Tajimaya Yakiniku @ Vivocity - Unveils A Fresh New Concept With A Revamped Menu

Tajimaya Yakiniku has recently unveiled its newly revamped outlet at Vivocity, housing three different concepts within an elegantly designed space - Tajimaya Yakiniku, Suki-Ya KIN and MASH Whisky Bar. Tajimaya establishes itself as the purveyor of authentic Japanese Yakiniku meats. With the new a la carte and set menu, more premium and exclusive Yakiniku meats are now available. The restaurant is also completed with a Japanese high-performance "smokeless" grill exhaust system, allowing you to savour what's sizzling in front of you in great comfort.

The menu offers prime Waygu beef from Kagoshima and Miyazaki and Japanese Kurobuta pork in both set and a la carte options. We tried the Tajimaya A5 Kagoshima Karubi Set ($238.80 for 2pax). The Set Menu comes with House Salad, San Chu, Sashimi (Daily Selection)/Tempura, Chawanmushi, Miso Soup, and Garlic Fried Rice.

The platter includes A5 Kagoshima Nami Karubi Boneless Short Ribs, A5 Kagoshima Sankaku Bara Chuck Short Ribs, A5 Kagoshima Sasabara Flank, A5 Kagoshima Kainomi Flap, and A5 Kagoshima Nakaochi Karubi Ribs Finger.

All the cuts were tantalising, with beautiful marbled meats. My favourite cut is the Nami Karubi Boneless Short Ribs being the most well-balanced cut of fats and meat. They were scrumptious on their own, with or without the dipping sauces. The accompanying three sauces have different taste profiles to complement the meats - savory shoyu, garlicky miso and tare.

Cut into cubes, Nakaochi Karubi Ribs Finger gave an enjoyable bite, and I love it with the morish aromatic garlic fried rice that comes with an equally delectable chewy texture.

Another favourite is the Kainomi Flap, a small but extremely flavoursome part of the rib area.

If you wish to try a mix of Beef and Pork, there's the Yakiniku Platter Set for ($228.80 for 2 pax). The assortment of meats is served in traditional Japanese ware, featuring A5 Miyazaki Striploin, A5 Kagoshima Sasabara Flank, A5 Miyazaki Rib Rosu Shin Ribeye, A5 Miyazaki Nami Karubi Boneless Short Ribs, A5 Kagoshima Nakaochi Karubi Ribs Finger, A5 Kagoshima Misuji Top Blade, A5 Kagoshima Chuck Flap Zabuton, Japanese Kurobuta Pork Belly and Japanese Kurobuta Pork Collar.

Each set comes with a sake pairing recommendation to complete your experience. Seafood and other Japanese dishes are also available to complement your dining experience. This outlet also offers two private rooms for cosier dining experiences or special occasions.

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.


Tajimaya Yakiniku
Vivocity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-102/103
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 63770070
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun, Eve of PH and PH: 1130am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Pizzakaya @ Vivocity - New Pizza Concept Restaurant by Japan Food Holding Group

Located within Vivovity, Pizzakaya specialises in Western-Japanese fusion dishes, focusing on pizzas. The menu features multiple 10" hand-stretched Japanese-style pizza variations with different toppings piled atop, such as Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki. The unique pizza pairings seemed bizarre in this Western-Japanese fusion attempt, but was it worth the venture?

Takoyaki Pizza 3/5

Among the pizzas that stood out most to us in terms of novelty was the Takoyaki Pizza ($19.80). The pizza crust was decent, churned out from impressive brick ovens in the kitchen. The edges are puffy and lightly blistered, with a chewy thin crust slathered with homemade sauce. What lies atop are multiple soft battered octopus balls. However, eating the pizza itself posed a challenge. The pizza can't be picked up without the Takoyaki balls rolling off the slice. The savouriness and carb-on-carb combination also felt one-dimensional in taste and got cloying halfway through.

Chicken Teriyaki Pizza 3/5

We tried the Chicken Teriyaki Pizza ($19.80), another novelty pizza flavour. It came with a mountain of chicken teriyaki strips, omelette and cabbage in the centre. Unfortunately, the sauce used for the okonomiyaki caused the pizza centre to be soggy, turning the consumption into an even messier affair. The teriyaki chicken strips were also dry and not as tender as we would have liked. In short, we felt that the flavour pairing of okonomiyaki and pizza doesn't go well together.

Saute Spicy Garlic Prawn Spaghetti 3.5/5

We also tried other dishes that they offer on the menu. The Saute Spicy Garlic Prawn Spaghetti ($19.80) was a saving grace from the pizzas, with al dente pasta with a subtle kick of spice topped with well-cooked prawns.

Chicken Katsu Curry Rice 3/5

The Chicken Katsu Curry Rice ($16.80) features slices of chicken katsu atop rice, slathered in Japanese curry. While I enjoyed the crispy and tender chicken katsu, the curry lacked taste and felt a tad watered down.

Japanese Yuzu Sparkling Soda 4/5, Berry Grape Fizz 4/5

Their signature drinks, Japanese Yuzu Sparkling Soda ($8) and Berry Grape Fizz ($8) were refreshing and delicious. It was good to wash down the intensely savoury pizza we had.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Pizzakaya
Vivo City Singapore
1 Harbourtfront Walk
#01-157
Singappore 098585
Tel: +65 62249690
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Western Mahua (西部马华) @ Vivocity - Delicious Handmade Lanzhou La Mian, Pulled And Cooked On The Spot

Recently I have seen a number of Western Mahua (西部马华) restaurants, specialising in Lanzhou La Mian, popping up in different areas in Singapore. They have three outlets now at Vivocity, PLQ and Holland Village. I always go to the outlet at Vivocity, which is nearer to my home. Surprisingly, after my first try of its noodle, I am a convert and have been going back a few times.

Signature Sliced Beef "La Mian" with Superior Bone Soup 4/5

I usually had the Signature Sliced Beef "La Mian" with Superior Bone Soup ($9.80/$11.80). The clear bone soup is boiled for six hours resulting in a light yet robust soup base, complementing the handmade noodles. The Vivocity outlet I usually go to has the full view of the chef making and cooking the noodles from scratch upon receiving your order.

An interesting fact is you can choose the wide of the noodles. There are nine different choices from 1mm to 50mm. We have the 2mm (普通细) and 15mm (中宽). My preference is the 15mm texture. It is broader and has more bite, giving it a more textural enjoyment than the thinner noodle.

Pickled Chicken Soup Chicken/Beef La Mian 3.8/5

Another variety on the menu is the Pickled Chicken Soup La Mian ($11.80). You can choose either to have chicken or beef for the protein. The soup is light and appetising, packed with a sourish profile from the pickled Chinese mustard with a hint of spiciness.

Braised Beef in Pita 3.5/5

Besides the noodles, there are other items on the menu, such as the Braised Beef in Pita ($6/pc) and Lamb Skewer ($3.80/pc). I felt the pita bread was a bit dry. I prefer it to be more fluffy. The saving grace is that the braised beef stuffing was well-marinated with a lovely aroma from the spices. I also applauded that it has a good mix of fatty cuts, so it is not dry. If you like lamb, then the lamb skewer rubbed and grilled in aromatic spices is a must-order.

Lamb Skewer 4.2/5

Tell you a tip. If you dine at Western Mahua outlet at Vivocity, you can also order from the menu from Ali Jiang, the sister restaurant beside the noodle restaurant.


Western Mahua (西部马华)
Vivocity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#03-11
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 62524979
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Website
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to the top floor of the shopping mall. The restaurant is located at the sky park area. Journey time about 5 minutes [Map]

Jelebu Dry Laksa @ Vivocity - Popular Home-Based Dry Laksa Opens Physical Outlet

We first heard of Chef Renee's Jelebu Dry Laksa during the Circuit Breaker period for their popular home-based dry laksa that came with various toppings. After a pop-up collaboration last year, Tipsy Collective and Jelebu have joined hands to open their first physical space in Vivocity! Their menu has expanded further than laksa, with several dishes inspired by Chef Renee's family recipes.

Scallop & Otah Pillow 3.5/5

In the Scallop & Otah Pillow ($18/3pc), you have avruga caviar, torched Hokkaido scallop and otah mousse sitting on a crunchy nori cracker. The otah mousse was rich and spiced well, but we wished it didn't mask the scallops' sweetness as much.

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Larb Moo on Perilla Leaf 4/5

The Larb Moo on Perilla Leaf ($18/3 Pieces) was the crowd's favourite. It's best eaten like a taco. The perilla leaf forms the base, with Thai-spiced minced pork, shallot, pickled cherries and crispy pork crackling on top. I usually find the taste of perilla leaves slightly overpowering, but here, you get a lovely minty freshness that complements the flavourful minced pork. It doesn't look like it, but this mouthful also packed a solid kick of heat.

Grilled Tiger Prawn Jelebu Dry Laksa 3.8/5

You can't miss out on trying the signature Grilled Tiger Prawn Jelebu Dry Laksa ($18). Unlike the usual thick bee hoon, Jelebu uses thin rice noodles simmered in a house-made laksa broth with an add-on of their secret rempah recipe.

The spice level here is moderate, and the flavours were surprisingly less rich than we expected. I prefer one that's stronger and richer in crustacean sweetness. The tiger prawns were torched to a smoky fragrance, but we were slightly disappointed with the mushy texture. However, we did enjoy the crunchy shrimp for added texture.

Duck Confit with Teochew Braised Risotto 4/5

The Duck Confit with Teochew Braised Risotto ($26) is inspired by Chef Renee's grandma's braised duck, featuring modern touches like an onsen egg and a bed of risotto while not forgetting the traditional elements like beancurd and a tangy chilli on the side. It's not like your typical risotto, as it boasts a softer and wetter texture, with distinct five-spice flavours that reminded us of kway chap and Teochew braised duck porridge. The duck confit was super tender and fell off the bone with ease.

Assam Barramundi Fillet 4/5

If you're looking for a sharing dish that pairs well with rice, the Assam Barramundi Fillet ($32) is a good option. The tangy assam curry sauce is fragrant with generous use of julienned ginger flowers and is paired with tomatoes, brinjal and lady fingers. The chunky fillet came tender with crisped skin, while the extra crunchy tau pok topping worked great for texture and soaking up the curry.

Kaya Goreng 3/5

For dessert, the Kaya Goreng ($12) features coconut ice cream, chocolate soil, salted peanuts and mini cones filled with kaya coconut mousse. The recommended way to have this is to scoop up some ice cream and have it topped on the cone. However, most of us found it sweeter than we would have liked and would prefer a better balance.

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.


Jelebu Dry Laksa
VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#02-48
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 97216560
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Nearest MRT: Habour Front (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am to 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbour Front MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Una Una @ Vivocity - 8 Outlet-Exclusive Unagi Surprises With Prices Starting From $12.80

Una Una has recently opened its third outlet at Vivocity. Known for its best-value charcoal-grilled unagi, it now includes 8 outlet-exclusive unagi dishes with prices starting from just $12.80.

Unagi Hokkaido Pork Hitsumabushi 4/5

You may go for Unagi Hokkaido Pork Hitsumabushi ($22.80) for something more hearty. You get chargrilled Hokkaido pork belly paired with signature unagi glazed with Chef's secret sauce. I find this pairing extremely satisfying, with both ingredients deliciously unctuous.

Unagi Ikura Don 3.8/5

Unagi Hitsumabushi 4/5

Unagi Ikura Don ($32.80) is a relatively pricier item on the menu, where the bowl comes brimming with ikura pearls. It was tasty for sure, but at this price, I would prefer to stick with its bestselling classic Unagi Hitsumabushi ($16.80/Medium). At Una Una, all unagi is freshly grilled over charcoal using a double-dipping technique. They are basted with special in-house sauce and grilled over controlled temperature twice for about ten minutes. The beautifully caramelised exterior of the unagi forms one of the best parts of the dish.

Una Una Kaisen Roll Sushi 2.5/5

There are also smaller side dishes, such as the Una Una Kaisen Roll Sushi ($24.80). It was merely passable. The best is to stick to the classic.

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.


Una Una
VivoCity
1 HarbourFront Walk
#02-94
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 62525918
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Bedrock Origin @ Oasia Resort Sentosa - Acclaimed Home-grown Steakhouse Launches Second Restaurant

Following the success of Bedrock Bar & Grill at Somerset, the team has opened a second restaurant - Bedrock Origin at the new Oasia Resort Sentosa. Bedrock Origin features more diverse ingredients compare to its flagship restaurant. Diners can look forward to a new and exclusive selection of seafood, dry-aged meats including fish, as well as roasted harvests, in addition to the perennial mush-have steaks.

Kingfish Sashimi 4.5/5

We started the dinner with the appetising Kingfish Sashimi ($32). The sashimi is topped with brown rice puff, chopped wasabi and micro herbs. Bringing the dish together and giving it a zesty finishing is the ceviche soy dressing.

Grilled Pear Salad 4/5

Next is the Grilled Pear Salad ($22) tossed in blue cheese dressing. For those that are not a fan of blue cheese, the dressing is not that piquant, balanced by the fruity sweetness from the pear and medjool dates with the walnut for the extra nuttiness and texture.

Aged Kuhlbarra Barramundi Tail 4.5/5

Dry-aged for seven days to intensify the flavour is the Aged Kuhlbarra Barramundi Tail ($88). Chimichurri which consists of parsley, thyme, chervil, garlic, white wine vinegar and olive oil, is spread onto the fishtail. Each mouthfeel of the moist fish meat has a zest, piquant flavours of chilli and herbs.

Turbot On The Bone 4.2/5

The Turbot On The Bone ($68) is exclusively imported from France. It is dry-aged for three days and cooked with the bone on, using the bone to transfer the heat evenly and retain the juiciness of the fish. It is served with kombu compound butter and tomato salsa.

Plant-Based Beef Wellington 3/5

We moved back to the land from the sea, starting with the Plant-Based Beef Wellington ($38). In support of Oasia Resort Sentosa's wellness lifestyle, Bedrock Origin also offers plant-based meat alternatives, as well as nutritious and keto-friendly options. The plant-based meatloaf is marinated with marmite and worcestershire sauce encased in a puff pastry, served alongside a mixed green salad and cherry tomatoes with lemon vinaigrette. An excellent alternative for vegetarians, but I still prefer the real stuff.

Dry-Aged Australian Barley-Fed Bone in Striploin ($110) 400g 4.2/5

My go-to will still be the real meat in the Dry-Aged Australian Barley-Fed Bone in Striploin ($110), about 400g. The in-house dry-aged striploin is simply seasoned with salt and pepper, grilled over applewood fire. The beautiful red meat is juicy and tender, with a hint of smokiness. Diners can have it with the following sauces - red wine, Bedrock chilli oil, classic bearnaise and wholegrain whisky mustard.

Yukon Gold Potatoes 4.5/5

Spicy Brussel Sprouts 4.2/5

Bedrock Mac N Cheese 4.5/5

To go along with the mains, diners can order a number of sides to complement them. Some of the side dishes we had were Yukon Gold Potatoes ($16), Spicy Brussel Sprouts ($16) and Bedrock Mac N Cheese ($22).

Palm Tarte 4/5

Wrapping up our dinner is the Palm Tarte ($22). The gula melaka chiffon cake is coated with mascarpone cream cheese paired with Bailey's Irish Cream  & Brandy infused walnut-raisin tapenade, housenade marmalade, fresh raspberries and blueberries.

Woodford Reserve Bourbon

Whisky connoisseurs can delve into a list of traditional whiskies from around the world (from $11++ to $150++ per glass). Appreciate rare and special spirits made by boutique family distillers in remote places and premium whiskies, including limited edition labels like the Woodford Reserve 'Master Collection Very Rare Fine Bourbon'. Cocktails are also presented as classics (from $15++ per glass) or whisky-based renditions (from $15++ per glass) created in collaboration with Woodford Reserve, such as the Bedrock Highball and Double Oaked Old Fashioned.

Mastercard® Exclusive Privilege. Mastercard cardholders can enjoy 15% off the total bill for à la carte lunch menu items at Bedrock Origin and Bedrock Bar & Grill till 30 December 2021, excluding eve and day of public holiday. The offer is not valid for set menus and in conjunction with other ongoing promotions.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Bedrock Origin
Oasia Resort Sentosa Hotel
23 Beach View Palawan Ridge
#01-02
Singapore 098679
Tel: +65 68183333
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7am - 11am, 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbour Front MRT station. Exit station to Vivocity Shopping Mall. Go to Sentosa Express Station at Level 3 of Vivocity. Take Sentosa Express Train to Imbiah station. Alight at Imbiah station and walk to destination. Journey time about 15 mins. [Map]