Ganko Sushi @ Penang Road (Dhoby Ghaut) - Enjoy 1-for-1 Promotion on New Japanese Robatayaki Menu Till 31 July 2023

Ganko Sushi debuted in Singapore in late 2021, marking its first outpost in Southeast Asia, after successful operations of its 99 restaurants in Japan and 100th in Hong Kong. The restaurant takes pride in its attention to detail and the seafood ingredients' quality. Specially selected fresh catch is flown directly from Japan up to thrice a week to ensure optimum freshness.

Under the guidance of new Head Chef Koichi Matsuda, Ganko Sushi's menu sees a smoky twist with its new robatayaki offerings. The chef brings along with him rich experience from various stints in Michelin-starred restaurants in Japan.

Robatayaki translates to 'fireside cooking', with dishes done grilled. From now till the end of the month, diners can experience the new robatayaki menu with a 1-for-1 promotion on the equivalent value of dishes. Each table is limited to only one redemption per bill while stocks last.

Deluxe Sashimi Platter 4/5

We tried several of the restaurant's signature dishes before the robatayaki menu. While the Deluxe Sashimi Platter ($77) featured very fresh and thick slices, the price tag was considerably steep.

Shrimp & Vegetable Tempura 3.8/5

The crunchy Shrimp & Vegetable Tempura ($15) consisted of three prawns, lotus root, shiitake mushroom, seaweed and more. My dining companion and I found this a little oilier and more underseasoned than we would like.

Supreme Sushi Platter, 12 Types 4.2/5

We also had the Supreme Sushi Platter ($77) featuring 12 types of sushi, with selections such as negitoro, chutoro, ebi, uni and tamago. The ingredients were fresh, with a good rice-to-topping ratio. Note that wasabi is included by default, but you can inform the staff if you prefer without. They also offer platters of smaller sizes.

Large Asparagus 4/5

Moving on to dishes from the Robatayaki menu! Though the Large Asparagus ($10) from Nagano looked unassuming, the toasted almond slices and creamy mayo-based sauce hidden underneath paired nicely with its crunch. The portion leans small.

Shiitake Mushroom 4/5

The Shiitake Mushroom ($5) uses mushrooms from Gifu. These were minimally seasoned and grilled to a lovely juiciness.

Corn 4.2/5

One of my favourites was the Corn ($15) from Hokkaido which boasted a crisp texture and a delicate sweetness. The smokiness here was light.

Big Clam 4/5

I believe the Big Clam ($20) from Aichi was lightly seasoned, as it retained that natural 'ocean' saltiness and sweetness.

Potato with Butter 4.2/5

The simple yet satisfying Potato with Butter ($5) was a pleasant surprise. The slices of grilled potatoes from Hokkaido had thin, crisp skin, and they were fragrant from the smokiness and a good amount of butter. The addition of kombu bits elevated it with an umami touch.

Warabi Mochi 4/5

Dessert was a traditional Japanese dessert, the Warabi Mochi ($8).

It was served with nutty soybean powder and sweet brown sugar that you can add based on your preference on the sweetness level.

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.


Ganko Sushi
9 Penang Road
#01-01
Singapore 238459
Tel: +65 8828 2280
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Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut MRT (CC, NE, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130a, - 230pm, 6pm to 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to Penang Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Gyu San Charcoal Bar @ The Forum Shopping Mall - First-of-its-Kind Grilled Wagyu Japanese Hamburg Over Binchotan Grill

Gyu San Charcoal Bar, a first-of-its-kind concept in Orchard, promises a compelling gastronomic experience centered around grilled wagyu Japanese hamburgs. This unique restaurant is located in The Forum Shopping Mall and features an open-concept island charcoal bar. The wagyu hamburgs are skillfully crafted from ball to patty right before your eyes and then cooked to perfection over binchotan charcoal.

Gyu San Hamburg Set

Green Salad

Baby Corn

Opting for the Gyu San Hamburg Set ($23.80), we were treated to two succulent wagyu patties weighing 90g each. Accompanying the hamburgs were a refreshing Green Salad, free-flow Niigata Japanese Premium Rice, and free-flow Miso Soup. To enhance our dining experience, we also indulged in a variety of sides, such as asparagus, shiitake mushrooms, kabocha, shishito peppers, enoki mushrooms with beef, and baby corn. For those seeking an even heartier feast, additional wagyu patties can be added for $8.50 each.

The rice served at Gyu San Charcoal Bar is exclusively harvested from Uonuma City in Niigata. Known as top-grade Koshihikari rice, it boasts a fluffy texture and natural sweetness that perfectly complements the savoury hamburg steaks. We decided to elevate our meal further by adding an onsen egg, adding a delightful layer of creaminess and helped bind all the flavours together.

When it comes to savouring the hamburg patties, there are two options. The first is to relish the beef's pure, unadulterated flavour by enjoying the patty on its own. Alternatively, the second patty can be savoured with any combination of the eight different accompaniments, allowing for a personalized gastronomic adventure. These accompaniments include traditional yuzu kosho, taberu rayu, sambal, shio lemon, garlic chips, kimchi, garlic confit, and chimichurri.

Chawanmushi

Pickled Cherry Tomato

In addition to the hamburgs, Gyu San Charcoal Bar offers a selection of delectable sides. The Chawanmushi, a savoury steamed egg custard, provides a comforting and velvety indulgence. Meanwhile, the chilled Pickled Cherry Tomatoes offer a delightful burst of sweetness and refreshment, making them an ideal accompaniment for a complete and satisfying meal.

Gyu San Charcoal Bar presents an innovative and unforgettable dining experience for wagyu enthusiasts and food lovers alike. With its mastery of grilling techniques, thoughtfully curated accompaniments, and delightful sides, this establishment truly sets itself apart as a must-visit destination for a remarkable wagyu hamburg adventure.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Gyu San Charcoal Bar
The Forum Shopping Mall
583 Orchard Road
Singapore 238884
Tel: +65 83136633
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 1030pm

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]

No Burn No Taste (NBNT) Private Dining By Chef Sam Chablani

No Burn No Taste by Chef Sam Chablani is one of the most sought-after private dining destinations. Unfortunately, getting a booking at No Burn No Taste (NBNT) is not easy. The last I checked, the waitlist was already full for 2023/2024. I have followed Sam's cooking philosophy of marrying fire-driven barbecue with a distinctly Asian perspective, combining premium produce with traditional, time-honoured techniques since his days at the now-defunct Fat Lulu.

Steamed Clams

Our dinner started with sweet Steamed Clams in an umami cream. I love the accompanying burnt garlic toast that is not only delicious but also allows me to soak up the delicious broth.

Tomatoes and Burrata

Not everything on the menu is barbecue items such as the light and refreshing Tomatos and Burrata Salad helps freshen the palate and whet the appetite.

Burnt Wings, Spicy Iberico Pork Satay

How can we not have chicken wings and satay when having a barbecue? It is torture to be seated just before the barbecue pit while the Burnt Wings and Spicy Iberico Pork Satay got kissed by the charcoal's heat.

"Porn" Corn

Corn may be a common ingredient, but I remembered how Chef Sam had transformed it into a delicacy at Fat Fuku. The "Porn" Corn grilled to a nice charred on its external was extremely sweet.

Charred Wagyu Skirt Steak MBS9

Moving to the mains, we had the Charred Wagyu Skirt MBS9 paired with Burnt Potatoes. Perfectly grilled to medium with beautiful pink tenderness and crispy charred edges, showcasing the intense marbling and rich beefy flavour.

Lychee-smoked Umami Crab, Lemon Garlic Butter

Besides the grilled chicken wings, pork satay and wagyu, our dinner includes seafood. The crowd's favourite for the night goes to the Crab, smoked with lychee wood paired with lemon garlic butter. The grilling and smoking enhanced the natural sweetness and brininess of the crustaceans while adding a hint of charred savoury notes.

Spencer Gulf King Prawns

As delicious as the crab was the Spencer Gulf King Prawns in an intoxicating burnt sambal cream sauce, topped with coriander. I was screaming for some toasted bread to dredge them in that splendour sauce.

We paid $185 per person for the 10-course Umami BBQ Omakase. It is one of the more expensive private dining I have visited. However, it differs from your usual barbecue as every dish is thoughtfully executed to elevate the appreciation of the premium ingredients as good as any restaurant's standard.


No Burn No Taste (NBNT) Private Dining
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Musubi @ JEM - Unique Japanese Otsumami And Wappameshi

Musubi is a new casual dining concept at JEM offering unique Japanese Otsumami and Wappameshi. Diners can look forward to a delightful selection of Japanese rice bowls - Seiro Gohan, inspired by the traditional culinary art of Wappanmeshi. Complete the meal with a nibble of tasty Japanese otsumami (small plates) and Shabu Shabu.

Cheese Imo Mochi 4.2/5

Corn Butter Shoyu Mushi 4/5

The Cheese Imo Mochi ($7) and Corn Butter Shoyu Mushi ($5) are available for its winter promotion. The Cheese Imo Mochi, deep-fried to golden perfection, has a cheesy centre. It is crispy on the outside while chewy and fluffy inside, and umami pops from the ikura. As for the Corn Butter Shoyu Mushi, the corns are extremely sweet.

Oyster, Crab & Salmon 3 Kind Seiro Gohan 3.8/5

Known for its signature seiro gohan, the restaurant has put together the Oyster, Crab & Salmon 3 Kind Seiro Gohan ($26) for its winter promotion. The steamed flavoured rice comes with Shio-koji Aomori Salmon, Ikura, plump oyster, crab meat and Shishito pepper.

Steamed Ika Siu Mai 3/5

The Steamed Ika Siu Mai has a unique presentation, unlike the usual one in a Chinese restaurant. Though the appearance was appealing, the taste fell below my expectation. I still prefer the Chinese version over this.

Crab Gravy Chawanmushi 4/5

The Crab Gravy Chawanmushi is a smooth, silky and flavourful bowl of steamed rice topped with crab meat that complements the seiro gohan for a complete meal.

Melted Braised Pork Belly Seiro Gohan 3.8/5

Lemon-koji Chicken Seiro Gohan 3.8/5

Besides the Oyster, Crab & Salmon 3 Kind Seiro Gohan, We also tried two other seiro gohan on the menu - Melted Braised Pork Belly Seiro Gohan and Lemon-Koji Chicken Seiro Gohan. I preferred the melt-in-the-mouth braised pork belly with hanjuku egg among the two. On the other hand, the lemon-koji chicken is a healthier choice with tender chicken and fluffy rolled omelette.

Steamed Beef Shabu Shabu 4/5

Another delicious and healthy option is the Steamed Beef Shabu Shabu. The thinly sliced beef is laid on top of a bed of cabbage. If I am right, the meat and cabbage are steamed together, allowing the cabbage to soak up the delicious beef essence.

Homemade Kokuto Pudding 3/5

Yuzu Macaron 3/5

For dessert, we had the Homemade Kokuto Pudding and Yuzu Macaron. The homemade kokuto pudding was mildly sweet with a custard-like texture, topped with crunchy cacao. Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy the citrusy Yuzu Macaron.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Musubi
JEM
50 Jurong Gateway Road
#04-13/14
Singapore 608549
Tel: +65 63341084
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Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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

Mio Fine Foods ( 美桜 ) @ Neil Road - A Sanctuary Awaits You With Artisanal Fine Japanese Cuisine

Mio Fine Foods ( 美桜 ) is the latest restaurant to be opened along Neil Road. The restaurant offers traditional yet artisanal fine Japanese cuisine. The restaurant is designed with the concept of Kanso, bringing the Japanese Zen philosophy that emphasises simplicity to its space. Stepping into the restaurant felt like stepping into an indoor garden.

Premium Sashimi Moriwase 4.5/5

The Premium Sashimi Moriwase ($80) features the freshest catch comprising Nama Uni, Akami, Hamachi, Salmon Belly, Nama Hotate, Ikura, Toro and Mekajiki. A great selection of sashimi to kick start the dinner.

Hotate Uni Truffle Somen 4/5

We had the Hotate Uni Truffle Somen ($38) and Hotate Salmon Zaru Soba ($29) from the cold noodle selection. The Hotate Uni Truffle Somen comes with fresh Hokkaido scallops, sea urchins, and truffle salsa on top of the Japanese white noodles. I enjoyed the smooth and silky somen that soaked up the delicious sauce.

Hotate Salmon Zaru Soba 3.8/5

Compared to the somen, the Hotate Salmon Zaru Soba is lighter in flavour, and the buckwheat noodle has a firmer bite in texture. Complementing the cold soba are torched Hokkaido scallops, torched salmon, tobiko, and sous vide egg yolk in Japanese dressing.

Potato Nesuto Tempura 4/5

Great for sharing is the Potato Nesuto Tempura ($16), whereby hand shred potatoes are stacked into a tower, scented with truffle and showered with parmesan cheese. Best having it with the accompanying kaffir lime aioli, which is very addictive.

Nori Taco 4.2/5

A great bite is the Nori Taco ($14 for 2 pc) which comes in three flavours - Assorted Sashimi, Soft Shell Crab (+$2 each) and Negitoro Uni (+$8 each). All nori tacos are served with avocado puree and sushi rice on top of your choice of flavours. I love the crispy nori taco shell that holds everything together for delightful textural enjoyment.

Smokey Corn 5/5

A must-have is the Smokey Corn ($16). The grilled pearl white corn rubbed with teriyaki mayonnaise is super sweet! It is further dusted with Parmesan cheese and shichimi to enhance the sweetness. I highly recommend this is the first dish to order as it needs 10-15 minutes of waiting time.

Wagyu Sando 4.5/5

At Mio, there is even a wagyu section in the menu. Using only premium A5 Japanese Wagyu, guests can look forward to a variety of dishes such as wagyu uni rice bowl, wagyu tataki, and wagyu teppanyaki. Of course, not to forget the crowd's favourite Wagyu Sando ($40). The tender and juicy breaded A5 Japan Wagyu is sandwiched between toasted Japanese shokupan bread, served with lotus chips.

Goma Goma 3.5/5

We have two desserts on the menu, starting with the Goma Goma ($15). The moist and spongy black sesame cake is served with housemade black sesame ice cream and speculoos crumbles for texture.

Daigaku Imo 3/5

The other dessert is the Daigaku Imo ($13). Candied Japanese sweet potato is served with vanilla bean ice cream and black sesame. The sweet potato is on the tough side, I am ok, but some may not like it.

Overall, I find the savoury items are stronger than the sweets. I also noticed there are more female than male customers at the restaurant. Not sure if it has to do with the restaurant's food or interior design.
Note: This is an invited tasting.


Mio Fine Food
82 Neil Road
Singapore 088843
Tel: +65 62912330
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 930pm
Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sat: 12pm - 4pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sun: 12pm - 4pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Cut through Duxton Plain Park to Keong Saik Road. Turn left onto Keong Saik Road and walk towards Neil Road. Turn left on Neil Road and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road. Turn right and walk down Neil Road. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]