Haku Sushi @ Great World - Limited-Time 7-Course Bluefin Tuna Omakase At S$88 Per Person Available on 27 and 28 July Only

In the basement of Great World City, Japanese sister restaurants Kou Teppan and Haku Sushi are nestled side by side. Kou Teppan delights diners with teppanyaki-style omakase, while Haku Sushi specialises in kansai-style omakase.

To celebrate their 1st Anniversary, the restaurants launched an exclusive Hon Maguro (Bluefin Tuna) Omakase. For $88 per person, diners can choose from a 7-course Teppan or Sushi Omakase Menu, both featuring various parts of premium Hon Maguro from Wakayama. Initially available only on 20 and 21 July, this special omakase was extended to 27 and 28 July for lunch and dinner.

Also as part of the celebration, the restaurants have specially prepared for a live Tuna Cutting Show. The engaging show showcased the freshness of the Hon Maguro, and the chefs' skills. Due to overwhelming response, an additional show has been scheduled for lunch on 27 July. Diners can join the show at Kou Teppan before commencing lunch.

7-Course Sushi Omakase 4.2/5

After the Tuna Cutting Show, we settled comfortably in Haku Sushi for our 7-Course Sushi Omakase ($88/person). Diners will have the option to top up with Maguro Sashimi of 3 Kinds (akami, chutoro, and otoro) for $18 and a Kamatoro (prized tuna cheek meat) Handroll for $18.

Appetiser of 6 Kinds

We began with a vibrant plate of Appetiser of 6 Kinds. Each dish showcased maguro in different preparations, including Saikyo Cream Cheese with Shuto Maguro, Vinaigrette Miso Marinated Maguro, Nanban Maguro, Maguro Sansho Pepper Stew, Maguro Avocado Salad, and Maguro Carpaccio with Water Eggplant.

I appreciated the chefs' extra effort to showcase the maguro with varied flavours, such as the creamy and mildly buttery Maguro Avocado Salad and the tangy Vinaigrette Miso Marinated Maguro.

Maguro Sashimi

Next, we enjoyed a platter of Maguro Sashimi served in three cuts - akami, chutoro, and otoro. Each piece was incredibly fresh.

Maguro Patty with Mizore Sauce

I tried cooked negitoro in the Maguro Patty with Mizore Sauce for the first time. The negitoro was shaped into a ball and served in a savoury-sweet sauce, which tasted quite homely.

Maguro Katsu with Charcoal Salt

We then observed the chefs slice the Maguro Katsu, revealing a lovely pink centre. The katsu had a thin fried exterior and was served rare, using the otoro cut for a rich, fatty mouthfeel.

Maguro Nigiri of 5 Kinds

The Maguro Nigiri course followed, featuring five kinds of maguro cuts, each with a unique topping.

Despite the restaurant being bustling with diners, the quality of each piece of nigiri was executed well, with nicely thick cuts.

The nigiri we enjoyed included Otoro with Sea Grapes, Chutoro with Sea Urchin, and Akami with Wasabi.

Soup

The Soup course was a light, dashi-based broth with Maguro and Japanese Leek, which was average.

Negitoro Ice Cream

Dessert was a surprising twist, incorporating tuna. The Negitoro Ice Cream featured a scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with negitoro and a side of brown sugar syrup. While the concept was intriguing, I wasn't a fan of this combination as it didn't come together harmoniously.

Due to the restaurant being fully booked for this special omakase menu, the service for each course took a bit longer. Nonetheless, we found the omakase to be competitively priced for the quality and variety offered. Diners can also complete the omakase with a selection of curated alcohol from Tokushima. The special promotion offers each glass for $3.80 or by the bottle at 38% off on varying prices. Reservations for this special omakase menu are filling up quickly. To book a slot, visit their official booking website here: https://bit.ly/kouhakusg.

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.


Haku Sushi
Great World
B1-135
1 Kim Seng Promenade
Singapore 237994
Tel: +65 6235 1645
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Nearest MRT: Great World (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Great World MRT station. Take Exit 6. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Salut Private Dining @ Grange Heights - A New Private Dining Concept By Chef Karl Dobler

Celebrate and entertain your friends and loved ones in this beautiful, intimate space. Welcome to Salut Private Dining, a new dining concept helmed by Karl and Jessica - one with excellent culinary skills, the other with impeccable taste.

Austrian Chef Karl Dobler's culinary repertoire spans from Michelin-starred restaurants to luxury hotels across Europe and Australia. You might also remember him from Flutes Restaurant or then Restaurant Salut Private Dining in Dempsey. With great respect for classic flavours and culinary techniques, Chef Karl personally sources fresh seasonal ingredients and carefully prepares them. While contemporary European cuisine is his speciality, he is adept at Asian and Peranakan cooking and whips up a very popular Prawn Noodles. Meanwhile, Jessica works her magic to create the perfect ambience for your dinner event and can set the table for personalised themes. Tonight, we're enjoying a romantic candlelit table set with white roses and artfully strewn crystals.

As guests stream in, smartly dressed wait staff warmly welcome them with flutes of champagne and canapés of the most luxurious degree - smoked salmon with cream cheese & caviar, beef cheeks mini puffs and burrata & tomato mini toasts. Feel free to bring your own wines and spirits. There is no corkage charge. A generous policy!

A dish of Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio appears in front of us. It's delicately sliced and draped like a flower, drizzled with truffle soy dressing and some olive pearls.

As White Asparagus is in season, the Chef prepares it as a warm appetiser served with a soft hen egg, truffle hollandaise and bellota ham, which is the finest grade of Jamón ibérico with a smooth texture and a rich, savoury taste.

Next comes a pan-seared NZ Bass Grouper prepared with artichoke mash, edamame, and scampi glaze. The fish's flesh is firm, white, and flaky. Delicious!

We got to try the Chef's signature Crispy Roasted Suckling Pig, which had a crackling skin. It is served with smoked pancetta cabbage, rosemary potatoes, and star anise jus.

The dessert was well-timed. We caught an aromatic whiff of the soufflés baking as we were about to finish our main course. Out from the kitchen came those piping hot ramekins of Passionfruit Soufflé, baked with real fruit bits. It was delightfully melty and absolutely enjoyable.

We thought dinner had come to an end but were presented with Hand-rolled Hazelnut Chocolate Truffles. As a chocolate lover, I can only say that I wished I had the whole tray to myself.

Afterwards, a fine selection of Cheese, Dried Fruits, and Crackers accompanied the post-dinner wine and conversation.

Although newly opened, Salut Private Dining has already received strong interest from regulars, who invite Chef Karl to their homes for private catering. A minimum party of 6 persons is required, and the dining room can accommodate up to 20. Typically, a 5-course menu starts from $198 per pax, with no service charge or GST. If interested, do reserve at least 2 weeks to 1 month in advance.

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavors and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Salut Private Dining
Grange Heights
15 Saint Thomas Walk
Singapore 238145
Tel: +65 9831 3067
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Nearest MRT: Great World (TE Line)

Direction:
1) Alight at Great World MRT station. Take Exit 5. Walk to bus stop at Riva Lodge (Stop ID 13071). Take bus number 32, 54, 139 or 195. Alight 1 stop later. Walk to Saint Thomas Walk street. Turn right onto Saint Thomas Walk street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Great World MRT station. Take Exit 5. Walk down River Valley Road towards Saint Thomas Walk. Turn left onto Saint Thomas Walk. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Joyden Canton Kitchen @ Great World - Celebrates Brand New Opening With Summer Eel Fiesta

Partaking in the seasonal freshwater eels season, Joyden Canton Kitchen has launched a seasonal ‘Summer Eel Fiesta’ menu featuring live eels from now till 14 August. We visited its brand new outlet at Great World to taste of this well-loved summer food, alongside its popular Cantonese and locally-inspired signature dishes.

Harvested and flown in directly from Mainland China, the eels are cooked in four ways to bring the most out of their rich and unctuous meat.

Grilled Eel with Honey Glaze 4/5

We started with Grilled Eel with Honey Glaze ($39.80). First glazed with a homemade honey and maltose mixture and then grilled to a golden brown, the eel was delightful with a slightly crisped exterior with bits of caramelization. I do find the glaze a tad too sweet, though.

Braised Eel with BBQ Sauce in Claypot 4.5/5

Braised Eel with BBQ Sauce in Claypot ($36.80) is a crowd-pleaser with chunks of fatty eel, shiitake mushrooms, onions and bell peppers tossed in a smoky housemade BBQ sauce. The onions and bell peppers added a wonderful sweet crunch and an earthly flavour to the dish.

Wok-Tossed Eel with Chives Flower 4.5/5

In a similar vibe is the Wok-Tossed Eel with Chives Flower ($38.80). It is another mouthwatering dish to be savoured that is tossed with a special blend of fermented soybean paste.

Steamed Eel with Fragrant Soybean Crisps 4.5/5

Among the four renditions, the dish that stood out to me is this Steamed Eel with Fragrant Soybean Crisps ($40.80), featuring a steamed eel fillet in superior soy sauce topped with a layer of fragrant fried soybean crisps. I was pleasantly surprised by the subtlety of the fried soybean crisps. They provided just the right amount of umaminess to complement the eel while also playing up the texture of the dish. Half expecting it to be a little greasy, it was actually light and easy on the palate.

Chargrilled Mandarin Peel Pork Ribs 4/5

Fish Maw and Tiger Prawns with Glass Noodles in Homemade XO Sauce 3.5/5

Other wholesome dishes include Chargrilled Mandarin Peel Pork Ribs ($20) and Fish Maw and Tiger Prawns with Glass Noodles in Homemade XO Sauce ($22). The pork ribs shone with a distinct mandarin peel note in the glaze, giving the dish a citrusy lift. The latter was robust with proprietary XO sauce made with dried scallops, but it got slightly greasy with the fish maw.

‘Moonlight’ Rice Vermicelli with Egg White and Scallop 4/5

Joyden's Signature 'Moonlight' Rice Vermicelli with Egg White and Scallop will be the most ideal given its mild flavours for a more saucy preference to appreciate the eels. It marries the classic Chinese dish of 赛螃蟹 with sauteed egg whites and a local 'zichar' noodle dish. A bed of silk rice vermicelli with a touch of wok hei luxuriates in fluffy scrambled egg whites sweetened with crab meat and scallop.

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.


Joyden Canton Kitchen
Great World
1 Kim Seng Promenade
#01-141/142
Singapore 237994
Tel: +65 62192262
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Great World (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am -330pm, 530pm - 9pm
Sat-Sun & PH: 11am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Great World MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Uncle Fong Hotpot Restaurant @ Great World - Popular Chongqing-style Hotpot Restaurant From Hong Kong, Opens First Overseas Outpost In Singapore

First opened in Hong Kong to explosive reception, getting queues among the locals and celebrities, Uncle Fong  Hotpot Restaurant offers a modern-style Chongqing hotpot opens its first overseas outlet a Great World, Singapore. The restaurant is founded by Mr Fong Chi Chung, the man behind Michelin-starred restaurant Putien, hence the restaurant's name Uncle Fong.

Signature Nine-Grid Hotpot 4.2/5

One of the most identifiable features of Uncle Fong is the unique nine-grid layout of its pot. It is separated into three different heat zones. The heat is strongest in the middle square, ideal for blanching quick-cook food. The four grids around the centre square are best for poaching food under medium heat. Finally, the corner grids have the least heat, making them perfect for stewing.

While Uncle Fong offers non-spicy soup bases such as Fruit and Vegetable, Pork Bone Broth, Tomato Broth, Fungus and Mushroom, Coriander and Preserved Egg, the must-try is the Signature Chongqing Soup Base. The signature spicy soup base is brewed from 5 key ingredients - Chongqing Shizhuhong Chilli, Sichuan Hanyuan Pepper, Refined High-Quality Beef Tallow, Sichuan Pixian Bean Paste and Yunnan Yellow Ginger.

Pork Shoulder

US Prime Beef Short Ribs

Uncle Fong has a vast selection of ingredients to accompany the hotpot. We selected the Pork Shoulder ($18) and US Prime Beef Short Ribs ($24) for the protein.

Fresh Razor Clams

During my visit, we got our hands on the special seasonal item, Fresh Razor Clams ($12.50 half portion).

Fresh Ox Liver

Pig Throat

Pig Kidney Slices

Beef Tripe

Innards lovers will be delighted with the wide variety of selections at Uncle Fong. Most of them are not commonly found in restaurants in Singapore. We picked a few to try, such as the Fresh Ox Liver ($8.50 half portion), Pig Throat ($9.50 half portion), Pig Kidney Slices ($8.50 half portion) and Beef Tripe ($12.50 Half).

Celtuce Slices

Dried Gong Choi

You can find some unique vegetables such as the Celtuce Slices ($8) and Dried Gong Choi ($4.50). I enjoyed the sweet and refreshing celture slices, while the dried gong choi has a sweet taste profile with a unique crunchy texture like chye poh.

Brown Sugar Agar Jelly

After all the spiciness, the Brown Sugar Agar Jelly ($4) is perfect for freshening and cooling the fiery taste buds.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Uncle Fong Hotpot Restaurant
Great World
1 Kim Seng Promenade 
#B1-108/109
Singapore 237994
Tel: +65 62327800
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Great World (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Great World MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]