Kai Kai Sushi & Grill @ Wisma Atria - Newest Brainchild of Chef Yamashita Teppei Replaces Koh Grill & Sushi Bar, Offering Range of Japanese Fare

Kai Kai Sushi & Grill now sits where Koh Grill & Sushi Bar used to be in Wisma Atria, bringing diners a comprehensive menu of Japanese dishes ranging from classic sashimi and sushi to yakitori and teppan.

The new casual restaurant is helmed by Chef Yamashita Teppei, most known for its various Japanese F&B concepts on our island, such as Teppei Japanese Restaurant and Man Man Japanese Unagi Restaurant (now known as Unagi Tei). Here at his newest brainchild, Chef hopes to bring affordable yet quality Japanese fare to diners.

We sampled several items, with some in bite-sized portions. The prices listed are for the full portions.

Pitan Tofu 4/5

Pitan Tofu ($5) is always one of my must-orders when it's on the menu. Kai Kai's rendition is decent, with a slightly nutty sesame sauce base and a generous topping of chopped century egg and tobiko. I would have preferred a more robust century egg flavour in its sauce for that extra oomph.

Kai Kai Hanabi Roll 4/5

You will find a selection of different sushi rolls on the menu, one being the Kai Kai Hanabi Roll ($18.80). I found the sauce slightly too sweet, but this one is for fans of salmon as they offer it 2-ways here - raw in the middle and lightly aburi-ed on top.

Negitoro Sushi 3.8/5

The Negitoro Sushi ($6) roll had the classic combination of minced tuna and chopped spring onions in its centre, with crunchy tempura bits for extra texture. The tuna portion could be much better, for a better ratio to the tempura bits.

Nama Kaki 4/5

Next was the Nama Kaki, which had a plump and fresh oyster drizzled with a mildly tangy ponzu vinegar sauce.

3-Kind Sashimi Moriawase 4/5

We got to see Chef Yamashita Teppei do a bluefin tuna block-cutting demonstration, leading to our next dish, the 3-Kind Sashimi Moriawase ($15). We sampled slices of otoro, chutoro and maguro.

While they weren’t the best quality of cuts, they were still thick and fresh.

Buta Enoki Yakitori 3.5/5

The Buta Enoki Yakitori ($4) had enoki mushrooms wrapped with pork belly. While I enjoyed the grill on it, it was tougher and blander than I expected it to be. I prefer a stronger seasoning on this.

Yaki Hotate 4/5

Served in its shell with a wedge of lemon, the Yaki Hotate ($12) carried a nice slight char. The plump scallop remained juicy despite the grill.

Sukiyaki 3.5/5

While the pork slices were tender, we found the rest of the elements in the Sukiyaki ($16.80) more mediocre. The base could be a touch less salty as well.

Kani Toro Donburi 4.2/5

From the selection of mains, I decided on the Kani Toro Donburi ($17). It was clearly created for crab lovers, with crab meat, crab leg and soft shell crab with toppings of ikura and tobiko. The original size and portion will also include an onsen egg! The crab meat used was fresh and sweet.

Kai Kai Castle Bento 3.8/5

The Kai Kai Castle Bento ($18.90) was served in a multi-tiered bento box shaped like a Japanese castle. Each tier featured different items, namely tamago and unagi, assorted sashimi, and a bed of rice with chopped tuna belly, tempura bites, flying fish roe and ikura.

Unfortunately, its taste paled compared to its look, with average cuts on the sashimi. I must say that it's still considerably decent for the variety at this price.

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.


Kai Kai Sushi & Grill
Food Republic Wisma Atria
#04-21
435 Orchard Road
Singapore 238877
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

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

sen-ryo @ ION Orchard - Celebrates First Anniversary With Special Dishes And New Lunch Offerings

sen-ryo, which originates from Tochigi, Japan, celebrates its first anniversary in Singapore. Open on 01 April 2021, the restaurant is known for its well priced, top-notch offerings. It is hard to get a seat at the Japanese restaurant with reservations 2-3 months in advance. To commemorate this momentous occasion, Sen-ryo presents special dishes and new set lunch offerings to add to its already popular ones. There is even an exclusive gift for dine-in customers.

Tai Carpaccio with Truffle Soy and Shio Konbu 4.5/5

We start with the Chef's special of the day - Tai Carpaccio with Truffle Soy and Shio Kombu ($19.80). The addition of truffle soy and shio kombu accentuated the enjoyment of the clean tasting sea bream.

Otoro with Shio Koji Negitoro 4.8/5 & Abalone Sushi 3.8/5

Next, for the sushi dish, we had the Otoro with Shio Koji Negitoro ($11.80) and Abalone Sushi ($6.80). I love the otoro with shio koji negitoro for its multi-textural melted in the mouth enjoyment.

Kaki Soy Nabe 4.8/5

The restaurant has levelled up the popular Kaisen Soy Nabe with the introduction of the new Kaki Soy Nabe ($38.80), whereby freshly shucked Hyogo Oysters are added to the hotpot. The Japanese soy milk-dashi soup base is super good. So good that I have gone back for a few extra bowls. Besides the plump and sweet oysters, diners can also find chewy Kuzukiri noodles, tofu, vegetables and shiitake in the hotpot.

Sen-ryo Premium Sushi Set 5/5

Not to be missed at Sen-ryo is their lunch sets. One of the popular lunch sets is the sen-ryo Premium Sushi Set ($32.80) which comes with an assortment of sushi with premium seafood. On the plate, customers can look forwardto a beautiful plate of chutoro, maguro with spicy sauce, salmon, hamachi, hotate, akaebi, unagi, ikura gunkan and ebi fry maki. Completing the sets are chawanmushi, miso soup and tomato salad.

Sen-ryo Special Bento 4.2/5

Another popular lunch set is the sen-ryo Special Bento ($29.80) which comprises nine of the chef's recommended side dishes, including assorted sashimi flown in fresh from Japan, signature sen-ryo tamagoyaki, tofu in goma sauce, ebi tempura and tako karaage. The set also comes with rice, miso soup and warabi mochi. Some items may change.

Sen-ryo Kushiyaki Set 4.2/5

It has also launched three new lunch sets in conjunction with the restaurant's first anniversary. One of the three new lunch sets is the sen-ryo Kushiyaki Set ($20.80), which will delight skewer-fan with five sticks of ebi, hotate, tsukune, shiitake and onion, complete with rice, chawanmushi, miso soup, salad and pickles.

Peach Sorbet 4.5/5

Lemon Sorbet 4.5/5

Be in for a cute and sweet ending surprise in the range of fruit desserts specially brought in from Toyama, Japan. We tried the Peach Sorbet ($11.80) and Lemon Ice Cream ($6.80), which tasted and came in the shape of the real fruit.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


sen-ryo
ION Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
#03-14
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 69746782
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am to 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Sushi Delivery - Sushi Delivered Right To Your Doorstep

Be it that you are planning a party or having a meal at the comfort of your home, Sushi Delivery - an online Japanese food delivery service will be able to satisfy your Japanese food craving. With just a few mouse clicks and you can get your order delivers to you with 45 minutes. Readers and followers of SG Food on Foot can also enjoy 10% discount for your delivery order from 13 March to 12 April 2020. Details of the discount promotion are at the end of the article.

Premium Sushi Party Set 

For those that are hosting a party or have a large family, you can consider the Party Sets Menu which offers Moriwase Sushi Party Set ($49.90), Sashimi Party Set ($89.90) and Premium Sushi Party Set ($69.90). I ordered the Premium Sushi Party Set, which comes with a variety of sushi such as tuna, salmon, shrimp, unagi, scallop and more. I had a count, and there are 32 pieces in total. Quality-wise it is much better than a popular sushi restaurant and cheaper in price too. The sushi platter even comes with an extra tray laid with ice pads underneath, keeping the sushi fresh during delivery.

Avocado Salad

If you are looking for something light and healthy, there are several salad items on the menu too. You can choose from Tofu Salad ($6.90), Avocado Salad ($6.90), Kani Salad ($8.30) or Seafood Salad ($13.90). For $6.90, the portion of my Avocado Salad is quite substantial with generous servicing of avocado slices atop a bed of fresh mesclun.

Salmon Teriyaki Set Bento

With the coronavirus outbreak, many of us have chosen to eat out lesser to avoid crowded places. If you prefer to dine at the comfort of your home, Sushi Delivery also offers a selection of Rice Bowls and Bento Sets for delivery.

Chicken Karaage Set Bento

For the Bento Sets, there are Chicken Karaage Set Bento ($10.90), Chicken Katsu Set Bento ($14.90), Pork Cutlet Set Bento ($18.30), Saba Shioyaki Set Bento ($12.90), Salmon Teriyaki Set Bento ($18.30) and Unagi Salmon Sashimi Set Bento ($18.90).

There are many more Japanese food selection available at Sushi Delivery such as Sashimi, Maki, Appetiser and Sides on top of the food items I ordered. Do visit their website to check out the full list of food delivery options.

10% Discount Promotion
Thank you to the good folks at Sushi Delivery, readers and followers of SG Food on Foot can enjoy 10% discount of your delivery order from 13 March to 12 April 2020. All you need is to quote the promotional quote "Derrick10".


Sushi Delivery
Website
Contact: +65 83287438

Mikuni Japanese Restaurant @ Fairmont Singapore – Celebrates Hina Matsuri For A Sixth Year

Back by popular demand and in its sixth anticipated installation, Mikuni once again heralds the arrival of the time-honoured Japanese tradition that takes place during the first light of Spring, Hina matsuri (also known as Doll's Festival or Girl's Day) which marks a day when families wish their daughters success and happiness in life. Helming the Japanese restaurant is Chef Keisuke Uno, who have specially curated a delicately refreshing bento that is themed for the season - an embodiment of refined feminine grace to reflect the coming of age.

From 1 to 10 March, diners get to indulge in a multi-sensory culinary experience with nine elegantly curated dishes aptly adorned with pink and floral garnishes in a dainty wooden lacquered bento box, thoughtfully designed to please and pamper palates.

Foie Gras Chawanmushi with Hokkaido Seafood 4.5/5

The luxurious 9-course bento comes with a rich starter of Foie Gras Chawanmushi with Hokkaido Seafood. It boosts a remarkably silky and delicate texture, while its flavour is given a premium upgrade with a strong hint of foie gras, as well as an addition of fresh uni and salmon roe. These mouth-popping granules contribute bursts of mildly salty notes to complement the sweetness of the seafood and steamed egg custard, making every bite of the chawanmushi rich, full-bodied and thoroughly enjoyable - A perfect appetizer to kick start the 9-course bento.

Miso Marinated Black Cod, Eel Sushi, Japanese Plum Jelly Sasamaki-fu, Braised Octopus 4.2/5

Next on the bento is followed by a marriage of refined flavours including Miso marinated Black Cod, Eel Sushi, Japanese Plum Jelly Sasamaki-fu, and Braised Octopus artfully showcased on a delicate Japanese origami paper. This dish of assorted appetizer delicacies displays a medley of textures of flavours from the tender miso marinated black cod, soft eel on fluffy Japanese rice, juicy brasied octopus and strips of plum jelly with a sweet-sour balance.

Prawn, “Tokushima” Baby Sweet Potato, Pumpkin, Shishitou White Fish 4.2/5

The tempura section includes a platter of 4 assorted items - Prawn, “Tokushima” Baby Sweet Potato, Pumpkin, Shishitou White Fish, each lightly coated and fried to a golden crisp perfection.

Sea Bream, Ohtoro, Kampachi 4.5/5

We were presented a variety of fresh, delicate sashimi slices - of Sea Bream, Ohtoro and Kampachi, all freshly from Tsujiki Market. Flawlessly executed, the sashimi slices were fresh with a melt-in-the-mouth consistency.

Slow-cooked A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Beef Sirloin, Garlic Sweet Soy 4.5/5

The highlight is the Slow-cooked A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Beef Sirloin which features lightly seared beef served with garlic sweet soy sauce to boost a perfect sweet-savoury balance. Cooked to medium rare, this luxuriously rich and well-marbled beef brings huge satisfaction to every bite with its exquisite quality of the meat - flavourful and tender that literally melts in the mouth.

Authentic Japanese Braised Bamboo Shoots and Shrimp Cake 4/5

Next on the bento is the Authentic Japanese Braised Bamboo Shoots and Shrimp Cake. The shrimp cake is soft and flavourful, while the braised bamboo shoots delivers a soft crunchiness in its texture with a mildly sweet juiciness to complement the shrimp cake.

Crab Chirashi Sushi 4.2/5

The Crab Chirashi Sushi comes in a bowl of perfectly cooked fluffy Japanese rice filled with generous amounts of soft crab meat within and salmon roe to provide a mild sweet-savoury combination to the dish. Essentially, a dish that seems simple but fare well with its excellent execution. To complement these exquisite dishes, a piping bowl of soothing Japanese Miso Soup is served to cleanse the palate well at the end of the meal.

Shizuoka Musk Melon and Mango Sorbet 4.2/5

Round off the meal on a sweet note with the Shizuoka Musk Melon and Mango Sorbet, which constitutes Chef Keisuke’s tropical dessert of mango sorbet seamlessly enhanced with the sweetness of shizuoka musk melon. A delectable dessert for those with an insatiable sweet tooth.

Kindly note that the Hina Matsuri Bento is available from 1 to 10 March only. The Hina Matsuri bento is priced at $120++ per person, available for lunch.

Words and photos 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.


Mikuni Japanese Restaurant
Fairmont Hotel Singapore
80 Bras Basah Road
Level 3
Singapore 189650
Tel: +65 64316156
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm

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

Don Don Donki @ Orchard Central – Don Quijote Launches First Flagship Store In Singapore

Japanese discount store Don Quijote partnered with its holding company for overseas operations, Pan Pacific International Holdings Pte Ltd to launch its first ever Southeast Asian store outside of Japan, Don Don Donki store in Orchard Central which is opened to the public from 1st December 2017. Aimed to position itself as the "Japanese Brand Specialist" by offering products that are either made or designed in Japan, it also curates a unique retail experience with focuses on convenience, quality and price affordability through the store's refreshing concept and design.

Occupying a double-storey retail space that spans 1,397 sq m at basement B1 and B2 of the mall, it operates 24 hours, seven days a week, and features a wide array of authentic Japanese merchandise that define the Donki experience, yet carefully selected to suit local preferences. The broad diversity of products, estimated at a jaw-dropping 30,000 items ranges from daily household items, cosmetics, stationery, kitchen goods, novelty items to fresh foods and beverages amongst many others. One would be able to find almost anything at Don Don Donki. It's akin to the Japanese version of Singapore's Mustafa.

A Hokkaido themed retail experience is adopted, having a third of its specialty offerings curated from Hokkaido, including fresh meat, fish and produce such as the Tokachi Beef. The bottom basement level boasts a mega huge super mart filled with a wide variety of fresh meat produce, such as packages of fresh seafood and premium cuts of beef, Tokachi Hokkaido Wagyu (Kobe) beef at $20 per 100g which is imported directly from Japan. We tasted a sample of it during the media preview. With a texture so tender and succulent that just melts in the mouth with each bite, it is definitely more than enough to warrant return purchases for their fresh meats.

Don Don Donki also features a ready to eat section with bento boxes, onigiri and gelato made from Hokkaido milk, where customers can purchase and immediately tuck into these takeaways.

Fruits and vegetables are restocked daily to ensure its freshness. The myriad of colourful fresh produce on display showcases a very rare variety of Japanese such as the Mutsu and Kurenaino Yame. They come in mega sizes and are priced at $2.90 each. The sweetness, sourness and hardness levels of each apple variety are displayed on the signboards for customers to differentiate and make their most preferred choice.

A plethora of Japanese nibbles occupying rows and rows of shelves would definitely render shoppers spoilt for choices with the huge varieties of snack items available. It is akin to heaven for all kids and adults alike.

The drinks section features a variety of Japanese alcoholic drinks, as well as non alcoholic ones such as the juices and soy milk beverages. If you’re brave enough, do try their Natto Sodas and Salty Squid drinks, which are labelled as the most disgusting drinks in Japan.

The second storey of Don Don Donki features essentials, household items, cosmetics, luggage, stationery, as well as toy plushies, quirky accessories, costumes and party goods. The section which would most possibly trigger potential impulse buys, you might spend more time exploring the multitude of interesting items that they have there than you intended to.

With the festive season just around the corner, the shelves are piled high with Christmas goods, decorations and festive wear. This is the perfect place to do some of your Christmas shopping, and just in time too!

In partnership with Hokkaido Marche, a dine-in space will be rolled out in Jan 2018 to further enhance the true Hokkaido dining experience. The exact opening hours for Hokkaido Marche will be confirmed nearer to the opening date. Good new is that Don Don Donki is set to open a second outlet in Tanjong Pagar mid-June 2018. There are also plans for further expansion into Asia, with a store launching in Thailand next December.

Words and photos 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.


Don Don Donki
Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road
Singapore 238896
#B1-15 to #B1-29,
#B2-01 to #B2-10,
#B2-30 to #B2-43
Tel: +65 69283043
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours: 
Daily: 24 Hours

Direction:
Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit C or D. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]