Kogane Yama @ Bugis Junction - Introduces 9 New Donburi Delights With Nothing Above $15

Started out in June 2017 with a tendon specialist concept offering customisable tendon bowls, Kogane Yama @ Bugis Junction launched an expanded selection of 9 enticing new donburi showcasing an even wider array of choices to cater to diners' different preferences. Following its revamped menu in Oct, the restaurant has also made price adjustments to its items to keep the tab affordable for customers without compromising on quality - with everything below $15!

The donburi start from only $9.90 each, while the ever-popular tendon bowls see a 15% reduction in price; the Vegetable Bowl now costs $9.80, and the Mixed Bowl with prawns and chicken costs $13.80. If you're wondering anything changed, rest assured that the quality and portion of ingredients in each bowl still remain the same.

Unagi Avocado Don 3.8/5

The all-time favourite Japanese eel makes its first appearance on the menu in the form of a Unagi Avocado Don ($14.90). Tender slices of grilled unagi in sweet-savoury sauce paired with buttery soft avocado which sits atop a mound of sushi rice. Mix in the onsen egg to release its molten yolk, and this sets a well-primed contender for the best-selling position.

Gyu Don 4/5

One of the best-selling bowls from the previous menu is the Gyu Don ($13.90). It features tender, perfectly seasoned wagyu beef slices, garlic chips and onsen egg. A foolproof combination with the runny egg to moisten the rice and meat to further enhance its richness.

Bara Chirashi Don 4.2/5

One of the must-have donburi here is the Bara Chirashi Don ($14.90). A classic bowl of assorted diced raw salmon, tuna, swordfish, surf clam, steamed prawn, ikura (salmon roe), tobiko (flying fish roe), cucumber and tamago (Japanese omelette) on a bed of sushi rice. Add on $1 for a whiff of fragrant truffle oil as you dig into the heap of fresh seafood goodness.

Aburi Salmon Mentai Don 4/5

Another highlight is the Aburi Salmon Mentai Don ($11.90) which features generous cubes of half-grilled salmon, cucumber and tamago blanketed in torched mentaiko (cod roe) mayonnaise sauce which adds an flavour oomph to the dish without being overwhelming. The bowl is garnished with tobiko and tempura crumbs for added texture.

Chawanmushi 3.8/5

If you're still feeling hungry, there are a variety of side dishes to choose from. This umami-packed Chawanmushi ($2) boasts a silky smooth texture for the steamed egg custard, with ingredients such as prawns, kamaboko steamed fish cake and shiitake mushrooms.

Other donburi options include the Salmon Ikura Don ($13.90), Salmon Teriyaki Don ($11.90), Unagi Tugi Don ($13.90), Katsu Don with Chicken ($9.90) or Pork ($10.90), Pork Belly Shogayaki Don ($10.90), Tori Karaage Don ($9.90). The tendon bowls remain as its signature attraction with its customisable bowls concept, where diners can choose the meat, base and tentsuyu sauce to their liking. With hearty, delicious Japanese bowls, that deliver on both quality and affordability with a wide variety of options to choose from, this homegrown restaurant brand is bound to be a hit among diners.

Photos and words 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.


Kogane Yama
Bugis Junction
200 Victoria Street
#02-50
Singapore 188021
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 11am -10pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 11pm

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

Unagiya Ichinoji Dining @ Eat At Seven (Suntec City Mall) - Exclusively Available Here, XL Unagi Bara Chirashi And Unagi Gozen

With the successful opening of its first-ever overseas outlet, Unagiya Ichinoji by Miyagawa Honten at Robertson Quay, the restaurant has opened its second outlet - Unagiya Ichinoji Dining at Eat At Seven, Suntec City Mall. The new outlet offers an expanded menu with more selections. There are two items that are exclusively available at Unagiya Ichinoji Dining. The XL Unagi Bara Chirashi ($62.80) and Unagi Gozen ($46.80).

XL Unagi Bara Chirashi 3.5/5

The XL Unagi Bara Chirashi comprises of tuna, salmon, yellow tail, scallops, takuan, cucumber, eggs, seaweed and the restaurant's grilled eel, layer on top the vinegary sushi rice. The portion is huge, it probably can serve 4 to 6 pax. While the serving is a delightful sight with vibrant colour, I find the topping is slightly too little to go with the amount of rice in the bucket.

Unagi Gozen 3.5/5

For those that likes variety, then the Unagi Gozen will be the preferred choice. Served in a bento box, it variety consists of unagi with rice, A1-grade Hokkaido wagyu beef, braised Iberico pork belly, tempura prawn, tempura pumpkin, sashimi tuna, yellow tail and ikura, miso soup and warabi mochi. This is a meal by itself.

Hitsumabushi 4/5

If you are just after the unagi, then I would recommend the original Hitsumabushi ($29.80). For those not familiar, there are three ways of appreciating this. First is to have it on its own to relish the eel's flavour. Second is to have it together with the seaweed, wasabi and green onion for an addition lift in flavour. Lastly, which is also my favourite way is to pour the clear dashi and mixed it together with the condiments.

When Unagiya Ichinoji first opened in Singapore, there were some negative reviews in the quality of the unagi used. The management has since changed it supplier and the eel I had is more meaty and fatty now.


Unagiya Ichinoji Dining
Suntec City Mall
Eat At Seven
3 Temasek Boulevard
#03-307
Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 62688043
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

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

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Hokkaido-Ya @ Vivocity - New Fast Casual Japanese Restaurant At Wallet Friendly Prices

A brand new fast casual, self-service restaurant concept - Hokkaido-Ya has opened at Vivocity on 14 June 2018,  offering Hokkaido-inspired dishes using premium ingredients at wallet friendly prices. The new restaurant is the brand child of the Sushi Tei.

Edamame 4/5

For the sides, dines can start with the Edamame ($3.50), Chawanmushi ($3) and Ebi Cream Croquette ($3.50). The Edamame is a delightful snack to much on before starting on the mains.

Chawanmushi 3.5/5

The Chawanmushi was flavourful and smooth. In the steamed egg custard, one can find crab stick, mushroom and chicken.

Ebi Cream Croquette 4/5

Creamy in the inside and crispy on the exterior is the Ebi Cream Croquette ($3.50). This is pretty addictive, it may be hard to just stop at one.

Bara Chirashi Salad 4/5

Diners are getting more health conscious nowadays and many have cut down on the consumption of carbo. At Hokkaido-Ya, you can go for the Bara Chirashi Salad ($14.90) replacing the rice with salad. It can still be a delicious and filling meal.

Truffle Salmon Don 3.5/5

Hokkaido-Ya prides itself for using best catch air-flown salmon from Norway that is chilled, not frozen for freshness. I tried the Truffle Salmon Don ($10.90) that come with a cubed salmon, tobiko, refreshing cucumber atop a bed of Japanese rice, drizzled with fragrant truffle oil. Other variations such as normal salmon don, aburi salmon don and aburi salmon mentai don are also available on the menu.

Aburi Mentai Bara Chirashi Don 4/5

One of the crowd favourite is the Aburi Mentai Bara Chirashi Don ($14.90). The housemade mentaiko simply elevated the whole dimension, complementing the various raw ingredients in the bowl. The refreshing and crunchy cucumbers also help to balance the richness of the mentaiko.

Shirobuta Pork Katsu Hokkaido White Curry Rice 3.5/5

A specialty in Hokkaido is the Hokkaido White Curry, which is a variation of the ubiquitous Japanese curry in white. The mild curry consists of  a mix of cumin cinnamon, cardamon, onion and garlic powder, cooked with milk. It is understand that the white curry is inspired from the snow-covered landscape of Hokkaido in the winter.

Ebi Fried Hokkaido White Curry Udon 3.8/5

For the white curry dishes, diners can opt for rice or udon (additional $1) to go with the fried ingredients. I tried the Shirobuta Pork Katsu Hokkaido White Curry Rice ($12.90) and Ebi Fried Hokkaido White Curry Udon ($12.90). What I missed out is the tori karaage chicken. I personally prefer the white curry with udon, it seems to go better with the thick noodles for a slurping good time.

Hokkaido Butter Corn Hotate Ramen

If you are looking for a bowl of hot pipping ramen, there is the Hokkaido Butter Corn Hotate Ramen ($12.90) and Hokkaido Beef Ramen ($15.90). Diners can have a choice of 3 broths - Paitan, Miso and Spicy Miso. For the Hokkaido Butter Corn, Hotate Ramen, butter is added to the broth for fragrant and creaminess while the sweet corns lends a crunchy textural contrast

Hokkaido Beef Ramen

As for the Hokkaido Beef Ramen, we picked the miso broth. It comes with thinly sliced Hokkaido beef, pan fried to medium rare doneness to retain flavour and texture. The flavour is more robust compare to the hokkaido butter corn hotate ramen.

Hokkaido Milk Monaka and Chocolate Monaka 4/5

Ending the meal on a sweet note, I tried the Hokkaido Milk Monaka ($3.90) and Chocolate Monaka ($3.90) which is full cream Hokkaido milk ice cream sandwiched in biscuity wafer.

Yawamochi Matcha Monaka 4.5/5

If you like enjoy the Hokkaido milk monaka, then you will like the Yawamochi Matcha Monaka ($3.50). Besides the creamy green tea ice cream and sweet red bean encased in the wafer shells, you also get the delightful combination of chewy mochi. This is level up compare to the milk monaka.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Hokkaido-Ya
Vivocity
1 Harbour Front Walk
#02-153
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 63768387
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT Station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Vivocity. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Sun with Moon Japanese Dining & Cafe @ Wheelock Place - Launches Latest 2018 Grand Menu

Sun with Moon Japanese Dining & Cafe at Wheelock changes its menu almost every year and has recently launched its latest 2018 menu, curated by Executive Chef Mr Toshio Sawai. Expect new highlights and creative takes on all-time favourites.

As one of the earliest Japanese establishments in Singapore in 2005, Sun with MooN has taught us how to appreciate certain traditional Japanese food that we are not familiar with. And even now, some of the dishes are kept as such, such as this Gyu tan Ishiyaki ($13.80).

Zensai Mori 3/5

Zensai Mori ($16.80) is a platter of 7 chef-curated appetizers, created perhaps with the intention to accompany your sake or beer. All the items have been marinated to intensify the taste. I quite like the savoury bacon-like grilled pork belly and the crabmeat and asparagus with mentai sauce in the middle. I thought the unagi with cream cheese is interesting, though some think otherwise. As the items are more highly flavoured than usual, pickled radish with yuzu and herring roe helps to clean the palate in between bites.

Temari Sushi 2.8/5

I prefer the Zensai Mori a lot more to its latest Temari Sushi ($23.80), which is a platter of sushi but in bite-sized mini rice balls with toppings. Despite the seemingly succulent toppings such as fresh scallop, yellowtail, swordfish, salmon belly, there is not much motivation for me to order this dish.

Kamameshi 3.8/5

Experience the traditional Kamameshi with a new appreciation. This rice dish is cooked in an iron pot called kama and here you will have it served to you in the iron pot, alongside with teapot soup. There are 2 new renditions - Niku Atsu Hotate & Unagi Kamameshi ($26.80) and Premium Seafood Kamameshi ($35.80). The latter is a lot more umami but if you ain't a fan of oyster, then the first would be a much better choice, especially when the flame-seared scallops gives so much texture and flavor to the rice. Eating straight out of the kama is the best, as for me, I get to dig the slightly burnt rice at the bottom and sides. The Japanese rice was plump and pearly, which made it very satisfying when I had it with the soup broth at the end.

Beef Miso Dare Sukiyaki 3.5/5

If that's not enough to warm you up, this piping hot Beef Miso Dare Sukiyaki ($25.80) will do the deed. Made with Executive Chef Sawai’s original miso dare blend with hatcho (soybean) miso from Okazaki in Aichi Prefecture, there is a balance of flavor, without being too overly sweet. Chef Sawai is thoughtful to choose diced US Ribeye beef cubes over standard sliced beef to retain the flavours of the beef longer.

Sun Chirashi Don Set 3/5

Sun Chirashi ($35.80) is the special rice don here, luxurious with premium sashimi such as medium fatty tuna, and scallops. Still, I feel it can't beat the comforting Kamameshi.

Steak Moriawase 3/5

Steak Moriawase ($45.80) is good for sharing, offering a combination of Japanese Wagyu, US Tenderloin and pork steak (300g). We had the steaks with red wine and goma mustard sauce, both are Sun with Moon original sauce blends. The sauces complement the meats well. However, with many other better items to choose from, this is not bang for the buck.

Dessert Trio 3.8/5

The desserts here are highly recommended. Dessert Trio ($9.80) allows you to have the Tofu Cheesecake, Matcha Ice Cream and Kuiroguma Pudding. All are superb, especially the wobbly black sesame pudding, you might end up having to fight for all three!

Umeshu Sampler (tasting portion)

The variety of sakes, wines, and spirits here are selected by in-house sommelier Mr. Daisuke Shibuya. The Umeshu Sampler, a tasting menu of umeshu allows you to sip flavours from different regions of Japan. Starting from Fukui Region, we travelled down to the Hokkaido Region, Kishu Region and back at Fukui Region with a spicy note. The Shiso-umeshu seems to be the most popular with that extra peppery flavor. Not many could accept the spicy Hannya Tou but it is also that heat that engages.

Compared to some contemporary Japanese dining places which have completely lost their identity, I feel Sun with Moon Japanese Dining & Café still manages to capture a level of authenticity in its latest menu.

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PROMOTION - 20% Discount Off Total Bill

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Followers and readers of SG Food on Foot will get to enjoy 20% discount off total bill when you dine at Sun with Moon Japanese Dining & Cafe between 02 July and 31 July 2018. All you need to go is quote SGFOODONFOOT X SUN to enjoy the discount.

- Present discount code (SGFOODONFOOT X SUN) upon payment of bill.
- Discount code entitles followers and readers to 20% discount off total bill.
- Not valid in conjunction with any other on-going promotions or privileges.
- Valid from 02 July to 31 July 2018

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. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Sun with Moon Japanese Dining & Cafe
Wheelock Place
501 Wheelock Place
#03-15/16/17
Singapore 238880
Tel: +65 67336636
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take exit E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Maguro Donya @ Suntec City Mall – Launches Best Value Maguro Set In Town

Maguro Donya - a concept by renowned Japanese tuna and fish wholesaler Misaki Megumi Suisan with superior maguro sourcing capabilities. Maguro Donya's cost savings are passed on to gourmands at unrivalled prices. Serving up premium items at premium prices without compromising on quality, Maguro Donya maintains high food standards with a technique called super frozen to keep the fish at peak freshness. As soon as the fishes are caught on ship, they are kept frozen at 60 degrees celsius. The fish is then imported firectly from Misaki Port to Singapore via ANA air freight, and will only be defrosted upon reaching the restaurant in Suntec City, all of which guarantees absolute freshness.

For only $19.90++, diners get to enjoy a value-for-money 5 course set consisting of donburi, udon, tempura, salad and soup, and a choice of 8 different donburis from a medley of ingredients such as fresh maguro, salmon, anago, unagi, ikura and many more.

Hokkai Don 4.2/5

The Hokkai Don is a premium donburi bowl with fresh uni, sea urchin, scallops, salmon sashimi, bright-red salmon roe and aori ika. Featuring a luxurious combination of fresh seafood all heaped into a bowl, all the ingredients fare well especially the smooth and creamy sea urchin meat that just melts in the mouth.

Salmon Ikura Don 4/5

The Salmon Ikura Don is a premium rice bowl with fresh salmon sashimi and gleaming red salmon roe. While the salmon Sashimi slices are good on its own, the sprinkle of juicy salmon roe gives a subtle fish flavour with a hint of popping saltiness.

Unagi Don 4.2/5

The Unagi Don consists of grilled river eel seasoned with sweet and savoury kabayaki sauce atop fresh sushi rice. The grilled river eel boasts a tender texture that just melts in the mouth with every bite, while the addition of kabayaki sauce contributed a nice balance of flavour to the eel, without being too light or heavy, such that diners get to fully appreciate the freshness of the grilled eel meat.

Anago Don 4.2/5

The Anago Don consists of grilled sea eel drizzled with sweet and savoury sauce atop fresh sushi rice. Similar to the Unagi Don but using grilled sea eel instead of river eel, the meat is soft and tender as well, with the sweet and savoury sauce adding a subtle touch of flavour to it without masking the freshness of the grilled eel.

Kaisen Don 4.2/5

The Kaisen Don is a delightful combination of fresh salmon, akami maguro, kanpachi, ebi and ika on fresh sushi rice. Featuring another luxurious variety of fresh seafood in a bowl, the generous cuts and portion of the ingredients made it worthwhile.

Bara Chirashi Don 4/5

The Bara Chirashi Don is a well-loved classic of fresh mixed dice salmon sashimi on fragrant sushi rice. The bowl has a more delicate taste, without going too heavy on the marinate. Ingredients wise, it has a good proportion of dice salmon sashimi and maguro.

Tekka Don 4/5

For the tuna lovers, the Tekka Don is sure to satisfy with Maguro Donya’s signature fresh lean akami sashimi. The succulent slices are tasty on their own, further complemented with fluffy Japanese rice.

Hikkaki Don 4.2/5

The Hikkaki Don consists of maguro belly meat served atop fresh sushi rice, and garnished with scallions. The generous amount of scraped maguro belly is soft and flavourful, with a melt-in-the-mouth consistency that I really enjoyed.

Conveniently located at Suntec City mall, Maguro Donya is the perfect place to satisfy your Japanese food cravings with its quality and affordable Japanese cuisine. If you’re feeling indulgent, choose to lux your donburi up with luscious uni and negitoro add-ons at only $5.

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.

Maguro Donya
Suntec City Mall
3 Temasek Boulevard
#03-314
Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 66845054
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line), Promenade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm

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

2) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Southpaw Bar & Sushi @ Cavan Road (Lavender) - Now Open For Lunch With Delicious Rice Bowls

For those staying or working in the Lavender area, you will be glad to know that Southpaw Bar & Sushi is opened for lunch now. The new lunch set menu consists of 4 different rice bowls which includes a bowl of miso soup.

Shake Don $17.90 4/5

For salmon lovers, you will enjoy the Shake Don ($17.90) with thick slices of salmon laid on top of the seasoned Japanese rice. This is crowned with ikura roes for a burst of popping refreshness.

Chirashi Don 4.2/5

For those that prefers variety, you can opt for the Chirashi Don ($18.90) which consists of a mix of sashimi on rice and ikura roes. I like the fact that extra effort in aburi some of the sashimi for that extra aroma.

Sashimi Unajyu 4.5/5

For those that is looking for a more substantial lunch, you can go for the Sashimi Unajyu ($22.80) which consists of charred and fatty unagi on rice, served separately with a plate of mix sashimi and miso soup. I personally preferred this rice bowl as I find that the sweetness of the unagi goes well with the marinated rice.

Wagyu Beef Don 4.2/5

The other crowd favourite is the Wagyu Beef Don ($18.90). Brimming with tender slices of wagyu beef and topped with an onsen egg. The lunch set also comes with a bowl of miso soup.

The highlight for the new lunch sets by Southpaw Bar & Sushi is actually the rice. Instead of plain Japanese rice, the chef has seasoned the rice with dashi for a more vibrant taste complementing the various ingredients of the rice bowl lunch sets.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Southpaw Bar & Sushi
Cavan Suites
11 Cavan Road
#01-04
Singapore 209848
Tel: +65 91011941
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Lavender (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 2pm, 6pm - 12midnight
Sat: 6pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Sun)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Lavender MRT station Take Exit B. Walk to Horne Road. Turn left and walk down Horne Road. Turn right onto Cavan Road. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]