Kuroki Japanese Yakiniku Restaurant @ Paragon Shopping Centre - Unveiling Orchard Road’s Hidden Lunch Gem

Amidst Paragon's opulent retail and dining landscape, Kuroki Japanese Yakiniku Restaurant pleasantly surprised me with its affordable yet premium lunch sets starting from $35.

Kuroki sets itself apart by sourcing prized cuts of beef based on availability and prime freshness. The selection ranges from A5 Iwate Wagyu to Kumamoto Wagyu and Snow-Aged Karubi from Hokkaido, promising an elevated yakiniku experience.

Kuroki Tasting Set 4.2/5

Opting for the Kuroki Tasting Set ($35), I discovered a well-curated ensemble featuring Kurobuta pork belly, Kurobuta pork collar, and a choice between tontoro or chicken thigh. The set, designed for a hearty lunch, didn't compromise on the quality or portion of the meats. It included an appetiser, salad, chawanmushi, rice, soup, and a delightful dessert, creating a wholesome dining experience.

Kuroki Premium Set 4.5/5

For the ardent beef aficionados, the Kuroki Classic Set ($48) beckons with three cuts of wagyu beef, accompanied by appetisers, salad, chawanmushi, rice, soup, and dessert. To escalate the indulgence, the Kuroki Premium Set ($58) offers four cuts of Wagyu - Wagyu Sirloin, Wagyu Prime Karubi, Wagyu Ribeye Lip, and Wagyu Short Rib, providing a symphony of textures and flavours.

Wagyu Tongue 4.5/5

Kimchi Soup 3/5

To enhance our dining experience, we indulged in add-ons such as the Wagyu Tongue ($22). When grilled, it exhibited a delightful crunch, adding a unique texture to the meal. While rich and robust, the Kimchi Soup ($10) veered towards being too hearty for a drinkable soup, brimming with shredded meat and kimchi.

Wrapping up our lunch set, a scoop of ice cream sealed the meal on a sweet note. I opted for the earthy matcha flavour, while my dining partner savoured the delicate sea salt flavour.

In the heart of Orchard Road, Kuroki Japanese Yakiniku Restaurant stands out as a hidden gem, offering premium lunch sets at an unparalleled value. With a commitment to quality cuts, thoughtful sets, and add-ons for customisation, Kuroki invites diners to savour the essence of Japanese yakiniku without breaking the bank.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kuroki
Paragon Shopping Centre
290 Orchard Road
#05-03
Singapore
Tel: +65 6339 3383
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line), Orchard Road (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm
Set Lunches: 1130am - 230pm

Direction:
1. Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard Road. At the traffic junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link, cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 2 or 3. Proceed to the road level. Walk down Orchard Road until the junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link. Cross the road and walk to Paragon. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

sen-ryo @ Suntec City - Popular Japanese Restaurant at Ion Orchard Opens 2nd Outlet Offering Exclusive Items

sen-ryo has recently opened its second outlet in Suntec City. While the brand continues to deliver the brand's philosophy of 'affordable luxury' with a menu much similar to its outlet at Ion, you may look forward to outlet-exclusive platters, draft sake – a rare offering – as well as new set lunches from just $15.80.

Appetiser Platter 4/5

We started our dinner with the outlet-exclusive sen-ryo Appetiser Platter ($26.80). Aesthetically pleasing with 4 seasonal creations. My favourite is the mouth-watering Wagyu Sando. The rich and savoury beef notes against the sweet buttery notes of the brioche are deeply satisfying. The Monaka-Negitoro with Bafun Uni sandwiched between 2 crisp wafers was also a delightful treat. Hyogo Oyster with Ikura will definitely excite oyster fans, but for the Spicy Tuna in Black Sesame Cone, I feel it can do more with more tuna for a better mouthfeel.

Bamboo Shoots 4.5/5 (Tasing Portion)

Tsubugai Wasabi 4/5 (Tasting Portion)

This new outlet is also specially designed to be a space for a great drinking experience, both in the interior and the menu, offering a lineup of new appetisers. Slow-cooked Bamboo Shoots ($19.80), simmered in shoyu and bonito, allowed me to enjoy the beauty of both its mildly sweet-earthy flavour and crunchy texture. Using Ice Plant, Tsubugai Wasabi ($16.80) plays on the crunch element as well, with the zest of Wasabi Root to bring a kick to its neutral flavours.

Abalone Sashimi 5/5

Ankimo Ponzu 5/5

Abalone Sashimi ($20.80) features green-lipped abalone aged for three days after steaming and marinated in shoyu. Every bite released its beautiful intricate flavours accentuated by the whole process. What intrigued me the most was the Ankimo Ponzu (monkfish liver) ($19.80). It's neither fishy nor liver-y, and I love its melt-in-your-mouth texture that spreads its deliciousness into my mouth.

Signature Sushi Platter 4/5

The outlet-exclusive sen-ryo Signature Sushi Platter ($68) was a feast for my senses, with various crafted sushi on the platter. The huge and plump Hotate topped with Seaweed jam and shredded fried leek was one of the first that caught my eye, followed by the jumbo-sized Salmon and Anago sushi. Others include sweet Botan Ebi, melt-in-your-mouth Otoro, Uni, Ika, Negitoro, Akami, Ikura, and Madai (sea bream). Sen-ryo's signature Tamagoyaki provided a sweet note to this platter.

Maguro Sashimi Trio Don 3/5

Tuna continues to the star offering in Sen-ryo. One of the popular items is the Maguro Sashimi Trio Don ($32), offering tuna sashimi with varying degrees of fattiness, paired with a fragrant bed of Koshihikari rice from Aomori Prefecture. Given the taste and the varieties offered, I enjoyed the Sushi Platter more.

Kaki Soy Nabe 2.5/5

A new addition to the Mains is Kaki Soy Nabe ($38.80), which features fresh Hyogo oysters. While the oysters looked enticing, the soy broth disappoints with a thin consistency.

Complementing the mains was a refreshing Kaisen Sashimi Salad ($17.80) that delivered a harmony of varying bites and textures lent by the Ice Plant and sashimi, with a welcoming touch of sweetness from the corn.

Premium Sashimi Platter 4.5/5 (Tasting Portion)

The Premium Sashimi Platter ($26.20) offers a premium cut of sashimi, mainly the belly portion, such as Salmon Belly and Otoro.

Peach Sorbet 3.8/5

Watermelon Sorbet 3.8/5

Our desserts were so cute! We had Peach Sorbet, and Watermelon Sorbet contained within the fruit itself. They were on the sweeter side, but they paired well with the draft sake that we had. Rumiko Kinmoto Tokubetsu Junmaishu Kijioshu, being full-bodied and strong, was recommended for dessert pairing. This premium sake is outlet-exclusive as well.

As mentioned, Sen-ryo at Suntec City amps up the dining experience with the inclusion of KEG Draft into its beverage offerings. You can choose from a menu of diverse and exquisite flavour profiles, which includes the SENSUKE KEGDRAFT Special Junmai, an elegant, unfiltered sake renowned for its melon and muscat aroma. Selections will change according to availability. You may approach the staff for personalised recommendations to accompany your meal.

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.


sen-ryo
Suntec City Mall
Tower 5
5 Temasek Boulevard
#01-434
Singapore 038985
Tel: +65 6957 7978
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Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line), Promenade (CC, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

LAVI TACO @ Pearl’s Hill Terrace - Hidden Al Fresco Mexician Dining Up on Pearl's Hill

It takes a walk to reach LAVI TACO at Pearl's Hill Terrace, whether or not you're heading there from Chinatown or Outram Park MRT. But make your way up, and you will be welcomed to an al fresco dining space with laid-back and chill vibes, perfect for a night to unwind over food and drinks with friends.

The brand prides itself on offering an authentic spread of Mexican fare.

Nachos 4/5

The classic starter of Nachos ($15) came with crunchy corn tortilla chips and jalapeno pickles, with salsa verde, pico degallo and sour cream to pair. At another $5 top-up, you can opt for the loaded option that provides a topping choice of birria oxtail & brisket or pulled mushrooms.

Birria 4/5

Available in limited portions daily, the Birria ($25) tacos are the one to go for if you are a fan of beef and bolder flavours. The slow-cooked oxtail and brisket, braised in a spicy and aromatic birria broth, is topped with melted cheese and held between tortillas. These are served with an additional cup of broth for you to dunk in or enjoy as soup.

Pulled Mushroom 4.2/5

I first tried LAVI TACO's vegetarian Pulled Mushroom ($18) tacos at their gourmet food truck pop-up in Resorts World Sentosa. I enjoyed the generously filled shells with a very well-textured mushroom filling. The plant-based slow-cooked pulled mushrooms were smoky and flavourful, complemented well with a refreshing and tangy mix of red cabbage, cheese, cilantro, pico de gallo, sour cream and salsa verde.

Taco Meat Platter 4.5/5

Named the "ultimate taco experience", the Taco Meat Platter ($129 for 3-4 pax) is the perfect choice if you're here in a group. The interactive DIY element here adds an extra layer of fun.

Loaded up and served on a tray, it features rows of various taco toppings, including flame-grilled steak, crunchy Argentinean garlic prawns, chipotle pepper chicken thigh, alongside grilled vegetables, an assortment of taco condiments, and a good number of corn tortillas. A smaller portion that feeds approximately 2 pax is also available at $69.

While the prices are on a slightly higher end, they are all nett, without gst and service charges. I would highly recommend making a reservation here https://reserve.oddle.me/kultyard before heading down!

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.


LAVI TACO
195 Pearl's Hill Terrace
#01-54
Singapore 168976
Tel: +65 9763 8931
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown MRT (DT Line and NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 5pm - 930pm
(Closed on Mon & Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk straight to the food centre. Cut through the food centre to the back. Walk towards the hill on the left. Take the flight of stairs up the hill. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Shangri-La Singapore - Revel in the Enchanted Wonders of Christmas

Elevate your festive celebrations this year with Shangri-La Singapore. The hotel's dining destinations offer a wondrous lineup of gastronomical feasts from 1 December 2023 to 1 January 2024, with a bountiful selection of festive artisanal creations available for takeaway and delivery from 23 November to 26 December 2023.

Black Angus Beef Wellington

Black Angus Beef Wellington ($348 nett, 1.5kg) is a refined version featuring a tender fillet of Black Angus beef enveloped in a layer of spinach and mushroom duxelles, enriched with bites of foie gras, all encased in a golden, flaky pastry. The combination of spinach and mushroom duxelles added an earthy and savoury depth to the flavour, and the buttery sweetness of the pastry complemented the decadent filling.

Rustico Spice Roasted U.S. Whole Turkey

Rustico Spice Roasted U.S. Whole Turkey ($258 nett, 6kg | $280 nett, 8kg) is seasoned with a blend of Italian Rustico spices. The texture of the turkey was delightfully tender, much more than I had expected.

Gammon Ham

Truffle Honey and Cinnamon Glazed Bone-in Gammon Ham ($298 nett, 7kg) glistened with a glaze concocted with truffles, honey and cinnamon.

Salt Baked Seabass Fillet

Salt Baked Seabass Fillet ($168 nett, 2kg) features a seabass fillet encased and baked in a sea salt crust. While the fillet was very tender, it was too saltish for me.

Leg of Lamb

New on the menu of savoury treats this year is the Slow Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Studded Leg of Lamb ($288 nett, 3.5kg), featuring a succulent leg of lamb. Infused with slow-roasted garlic and rosemary flavours, it is quite a show-stopper this year.

Santa Sleigh

The lineup of sweet delights this year entices in both looks and flavours. My favourite is the new Santa Sleigh ($75 nett, 1kg) - featuring a chiffon sponge base, yuzu curd, fraises compote, vanilla Chantilly, and abundant strawberries. The tartness of the fraises compote was perfect on the airy chiffon and chantilly cream, and the strawberries atop were at their ideal ripeness. I find the yuzu curd, being cloyingly sweet with a thick consistency, a distraction.

Rich Mango Indulgence Log Cake

This year's new rendition of the log cake is the Rich Mango Indulgence Log Cake ($88 nett, 1kg). Joyful and sunny in hues of shades of yellow and orange, this log cake oozes tropical flavours coming from a fusion of mango and passion fruit mascarpone and peach lime chutney.

Triple Truffle Crunchy Log Cake

Triple Truffle Crunchy Log Cake ($88 nett, 1kg), a hot favourite last year, also returns for this season. It boasts a chocolate and nutty flavour - a cocoa sponge filled with hazelnut crunch, Gianduja Crémeux, and truffle praline mousse.

Mao Shan Wang Durian and Coconut Log Cake

Mao Shan Wang Durian and Coconut Log Cake ($90 nett, 1kg) is a twist on a classic vanilla Victorian sponge cake featuring Mao Shan Wang durian mousse coated with coconut flakes. It had a decadent mouth filling texture, but the sweetness can be a tad overwhelming.

Banana Rocher Travel Cake

The newly added Banana Rocher Travel Cake ($35 nett, 750gm) is memorable, considering the rarity of an elevated banana cake being offered in such a season. Crafted with brown sugar, ripe bananas and macadamia nuts, the cake had a good density without being overly sweet. The coating of creamy dulce chocolate boosted its texture as well.

English Fruit Cake with Drunken Fruits

For some traditional must-haves, my absolute favourite is the house-made English Fruit Cake with Drunken Fruits ($40 nett, 400gm), loaded with bitter-sweet dried mixed fruits.

German Stollen

The German Stollen ($46 nett, 750gm) was slightly too bread-like for me.

Classic Italian Panettone

A better option is their panettone, which comes in two variations: the Classic Italian Panettone ($55 nett, 750gm) and the new Pandan Panettone ($55 nett, 750gm).

Pandan Panettone

To order goodies online, visit https://bit.ly/shangrilafestive23, call +65 6213 4511, or email festive.sls@shangri-la.com. Enjoy 15% early bird offer on selected products for purchases made by 3 December 2023.

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.


Shangri-La Hotel Singapore
22 Orange Grove Road
Singapore 258350
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Hakata Japanese Restaurant @ NeWest - Homely Japanese Comfort In The West

Nestled in NeWest, Hakata Japanese Restaurant welcomes diners to a cosy haven offering affordable Japanese cuisine. With roots tracing back to 1999 at Hong Leong Garden Shopping Centre, this establishment prides itself on a diverse menu featuring traditional Japanese delights, including sashimi, sushi, domburimono, tempura, sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, yakitori, udon, soba, and ramen. The commitment to freshness is evident, with all fish items air-flown four times a week from Japan.

Shishamo Isobe Age 4/5

For a delightful start, the Shishamo Isobe Age ($9) caught my attention. A popular choice among diners, this dish features crispy fried shishamo flavoured with seaweed, providing a unique blend of crunch and seaweed-infused richness, complemented by the burst of shishamo egg roes.

Potato Salad 4/5

A classic favourite, the Potato Salad ($5) offered a creamy medley of mashed potatoes, carrots, and eggs enveloped in mayonnaise. Adding cucumber and tomato refreshed the palate, adding a crisp contrast to the creamy texture.

Buta Shogayaki 3.8/5

Transitioning to the mains, the Buta Shogayaki ($16) stole the spotlight. A comforting ensemble of stir-fried pork with vegetables in ginger sauce, this set included rice, tofu, miso soup, a slice of watermelon, and pickles. The tender pork and the medley of sides provided a substantial and satisfying meal at an excellent value.

Matsu Nigiri Sushi Set 3.5/5

We continued with the Matsu Nigiri Sushi Set ($27), an assortment of 11 sushi types. While it may not compete with the premium offerings of high-end Japanese omakase restaurants, it delivers a good variety and value for money, satisfying Japanese food cravings without breaking the bank.

Hakata Japanese Restaurant has become a neighbourhood favourite, drawing locals with its homely charm and affordable Japanese fare. While it may not aim for the premium spectrum of Japanese cuisine, it excels in providing a diverse and wallet-friendly menu that caters to the masses. For those seeking a comforting Japanese dining experience without the frills, Hakata Japanese Restaurant at NeWest is a reliable choice.


Hakata Japanese Restaurant
NeWest
1 West Coast Drive
#01-93/70
Singapore 128020
Tel: +65 6265 3680
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Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun, PH: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit A. Take bus number 154 or 201. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]