Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa @ Shaw Centre - Bringing Over 90 Years of Unagi Mastery to Singapore

Straight from Nagoya, the Michelin Selected Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa brings over 90 years of unagi mastery to Singapore with its first overseas outpost at Shaw Centre. Tracing its roots back to Nakasho Shoten, a revered unagi wholesaler established in 1932. This fourth-generation unagi specialist is now helmed by Chef Kikukawa Yuhei, who began his culinary training in eel preparation from a young age. Known for their precise charcoal grilling technique and an irreplaceable tare sauce passed down through generations, Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa delivers a truly authentic and elevated unagi experience.

Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa sets itself apart with its meticulous binchotan charcoal grilling method. The eel is seared skin-side first, achieving a smoky, crisp exterior while maintaining its lusciously tender and juicy flesh. This intense heat cooking process is completed within minutes but requires years of skill to perfect. The grilled eel is then dipped in their legendary tare sauce, a family recipe that has been refined over decades, imbuing it with a perfect balance of sweet, savoury, and umami notes that complement the richness of the eel without overpowering it.

Ippon Hitsumabushi Set 4.8/5

The Ippon Hitsumabushi Set ($50++) offers more than just a meal, it delivers a beautifully layered culinary ritual rooted in Nagoya tradition. A whole eel, expertly grilled over binchotan and sliced for easy enjoyment, arrives on a bed of fluffy Japanese rice, accompanied by an assortment of garnishes and a pot of hot dashi broth. The experience begins with tasting the unagi on its own, allowing diners to fully appreciate the natural fattiness of the eel, enhanced by the smokiness of the grill and the rich caramelisation of the tare sauce. From there, the meal evolves with the addition of freshly grated wasabi, spring onions, and strips of nori, adding brightness, texture, and a punch of umami to each bite. Finally, the dish transforms into a comforting ochazuke when hot dashi is poured over the remaining eel and rice, melding all the flavours into a soothing, savoury finale. This seamless progression of taste and texture captures the elegance and thoughtfulness behind every dish served at Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa.

Kabayaki Ippon Jyu Set 4.8/5

For those who prefer the classic presentation, the Kabayaki Ippon Jyu Set ($48++) is an ode to traditional unagi dining. Featuring a whole fillet of premium thick-cut eel, this set is simple yet luxurious. The eel is grilled to smoky perfection and glazed in the signature tare, served over perfectly seasoned rice. The succulent texture of the eel and its buttery richness is counterbalanced by the umami-laced sauce, resulting in a deeply satisfying bite with every spoonful. The generous cut of eel showcases the brand’s commitment to quality, and each element of the dish, from the grain of rice to the char on the skin, speaks of precision and tradition.

Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa isn’t just about serving eel, it’s about honouring a culinary legacy. Every dish is rooted in craftsmanship, and every bite reflects the depth of knowledge, tradition, and skill passed down through generations. Whether you’re a seasoned unagi aficionado or a first-timer, the offerings here promise a memorable journey through one of Japan’s most treasured dishes. This is unagi done the right way which is smoky, succulent, steeped in heritage, and served with reverence.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa
Shaw Centre
1 Scotts Road
#01-12
Singapore 228208
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Take the underpass to Shaw House. Walk to ground level. Walk to Shaw Centre next door. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]