Showing posts with label Chawanmushi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chawanmushi. Show all posts

Thursday, June 4, 2026

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

Sashimi 2

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 1
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.

Seasonal Cold Dish 1
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 1
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.

Octopus Cutting

Comp - Octopus Sashimi 1

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 1

Chawanmushi 3
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 1
Hirame – Flounder Sushi

Madai - Seabream 1
Madai – Seabream

Kinmedai - Golden Eye Snapper 1
Kinmedai - Golden Eye Snapper

Engawa - Flounder fin 1
Engawa - Flounder Fin

Aji - Horse Mackerel 1
Aji - Horse Mackerel

Aka Ebi + Foie Gras - Red Prawn + Foie Gras 1
Aka Ebi + Foie Gras - Red Prawn + Foie Gras

Chutoro - Medium Fatty Tuna 1
Chutoro - Medium Fatty Tuna

Otoro + Caviar - Fatty Tuna + Caviar 1
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.

Uni Tray

Uni Handroll 3

Uni Handroll 1
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!

Comp - Tuna Negroni Sushi Roll 1
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 1
Soup – Miso Soup

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

Dessert 1
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.

Restaurant

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
Facebook
Instagram
Website
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]




Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Estate @ Hilton Singapore Orchard - “Sunday Social Champagne Brunch”, A Lively Celebration of Indulgence, Bubbly Elegance, and Elevated Weekend Dining

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Photo 30-4-26, 4 16 04 AM

The Estate introduces a refreshed weekend ritual with its “Sunday Social Champagne Brunch”, a vibrant dining experience that brings together good food, free-flow champagne and a lively social atmosphere. Anchored by the theme “Brunch, but make it Estate”, the experience combines the restaurant’s well-loved buffet spread with curated plated signatures, music, a live DJ spinning throughout the brunch, and family-friendly touches, with the introduction of a dedicated Junior Corner. Free-flow premier French champagne from Moët & Chandon adds a touch of French chic to the afternoon, elevating the indulgence even further.

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Seafood

The brunch begins with Estate’s renowned seafood bar taking centre stage, showcasing premium selections such as fresh French Oysters, Boston Lobsters and Alaskan King Crabs, alongside Tiger Prawns, Scallops, Clams and Mussels. This impressive spread sets the tone for a luxurious experience, offering diners a taste of the ocean’s finest with every visit to the station.

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Carving Meats

At the carving station, diners can look forward to hearty centrepieces such as the tea-smoked whole lamb leg and the lemongrass & coconut-roasted wagyu sirloin. Both offerings deliver bold flavours and succulent textures, making them particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate richly prepared meats.

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Mini Wagyu Slider

The Mini Wagyu Sliders are also worth a mention, featuring juicy patties layered with aged cheddar and caramelised onions, and nestled within fluffy brioche buns. Despite their modest size, these bites are surprisingly satisfying and well-executed.

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Photo 30-4-26, 4 20 21 AM
Foie Gras/Corned Beef Hash

A key highlight of the brunch is the reimagined lineup of individually plated chef’s signatures, elevating the dining experience beyond the traditional buffet. Favourites include the pan-seared Foie Gras, rich and buttery with a beautifully caramelised exterior, as well as the indulgent corned beef hash with soft scrambled eggs, finished with black truffle essence and caviar.

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Chawanmushi

The Lobster and Yuzu Chawanmushi is another refined creation, delicately steamed in kombu dashi and topped with ikura, delivering a silky texture, umami-rich flavours, and a gentle citrus lift.

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Seared Scallop

Equally noteworthy are the seared Scallop à la Provençale, served with a smooth cauliflower velouté, brown butter and crisp capers. The dish offers a harmonious balance of richness and subtle sweetness, complemented by layers of texture.

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Smoked Salmon and Trout Roulade

The Smoked Salmon and Trout Roulade presents a lighter yet flavourful option, paired with dill crème fraîche, pickled shallots and rye crisps. The combination brings together freshness, tanginess and a pleasant crunch.

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Photo 30-4-26, 4 21 43 AM
Singapore Chilli Mud Crab/Roasted Meats

Beyond the plated selections, the buffet continues to impress with Estate’s signature spread of international and local favourites, offering diners a wide variety of options to explore throughout the afternoon. Among the highlights are the Singapore Chilli Mud Crab served with mantou, as well as roast meats such as Five-spiced Roasted Duck, Garlic-crusted Roasted Chicken, and Roasted Pork, all of which deliver familiar, comforting flavours.

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Photo 30-4-26, 4 18 45 AM
Lobster Laksa

Another highlight is the noodle bar, where freshly prepared bowls take centre stage. The Lobster Nyonya Laksa stands out with its rich, aromatic broth. At the same time, other options such as the King Crab Laksa and Yunnan Cong You Ban Mian provide equally satisfying alternatives for those craving something warm and hearty.

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Photo 30-4-26, 4 22 24 AM

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Desserts round off the brunch on a delightful note with an extensive, thoughtfully curated selection. Highlights include Singapore Heritage Nyonya Kueh, caramelised Pecan Tart, Hilton’s iconic Cheesecake, Lavender Rose Tart, and caramelised Pistachio Chocolate Cake. Guests can also enjoy a selection of Gelatos alongside the Estate’s signature handcrafted dessert jars, such as Lemongrass Hazelnut Cookie Crumble, Matcha Azuki Truffle, Japanese Sweet Potato Pudding, Cacao Velvet, and Pumpkin-spiced Panna Cotta.

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With its combination of premium ingredients, curated dishes and lively ambience, the Sunday Social Champagne Brunch delivers a well-rounded and memorable weekend experience that goes beyond the usual buffet format. The Sunday Social Champagne Brunch is available from 12 April 2026 at Hilton Singapore Orchard, priced at $138++ per adult, making it an ideal choice for a celebratory and indulgent Sunday outing.

Every Sunday | 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
From $138++ per adult (includes chilled juices, coffee, and tea)
For all Sunday Champagne Brunch experiences, top up $80++ for free flow of Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut champagne, house red and white wines, beers, Mimosa, and Bellini.


Photo 30-4-26, 4 21 53 AM

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


Estate
Hilton Singapore Orchard
333 Orchard Road
Singapore 238867
Tel: +65 67374411
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 10pm
Breakfast: 630am – 1030am
Lunch: 12pm – 230pm
Dinner: 630pm – 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard Road. Cross the road and walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]


Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Wagokoro Mineno (和心 嶺野) @ Orchard Plaza - A New Kappo Omakase Experience That Not Quite Justify Its Price Point

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MinenoOmakase-2

Tucked away on the second floor of Orchard Plaza, Wagokoro Mineno (和心 嶺野) is a relatively new addition to the local omakase scene, offering a Kappo-style dining experience. Priced at $148 per pax, the 8-course omakase menu can be further elevated with a $30 supplement to include uni in the courses.

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Sesame Tofu, Ikura, Uni 3/5

Our dinner commenced with a visually appealing trio of Sesame Tofu, Ikura and Uni served in a martini glass. While it set a luxurious tone, the execution fell short of expectations. The robust nuttiness of the sesame tofu overshadowed the more delicate flavours of the ikura and uni, resulting in an imbalance.

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Clam Soup 3/5

Following that was a comforting bowl of Clam Soup with seaweed. The clear broth carried a gentle sweetness from the clams, complemented by the briny depth of the seaweed. It was light yet soothing, offering a nice transition into the subsequent courses.

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Sashimi 3/5

The Sashimi course featured a trio comprising white fish, salmon and sea urchin. The cuts were fresh, with the white fish offering a clean, subtle sweetness, while the salmon delivered a richer, more familiar profile. The uni added a creamy element to the assortment, though it lacked the intensity and lingering umami one might expect at this price point. Overall, while competent, the course did not particularly stand out.

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Deep-fried Japanese Saba 3.5/5

Next, the Deep-fried Japanese Saba impressed with its crispy exterior and moist, flavourful flesh within. The frying was well-executed, locking in the saba’s natural oils and enhancing its richness.

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Chicken 3.8/5

Taking a break from seafood, the Chicken showcased tender poached meat with the skin lightly torched for a hint of smokiness and textural contrast. The addition of yuzu brightened the dish with a refreshing citrus note, lifting the overall flavour profile and making it an enjoyable interlude.

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Chawanmushi 4/5

A highlight of the meal was the Chawanmushi. Unlike the usual rendition, this version incorporated sushi rice and shirako, offering a more layered experience. The silky steamed egg paired beautifully with the creamy shirako, while the sushi rice introduced a surprising bite, adding dimension to the dish.

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Kimedai 4/5

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Isaki 3.5/5

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Flounder Fin 4.2/5

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Akami 3.5/5

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Sayori 3/5

For the sushi course, we were presented with an assortment of five: Kimedai, Isaki, Flounder Fin, Akami, and Sayori. Standouts included the kimedai and flounder fin. The latter, in particular, delighted with its subtle crunch, while the inclusion of shiso leaf released a fragrant aroma with each bite. On the other hand, the isaki was slightly overwhelmed by an overly assertive use of wasabi, and the sauce on the sayori proved too heavy-handed, disrupting the balance. The sushi rice across the board leaned towards the sweeter side, which may not appeal to all.

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Otoro topped with Uni, Gold Flakes 4.2/5

The indulgent Otoro topped with Uni and Gold Flakes was arguably the highlight of the evening. Rich and buttery, the otoro melted effortlessly in the mouth, while the uni amplified the umami, creating a decadent, flavour-packed bite.

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Miso Soup 3/5

The meal concluded rather abruptly with a simple Miso Soup and no dessert. This unconventional ending felt somewhat underwhelming, especially given the premium pricing and expectations associated with omakase dining.

Overall, while Wagokoro Mineno offers a competent Kappo-style omakase experience, it did not quite justify its price point. With several strong contenders in Singapore offering more refined and cohesive experiences at a similar range, this felt like a meal that, while enjoyable in parts, lacked the finesse and balance to truly stand out.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wagokoro Mineno (和心 嶺野)
Orchard Plaza
150 Orchard Road
#02-27/28
Singapore 238841
Tel: +65 8338 2065
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 6pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to the traffic junction of Orchard Road and Killiney Road. Cross the road. Walk to Orchard Plaza. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]