Sunday, August 4, 2024

Izakaya Shun @ Cuppage Plaza - Seven Course Omakase Experience at $99/pax

Ikura Rice + Uni and Negitoro 1

Nestled in Cuppage Plaza, Singapore's "Little Japanese Mall," Izakaya Shun is the sister restaurant of the 5-time Michelin Plate awardee Kappo Shunsui (2018-2023). Led by Chef Takamasa Suzuki, Izakaya Shun offers an exquisite Omakase menu featuring Japan's seasonal best, sourced directly from Tokyo's Toyosu Market. Izakaya Shun also assures guests that they avoid using seafood sourced from the sea around the Fukushima region (including Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, Ibaraki and Chiba).

Chef in action

The Omakase experience at Izakaya Shun includes a 7-course menu comprising an appetizer, a warmed dish, sashimi, a deep-fried dish, a grilled dish, a rice dish, and dessert. It is available at a promotional price of $99/pax (U.P. $128/pax).

Additionally, Izakaya Shun boasts an extensive selection of alcoholic beverages from renowned Japanese distilleries, including beer, shochu, whiskey, wine, and sake - all included in the Omakase experience.

Appetizer 1
Assorted Appetisers 4/5

We began our dinner with a beautifully plated 6-Kinds of Assorted Aappetisers. The most memorable items were the steamed oysters, which were plump and fresh; the miso eggplant, surprisingly light and melt-in-your-mouth soft; and the cold grilled octopus, which was chewy and packed with flavour.

Chawanmushi 1
Chawanmushi with Fresh Seaweed Sauce 3/5

Oden 1
Assorted Oden Soup 4/5

The second course is a warm dish, and we selected the Chawanmushi with Fresh Seaweed Sauce and Assorted Oden Soup. Although the chawanmushi didn't impress us much, the oden stood out with its three pieces: chikuwa, fish cake, and kinchaku. The kinchaku, a purse-shaped tofu skin named after Edo-period bags, contained a delightful surprise of soft and chewy mochi inside. Another warm dish option from this course is the Agedashi Tofu with Mushroom Sauce.

Sashimi 5
Assorted Sashimi and Sushi 4.2/5

Next, we have a seasonal assortment of Sashimi and Sushi platter with a total of 8 items where you get to sample an array of freshly sliced fishes including bonito fish, scallop, octopus and salmon and ikura roll.

Top Up Uni 1
Uni 4.2/5

If you are a fan of Uni, there is an option of a top-up of $19 for a portion of fresh Uni served with crispy seaweed strips. The uni is really fresh and sweet!

Tempura 1
Assorted Tempura 4/5

Chicken Nanban 1
Chicken Nanban with Wafu Tartar Sauce 3.8/5

For the deep-fried course, we chose the Assorted Tempura and Chicken Nanban with Wafu Tartar Sauce. We preferred the tempura, where the light yet crispy batter coated the ingredients perfectly. The tempura included 3-pieces: prawn, fish, and shiso leaf. While the wafu tartar sauce on the chicken nanban was excellent, we found the chicken itself lacked flavour. Another option for this course is the Snow Crab Cream Croquette with homemade Demi-Glace Sauce.

Karei Saikyo Yaki 1
Karei (Flatfish) Saikyo Yaki 4/5

Wagyu Harami Steak 1
Wagyu Harami (Out-Skirt) Steak with Special Onion Sauce 3.8/5

For the grilled course, we had the Karei (Flatfish) Saikyo Yaki and Wagyu Harami (Out-Skirt) Steak with Special Onion Sauce. The fish was exceptional — so tender and sweet that we wished for a more significant portion! A squeeze of lemon juice further enhanced its flavour.

Wagyu Harami Steak 3

The steak was perfectly cooked and tender, with the fried garlic complementing it nicely. However, we found the onion sauce a bit overpowering. Another option for this course is the Kagoshima Kurobuta Pork Steak with Special Steak Sauce.

Ikura Rice 1
Overflowing Ikura Rice 4/5

Before dessert, we were served the Overflowing Ikura Rice, a signature dish from its sister restaurant Kyuu by Shunsui, created by Chef Takamasa Suzuki. The show-stopping moment occurred when the chef heaped generous scoops of ikura onto the small cup of sushi rice!

Ikura Rice + Uni and Negitoro 2
Overflowing Ikura Rice with additional Uni and Negitoro (minced toro) 4.5/5

For an additional $14, you can enjoy a generous topping of Uni and Negitoro (minced toro) on the sushi rice before the chef covers it with loads of ikura. This option adds more depth and complexity to the dish, balancing the saltiness of the ikura. We highly recommend this upgrade.

Yuzu Sorbet + Warabi Mochi 1
Yuzu Sorbet 3.8/5 and Warabimochi 3/5

As part of the Omakase tradition, a small serving of Miso Soup is provided to wash down all the food before dessert. We had the Yuzu Sorbet and Warabimochi, the only dessert options on the menu. The yuzu sorbet was a perfect ending, balanced without being too sour or sweet, with the right amount of fragrant yuzu scent. The Warabi mochi was soft but otherwise unremarkable.

Sashimi 4

Overall, we had a great time at Izakaya Shun, and we consider it a hidden gem. We recommend the bar counter seats for the best experience, but a few table seats are available if you prefer a more private meal. Although we aren't big alcohol drinkers, the wide selection of options provides excellent value for those who are, allowing you to drink to your heart's content. Non-alcoholic drinks such as Calpis, Ginger Ale, Coke, Oolong Tea, and Green Tea are also included.

Please note that the offerings are seasonal, with the menu changing every 3 months.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Izakaya Shun
Cuppage Plaza
4 Koek Road
#04-04
Singapore 228796
Tel: +65 8245 1798
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 5pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B, C or D. Walk to Orchard Road. Cross the road and walk to Cuppage Road. Walk down Cuppage Road. Walk to Cuppage Plaza. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

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