DOMO Modern Japanese @ Fairmont Hotel - Refined Japanese Cuisine with a Contemporary Twist

DOMO Modern Japanese may be just over a year old, but it’s already making its mark on Singapore’s dining scene with its contemporary take on Japanese cuisine. Named after the Japanese expression “Domo Arigatou” (“thank you”), the restaurant combines Japanese techniques with subtle European influences in a refined yet approachable setting.

Leading the kitchen is Chef Rose Ang, whose 29 years of culinary experience include working with Nobu Hospitality across Europe. Her global experience is reflected throughout the menu, where Japanese flavours are thoughtfully complemented by European touches, resulting in dishes that are balanced, elegant and never overcomplicated.

Salmon Tataki 4/5

We started with the Salmon Tataki ($22), lightly seared and served with Dijon miso sauce and a balsamic glaze. The gentle smokiness from the aburi edges complements the rich salmon beautifully. At the same time, the Dijon miso adds a savoury depth before the balsamic cuts through with just enough acidity to keep every bite balanced. It’s a great introduction to Chef Rose’s signature approach of marrying Japanese techniques with European influences.

Chawanmushi 3.8/5

The Chawanmushi ($18) arrives generously filled with prawn, crab meat and ikura. Seafood lovers will appreciate its natural sweetness, though diners more sensitive to stronger seafood flavours may find it slightly fish-forward. The silky steamed egg provides a comforting base that lets the fresh seafood shine.

Sashimi Salad with Nashi Pear Dressing 5/5

Instead of the usual sashimi platter, we opted for the Sashimi Salad with Nashi Pear Dressing ($24), and it turned out to be one of our favourite dishes. The combination of fresh sashimi, crisp greens and crunchy nashi pear created a refreshing contrast of textures, while the dressing was light and well-balanced without being overly sweet.

Sashimi Taco 5/5

The Sashimi Taco ($18 for 2 pieces) comes in different variations, and we tried both the salmon and tuna versions. The Salmon Taco, paired with tomato shiso salsa, was pleasant and approachable, though the flavours leaned toward the milder side. We thought a spicy variation would give it a little more excitement.

Tuna Taco 5/5

The Tuna version, on the other hand, was outstanding. The combination of tuna, avocado and feta created a richer and more balanced flavour profile, making this our preferred choice between the two.

Snow Crab & Tobiko Baked Rice 4.8/5

For mains, we had the Snow Crab & Tobiko Baked Rice ($48), which was generously topped with sweet snow crab, while the rice carried a subtle ginger fragrance that complemented the seafood without overpowering it. Comforting, satisfying and perfect for sharing, this is a dish we’d happily order again.

Domo Sour 4/5

The drinks menu offers a surprisingly good selection at reasonable prices. We tried the Domo Sour ($16), a whisky-based cocktail with bitters and yuzu. Smooth, citrusy and refreshing, it paired well with the seafood dishes throughout the meal.

Sticky Ginger Date Pudding 5/5

Chef Rose recommended her signature Sticky Ginger Date Pudding ($16), served with soy toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream. Replacing salt with soy sauce was an interesting touch, adding subtle savouriness to the dessert. The pudding itself reminded us of a Chinese red date and ginger steamed cake, while the vanilla ice cream made it richer and more indulgent.

Chilled Mango Gazpacho 4/5

For something lighter, we also tried the Chilled Mango Gazpacho with Yuzu Shiso Pomelo ($22). Think of it as a refined take on the classic Hong Kong mango pomelo dessert, elevated with fragrant shiso and yuzu. Refreshing and not overly sweet, it was a lovely way to end the meal.

Beyond the food, we were pleasantly surprised by the restaurant’s spacious layout. DOMO features four private dining rooms with minimum spend starting at just $80 per person, making it a great option for celebrations, corporate gatherings, or intimate dinners. Combined with its elegant ambience and thoughtfully curated menu, DOMO delivers a dining experience that feels polished yet welcoming.

Beyond the signature dishes we tried, DOMO offers an extensive à la carte menu featuring sashimi, sushi, robata-grilled seafood and meats, noodles and rice, giving diners plenty of reasons to return and explore more of the menu. For those seeking a more curated experience, Chef Rose also offers a Signature Tasting Menu from $88++, with bespoke omakase experiences starting at $300++.

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


DOMO
Fairmont Singapore
252 North Bridge Road
#03-00
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 89108835
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

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

Satori @ Amoy Street - Vibey Yakitori Spot Serving Over 50 Skewers at Wallet-Friendly Prices

Satori at Amoy Street fires up the grill with a lively, no-frills yakitori concept that strikes a compelling balance between omakase-level precision and the spirited energy of a modern Japanese tavern. Helmed by Chef Wilson, a protégé of yakitori master Chef Shyong from sister restaurant Sapōto, the concept brings serious grilling credentials into a more accessible, vibey setting.

With over 50 skewers on the menu priced from just $3.80, Satori is designed for both casual diners looking for a quick bite and enthusiasts eager to explore a wide spectrum of yakitori cuts.

Nori Salad 3.5/5

We began with the Nori Salad ($9.80), a refreshing starter that goes beyond the usual greens. Crisp lettuce and nori form the base, but what sets it apart is the addition of crispy whitebait scattered throughout. These tiny fish lend a delightful crunch and an umami punch, elevating the dish with both texture and depth. It’s a simple yet thoughtful composition that whets the appetite nicely.

Truffle Chawanmushi 4/5

The Truffle Chawanmushi ($9.80) is a crowd-pleasing classic done right. Silky smooth and delicately steamed, the custard melts effortlessly on the palate. The truffle oil is unmistakable, perfuming each spoonful with an earthy richness that feels indulgent without overwhelming the dish’s inherent lightness. It’s a comforting prelude to the heavier grilled items.

Tsukune (Minced Chicken)

Seseri Neck

Cherry Tomato

Bonjiri (Tail)

Sunagimo (Gizzard)

Shishito (Green Pepper)

Tebasaki (Mid Wing) / Chef’s Yakitori Set 4/5

To get a proper sense of Satori’s yakitori prowess, the Chef’s Selection Yakitori Set ($29.80) is an excellent starting point. Comprising seven skewers — including four chicken cuts, one organ, and two vegetables — it offers a well-rounded introduction to the menu. Each skewer is grilled over binchotan charcoal, imparting a deep, smoky aroma while preserving the ingredients’ natural juiciness.

The tsukune (minced chicken) is tender and well-seasoned, with a slight bounce and savoury glaze that lingers. Seseri (neck) delivers a satisfying chew with rich chicken flavour, while bonjiri (tail) stands out for its fatty, melt-in-the-mouth decadence. The sunagimo (gizzard) offers a firmer bite, adding textural contrast to the lineup. On the vegetable front, the shishito pepper provides a mild, smoky sweetness, and the cherry tomato bursts with juicy brightness, acting as a refreshing counterpoint. The tebasaki (mid-wing) rounds out the set with juicy meat beneath lightly crisped skin.

Mini Unagi Don 4/5

For something more substantial, the Mini Unagi Don ($16.80) makes for a satisfying companion. The grilled eel is glazed with a luscious sweet-savoury sauce that seeps into the fluffy Japanese rice beneath. A glossy egg yolk adds creaminess, balancing the sweetness, while slices of cucumber inject a welcome crunch and freshness. Despite its “mini” label, it feels hearty enough to anchor the meal.

Chicken Heart 4/5

Pork Belly with Lettuce 4.2/5

We also explored a few additional skewers. The Chicken Heart ($3.80) impresses with its clean, rich flavour and springy texture, free from any metallic aftertaste that sometimes plagues organ meats. The Pork Belly with Lettuce ($6.80) is particularly enjoyable — the pork belly renders beautifully over the grill, achieving a smoky, slightly crisp exterior. At the same time, the lettuce inside remains lightly wilted yet refreshing. It’s a clever combination, with the lettuce acting as a natural palate cleanser against the richness of the pork.

Beef Tongue 4.2/5

The Beef Tongue ($13.80) is grilled quickly over high heat, resulting in a caramelised char on the edges while retaining a tender bite. Its inherent fattiness and deep beefy flavour are enhanced by the smokiness from the binchotan, making it one of the more indulgent skewers on the menu.

Overall, Satori succeeds in delivering quality yakitori without the stiffness of a traditional omakase setting. The skewers are thoughtfully executed, the menu is extensive yet approachable, and the atmosphere encourages lingering over drinks and multiple rounds of skewers. It’s the kind of place where you can drop by for a casual bite or settle in for a full-on yakitori feast with friends — all without breaking the bank.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Satori
89 Amoy Street
Singapore 069908
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 3pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

Sushi Dorobo @ Bugis Cube - An Intimate 10-Seater Omakase Worth Discovering

Sushi Dorobo, a cosy 10-seater at Bugis Cube level 3, offers a quietly intimate omakase experience - the kind where the chefs interact, observe and occasionally surprise you with off-menu touches. Opened just a few months ago and run by two chefs, the restaurant keeps things simple and focused. We went for the Sushi Kage Omakase ($139) for dinner. There is also a more affordable Sushi Shiobi menu at $99.

Appetizer

The meal begins light but thoughtful, with a trio of Soramame (broad beans), Amela Tomato and Hotaru Ika (firefly squid). It’s a well-balanced opener that is refreshing, slightly briny and texturally interesting. Nothing overly complex, but a good way to ease into the meal.

Cold Dish

The Hokkaido Oyster with Yuzu Ponzu is a highlight early on. Creamy and fresh, the oyster is lifted by the citrusy dressing, while the ikura adds little bursts of salinity. Simple, clean flavours done right.

Seasonal Sashimi

We were served Kampachi, Scallop and Akami. The kampachi stood out, lightly aburi-ed for added depth and aroma. It’s a small touch, but one that shows attention to detail that elevates what could have been a standard sashimi course.

At one point, the chef brought out what looked like a long white fish, which was actually octopus. Sliced and served complimentary, the different cuts offered contrasting textures - one more tender, the other slightly crunchy. No sauce needed; the natural flavour was enough.

Chawanmushi

A comforting, familiar dish done well. The Chawanmushi is silky and light, with chunks of white fish hidden within, adding both texture and flavour. It’s simple but satisfying, the kind of dish that quietly anchors the meal.

Hirame – Flounder Sushi

Madai – Seabream

Kinmedai - Golden Eye Snapper

Engawa - Flounder Fin

Aji - Horse Mackerel

Aka Ebi + Foie Gras - Red Prawn + Foie Gras

Chutoro - Medium Fatty Tuna

Otoro + Caviar

The omakase continues with 8 pieces of Nigiri made fresh right in front of us, featuring a mix of classic and premium selections. The progression is well-paced, moving from lighter to richer flavours. Standouts include the Engawa for its smoky, fatty depth and the Aka Ebi topped with Foie Gras, which is indulgent, slightly over-the-top, but undeniably satisfying.

Temaki – Uni Handroll

A fun, slightly theatrical moment where the Uni Handroll is finished with edible gold, making it very much a “phone eats first” course. It’s rich, creamy and indulgent!

Tuna Negroni Sushi Roll

Just when we thought the meal was wrapping up, the chef served a Tuna Negroni Sushi Roll that was generously filled and more than a mouthful. Unexpected, but a satisfying addition to our already full stomachs.

Soup – Miso Soup

By this point, a hot bowl of Miso Soup feels very necessary. Warm, comforting and a good reset before dessert.

Seasalt Ice Cream, Red Meat Melon

Dessert was a pleasant surprise - Seasalt Ice Cream sandwiched in a Monaka, finished with a drop of truffle oil. It’s an unusual combination, but it works! Sweet, savoury and aromatic all at once. Paired with a slice of very sweet Red Meat Melon, it ends the meal on a clean, balanced note.

Sushi Dorobo is less about theatrics and more about delivering a quietly enjoyable omakase experience. The intimate 10-seater setting, paired with friendly and attentive chefs, creates a relaxed atmosphere that feels personal rather than formal.

While the menu leans on solid fundamentals, it’s the small surprises and thoughtful touches throughout the meal that make it memorable. It may not aim to be the most refined omakase in town, but it strikes a good balance between quality, creativity and comfort. It is a spot you’d return to for an easy, satisfying dining experience.

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


Sushi Dorobo
Bugis Cube
470 North Bridge Road
#03-17
Singapore 188735
Tel: +65 8344 2811
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 2pm, 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to North Bridge Road. Cross the road. Turn right onto North Bridge Road. Walk down North Bridge Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to North Bridge Road. Turn left onto North Bridge Road. Walk down North Bridge Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]