Showing posts with label Donburi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Donburi. Show all posts

Thursday, June 11, 2026

Satori @ Amoy Street - Vibey Yakitori Spot Serving Over 50 Skewers at Wallet-Friendly Prices

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Satori at Amoy Street fires up the grill with a lively, no-frills yakitori concept that strikes a compelling balance between omakase-level precision and the spirited energy of a modern Japanese tavern. Helmed by Chef Wilson, a protégé of yakitori master Chef Shyong from sister restaurant Sapōto, the concept brings serious grilling credentials into a more accessible, vibey setting.

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With over 50 skewers on the menu priced from just $3.80, Satori is designed for both casual diners looking for a quick bite and enthusiasts eager to explore a wide spectrum of yakitori cuts.

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Nori Salad 3.5/5

We began with the Nori Salad ($9.80), a refreshing starter that goes beyond the usual greens. Crisp lettuce and nori form the base, but what sets it apart is the addition of crispy whitebait scattered throughout. These tiny fish lend a delightful crunch and an umami punch, elevating the dish with both texture and depth. It’s a simple yet thoughtful composition that whets the appetite nicely.

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Truffle Chawanmushi 4/5

The Truffle Chawanmushi ($9.80) is a crowd-pleasing classic done right. Silky smooth and delicately steamed, the custard melts effortlessly on the palate. The truffle oil is unmistakable, perfuming each spoonful with an earthy richness that feels indulgent without overwhelming the dish’s inherent lightness. It’s a comforting prelude to the heavier grilled items.

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Tsukune (Minced Chicken)

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Seseri Neck

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Cherry Tomato

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Bonjiri (Tail)

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Sunagimo (Gizzard)

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Shishito (Green Pepper)

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Tebasaki (Mid Wing) / Chef’s Yakitori Set 4/5

To get a proper sense of Satori’s yakitori prowess, the Chef’s Selection Yakitori Set ($29.80) is an excellent starting point. Comprising seven skewers — including four chicken cuts, one organ, and two vegetables — it offers a well-rounded introduction to the menu. Each skewer is grilled over binchotan charcoal, imparting a deep, smoky aroma while preserving the ingredients’ natural juiciness.

The tsukune (minced chicken) is tender and well-seasoned, with a slight bounce and savoury glaze that lingers. Seseri (neck) delivers a satisfying chew with rich chicken flavour, while bonjiri (tail) stands out for its fatty, melt-in-the-mouth decadence. The sunagimo (gizzard) offers a firmer bite, adding textural contrast to the lineup. On the vegetable front, the shishito pepper provides a mild, smoky sweetness, and the cherry tomato bursts with juicy brightness, acting as a refreshing counterpoint. The tebasaki (mid-wing) rounds out the set with juicy meat beneath lightly crisped skin.

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Mini Unagi Don 4/5

For something more substantial, the Mini Unagi Don ($16.80) makes for a satisfying companion. The grilled eel is glazed with a luscious sweet-savoury sauce that seeps into the fluffy Japanese rice beneath. A glossy egg yolk adds creaminess, balancing the sweetness, while slices of cucumber inject a welcome crunch and freshness. Despite its “mini” label, it feels hearty enough to anchor the meal.

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Chicken Heart 4/5

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Pork Belly with Lettuce 4.2/5

We also explored a few additional skewers. The Chicken Heart ($3.80) impresses with its clean, rich flavour and springy texture, free from any metallic aftertaste that sometimes plagues organ meats. The Pork Belly with Lettuce ($6.80) is particularly enjoyable — the pork belly renders beautifully over the grill, achieving a smoky, slightly crisp exterior. At the same time, the lettuce inside remains lightly wilted yet refreshing. It’s a clever combination, with the lettuce acting as a natural palate cleanser against the richness of the pork.

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Beef Tongue 4.2/5

The Beef Tongue ($13.80) is grilled quickly over high heat, resulting in a caramelised char on the edges while retaining a tender bite. Its inherent fattiness and deep beefy flavour are enhanced by the smokiness from the binchotan, making it one of the more indulgent skewers on the menu.

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Overall, Satori succeeds in delivering quality yakitori without the stiffness of a traditional omakase setting. The skewers are thoughtfully executed, the menu is extensive yet approachable, and the atmosphere encourages lingering over drinks and multiple rounds of skewers. It’s the kind of place where you can drop by for a casual bite or settle in for a full-on yakitori feast with friends — all without breaking the bank.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Satori
89 Amoy Street
Singapore 069908
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 3pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, April 2, 2026

Sushi Nakamura @ Onze (Tanjong Pagar) - Japanese Omakase Restaurant Focusing On Premium Sushi And Seasonal Ingredients

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Sushi Nakamura at Onze @ Tanjong Pagar is an intimate sushi spot offering Nigiri course, omakase, and a curated à la carte menu. Our omakase experience was crafted using seasonal ingredients.

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Abalone 4.5/5

To start, we had abalone with abalone liver sauce. The sauce, mellowed with butter, was rich with deep, oceanic umami that beautifully enhanced the abalone's natural sweetness.

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Gurnard Fish 3.5/5

This was followed by a cold dish comprising Gurnard Fish with Dashi Vinegar Jelly, Ice Plant, and tomato. The dish delivered a refreshing fruity acidity that awakened the palate.

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Sardine 3/5

Next came Sardine rolled with pickled ginger and shiso leaf, carrying a similarly briny yet tart and earthy profile.

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Spanish Mackerel Shabu Shabu 4/5

A comforting turn came with Spanish Mackerel Shabu Shabu, served in a light, delicate broth that gently showcased the fish's natural flavours.

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Tairagai 4/5

Then came a moreish grilled Tairagai, notable for its firm yet tender bite, with an intense umami richness elevated by grilled nori.

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Seaweed Soup with Bamboo Shoots & Firefly Squid 4/5

Before the mains, we were served a Seaweed Soup with Japanese Bamboo Shoots and Firefly Squid. The gentle, light broth allowed the natural flavours of the springtime ingredients to shine, highlighting the sweet corn-like flavours of the crunchy bamboo shoots and the rich, briny depth of the squid.

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Trio-style Seafood Donburi 4/5

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Warm Seafood Noodles 3/5

We were served sampling portions of two signature dishes from their main menu: Trio-style Seafood Donburi and Warm Seafood Noodles. The donburi stood out with its satisfying textures and deeply flavourful rice. The noodles were comforting, though the broth leaned slightly too salty towards the end.

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Nigiri 3/5

The final savoury course featured five types of Nigiri. The Ika impressed with its creamy, almost buttery texture, while the Unagi provided a bold, smoky finish to the meal.

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Dessert 3/5

Dessert was a delightful combination of strawberry and kantan made with white bean paste and white chocolate. Overall, it was light, balanced, and a pleasant end to the experience.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Sushi Nakamura
Onze
11 Kee Seng Street
#01-12
Singapore 089218
Tel: +65 89087964
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 6pm – 11pm Tue-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road at Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tanjong Pagar Road. Walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn right onto Kee Seng Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, March 28, 2026

Eizaburo (栄三郎) @ Cuppage Plaza - Build-Your-Own 90-minute Dinner Experience with Free Flow Alcohol

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Looking for a spot to chill and gather with friends? Eizaburo Orchard at Cuppage Plaza offers a fun and interactive Build-Your-Own 90-minute dinner experience. Priced at $79++ with free-flow alcohol or $49++ without, diners can customise their meal from a curated selection of Japanese dishes. Each set includes a choice between a Sashimi Box or Appetiser Box, along with 3 Yakitori, 1 Side Dish, and 1 Main Dish — making it a flexible and value-driven option for group dining.

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Free Flow Drinks

The free-flow drinks option is a highlight, comprising both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. For those going for the alcohol package, there is a good variety of options, including sake, highballs, beer, and umeshu, perfect for pairing with the grilled skewers and small plates.

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Assorted Appetisers Box

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Assorted Sashimi Box

Diners can choose between the Assorted Appetisers Box or the Assorted Sashimi Box. As there were two of us, we opted to have one of each sample both offerings. The Assorted Appetisers Box features a selection of cooked items, including unagi, aburi fish, tamago, sushi rolls, and grilled prawn — a comforting assortment with a balance of textures and flavours. The Assorted Sashimi Box, on the other hand, showcases a variety of fresh seafood, including ebi, scallops, salmon, and chutoro, offering a clean and satisfying start to the meal.

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Yakitori 4/5

For the Yakitori selection, each diner gets to choose three skewers. We went with Tebasaki (wing), thigh, pork jowl, iceberg pork roll, and leek. The skewers were well-executed with a nice char and smokiness, making them ideal accompaniments to the drinks.

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Creamy Crab Croquette 3.5/5

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Potato Salad 4.2/5

For sides, we had the Creamy Crab Croquette and Potato Salad. The croquette was fried to a golden crisp, revealing a creamy, flavourful filling. The Potato Salad was particularly enjoyable, elevated by the addition of ikura, which added bursts of briny umami to each bite.

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Wagyu Sirloin Steak 4/5

For the mains, the Wagyu Sirloin Steak delivered on tenderness and juiciness. However, the portion felt somewhat small for a main course, especially for those with larger appetites.

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Overflowing Toro-Taku Roll 3.8/5

A more substantial alternative would be the Overflowing Toro-Taku Roll, which offered a generous filling and a satisfying bite, making it a better choice for those seeking something heartier.

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Overflowing Ikura, Salmon Negitoro Don 3.8/5

Another fulfilling option is the Overflowing Ikura Salmon Negitoro Don. The bowl comes topped with creamy salmon negitoro and generously piled ikura, delivering a rich and savoury combination that pairs well with the rice.

Overall, Eizaburo Orchard’s Build-Your-Own dinner experience is a great option for casual gatherings. With its customisable format, wide selection of dishes, and free-flow drinks option, it offers a lively and enjoyable way to dine with friends in the heart of Orchard.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Eizaburo
Cuppage Plaza
5 Koek Road
#04-04
Singapore 228796
Tel: +65 8245 1798
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 530pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B, C, or D. Walk to Orchard Road. Cross the road and walk to Cuppage Road. Walk down Cuppage Road. Walk to Cuppage Plaza. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Monday, March 16, 2026

Kaya @ The Standard - Weekend Brunch Showcasing Its Signature Japanese-Fusion Flair Every Saturday

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Every Saturday, Kaya at The Standard presents a Weekend Brunch that reflects the restaurant’s signature Japanese-fusion flair. The menu features an à la carte free-flow selection of hot and cold appetisers, small bites, mains, and desserts. The brunch experience includes a free flow of non-alcoholic beverages, with the option to upgrade to premium packages that include alcoholic drinks.

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The Standard Tray

To start, we were first served The Standard Tray, alongside our drink orders. This was perfect for tempering the usual morning hunger while waiting for the rest of the food to arrive. The tray comprises four items from the menu across the cold, hot bites, and sando categories, prepping our appetite with Chicken Karaage, Tamago Sando, Apple Sesame Salad, and Assorted Sashimi.

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Chicken Karaage 4.8/5

The hot morsels of Chicken Karaage were juicy and moreish with a golden crust. I appreciated the bite-sized portions, which worked better than the usual large and chunky pieces.

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Sashimi 4/5

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Apple Salad 4.5/5

Balancing the tray were the fresh chilled Sashimi and the refreshing Apple Sesame Salad.

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Daikon Slaw 5/5

From the cold selection, I was also delighted to find Daikon Slaw, one of my favourite items from their regular menu during my last visit.

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Tamago Sando 3/5

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Unagi Sando 3.5/5

As for the sando, while the tamago filling was delectable, softer white sandwich bread might have improved the overall texture and taste. There is also an Unagi Sando option, which delivers a much more savoury, meatier bite.

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Tacos 3.5/5

The tacos were visually exciting with their colourful presentation. Among the three options — Teriyaki Cured Salmon Taco, Spicy Beef Taco, and Salada Taco, the Spicy Beef Taco was the most satisfying, with hearty beef slices delivering a punch of flavour. The salmon taco, however, turned out a little bland, while the Salada Taco, though enjoyable with avocado, felt slightly underwhelming as a taco.

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Konabe Udon 4/5

For mains, the Konabe Udon was simple yet comforting.

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Kamo Katsu with Curry Hollandaise Don 3/5

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Pork Belly Char Siu Don 3/5

The Kamo Katsu with Curry Hollandaise Don featured a crispy duck cutlet, and the curry hollandaise was rich with umami, flavouring the dish beautifully. It was a pity that the duck itself was a tad dry. The same could be said for the Pork Belly Char Siu Don, where the char siu was not as unctuous as I had expected.

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Desserts 3.8/5

Desserts were delightful. The Sakura & Coconut Panna Cotta and Coffee Jelly Shooter were both pleasing, with the latter delivering a pleasant bittersweet note. The Matcha Lemon Tart impressed with its thin, buttery crust, which complemented the tart’s bright, lemony, and earthy matcha flavours.

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While there were hits and misses, the cosy ambience of Kaya at The Standard nonetheless makes the brunch format well-suited for a relaxed weekend catch-up with friends and loved ones. The Weekend Brunch is available only on Saturdays from 12 noon to 3pm, with options starting at $78 per person.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Kaya
The Standard, Singapore
12 Orange Grove Rd
#02-00
Singapore 258353
Tel: 6040 1888
Facebook
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 630am - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 630am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. EWheelocklock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down Orchard Road to the end. Turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 23 minutes. [Map]