Maji Curry @ Square 2 - Award-winning Japanese Curry Restaurant From Japan Impresses With Their Grandprix Winner Cheese Fondue Hamburg Curry Rice

Award-winning brand Maji Curry opened their very first outlet in Singapore, located within Novena Square 2 mall, alongside their current three outlets in Japan and another two worldwide. Their Japan store has made waves for having won the 2018 Kanda Curry Grand Prix the same year it opened, and now Maji Curry is bringing the very same award-winning dish to our shores.

Cheese Fondue Hamburg Curry 4/5

We tried the Cheese Fondue Hamburg Curry ($18.30), which has propelled the restaurant to fame. It comes with House-special Curry topped with a tender handmade Hamburg Steak and cheese fondue sauce on the side to pour atop the dish. Who knew that cheese and curry could pair so well together? Adding cheese to the dish helps amplify the curry's flavour, giving it a creamier and wholesome finish. Every order also comes with a saucer of the brand's take on fukujinzuke, a Japanese-style pickle, and a heap of crispy deep-fried shallots to sprinkle onto your rice.

Kushikatsu Curry Rice 3.8/5

The Kushikatsu Curry Rice ($16.50) features 5 kinds of deep-fried meat and vegetables on skewers atop Japanese rice doused in a savoury curry sauce. Kushikatsu is a classic delicacy from Japan, and if you love your deep-fried skewers, you'd love this dish. The meats are fried with a slightly thicker breaded exterior to a crunch on the outside while retaining their soft, tender texture within. You can dip the skewers into the curry to enhance its flavour.

Tonkatsu Omelette Curry 3.8/5

The Tonkatsu Omelette Curry ($18.50) comes with a panko-coated pork katsu atop a blanket of velvety omelette over Japanese rice, all in a huge plate of Maji Curry's signature gravy. Though a tad dry, the tonkatsu is tender with a nice crisp exterior. Like the rest of the dishes, the thick curry tasted moderately savoury with a mild sweetness. The spice aroma was strong, with a slight spice kick as well.

The humble restaurant is small and fuss-free. Customers can order from the electronic vending machines outside, take a number plate, find a table, and wait for their food which will be served relatively quick to your table. Sets are also available for the main dishes, which come with a salad and drink.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Maji Curry
10 Sinaran Drive
#02-07
Singapore 307506
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Nearest MRT: Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Ichi Umai @ Junction Nine (Yishun) - Cozy Japanese Eatery That Offers Affordable Chirashi Don And Chestnut Pork Katsu Don

Located within the first level of Junction 9 at Yishun is Ichi Umai, a hole-in-the-wall Japanese eatery that offers affordable traditional and contemporary Japanese dishes. Diners can look forward to various Japanese food ranging from Chirashi Dons to Unagi Fried Rice, Chestnut Pork Katsu Don, and a variety of side dishes to complete the meal.

Sake Hotate Yuzu Carpaccio 4.2/5

We started the meal with the Sake Hotate Yuzu Carpaccio ($12.90), with fresh, thinly sliced salmon and scallops in citrus soy sauce. Truffle paste can be added at an additional top-up of $2. It comes with a pleasant truffle aroma that elevates the whole dish.

Sake Ikura Don 4.2/5

The Sake Ikura Don ($11.90) comes with raw salmon slices with salmon roe on furikake sushi rice. Well-proportioned and well-executed at an affordable price, the salmon slices were fresh. Furikake is added to give an umami taste to the Sake Ikura Don.

Kuri Buta Katsu Kare 4/5

The Kuri Buta Katsu Kare ($14.90) features a deep-fried panko-breaded chestnut pork cutlet, which is extremely crispy on the outside and tender within. The curry sauce packs a mildly spiced and rich flavour and goes perfectly well with the chestnut pork cutlet.

Ebi Tempura 4/5

The Ebi Tempura ($9.90) was simple but well-executed. The fried prawns were perfectly battered to thin crispiness and paired with a light tempura dipping sauce.

Ika Mentai Mayo 4.5/5

One of our favourite dishes and also the restaurant's popular side dish is the Ika Mentai Mayo ($12.90). The grilled squid itself was tender, with a bite to it. It was laced with torched pollock roe mayonnaise and miso mayonnaise, adding so layers of umami flavours to the seafood.

Tanuke Miso Roll 3.5/5

The Tanuke Miso Roll was an item that is not yet on the menu but will be launched sometime soon by the restaurant. It features miso mayo sauce on a fried crab meat sushi roll. However, we felt that the maki roll did not shine through compared to the rest of the dishes we had tonight, as the flavours were not prominent or memorable enough.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ichi Umai
Junction 9
18 Yishun Ave 9
#01-19
Singapore768897
Tel: +65 88871976
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Yishun (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Yishun MRT station. Take Exit C or D. Walk to Yishun MRT station (Stop ID 59009). Take bus number 803, 807 and 860. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Yishun MRT station. Take Exit C or D. Walk to Yishun MRT station (Stop ID 59009). Take bus number 811. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Japan Gourmet Hall SORA @ Changi Airport Terminal 1 - Showcasing Dishes From Fukuoka, Hokkaido and Kanagawa

Japan Gourmet Hall SORA has opened a new outlet at Changi Airport Terminal 1. Now it has 2 outlets at both Changi Airport Terminal 1 and 2. The new outlet at Terminal 1 houses three restaurants - Ikkousha, Yoshimi and Megumi Maru, showcasing Japanese dishes from three prefectures (Fukuoka, Hokkaido and Kanagawa).

Special Tonkotsu Ramen 4.2/5

First stop is Ikkousha from Fukuoka that is known for its Yatai-style ramen. The chain started in March 2004, and now it has 62 outlets in the world. Over at Singapore, one can savour exclusive dishes prepared in Yatai-style such as the Special Tonkotsu Ramen ($18.70), Special Red Chilli Ramen ($20.90) and Special Black Garlic Ramen ($20.90) and more. I tried the Special Tonkotsu Ramen, which comes in a bowl of silky and milky tonkotsu broth, made by simmering pork bones for many hours. It is lighter and less salty compared to many other ramen places. What impressed us is the beautifully boiled char siu that complements the bowl of ramen.

Kaisen Maze Don 4/5

Next stop is Megumi Maru, Singapore's first-ever maze don concept created by Misaki Megumi Suisan. We tried both the Kaisen Maze Don ($18.80) and Aburitoro Maze Don ($35.10). The Kaisen Maze Don is an assorted poke bowl comprising akami, salmon, boiled prawn, unagi, takuan, onsen tamago and sushi rice. The star has to be the uni dressing, a combination of sea urchin and shoyu, that binds all the ingredients together.

Aburitoro Maza Don 4/5

For those that are not into raw food, there is the Aburitoro Maze Don. The otoro is flame seared and perched on a bed of sushi rice. It is accompanied with a variety of healthy vegetables, like ladyfinger and purple cabbage, with an onsen egg capping the line-up.

Maguro Mentai Roll 3.5/5

Good for sharing is their maki rolls. I had their Maguro Mentai Roll ($15.90). I think anything mentaiko works wonder, and this is harmonised by the refreshing cucumber. Other crowd pleasers include salmon cheese roll, caterpillar roll, anago roll and more.

Pork Loin Katsu Set 3/5

The third and last concept at SORA Terminal 1 is katsu curry specialist Yoshimi. The restaurant has over 19 outlets in Japan, and this is the first time opening an outlet outside Japan. We started with the Pork Loin Katsu Set ($23.80) which comes with a bowl of miso soup, rice and cabbage.

Mille-feuille Katsu Set 4/5

Compared to the pork loin katsu set, I would prefer the Mille-feuille Katsu Set ($26.80) which boasts 16 layers of pork. It is more tender than the pork loin. A worthy note is the delicious and fragrant curry that consists of over 15 herbs and spices blend. It complements the pearly Japanese rice excellently.

Omurice Curry 3.8/5

For the Omurice Curry ($16), it has both vegetarian and non-vegetarian version. I personally prefer the non-vegetarian version as the curry is more robust with the beef stock in it. Not to forget the fluffy egg dome that conceals the Japanese rice in it.

Mixed Berry Pancake 4/5

If you have a sweet tooth, Yoshimi is the only concept that offers desserts on their menu at the terminal 1 outlet. The Mixed Berry Pancake ($19.80) is soft and fluffy, with the right balance of sweetness from the whipped cream and acidity from the mixed berry compote. If you have this too heavy, you can also grab a Hokkaido Soft-serve Ice Cream ($6.90) to go.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Japan Gourmet Hall SORA
Changi Airport Terminal 1
80 Airport Boulevard
#03-21
Singapore 819642
Tel: +65 6242 9087
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Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Changi Airport MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to sky train. Take the sky train to Terminal 1. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Gaijin @ KAP Residences Mall - Fuss-Free Japanese Soul Food

Gaijin is a casual two-storey Japanese restaurant in King Albert Park Mall, offering staples such as ramen, udon, and donburi. Where food choices are somewhat limited in the neighbourhood, among the residents and office crowd in the vicinity, Gaijin is quickly becoming a place known for its quality yet affordable Japanese comfort food.

Gaijin Karaage 3.8/5

Gaijin has a secret weapon to ensure that all its fried items are moist and succulent - that is Dr Fry. Thanks to its unique physical water molecule control technology, your fried food will stay succulent and crispy for a longer period of time, even with a reduction in the absorption of oil. The results were evident in my Gaijin Karaage ($8 for 3pc or $12 for 5 pc). These chicken thigh chunks had a light brown skin that was thin and crispy. There was a good portion of the nicely flavoured meat in every bite, rather than a mouthful of greasy fried skin and fats.

Katsu Curry Don 3.5/5

Likewise, for the Katsu Curry Don ($15), the Hokkaido Shiro Buta (snow pork) was moist and juicy with a thin, crispy skin. Given the serving size of the tonkatsu, this is quite value-for-money. However, the curry can be better. It combines the flavour profiles of two Japanese curry styles - one that’s more savoury and one that’s sweet and fruity. Although butter was added to it to bring out the flavours of the spices, I feel it wasn't as robust as I had expected it to be.

Gyudon 3.8/5

Hence, Gyudon ($14) satisfied me much more with its thinly-sliced premium Angus beef, which is chosen for its higher fat percentage. The longer these beef slices sit on your rice, the more the fats will melt into the rice underneath. The combination of the melted fats, the housemade yakiniku sauce and the juice from the sliced welsh onions made the rice really flavourful. Thus, it will take minimal effort to wipe this bowl clean.

Ebi Tempura Udon 3.5/5

The menu also covers staples such as udon and ramen. Ebi Tempura Udon ($13) uses Inaniwa udon which is relatively thinner and smoother, and its extra chewy texture works well in both cold and hot broth. The Ebi Tempura Udon serves the udon in a light dashi-based broth. The broth tasted a tad salty when I had it alone with the udon, but its higher salt content made it just right as a sauce for the accompanying tempura. The tempura set includes two black tiger prawns and assorted vegetables of the day.

Shio Tonkotsu Ramen with Kara Chilli Paste 3.5/5

It is rare to find a casual dining place that serves up decent ramen, and the Shio Tonkotsu Ramen ($12) did well with the addition of its homemade Special “Kara” chilli paste ($1). Despite the layer of homemade black garlic oil and pork fat oil floating on top of the broth, this salt-seasoned tonkotsu broth felt light on the palate after I mixed everything in, including the homemade shrimp-based chilli paste. The chilli paste provides more than just heat to the dish. A dollop of it adds depths of flavours into the broth. You will have the options from level one “mild spiciness” to level three “hot”. I reckon you can just go for level three ''hot''.

Meant to be wallet-friendly, Gaijin offers sake from Saito, Nanbubijin and more from $18 to $35 to complete the dining experience.

Words and photos by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Gaijin
KAP Residences Mall
9 King Albert Park
#01-40
Singapore 598332
Tel:+65 69040400
Facebook
Nearest MRT: King Albert Park (DT Line)

Opening hours:
Mon - Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 9pm
Sat - Sun: 12pm - 9pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at King Albert Park MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at The Sterling (Stop ID 42051). Take any bus alight next stop. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at King Albert Park MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Bukit Timah Road. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Sora Boru @ 313 Somerset - New Japanese Fast-Casual Restaurant Offering One-Bowl Meals

Newly opened at the basement of 313 Somerset is Sora Boru, a new Japanese fast casual restaurant that offers a variety of delectable one-bowl meals. These one-bowl meals come in the form of DonBoru, CurryBoru, ChirashiBoru and Noodles, offering diners a quick, tasty and wholesome meal that is wallet friendly.

Crispy Salmon Skin with Egg Mayo Dip 3/5

Start the meal with some delectable snack bite such as the Crispy Salmon Skin with Egg Mayo Dip ($8.50). Other sides available on the menu includes Salmon Sashimi, Chicken Gyoza and Yasai Corn Tempura with Tartar Sauce.

Volcano Beef Don 4/5

The highlight here has to be their Volcano Beef Don ($7.50/$11.90) and Snow Beef Don ($7.50/$11.90). The rice bowls come with a base of steamed rice and a choice of either stewed cabbage or seasoned beansprouts, followed by a pile of flame-grilled beef slices.

Snow Beef Don 3.8/5

The Volcano Beef Don looks like a active volcano in eruption with lava (red spicy sauce) flowing down on its side. On the whole hand, the Snow Beef Don looks like a snow-capped mountain covered with grated parmesan and a sweet-savoury sauce made from whipping cream. The thinly sliced beefs were tender with hint of smokiness. What I like is the bed of vegetables that helps to cut those richness.

Chirashiboru 3.8/5

The ChirashiBoru ($6.50/$11.90/$16.90) here comes in 3 sizes (mini, regular, large) and diners have a choice of either sushi rice or mixed greens for their base. We went for the greens instead. Next you get to choose the one sashimi for your bowl out of the five (salmon, scallop, tuna, octopus, swordfish). You can have extra sashimi for an additional $3.50 per serving. Then you pick your toppings at $1 per extra serving. A total of eleven different toppings are available such as shrimp, corns, hanjuku egg, chicken ham, sliced tamagoyakia and more. Last but not least, you pick your dressing (shoyu, sesame, spicy) and garnish your bowl with tempura crumbs, spring onion and roasted sesame seeds to complete you DIY bowl.

Cha Soba Soup 4/5

Cha Soba Chilled 4/5

For Cha Soba lover, you will be glad to know that you can have it served either chilled or in a bowl of hot soup. Make it a complete meal with accompaniments such as Ebi Vegetable Tempura ($7.50/$12.90), Chicken Karaage ($6.50/$10.90) or Vegetable Tempura ($6.50/$10.90)

Chicken Katsu 4/5

If you want something more filling, you can go for the CurryBoru which can be paired with a choice of deep-fried meat or seafood, such as Chicken Katsu ($6.50/$10.90), Breaded Ebi ($6.50/$10.90). Those that have a big appetite, there is also two combo options such as Breaded Ebi with Shabu Beef ($12.90) and Breaded Salmon with Shabu Beef ($11.90).

Breaded Ebi with Shabu Beef 4/5

What won me for the CurryBoru is their homemade Japanese curry which is mildly spicy that carries a hint of fruity acidity. It is rich, robust but not cloying.

Overall the food here is pretty good and friendly to the wallet. Hardly one can find a hearty one-bowl meat that is less than $12 along Orchard road.

Note: This is invited tasting.


Sora Boru
313 Somerset
313 Orchard Road
#B3-19/20
Singapore 238895
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Yuzutei @ Interlocal Centre (Pasir Panjang) - Hidden Japanese Restaurant Specialises In Yuzu

Opened without any fanfare at Pasir Panjang is Yuzutei, a yuzu specialty Japanese restaurant that has their menu centric in using yuzu that is specially air flown from Tokushima Perfecture, Japan. Only the highest grade, Kito Yuzu is used here. Its signature is Yuzu Shabu with the rare and premium A5 Hokkaido Snow Beef.

Yuzu Gyoza 2.8/5

I visited the restaurant for lunch so I didn't try the shabu shabu. Instead I ordered rice bowls from their lunch menu. While waiting for the mains to come, I decided to start with some Yuzu Gyoza ($7 for 5pc). The homemade gyoza is stuffed with yuzu filling that has been specially created by the chef. Unfortunately I did not find it memorable.

Tempura Curry 3.5/5

The first rice bowl I tried is the Tempura Curry ($14). It comes with 3 pieces of deep fried seabass, enoki and shitake. Dines have a choice of rice or udon. As you can tell I have gone for the rice bowl.
For the pricing, the rice bowl is quite substantial. The curry is also delicious and packed with robust flavours. My let down is the so called tempura, its nothing like the Japanese type light batter but more like deep fried Chinese food.

Gyu Don 3.5/5 

The other rice bowl I had is the Gyu Don ($16). It comes with stir fried angus beef with onions, poached egg, pickled radish and carrot. Once again, while the beef is quite enjoyable I felt that the execution is too incline to Chinese cooking.

My review is purely based on my lunch visit which I did not try their signature yuzu shabu. Hidden right inside Pasir Panjong Road away from the main road, this maybe a great place to escape the buzz of the city to have a quiet lunch/dinner. While the rice bowls have rooms for improvement, it is still pretty decent.


Yuzutei
Interlocal Centre
100G Pasir Panjang Road
#01-01
Singapore 118523
Tel: +65 96894092
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Pasir Panjang (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 4pm - 10pm
Sat: 1230pm - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Pasir Panjang MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk down West Coast Highway along the traffic. Turn left onto Pasir Panjang Road. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Mustard Seed Pop Up @ Potong Pasir - Kaiseki Style Private Dining That Is Worthy For The Long Waiting List

Lately I have been checking out a number of private dining places such as Lucky House and Fat Fuku with my foodie friends. We are lucky to score a table at Mustard Seed Pop Up in August because a group cancelled their booking. Currently Mustard Seed is already booked out for the year. The private kitchen is helmed by Chef Ming Kiat who has worked and learned his craft at Goto and Candlenut. He left Singapore to work as a chef at the Singapore High Commission in Australia before returning home to start Mustard Seed.

Watercress Chawanmushi 4.2/5

We were given a glimpse of Chef Ming Kiat's culinary philosophy starting from the first dish, using local ingredients to create Japanese Kaiseki style dishes. Instead of dashi, he cleverly uses watercress broth to make the smooth and silky Watercress Chawanmushi. In it, there are also mushroom, tender chicken cubes and junsai (a kind of perennial water plant that grows in shallow ponds and swamps).

Fried Frog Legs Hakka Style 4.8/5

The aroma of the Fried Frog Legs already makes me drool even before they are served. The lightly  battered frog legs are inspired from the local Har Cheong Gai. The fermented shrimp paste works beautifully with the tender frog leg meat. Squeeze a bit of the calamansi to liven the whole flavour.

Milk Bun 4.5/5

Grouper in White Curry 4.2/5

Next we have Grouper in Japanese White Curry with Milk Bun. The highlight is the soft and fluffy milk bun. It is so good that we asked for more. Unfortunately there was no extra. I was hoping for more bread to wipe up the delicious white curry.

Yong Tau Foo, Oden 4.8/5

Another favourite dish of mine is the Japanese twist of Oden, Yong Tau Foo style. The broth is made from boiling ikan bilis and yellow bean. In the bowl of light and refreshing soup, you can find radish, homemade ngoh hiang, eggplant with cuttlefish paste and tofu.

Pork Belly with Local Condiments 4.5/5

After the bowl of comforting oden, we are served Pork Belly with Local Condiments. The local condiments are homemade cincalok, achar and sambal chilli ikan bilis. This is to pair with the braised pork belly and have it together with the vegetable, like a wrap.

Duck Meatball Curry

Wrapping up our savoury dishes is the Duck Meatball Curry. The duck meatball is made from a mix of breast and thigh meat. Water chestnut is also added for the additional crunch. The tasty red curry which is mildly spiced, complements the duck meatball excellently, as well as the Koshihikon Rice.

Guava, Cucumber and Yuzu Sorbet 4.5/5

Before moving to dessert, we had the refreshing Guava, Cucumber and Yuzu Sorbet for palate cleanser.

Pulut Hitam with Sake Lees Ice Cream 4/5

Even for our dessert, Pulut Hitam with Sake Lees Ice Cream incorporates both local and Japanese influences. The sake lees ice cream is a fermented curd from the remnants of sake making. The sweetness of the sake lees ice cream replaces the vanilla ice cream or coconut milk that is usually used in the traditional dessert.

I understand Mustard Seed is fully booked until end of the year already. Do check out his website if you are planning to make a booking. Good luck in making a reservation.


Mustard Seed Pop Up
Blk 121 Potong Pasir Ave 1
Singapore 350121
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Potong Pasir (NE Line)