Thursday, April 2, 2026

Sushi Nakamura @ Onze (Tanjong Pagar) - Japanese Omakase Restaurant Focusing On Premium Sushi And Seasonal Ingredients

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Sushi Nakamura at Onze @ Tanjong Pagar is an intimate sushi spot offering Nigiri course, omakase, and a curated à la carte menu. Our omakase experience was crafted using seasonal ingredients.

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Abalone 4.5/5

To start, we had abalone with abalone liver sauce. The sauce, mellowed with butter, was rich with deep, oceanic umami that beautifully enhanced the abalone's natural sweetness.

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Gurnard Fish 3.5/5

This was followed by a cold dish comprising Gurnard Fish with Dashi Vinegar Jelly, Ice Plant, and tomato. The dish delivered a refreshing fruity acidity that awakened the palate.

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Sardine 3/5

Next came Sardine rolled with pickled ginger and shiso leaf, carrying a similarly briny yet tart and earthy profile.

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Spanish Mackerel Shabu Shabu 4/5

A comforting turn came with Spanish Mackerel Shabu Shabu, served in a light, delicate broth that gently showcased the fish's natural flavours.

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Tairagai 4/5

Then came a moreish grilled Tairagai, notable for its firm yet tender bite, with an intense umami richness elevated by grilled nori.

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Seaweed Soup with Bamboo Shoots & Firefly Squid 4/5

Before the mains, we were served a Seaweed Soup with Japanese Bamboo Shoots and Firefly Squid. The gentle, light broth allowed the natural flavours of the springtime ingredients to shine, highlighting the sweet corn-like flavours of the crunchy bamboo shoots and the rich, briny depth of the squid.

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Trio-style Seafood Donburi 4/5

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Warm Seafood Noodles 3/5

We were served sampling portions of two signature dishes from their main menu: Trio-style Seafood Donburi and Warm Seafood Noodles. The donburi stood out with its satisfying textures and deeply flavourful rice. The noodles were comforting, though the broth leaned slightly too salty towards the end.

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Nigiri 3/5

The final savoury course featured five types of Nigiri. The Ika impressed with its creamy, almost buttery texture, while the Unagi provided a bold, smoky finish to the meal.

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Dessert 3/5

Dessert was a delightful combination of strawberry and kantan made with white bean paste and white chocolate. Overall, it was light, balanced, and a pleasant end to the experience.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Sushi Nakamura
Onze
11 Kee Seng Street
#01-12
Singapore 089218
Tel: +65 89087964
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 6pm – 11pm Tue-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road at Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tanjong Pagar Road. Walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn right onto Kee Seng Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

SABOR Cocina Y Tapas @ CHIJMES - A New Lively & Stylish Spanish Dining with Room for Refinement

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Located within the charming grounds of CHIJMES, SABòR Cocina Y Tapas is a bold new addition to the dining scene, officially opening on 1 April 2026. Taking over the former space of Privé, this 100-seater Spanish concept is helmed by the team behind Duomo Ristorante. The restaurant offers a lively, communal dining experience, seamlessly transitioning from a laid-back daytime setting to a vibrant evening destination. Diners can choose between the sleek glass-enclosed dining hall or the picturesque alfresco courtyard, which comes alive at night with twinkling lights set against the historic chapel backdrop.

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Bikini Sobrasada, Honey & Cheese 3.8/5

We started with the Bikini Sobrasada, Honey & Cheese ($18), a modern take on the classic Spanish pressed sandwich. Stuffed with sobrasada, a soft, paprika-spiced cured sausage. The sandwich delivered a rich, smoky depth, elevated by melted cheese. A drizzle of honey adds a distinct sweet note, giving it a sweet-savoury profile that leans away from the traditional version. While interesting, preferences may vary depending on whether one favours the classic savoury rendition.

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Bread & Tomatoes 3/5

The Bread & Tomatoes ($12) pays homage to a Spanish staple. Featuring crisped crystal bread topped with ripe tomatoes, olive oil and salt, it celebrates simplicity and ingredient quality. However, the seasoning was a tad heavy-handed, slightly overshadowing the natural flavours.

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Spicy Crab Croquette 3/5

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Jamón Serrano Croquette 3/5

Moving on to the croquettes, both the Spicy Crab Croquette ($4/pc) and Jamón Serrano Croquette ($4/pc) boasted a crisp exterior with a molten, creamy interior. Unfortunately, the fillings lacked distinction, with neither the crab nor the jamón coming through clearly, leaving us underwhelmed.

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Chicken Wings' Dirty Pepe' 3/5

The Chicken Wings' Dirty Pepe' ($18) takes inspiration from Madrid's iconic Casa Pepe. Deep-fried to a satisfying crisp, the wings are coated in a smoky, sweet-savoury glaze that is more balanced and approachable than the original's punchy saltiness. Interestingly, the flavour profile and glaze evoked Korean-style fried chicken, with its addictive sweet-savoury coating.

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Grilled Wagyu Beef Paella 3.8/5

For a hearty centrepiece, the Grilled Wagyu Beef Paella ($48) offers a meat-forward take on the traditional dish. While flavourful, the rice leaned closer to a risotto-like consistency, lacking the coveted socarrat — the crispy caramelised crust that defines a well-executed paella.

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Grilled Barramundi, Picon Sauce 4/5

From the grill, the Grilled Barramundi with Picon Sauce ($34) was well executed, with crisp skin and moist, flaky flesh. The accompanying mojo picón sauce added a punchy, smoky spice that complemented the fish beautifully.

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Crispy Pork Belly, Green Apple 3/5

The Crispy Pork Belly, Green Apple ($36) featured tender meat but fell short on the crackling, with the skin turning out slightly rubbery rather than crisp. The green apple slaw, however, provided a refreshing acidity that helped balance the richness.

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Potatoes 'Bravisimas' 4.5/5

One of the highlights of the meal was the Potatoes 'Bravisimas' ($16). This elevated take on patatas bravas features golden, crispy potatoes, fluffy inside, coated in a deeply addictive seasoning. It's the kind of dish that keeps you reaching for more.

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Crema Catalana with Cookies 3/5

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Churros with Chocolate 3.5/5

Ending on a sweet note, the Crema Catalana with Cookies ($14) impressed with its silky, citrus-infused custard and delicate caramelised crust. The addition of cookie crumbs beneath adds a delightful textural contrast. Meanwhile, the Churros with Chocolate ($12) delivered exactly what you’d expect — crispy on the outside, light within, and paired with a rich, indulgent chocolate dip.

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Overall, SABòR Cocina Y Tapas brings an energetic Spanish dining concept to CHIJMES, with a strong emphasis on ambience and communal plates. While certain dishes could be more refined in execution, there are standout items that showcase its potential as a lively spot for gatherings over tapas and drinks.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


SABOR Cocina Y Tapas
Chijmes
30 Victoria Street
#01-33
Singapore 187996
Tel: +65 9611 9127
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Website
Nerest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Bras Basah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 430pm - 12midnight
Fri-Sun: 12pm - 2pm, 430pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut across Raffles City Shopping Centre to Bras Basah Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road, cross the road to Chijmes. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk southwards towards Victoria Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and Victoria Road, cross the junction to Chijmes. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]