Tampopo @ Takashimaya - Showcases Niigata’s Premium Produce in Limited-Time Seasonal Menu

A household name in Singapore’s Japanese dining scene, Tampopo has long been instrumental in making authentic Japanese cuisine accessible, consistent, and affordable. Founded by Takagi Takaaki, the brand continues to honour its philosophy of working closely with Japanese producers. This season, Tampopo spotlights the bounty of Niigata Prefecture with a limited-time menu that highlights premium ingredients flown in from the region.

A key highlight is the introduction of Niigata-grown “Shinnosuke” rice, a relatively new varietal that inherits the prized genetics of Koshihikari while offering its own distinct character. With a higher amylose content, the rice delivers a gentle sweetness, fuller flavour, and a firm, springy bite. Cultivated using pristine snowmelt water and benefiting from Niigata’s dramatic temperature shifts, each grain is glossy, aromatic, and refined.

Niigata Umaimon Gozen 4/5

The Niigata Umaimon Gozen ($35.80) is the best way to experience “Shinnosuke” rice in its purest form. This well-balanced set comes complete with sashimi, grilled fish, vegetables, and soup, allowing the rice to shine as the centrepiece. Its texture pairs beautifully with the accompanying dishes, elevating the overall dining experience.

Tampopo’s Chirashi Sushi 3.8/5

Amaebi Shinjyo with Lotus 3.8/5

The menu also features the prized Oguchi Lotus root from Nagaoka City, known for its exceptional crunch and tenderness. Harvested using the meticulous mizuhori method, the lotus root retains its clean, crisp texture without excess fibrousness.

This premium ingredient appears in Tampopo’s Chirashi Sushi ($29.80), adding a refreshing bite, and in the Amaebi Shinjyo with Lotus ($12.80), where it is stuffed with sweet shrimp paste and deep-fried into a delicate tempura. The contrast between the crunchy lotus root and the creamy amaebi filling creates an enjoyable textural interplay.

Niigata Soul Food “Noppe” 3.5/5

A comforting traditional dish, “Noppe” is a celebratory stew deeply rooted in Niigata’s culinary heritage. The hearty bowl features a medley of ingredients, including lotus root, mushrooms, salmon, chicken, satoimo, and kamaboko, simmered in a light yet umami-rich dashi broth enhanced with dried scallops and mushrooms. It is wholesome, nourishing, and quietly satisfying.

Tampopo’s Hegi Soba with Prawn Tempura (tasting portion) 4.2/5

A rare find in Singapore, Hegi Soba is a regional speciality from Niigata’s Uonuma region. Made using funori seaweed as a binder, the noodles boast a firmer, more elastic texture with a subtle smoothness. At Tampopo, the Hegi Soba with Prawn Tempura ($19.80) features lightly battered prawns fried to a crisp golden finish. The tempura adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, springy noodles. Dipped into the accompanying sauce, each bite balances delicate soba flavours with the savoury richness of the tempura.

Tagliatelle with Amaebi

A standout collaboration dish with THE NIIGATA Bit GINZA, the Handmade Rice-Flour Tagliatelle with Amaebi ($27.80) bridges Japanese ingredients with Italian technique. The sauce is laboriously prepared using 20kg of amaebi shells and flesh, simmered for hours to extract maximum flavour, then flambéed with brandy. Sourced from Sado Island, the amaebi is prized for its natural sweetness and creamy texture, often dubbed the “candy of the sea.” The resulting dish is deeply umami-rich, with a robust crustacean intensity that will resonate strongly with local palates.

Niigata Matcha Parfait 4.5/5

End the meal on a sweet note with the Niigata Matcha Parfait ($11.80), made using Murakami matcha from Fujimien. The matcha is notably smooth with minimal bitterness, offering a refined finish. Alternatively, the Niigata Strawberry Parfait features the region’s prized Echigo-hime strawberries, known for their sweetness and fragrance.

Tampopo’s Niigata showcase is more than just a seasonal menu. It is a thoughtful tribute to the region’s rich agricultural and culinary heritage. By bringing together premium ingredients, traditional techniques, and creative collaborations, the experience offers diners a rare glimpse into the essence of Niigata, right here in Singapore.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tampopo
Takashimaya
Tower B
391 Orchard Road
#B2-33
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 6235 2318
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 845pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight to Ngee Ann City. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tora-San @ The Centrepoint - Celebrates 1st Anniversay with April Promo: FOC For The 4th Bowl

Nestled in Centrepoint Orchard, Tora-San specialises in Chirashi and Donburi, offering a menu that blends traditional flavours with modern innovation. This April, celebrate Tora-San's 1st Anniversary with an exciting offer - get the 4th bowl for free!

With a wide variety of rice bowls, such as Chirashi Don, Bara-Chirashi Don, and the popular Kaisen San, there's no better time to sample their specialties.

Tora-San Signature Chirashi Don 4/5

We tried the Tora-San Signature Chirashi Don ($24.90), a bowl that delivers the best of everything. It features three types of fresh, thickly sliced sashimi, sweet prawn, ikura and unagi, making it a satisfying medley for any seafood lover.

Mount Fuji Kaisen San 4.2/5

A personal favourite and their best-seller, the Mount Fuji Kaisen San ($26.90) impresses with its generous portion. Topped with shredded snow crab, fresh scallop and ikura, the bowl also contains freshly diced sashimi, including octopus, paired with crunchy cucumbers. The balance of textures and flavours makes this a standout dish.

Salmon Ikura Don 4/5

Simple yet indulgent, the Salmon Ikura Don ($31.90) was my dining partner's top pick. This bowl brims with fresh salmon sashimi and ikura, generously covering the rice beneath. It's a classic combination that never disappoints.

Una Tama Don 4/5

We were recommended the Una Tama Don ($24.90), which features a thick slice of unagi and tamago on a bed of house-speciality Japanese braised rice, finished with a drizzle of rich kabayaki sauce. The rice was the star of the show! Flavoured with hidden pieces of pork, it evoked the comforting taste of Chinese 'ba-zhang.' While the unagi was tender, we would have loved a touch more char for added smokiness.

Beyond unagi, Tora-San also offers a tempting selection of Buta (pork) Don, including the Truffle Buta Don and Mentaiyaki Buta Kashira Don. Made with Spain Iberico Barriguera and priced from $18.90, the buta don can be upgraded to flavourful braised rice for an additional $2.90.

Don’t miss this limited-time promotion, available from April 1 to April 30, 2025.

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


Tora-San
The Centrepoint
176 Orchard Road
#03-44
Singapore 238843
Tel: +65 8013 2232
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 3pm, 430pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Go to ground level. Exit the buidling. Cross the road and turn right on Orchard Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Unkai Sushi @ Orchard Rendezvous Hotel - 8 Course Summer Omakase Lunch Menu at $68++

Unkai Sushi at Orchard Rendezvous Hotel has unveiled a delightful summer culinary experience with 5-course lunch sets starting from $26 and a seasonal 8-course omakase menu priced at $68. We visited the 30-seater restaurant and opted for the 8-Course Summer Omakase Lunch Menu (舞 Mai), meticulously curated by Chef Eugene Lam, whose culinary expertise includes prestigious establishments like Hide Yamamoto, Ashino, and Sushi Mieda.

Appetisers4/5

The omakase lunch commenced with two exquisite seasonal appetisers. The first was a delightful Scallop paired with grapes, perfectly complemented by a sweet miso sauce. The refreshing combination of flavours was an ideal way to begin the meal. The second appetiser, served in a bowl, featured a medley of Seaweed and Shrimp dressed in an appetising vinaigrette, enticing our taste buds and whetting our appetite for the courses to come.

Sashimi 4/5

The sashimi course followed the appetisers, boasting thick and fresh cuts of Hon Maguro Akami (Lean Tuna) and Sea Bream. Each bite offered a clean and distinct taste, showcasing the quality and freshness of the ingredients.

Chawanmushi 4/5

The Chawanmushi, a traditional Japanese egg custard dish, was next to grace our palates. Smooth and silky, the chawanmushi was enhanced by the delightful popping savouriness of ikura, adding a burst of flavour to the delicate ensemble.

Gindara Miso Yaki 4/5

A standout dish from the omakase menu was the Gindara Miso Yaki, featuring black cod marinated and grilled with a miso glaze. The fish's tender, buttery texture paired harmoniously with the umami-rich miso glaze, creating an exquisite combination of flavours that left a lasting impression.

Sushi 4.2/5

The sushi course presented three delectable pieces: Flounder, Chu-toro, and Scallop. Each morsel was skillfully crafted, with seasoned rice and wasabi complementing the freshness of the fish. The sushi maintained a perfect rice-to-fish ratio, allowing us to appreciate the premium ingredients fully.

Magic Bowl 4.2/5

The following course was the mini chirashi don, where an upgrade option to the Magic Bowl for $38++ was available. We had the Magic Bowl, which featured a tantalising combination of minced tuna, ikura, uni, and abalone liver sauce, elevating the dish to a whole new level of indulgence.

Matcha Ice Cream 3.5/5

Finally, our 8-course omakase lunch concluded with a sweet note, a Matcha Ice Cream. Creamy and delightful, the matcha ice cream was a delightful conclusion to a value-for-money meal that left us thoroughly satisfied.

Overall, Unkai Sushi's Summer Omakase Lunch Menu (舞 Mai) was a delightful culinary journey through Japan's finest and freshest summer produce. Chef Eugene Lam's expertise shone through in each thoughtfully prepared course, offering a balanced combination of flavours and textures showcasing Japanese cuisine's essence. Whether you're a sushi enthusiast or a connoisseur of Japanese delicacies, Unkai Sushi's summer omakase menu promises a memorable and delightful dining experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Unkai Sushi
Orchard Rendezvous Hotel
1 Tanglin Road
#01-10
Singapore 247905
Tel: +65 9634 8508
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11.30am - 2.30pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Walk down Orchard Road to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Gyosen @ Fortune Centre - A Hidden Gem Japanese Restaurant Serving Thoughtful And Beautiful Chirashi Bowls

Fortune Centre might be most known for its plethora of vegetarian options, but if you take some time to explore it a bit more, you will notice many hidden gems, such as Gyosen. It is a relatively new Japanese restaurant tucked in the corner of the 3rd floor. Take the escalator up to level 3, and you will find their cosy space on the left.

Gyosen is helmed by 2 chefs who are both highly experienced in Japanese cuisine. Their menu features appetisers, sides, various rice bowls, premium omakase options and beautiful put-together chirashi bowls, which we had.

Mentai Engawa 4.2/5

The Mentai Engawa was generously topped with rich mentai, evenly torched all around. The engawa was soft and buttery.

Chirashi Don 4.5/5

My dining companion and I had two bowls to share. The first was their signature Chirashi Don ($28.90). Unlike the usual regular sushi rice, you will find a bowl of unique mushroom-flavoured rice on the base. It's further topped with fresh seafood such as unagi, shima aji, tuna, octopus, mekajiki, amaebi and salmon. Each slice had a good thickness and was exceptionally fresh. The ikura, tobiko and furikake provided additional pops of flavour.

Barachirashi Spicy 4.2/5

We went ahead with the chefs' recommendation of opting for their Barachirashi ($26.90) with an additional Spicy Sauce ($3) made in-house. I prefer it without the spice to better appreciate the seafood's freshness and natural sweetness, but spice lovers will enjoy this a lot. The spicy sauce gave a good kick of heat! The ingredients here were equally fresh, and we loved how gorgeously decorated it was with edible flowers.

Drop a call to 8286 6959 to make your reservation before heading down.

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.


Gyosen
Fortune Centre
190 Middle Road
#03-16
Singapore 188979
Tel: +65 82866959
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Nearest MRT: Bencoolen (DT Line), Bugis (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Bencoolen MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight down Bencoolen Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Cross the road. Turn left and walk to Cheng Yan Place. Turn right onto Cheng Yan Place, walk to Queen Street. Cross the road at Queen Street, cut through the flats and walk to Waterloo Street. Turn left onto Waterloo Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Daiyusan Sushi Bar @ Kim Chuan Drive - Hidden Gem In Taiseng Serving Donburi, Sushi And More

Nestled within an industrial area in Tai Seng, Daiyusan Sushi Bar is a hidden restaurant serving authentic Japanese cuisine such as finely aged sashimi, sushi, and even Omakase dining experiences in a beautiful space decorated with a canopy of wagasa, a traditional Japanese paper umbrella embellished with Japanese motifs.

Chawanmushi of the day 4/5

We started the meal with the Chawanmushi of the day ($7.90), which comes in different ingredients depending on what is available for the day. We had the ones with Shirako and Squid. The chawanmushi features a lovely silky smooth egg custard which pairs perfectly well with the shirako and squid.

Premium Seven 4/5

The Nigiri Sushi Platter is prepared fresh to order and is available in sets of five, seven and nine pieces, which cost $19.90, $45.90 and $59.90 respectively. We had the Premium Seven ($45.90), featuring an assortment of flavours.

Deluxe Chirashi Zushi 4.2/5

One of the signature donburi, the Deluxe Chirashi Zushi ($59.90), is the meal's highlight. The indulgent don consists of assorted fish cubes coupled with luxurious Russian caviar, uni and ikura. What stood out was the rice that was seasoned differently, tossed with truffle oil and furikake. We also found tiny bits of mushrooms and rice puffs that provided an additional textural bite compared to the standard sushi rice. Alternatively, you can go for the Kaisen Don (S$39.90), which comes topped with a variety of top-quality dry-aged sashimi.

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.


Daiyusan Sushi Bar
55 Kim Chuan Drive
Precise Tree
#02-03
Singapore 537098
Tel: +65 87878747
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Nearest MRT: Kaki Bukit (DT Line), Eunos (EW Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Kaki Bukit MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop near block 661 (Stop ID 72041). Take bus number 87. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to Kim Chuan Road. Turn right onto Kim Chuan Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map}

2) Alight at Eunos MRT station. Take Exit C. Cut across the food centre. WAlk to bus stop along Jalan Eunos, at block 7 (Stop ID 83101). Take bus number 25, 55, 51 or 854. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to Kim Chuan Road. Turn right onto Kim Chuan Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 22 minutes. [Map}

Kinki Restaurant + Bar @ Customs House - A Bigger, Bolder, Badder Revamp

Time flies, and  Kinki Restaurant + Bar at Customs House has been around for more than 10 years since May 2010. On the cusp of a new decade, Kinki starts a new chapter with an audacious revamp. Gone is the sumo, passing his legacy to the Geisha for her epitome of Japanese femininity and hospitality.

Cassava Nachos 4.2/5

We started our dinner with some light bites. First up is the Cassava Nachos ($18) topped with tomato miso beef, guacamole, creme fraiche, Japanese cucumber and cherry tomatoes. Kinki substituted the usual tortilla chips with tapioca chips for a more delightful textural bite. At the same time, the Japanese cucumber gives it a refreshing finish.

Corn Duo 4.8/5

Next is the Corn Duo ($16), which comprises baby corn and corn puree. The addition of furikake elevated the enjoyment of the corn's sweetness.

AC/DC Dynamite 4.5/5

I would highly recommend the AC/DC Dynamite ($22) for an explosion of flavours. The tempura-fried mixed seafood roll is capped by a slice of Japanese cucumber with fresh raw seafood and avocado. The homemade Sriracha sweet soy provides the ignition to the explosion.

Cowabunga 4.2/5

Beef lover will enjoy the Cowabunga ($36) compromising Japanese rice rolled with cream cheese, cucumber, homemade spicy mayo, and melt-in-the-mouth seared A4 Wagyu beef slices. The parcel is topped with tobiko, potato floss and soy reduction for the different textural contrast.

Unagi Claypot 4.5/5

The off the menu Unagi Claypot ($35), which only served during special occasions, has now made it permanently to the menu. Besides the huge piece of unagi on top of the charred fried rice, chopped unagi is also tossed in it, doused in a homemade unagi sauce. Each mouthful is full of addictive charred flavour for a comforting enjoyment.

Kickass Chirashi Don 4.5/5

Being a Japanese restaurant, it can't do without fresh seafood. The Kickass Chirashi Don ($78) comes with the Chef's selection of premium seafood on sushi rice. During my visit, there is otoro, kinmedai, hirame, salmon, shima aji, hotate, botan ebi, tamago, ikura and Polanco Oscietra caviar.

Karaage Chicken Bao 4.2/5

A delightful Japanese-Chinese fusion is the Karaage Chicken Bao ($20) with juicy, deep-fried chicken thigh, momotaro tomato and pickled cucumber sandwiched in a soft, fluffy steamed bun. It is dressed in a sweet soy sauce for a multi flavour and textural finish.

Spicy Buffalo Katsu 3/5

The Spicy Buffalo Katsu ($30) was slightly disappointing for me compare to the rest. The breaded pork loin cutlet tossed in homemade Japanese buffalo sauce is slightly on the dry side for me. Furthermore, it is not spicy at all.

Grilled Squid Chimichurri 4.5/5

New on the menu is the Grilled Squid Chimichurri ($32). It is smokey and tender paired excellently with the sweet and sour sauce. Perfect to have this with a couple of drinks.

Ice Cream 3/5

We have Ice Cream ($8/ $12) to wrap up the dinner. There are flavours such as yuzu, momo, black sesame and more.

Diners can look forward to The Bottomless Brunch ($68) on Saturday, for unlimited a la carte servings of sushi, sashimi, maki, hot and cold Japanese favourites, and desserts. You can also top it up with free-flow beer, sake, prosecco or shochu for $35.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kinki Restaurant + Bar
Customs House
70 Collyer Quay
#02-02
Singapore 049323
Tel: +65 83636697
Facebook
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Restaurant
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 215pm, 6pm - 1015pm
Sat & PH: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1015pm

Bar
Mon-Sat: 5pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Clifford Centre. Cut across the building. Go to 2nd floor, take the overhead bridge link across the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Ichiban Boshi Launches Japanese-style Chinese New Year Specialities

Celebrate this Lunar New Year with festive dishes that come with a Japanese flair at Ichiban Boshi. Other than its highly raved Auspicious Salmon Yuzu Yusheng, there is also a meatless, fruity alternative to your annual Lo Hei. What's more, for the very first time, Ichiban Boshi puts its twist to the traditional Pen Cai, delighting you with premium fresh ingredients all in one pot.

Auspicious Salmon Yuzu Yusheng 4/5

Loyal customers of its Auspicious Salmon Yuzu Yusheng ($62.80, Set A - 8 to 10 pax) can once again get their hands on this best-selling Yu Sheng of all years. The citrusy house special yuzu dressing made from ingredients' imported from Japan, balances the sweetness of the preserved condiments. The fresh Norwegian salmon is also a huge draw for the festive dish.

6 Treasures Fruits Yusheng 4/5

6 Treasures Fruits Yusheng ($56.80) is only available online exclusively via the festive e-stores of Ichiban Boshi, Ichiban Sushi and Kuriya Japanese Market. It is suitable for 6 to 8 pax. If you already have the typical Yu Sheng a few times throughout the festive season, this fruity and refreshing meatless version will be up your alley. Featuring a medley of six fruits: pomelo, pear, guava, mango, pineapple and jackfruit, it will help set up your appetite for the feast to come.

Japanese Treasure Pot 4.5/5

Ichiban Boshi launches its first-ever Japanese Pen Cai, which is only available online exclusively via the festive e-stores of Ichiban Boshi, Ichiban Sushi and Kuriya Japanese Market. I like the Japanese Treasure Pot ($188) good for 4 to 5 pax. It comes brimming with premium ingredients such as whole abalone, sashimi-grade scallops from Hokkaido, snow crab leg meat, prawn, homemade Japanese chashu, homemade chicken roulade with cabbage and spinach, kamaboko fish cake and shiitake mushroom. I much prefer this version to the traditional one because of the flavour and taste it delivers. The addition of the tender braised chashu from Ramen Kiou is a plus for me too.

Long Bamboo Rainbow Chirashi 4/5

The Long Bamboo rainbow Chirashi ($19.90) is one of the auspicious dishes served at Ichiban Boshi during the Chinese New Year period. It consists of fresh seafood such as maguro, Japanese red sea bream, yellowtail, salmon, egg, black flying fish roe and salmon roe on sushi rice with ginger. The sushi rice has been specially treated, which makes it extra yummy and addictive on its own.

Premium Sushi Moriawase 3.8/5

For a greater variety, go for the Premium Sushi Moriawase ($45.90). Diners can indulge in a medley of sushi such as madai, hamachi yellowtail, salmon, maguro, roasted beef, unagi, and scallop and ikura salmon roe, presented in a wooden stairway.

Wafu Aqua Pazza 4.2/5

My favourite dish of the evening is this Wafu Aqua Pazza ($38.90) featuring a whole seasonal fish in a hot and soulful broth. There's nothing more heartwarming than sharing a pot of hearty broth made with beautiful simple ingredients with your loved ones. That's what reunion meals are all about.

In-Store Chinese New Year Specials
Promotion period: 26 January to 26 February 2021
For Ichiban Boshi, Ichiban Sushi, Kuriya Japanese Market and Sushi-GO, pre-orders will begin on 13 January 2021. For online orders, 2-day advance order is required.

Festive e-stores
Ichiban Boshi: https://festive.ichibanboshi.com.sg
Ichiban Sushi: https://festive.ichibansushi.com.sg