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

Saturday, June 28, 2025

Sushi Muni (無二) @ International Plaza - New Kid On The Block, Offering $98 Lunch Omakase

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Tucked away in International Plaza, Sushi Muni (無二) has quietly made a name for itself in just over six months since its opening. This intimate 10-seater omakase restaurant, often fully booked, has cultivated a loyal following who return time and again for Chef Chon's meticulous creations. The name 無二, meaning "one of a kind," perfectly encapsulates the restaurant's philosophy, offering diners a culinary experience marked by purity, precision and artistry.

We had the pleasure of trying their Omakase lunch, priced at $98 per person, which takes guests on a thoughtfully curated journey across multiple courses.

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Umibudo Salad 3.8/5

The meal started with a refreshing Umibudo Salad. Served alongside hot green tea, the crunchy fresh seagrapes added a pleasant saltiness, balancing the light and palatable flavours of the salad.

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Muzuku with Ebi Chawanmushi 3.8/5

The second course, Muzuku with Ebi Chawanmushi, showcased an interesting textural play with Japanese seaweed and minced shrimp, lightly accented by a hint of ginger. This creative take on chawanmushi was both surprising and enjoyable.

Chef

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Sashimi 4/5

Next came the Sashimi course featuring Mizu Tako and Chutoro. The Mizu Tako is thinly sliced giant octopus leg, recommended to be paired with sea salt instead of the usual soy sauce, allowing its natural flavours to shine. The Chutoro was fatty, sweet and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

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Wagyu Sukishabu 4.5/5

The highlight of the meal for us was undoubtedly the Wagyu Sukishabu - Presented with great flair, the beautifully marbled Wagyu was lightly swished in broth right before our eyes, served atop a poached egg and finished with crispy sushi rice for added texture.

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Tomio Miso Kuzu Somen 4/5

Following that was the Tomio Miso Kuzu Somen, served in a charming cup. Made with konjac, the somen offered a slightly crunchy texture, paired with tiny Tomio fishes in a soy milk broth that was light and refreshing.

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The sushi selection featured five varieties: Shima Aji, Ama Ebi, Tachiuo, Otoro, and Uni. While the freshness was undeniable, we personally found the texture of a few pieces a tad slimy for our taste.

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Handroll 2

As a pleasant surprise, we were also served a bonus Handroll with Pickled Gourd, offering a sweet and crunchy bite. Additionally, the chef presented us with a special mackerel sushi of the day, which we found slightly fishy.

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Torotakudon 4.2/5

Another standout was the Torotakudon, generously topped with fresh minced tuna and ikura, a dish that is both indulgent and straightforward

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Miso Soup 3.5/5

Homemade Tamago 2
Homemade Tamago 4/5

As we approached the end of the meal, we were served Miso Soup and an eye-catching Homemade Tamago. The tamago resembled a chiffon cake, subtly sweet and savoury with hidden layers of fish paste, shrimps and taro bits. This is such a delightful twist on tradition.

Dessert 1
Matcha Pudding with Corn Shiratama and Hokkaido Red Bean 4/5

Dessert brought a satisfying close to the meal with the Matcha Pudding with Corn Shiratama and Hokkaido Red Bean. The handmade corn shiratama offered a wonderful mochi-like texture, while the stretchy matcha pudding and perfectly cooked red bean rounded off the dessert beautifully.

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Restaurant 1

Sushi Muni offers an impressive value with their $98 lunch omakase, available Tuesday through Saturday, with two seatings daily. Choose either Sushi Omakase or the Omakase Course that we had. For dinner, guests can enjoy the elevated Muni Omakase experience for $198 per person. Whether you're a seasoned omakase enthusiast or a curious first-timer, Sushi Muni delivers an artful and memorable dining experience well worth trying.

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


Sushi Muni (無二)
International Plaza
10 Anson Road
#02-28
Singapore 079903
Tel: +65 8492 6387
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 6pm - 10pm
Tue-Sat: 1130am - 1pm, 130pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

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

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Daikoku Japanese Izakaya @ Maxwell KADA - Embodies The Rustic Charm of Japanese Izakaya

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Daikoku Japanese Izakaya at Maxwell KADA embodies the charm of a rustic Japanese izakaya, offering an inviting and down-to-earth atmosphere. At the heart of the kitchen is a Japanese couple who previously ran their own yakitori shop in Sendai before taking a leap of faith to bring their craft to Singapore.

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Yakitori 4/5

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Crown Yakitori

We started with a platter of their signature charcoal-grilled yakitori — definitely the highlight here. A standout was the Crown Yakitori ($5). It had a chewy texture at the centre, contrasted with jagged, charred edges that offered moreish, smoky bites. Rare and hard to find, this is a must-try for yakitori enthusiasts.

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Wing Yakitori

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Meatball Yakitori

Two other notable skewers were the Wing Yakitori ($3.80) and Meatball Yakitori ($3.80). The wings were expertly butterflied, allowing the skin to crisp up beautifully without the usual greasiness. The meat stayed tender and juicy, clearly not rushed on the grill. As for the meatball, it was aptly seasoned, with a loose yet juicy texture — not an easy feat when skewering minced meat.

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Thigh with Leek Yakitori

Other staples include Thigh with Leek Yakitori ($3.80) and Enoki Pork Belly ($4), which were well-grilled, rendering off any excess fats and retaining their meaty texture.

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Vegetable options include the Asparagus Yakitori ($3.40) and Yellow Corn ($4.80). The latter was particularly enjoyable — sweet, juicy, and laced with aromatic, buttery flavour.

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Dragon Maki 4.5/5

Beyond skewers, the maki rolls are well worth exploring. The Dragon Maki ($14.80) impressed with its balance of plump, well-seasoned rice and fillings like fried ebi, cucumber, avocado, and tamago. Each bite was mouth-filling and satisfying — easily one of the better maki rolls I've had in recent memory.

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Ikura Chawanmushi 5/5

From the appetisers, we tried both versions of the Chawanmushi — the Regular ($4.50) and the more luxurious Ikura Chawanmushi ($8.50). Both were silky-smooth and custardy, with savoury, umami-packed mushrooms at the base that seemed to have been pre-cooked for extra flavour. The ikura added pops of briny richness, but it was the texture and execution of the steamed egg that stood out.

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Mentaiko Fries 2.5/5

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Pitan Tofu 4/5

The Mentaiko Fries ($7.80), however, leaned heavy on the sauce. While it's meant to be indulgent, mentaiko sauce, especially when mayo-based, works best in moderation for a boost of mouthfeel and flavour. On the other hand, the Pitan Tofu ($4.80) was creamy and addictive.

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There’s also a commendable selection of sake. I started with a shot of Kawatsuru Sanuki Cloudy, which was soft and textural, and ended with a refreshing Yuzu Sake, sweet and citrusy — perfect to round off the meal.

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.



Daikoku Japanese Izakaya
Maxwell KADA
5 Kadayanallur Street
#01-03
Singapore 069183
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 530pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to Erskine Road. Turn right and walk down Erskine Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, May 24, 2025

Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro @ Hilton Orchard - Launches $88++ Weekend Brunch Indulgence

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Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro, Singapore's highest Michelin-rated Szechwan restaurant, is back with a revamped space and a brand-new weekend brunch experience. Available exclusively on weekends and public holidays, the $88++ per guest brunch menu (minimum two guests, all diners at the table must order) offers a luxurious spread of signature dishes available from refined dim sum to indulgent mains and classic Szechwan specialities.

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Shisen Hanten Trio Appetiser 3/5

We kicked off with the Shisen Hanten Trio Appetiser, featuring Sweet and Sour Jellyfish, Chilled Steamed Chicken with Spicy Sesame Sauce, and Szechuan Sliced King Mushrooms with Mala Sauce. Each bite showcased the restaurant's mastery of flavour layering, which was zesty, nutty, and tongue-tingling in all the right ways. It was a perfect introduction to what was to come.

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Steamed Spinach Shrimp Dumpling 4/5

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Steamed Okinawa Barbecued Pork Bun 3.8/5

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Pan-fried Chinese Sausage Radish Cake 4.2/5

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Szechwan-style Poached Pork Dumpling 4/5

From the dim sum selection, we tried four of the seven available items, each crafted with finesse and elegance. The Steamed Spinach Shrimp Dumpling stood out for its delicate translucent skin encasing a juicy, flavourful filling that combined the sweetness of shrimp with the earthy freshness of spinach. The Steamed Okinawa Barbecued Pork Bun offered a rich and slightly smoky profile, its pillowy soft exterior giving way to tender, well-marinated pork. The Pan-fried Chinese Sausage Radish Cake was a comforting classic elevated by fragrant Chinese sausage, adding a savoury depth to the dish's crispy edges and soft interior. Lastly, the Szechwan-style Poached Pork Dumpling impressed with its juicy filling and the gentle heat from the accompanying mala-style broth. While each item was enjoyable, we wished for a broader selection to explore, especially considering the high standard set by these refined offerings.

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Foie Gras Chawanmushi with Crab Roe Soup 4.8/5

Among the three soup options on the menu, the Foie Gras Chawanmushi with Crab Roe Soup (+$18) is undoubtedly the showstopper and an absolute must-try. This luxurious dish arrives as a harmonious union of East and West, beginning with a silky-smooth Japanese-style steamed egg custard infused with the rich, buttery essence of foie gras. The custard is then crowned with a generous ladle of crab roe soup, bursting with umami and a delicate ocean sweetness that perfectly complements the foie gras' depth. Each spoonful is a textural delight, with the soft custard melting in the mouth while the vibrant crab roe adds a subtle pop and brininess. It's an opulent, deeply satisfying soup that lingers on the palate, making it well worth the indulgence.

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Barbecued Honey-glazed Hokkaido Shirobuta Pork Char Siew, Crispy Pork Belly 4.2/5

From the barbecue section, the roast meats at Shisen Hanten offer a masterful showcase of texture and technique. The Barbecued Honey-glazed Hokkaido Shirobuta Pork Char Siew boasts a beautiful caramelised glaze, enveloping slices of tender pork that perfectly balances sweetness and savoury richness. The premium Hokkaido pork offers a succulent bite, with just the right amount of fat to make each mouthful melt with flavour.

The Crispy Roasted Pork Belly is equally satisfying. It features alternating layers of crackling skin, soft fat, and juicy meat. The skin is shatteringly crisp, creating a pleasing contrast against the moist, savoury pork beneath.

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Pan-seared Peking Duck 4.5/5

However, the standout among the trio is the Pan-seared Peking Duck. Unlike the traditional version, this rendition is elevated by pan-searing the duck wrap, lending it an extra crispness and a delightful textural crunch. Each bite reveals tender duck meat encased in a golden, crispy wrap, an unexpected yet welcome twist on a classic. This thoughtful attention to both flavour and texture makes the roast meat selection a highlight of the brunch experience.

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Deep-fried Diced Chicken with Szechwan Chilli Peppers 4.2/5

You can't leave Shisen Hanten without trying their take on Szechwan classics. The Deep-fried Diced Chicken with Szechwan Chilli Peppers delivered a fiery kick and addictively crispy morsels, staying true to the restaurant's roots in bold, spice-laden flavours.

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Stir-fried Prawns with Chilli Sauce (+$8) 4.2/5

Another crowd-pleaser was the Stir-fried Prawns with Chilli Sauce (+$8). The plump, crunchy prawns were coated in a vibrant, spicy-sweet sauce, which is best enjoyed with deep-fried mantou to mop up every last drop.

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Chen's Mapo Tofu with Hokkaido Rice 4.8/5

A signature must-have, Chen's Mapo Tofu is a flavour bomb that combines silky tofu and a punchy fermented bean paste sauce over a bed of premium Hokkaido rice. It is rich, comforting, and deeply satisfying.

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Szechwan Jelly with Seasonal Fruits 4.2/5

For dessert, the Szechwan Jelly with Seasonal Fruits offers a refreshing and vibrant conclusion to the indulgent brunch. The jelly, delicately infused with subtle hints of Szechwan spices, carries a gentle floral aroma and a light, palate-cleansing sweetness. Its soft, wobbly texture contrasts beautifully with the medley of seasonal fruits, each adding bursts of natural sweetness and juicy freshness. The interplay of cool jelly and crisp fruits creates a harmonious balance that refreshes the senses and helps cut through the richness of the earlier courses. It's a thoughtfully crafted dessert that brings a refined and revitalising end to the meal.

Shisen Hanten's new weekend brunch menu is a well-curated journey through elevated Szechwan cuisine, balancing refined techniques with bold flavours. From the luxurious foie gras chawanmushi to the punchy mapo tofu and pan-seared Peking duck, each dish is rooted in tradition while offering modern sophistication.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro
Hilton Singapore Orchard
Level 35
333 Orchard Road
Singapore 238867
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

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 destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]