Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Hanare by Takayama @ Orchard - Japanese Seasonal Snow Crab Themed Dinner Set for Two at $150++

IMG_9003

Hanare by Takayama, located in Takashimaya Shopping Centre, is led by Chef Taro Takayama, who has previously had stints in three-star Michelin restaurants in Osaka. The restaurant is known for serving refined yet homely Japanese dishes made with premium ingredients.

IMG_8974

IMG_8978
Dinner Set for Two 4.2/5

To keep the menu fresh, seasonal specials are frequently introduced. This time, they are offering a Snow Crab Dinner Set for Two ($150++), with an optional 180ml house-pour sake add-on for $30++.

IMG_8981
Snow Crab Salad with Ginger Citrus Dressing

The meal began with a Snow Crab Salad tossed in a fragrant ginger citrus dressing, served atop a bed of greens, cherry tomatoes, pickled radish, and orange. The dressing starts with a gentle ginger aroma, followed by bright citrus notes. For an additional $22, diners can opt for the Aburi Wagyu Salad, featuring lightly seared wagyu drizzled with a spicy sesame dressing and topped with crispy deep-fried potato.

IMG_8985

IMG_8990
Sashimi Platter

Next, the Sashimi Platter presented three kinds of seasonal sashimi, each sliced thick.

IMG_8991
Snow Crab Chawanmushi with Ikura

The luxurious Snow Crab Chawanmushi with Ikura stood out, generously topped with sweet snow crab meat, briny ikura, and rich kani miso (crab innards). Beneath the toppings, the silky steamed egg custard offers a luxurious depth of umami enjoyed together.

IMG_8995
Grilled Seasonal Fish

The Grilled Seasonal Fish, served with seasonal vegetables, featured two perfectly cooked salmon fillets accompanied by broccolini seasoned with an addictive chilli powder. For those seeking additional indulgence, diners can upgrade to the Saikyo Miso Pork Belly (+$12) or the Miyazaki A5 Wagyu Steak (+$76), both served with seasonal vegetables.

IMG_9003
Snow Crab with Ikura Kamameshi

A highlight at Hanare is their Kamameshi, a traditional iron-pot rice dish. This set includes the Snow Crab with Ikura Kamameshi, cooked in fragrant dashi with Koshihikari rice, mushrooms, edamame, carrots, and bamboo shoots. There was also miso soup and pickles served together.

IMG_9009

IMG_9012

The female snow crab is packed with tender meat, crab eggs, and rich crab innards. Mix everything together for a deeply umami-filled bite. If you can't finish, the staff will shape the remaining rice into onigiri for takeaway. Other Kamameshi options include the Unagi Kamameshi (+$18) and Wagyu Kamameshi (+$24), which feature sliced A4 wagyu.

IMG_9014
Nashi Pear Sorbet Served with Sour Plum Jelly

The meal concluded with a Nashi Pear Sorbet served with Sour Plum Jelly. However, we found this overly sweet and slightly artificial in taste, making it the least impressive dish of the night.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Hanare by Takayama
Takashimaya Shopping Centre
391 Orchard Road
#03-07
Ngee Ann City
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 82989369
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight at Ngee Ann City until destination. Journey about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B to Orchard Road. Head west or turn left onto Orchard Road against the flow of traffic. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Monday, February 10, 2025

Bhoomi by Milind Sovani @ Ochard Towers - A Celebration of India's Gastronomic Traditions with Modern Touch

IMG_1213

Chef Milind Sovani's latest culinary venture, Bhoomi, located at Claymore Drive, is a heartfelt tribute to India's diverse culinary heritage. Designed to highlight the robust spices of North India and the coastal delights of the Konkan region, Bhoomi showcases age-old recipes alongside contemporary inspirations from Chef Milind's extensive travels across India. The result is a thoughtful menu that celebrates India's gastronomic traditions with a modern touch while focusing on sustainability and healthy meals through organic, locally sourced ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

IMG_1181
Kulthachey Kalan 5/5

The meal began with Kulthachey Kalan, a comforting soup crafted from horsegrain (huligey) sourced from rural Konkan. Light yet flavourful, it was seasoned with warming spices and a hint of heat—perfect for awakening the palate.

IMG_1194
Bhima Onion and Avocado Kebab 4.8/5

Another starter, the Bhima Onion and Avocado Kebab featured pan-seared patties of avocado, Nasik white onion, and handmade cheese. The patties were beautifully seared, creating a delightful contrast between the crispy exterior and the creamy interior. A delicate balance of sweetness and savoury notes, enhanced with finely chopped onions and spices, made this a standout dish.

IMG_1201
Ultimate Chicken Tikka 4.5/5

From the charcoal-grilled specials, the Ultimate Chicken Tikka was a crowd-pleaser. Marinated using an authentic recipe from Delhi's Daryaganj, the chicken was beautifully succulent and packed with robust flavours. The smoky char from the grill added a delightful depth, while a hint of lemony acidity provided a refreshing lift. Although slightly on the saltier side, it remained a satisfying and well-executed dish.

IMG_1247
Koila Butter Chicken 4.5/5

Moving on to curries, the Koila Butter Chicken was one of Bhoomi's star offerings. Slow-cooked in a claypot over a charcoal pit, the curry was rich and indulgent yet skillfully balanced with layers of spices and nuanced flavours.

IMG_1216
Lahsooni Palak Paneer 4/5

Vegetarian-friendly options like the Lahsooni Palak Paneer and Mewadi Panchmeli Dal were equally noteworthy. The Lahsooni Palak Paneer featured a light garlic-tossed spinach puree, delicately seasoned to enhance the dish's natural flavours. The chargrilled cottage cheese cubes were soft, creamy, and milky, complementing the spinach beautifully.

IMG_1241
Mewadi Panchmeli Dal 5/5

Meanwhile, the Mewadi Panchmeli Dal, made with Rajasthan's five lentils and served with smoked chilli and ghee tadka, was a spice and texture masterclass, offering depth and consistency.

IMG_1232
Garlic Naan and Gluten-free Seeded Amaranth Roti

To accompany these curries, we had Garlic Naan and the gluten-free Seeded Amaranth Roti, the latter particularly impressed with its nutty undertones and aromatic toasted seeds.

IMG_1252
Gud Ki Rasmalai 4.5/5

Ending the meal was a dessert originating from the Bengali region - Gud Ki Rasmalai. This dessert featured soft and spongy Bengali-style rasmalai, made with sugar-free palm jaggery. The sponginess was achieved by kneading milk solids separated from boiling milk with vinegar. Infused with quintessential flavours of cardamom and rose water, it was another sophisticated representation of Indian culinary traditions.

Photos and words 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.


Bhoomi by Milind Sovani
1 Claymore Drive
#01-05
Singapore 229594
Tel: +65 6225 4221
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. Exit Wheellock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down Orchard Road towards the junction of Orchard Road and Claymore Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]