigeon is their no-service-charge policy!

1 Keong Saik Rd, Singapore 089109
Contact: 65 6222 3623
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 6pm-12am, Closed on Sun

Looking for a no-frills, relaxing place to enjoy good Japanese dishes with perfectly matched Japanese beers, whiskies, sakes and shochus? This hidden gem at Punggol settlement has it all! At Izakaya 95, wind down to a relaxing seafront view and enjoy bar food and traditional charcoal grill dishes paired with premium beers and a wide selection of alcohol. Try their Hakurakusei Tokubetsu Junmai Sake for a smooth, clean and crisp light body with unami.

Though this location is quite inaccessible, it is certainly well-worth the trip! Do note that driving to Izakaya 95 would be the best way to get there.

Izakaya 95
Address: 3 Punggol Point Road, #02-05 The Punggol Settlement
Contact: 65 6384 1132
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-12am, Fri/PH eve 5pm-1am, Sat 1.30pm-1am, Sun/PH 12.30am-12am

There’s so much more to look forward to after a hard day of work. Call your friends, book a reservation at one of these spots and unwind to great food and drinks!

(Header Image by JINzakaya Facebook Page, edited by writer)

Also read: Wind Down Your Week – 6 Whisky Bars All Whisky Lovers Must Visit

Kyushu Pancake – Japan’s Famous Guilt-Free Pancake Is Here In SG

Founded by Koji Muraoka, Kyushu Pancake Café has been Japan’s most famous pancake dessert store since its first opening in 2012. After the initial opening, Kyushu Pancake Café gained so much popularity that it proceeded to open another 8 outlets in Japan and 2 more in Taiwan.

Now, this popular pancake café is going to take Singapore by storm and has launched its first outlet here on 11 May 2016. The pancake fever hit our shores so hard, the store had to start taking reservations 3 months before its opening date!

What makes these mouth-watering pancakes so special? Well the pancakes are made out of the finest Kyushu wheat and grains, which are carefully examined and mixed.

The ingredients that make up the delicious pancakes are a mix of 7 different grains from all over Japan. These grains include fertilizer free wheat, brown rice, millet, pressed barley, non-glutinous rice, purple glutinous rice and red glutenous rice.  Other ingredients such as barley, raw sugar brown sugar are 100% organic and free of additives. This ensures that the pancakes are of premium quality.

The flour mix also brings out a special buttermilk taste that one cannot find at other pancake stores. This is because Kyushu Pancake uses quality buttermilk powder in their mix of ingredients. Mr Muraoka spent 18 months searching for the perfect mixture of grains to make his pancakes with, all of which, are free of artificial additives and processed starch.

This makes Kyushu Pancake fresher and healthier than other pancake brands. Most pancakes on the menu are served with delicious sweet treats such as ice-cream, or savoury sides such as bacon and eggs.

Another reason why the pancakes are so hard to resist is because these pancakes are made in-house. Yep, you heard that right, everything is made in-house. This ensures that the pancakes that you see on your plate are fresh and not pre-made frozen ones. Other toppings such as whipped cream and jams are also whipped up on the spot. Talk about dedication!

The outlet here in sunny Singapore is located along Thomson road, and is just a 3 minute walk away from Novena MRT station. The Japanese-like 42 seater café is filled with dainty decorations and cosy seats.

Order their Signature Buttermilk Classic and be greeted by the pretty pancakes served with homemade white wine honey and fruit syrup. For a sweeter treat, try the Berry-Licious pancake which is a plate-ful of pancakes served with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream, all kinds of berries on the side, and drizzled with delicious jam.

For something more savoury, try the American Big Breakfast, with bacon, hot dogs and eggs with your pancakes, your tummy is sure to be satisfied. Each meal costs about $20-$25 with drinks.

Their pancake mixes are also available for sale. Now you can enjoy freshly-made pancakes at home or in store without feeling guilty!

Kyushu Pancake Cafe
Address: 275 Thompson Road, #01-08 Novena Regency, Singapore 307645
Tel: +65 6352 6265
Opening Hours: 11am-9pm daily

Also read: 6 Oozing Lava Desserts You’ll Definitely Have A Soft Spot For!

Japanese Carnival This Weekend – Food, Games, And More!

If you love Japanese culture like we do, mark your calendar! Super Japan Matsuri will be held from 20 to 22 May 2016 at the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay from 5pm to 10pm daily.

Food

Like every other Matsuri (festival), you can look forward to a weekend of traditional Japanese festival food such as Takoyaki (octopus balls), Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes), soft serve ice cream, and of course, Japanese beer.

Games

Those who want to try your hand at Japanese games, you might want to start practising your Yo-yo tsuri (water balloon fishing), Senbonbiki (lucky strings game), Katanuki (candy moulding), Shateki (shoot prizes down), and many more.

Senbonbiki is a game where treats or prizes are attached to long strings. The game player will pull on a string, not knowing which treat is attached to it. Apparently, this is usually a ‘sure-win’ game.

Dress up

On top of that, if you dress to match their nightly theme (see image below), you’ll receive one free game coupon to be used at the festival.

This sure sounds like a great opportunity to dress up, cosplay, or put on a yukata (summer kimono)!

Details

Super Japan Matsuri
Date: 20 – 22 May 2016 (Fri – Sun)
Time: 5pm – 10pm (Fri), 3pm – 10pm (Sat & Sun)
Address: Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
Entry fee: Free admission, coupons required for games
Event page: Super Japan Matsuri

A Matsuri is all about having fun with friends and family. Call your friends, bring your family, get dressed for the theme, and play some games! Fun and laughter guaranteed.

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(Header image credit: antoniotajuelo.com, words by editor)

Also read: 5 Free Events & Shows All Lovers Of Japanese Culture Must Attend!

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