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

Monday, June 26, 2023

Okasa Sushi Bar by Daiyusan @ Launches Omakase Menu In New Outlet

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Okasa Sushi Bar at Asia Square is opened by the same team behind Daiyusan, a highly popular Japanese restaurant in Tai Seng. Barely four months old, Okasa is working towards delivering one of the best omakase experiences alongside other speciality dishes, including mains and yakitori.

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Snow Crab Chawanmushi

Our omakase dinner started with Snow Crab Chawanmushi. Topped with a juicy fried snow crab leg and vibrant Ikura, every spoonful of the egg custard was elevated with an interplay of textures met with bursts of umaminess.

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Sashimi Mori

Our next course was Sashimi Mori (3 kinds) featuring Otoro, Hokkaido Scallops, Kue and Akami. Each of them was notably succulent with a mouth-filling texture. In particular, the Hokkaido Scallops were plump and sweet, and the Otoro captivated with a melting texture.

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Amadai

Grilled Fish was the next course, featuring charcoal-grilled Amadai. Before grilling it over the charcoal, the fish was first deep-fried to crisp up the skin. It was served with housemade Haku Su jelly, which had a vinegary profile that provided a refreshing contrast to the fish.

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Aka Ebi Sushi

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Kuromutsu Sushi

Our next course comprised six kinds of sushi. Amongst all, Aka Ebi Sushi with Ikura stood out with an enjoyable interplay of texture and flavours resulting from a combination of sweet, smoky and buttery aburi Ebi and pops of briny ikura. Kuromutsu Sushi was memorable. Also known as the chutoro of the mutsu fish, Kuromutsu was divine with a good amount of fats, giving the sushi a rich texture.

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Hay-smoked Salmon and Skipjack Tuna

What's next left an impression. House-smoked with hay, the Smoked Salmon and Skipjack Tuna was laced with hints of smoky hay notes that intrigued our senses. The smoked salmon was mouthwatering with a meaty texture.

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Chef Mini Don

Luciously loaded with Negitoro, Uni, flame-seared Flounder fin, Otoro, and Ikura is the Chef Mini Don, which is probably one of the best I had. What enhanced the overall taste was the Otoro that had been lightly seared directly with binchotan charcoal, imparting a depth of smoky flavour that seamed the ingredients together harmoniously.

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Truffle Tamago Yaki

Before dessert, Truffle Tamago Yaki is usually served. Interestingly, its sweet flavour profile acts like a palate cleanser. The tamago uses truffle oil instead of olive oil to achieve an earthy flavour. Hence the otherwise assertive flavour was subtle as it permeated the entire egg.

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A5 Waygu Yakitori

We had the chance to try one of Osaka's specialities - A5 Wagyu Yakitori. Done yakitori style, the wagyu cubes were rich with beefy flavours. They were skillfully grilled to attain nicely charred edges, adding a touch of smokiness to the overall taste profile.

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Red Bean Yokan

Our Omakase dinner ended with Miso Soup, followed by my favourite of all time! Our sweet was a red bean dessert - Red Bean Yokan. It looked so simple and rustic, yet it was pure deliciousness.

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.


Okasa Sushi Bar
Asia Square Tower 2
12 Marina View
#02-16
Singapore 018961
Tel: +65 87855855
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Shenton Way (TE Line), Downtown (DT Line), Marina Bay (CC, NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1115am – 3pm, 530pm – 930pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Shenton Way MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk to destination. Journey time about 2 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Downtown MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to Marina View. Turn left onto Marina View. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Marina Bay MRT station. Take Exit 1. Turn left and walk down Commerce Street. Walk to Marina View. Turn left onto Marina View and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.  [Map]

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

G Izakaya @ Golden Mile Tower - Offering Both Izakaya And Omakase For Lunch And Dinner

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G Izakaya at Golden Mile Tower is an izakaya and an omakase restaurant, offering an extensive menu of Japanese dishes for lunch and dinner.

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3 Kind Sashimi 3/5

We started with 3 Kind Sashimi that was served thick cut. The portion was generous, suitable for 2 or even 3 pax.

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Uni Sakura 3/5

Next was a dainty bite I reckoned more befitting as an omakase course - Uni Sakura. Sandwiched between 2 thin wafers are pieces of tamago, pickled radish, and uni. While I didn't find it a cohesive dish, I appreciate its creativity.

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Tsukune 2.5/5

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Butabara Yuzu Miso 3.5/5

Expect the quintessential skewers. We had Tsukune (chicken meatballs) and Butabara Yuzu Miso. I didn't enjoy the taste of the Tsukune somehow, but the latter fared much better with well-charred pork-belly fats flavoured with tangy and savoury yuzu miso.

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Soft Shell Crab Tempura 4/5

The Soft Shell Crab Tempura was pleasing with airy batter. There was a light crunch in every bite, and the best bits were those that gave way to the sweet meat inside.

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G Dragon Maki 4/5

One of the recommended dishes at the restaurant is the G Dragon Maki, scrumptious with fried King Prawn, salmon, and a spicy housemade sauce. The fiery savoury sauce brought out the sweetness of the prawns, and I enjoyed the overall mouth-filling texture.

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Unagi Don 3.8/5

If you are here for lunch, there are also simple yet pleasing Dons such as Unagi Don at affordable prices. The Unagi was served glazed with tare sauce and slightly charred, adding a delicious smokey flavour layer. The meat was unctuous too. Hence the humble pickled shallots and radish slices were the perfect accompaniments to punctuate the dish with their acidity.

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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.


G Izakaya
Golden Mile Tower
6001 Beach Road
#01-52A/B
Singapore 199589
Tel: +65 91835393
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 130pm, 530pm - 930pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge to Beach Road. Turn right onto Beach Road and walk down Beach Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Monday, May 1, 2023

UNI Gallery by OosterBay @ The Plaza - Unveils New Menu And A $88 7-Course Omakase Menu

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Uni Gallery by OosterBay welcomes a new addition to the culinary team, Chef Jayden who has over a decade of experience in Japanese restaurants, particularly in the art of binchotan grilling. With him joining the team, alongside Sashimi Master Chef Chua, they have put together a new 7-Course Omakase Menu ($88) and expand the menu to offer binchotan grilled dishes.

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Hyogo Oyster Shot 4/5

The 7-Course Omakase Menu kickstarted with the huge and plump Hyogo Oyster Shot. It is rich, briny, and slightly sweet with a creamy finish.

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Sashimi Platter 4 Types 4/5

Next is the Sashimi Platter which comprising Chutoro, Kinmedai, Kampachi and Hotaru-Ika. While you only get a slice each, they are fresh and thickly cut for a satisfying enjoyment.

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Grill Scallop in Shell Binchotan 3.8/5

With the expanded menu to include binchotan grilled dishes, the omakase also comes with binchotan item such as the Grill Scallop in Shell, which beautifully showcase the scallop's sweetness.

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Foie Gras with Asparagus 4/5

Next is the rich and melt in the mouth pan-seared Foie Gras with Asparagus. Half way to the 7-course menu, we already had oyster, sashimi, scallop and foie gras. With all these luxurious ingredients, I think it is already value for money.

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Grilled Tiger Prawn with Miso Sauce Binchotan 3.8/5

Another item from the binchotan is the Grilled Tiger Prawn with Miso Sauce. The firm and bouncy tiger prawn is perfectly grilled infushed with the smokey aroma. 

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Uni Ice Somen 3.8/5

Spectacularly presented in an ice block is the Uni Ice Somen with uni in a dashi broth. It is very refreshing, zested upwith the addition of yuzu and lime.

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A5 Wagyu with Uni Cream Donburi 4/5

Not to worry if you are not full, as the A5 Wagyu with Uni Cream Donburi will fill you up. The fluffy rice comes with tender and fatty A5 wagyu bind together by the the unami uni cream.

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Vanilla Ice Cream with Red Bean Dessert 3/5

Wrapping up the 7-course omakase menu is the Vanilla Ice Cream with Red Bean for dessert. A simple dessert to wrap up the value for money omakase.

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Yasai Yaki Moriwase 3.5/5

Besides the omakase menu, we also tried some of the new binchotan dishes such as the Yasai Yaki Moriwase comprising Mountain Yam, Eggplant, and Green Pepper.

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Sazae Tsubuyaki 4/5

The Sazae Tsubuyaki (Japanese Sea Shell) made an impressive entry by grilling the savoury delicacy in its own shell in dashi stock and shimeji mushrooms. offering a symphony of rich and complex flavours. Separately a pot of dashi stock is served at the side which you can drink like a soup.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


UNI Gallery by OosterBay
The Plaza
7500A Beach Road
#B1-310
Singapore 199591
Tel: +65 98388209
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Follow the overhead walkway all the way to The Concourse building. Take the exit down to Nicoll Highway and walk towards Parkroyal Serviced Residences. Cut through towards The Plaza at Parkroyal Hotel. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Tsukimi Hamburg @ Jurong Point - Comforting And Satisfying Hamburg Steak Donburi

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Tsukimi Hamburg is a new Japanese restaurant at Jurong Point selling a time-honoured dish in every Japanese household - Hamburg Donburi, a succulent hamburg steak set atop hot steaming Japanese rice.

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Tsukimi Hamburg Don 4.2/5

The signature at Tsukimi Hamburg has to be their Tsukimi Hamburg Don ($12.80), whereby a delightful orange Japanese egg yolk sits atop a succulent hamburg steak, grated radish and Japanese rice. The patty is hand-shaped in a blend of Mizyzaki wagyu beef, pork and US beef for optimal flavours and textures. Break the egg yolk and allow the creaminess to tie the whole dish together for a comforting and satisfying finish.

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Bacon Hamburg Steak Teishoku 4.2/5

Besides the ala carte donburi, the restaurant offers set meals too. The set meal comes with a bowl of steaming Japanese rice, salad, pickles and tamago soup. One of these sets is the Bacon Hamburg Steak Teishoku ($19.80), comprising a huge thick-cut bacon laid on top of the succulent hamburg steak paired with wafu onion sauce.

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Raclette Cheez Hamburg Steak Teishoku 4/5

For cheese lovers, you will enjoy the Raclette Cheez Hamburg Steak Teishoku ($16.80) drenched in a flowy raclette cheese that gives the juicy hamburg steak a lift in taste profile with its savouriness, sweetness and nuttiness.

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Overall, the Tsukumi Hamburg offers a delicious bowl of Hamburg Steak Donburi with various toppings of choice that provides a satisfying and comforting meal at a pocket-friendly price.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tsukimi Hamburg
Jurong Point
1 Jurong West Central 2
#B1-52
Singapore 648886
Tel: +65 62506728
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Boon Lay (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Boon Lay MRT staton. Take Exit C, D or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map].

Friday, December 16, 2022

Meow BBQ @ Bugis+ - Cat-themed BBQ Restaurant From China Opens First Overseas Outpost In Singapore

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Award-winning Meow BBQ from China, with over 30 outlets across ten major Chinese cities, opened its first overseas outpost at Bugis+, Singapore. The founder's love for cats can be seen around the interior of the cat-themed BBQ restaurant. The cuteness of cat paws and motifs can is found all around the restaurant, from the front entrance to the crockery used and various decorative ornaments in and around the space.

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Meow Signature Spicy Beef 4/5

The Meow Signature Spicy Beef ($23.80) is a must-have at Meow BBQ. Do not be deceived by the name of the dish. It is not spicy at all. The thinly cut grain-fed 129-day-old sliced beef is marinated with pickled chillies and sprinkled with sesame. While the flavours are appetising, the meat is too thinly cut for a satisfying textural enjoyment.

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Meow Signature Mixed Meat Platter 3.5/5

Great for sharing and trying out the different options on the menu is the Meow Signature Mixed Meat Platter ($66.80). It comprises Meow Signature Beef Cubes with Onion, Premium Iberico Pork Belly, Iberico Pork Collar in Smoky Sauce, Teriyaki Chicken Thigh and Marbled Beef Chunk.

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Iberico Pork Collar Marinated in Pineapple Sauce 3.8/5

The Iberico Pork Collar Marinated in Pineapple Sauce ($22.80) is succulent and juicy with a hint of sweetness from the pineapple marination.

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Meow Signature Chicken with Cheese Dip 3.5/5

The Meow Signature Chicken with Cheese Dip ($15.80) is incredibly tender. Heat the cheese dip and dunk the chunky chicken pieces into the melting cheese for an accentuated enjoyment.

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Meow Signature Beef Donburi 3/5

For something more substantial or a quick lunch, one can go for the Meow Signature Beef Donburi ($8.80). For less than ten dollars, you get a bowl of grilled beef, sweet onions and an onsen egg for a wallet-friendly meal.

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Black Cat Snow Ice 4/5

Diners can go for the Black Cat Snow Ice ($10.80) and Meow Signature Caramel Pudding ($6.80) to wrap up the meal on a sweet note. My favourite is the snow ice which is like the Korean bingsu. The snow ice is soft and fluffy, with a sweet finish. As for the caramel pudding, I preferred it to be more caramelised.

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Meow Signature Caramel Pudding 3/5

Meow BBQ restaurant offers wallet-friendly grilled meats for the masses hence do not expect premium cuts for the price you are paying. Overall, it will appeal to the students and younger generations.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Meow BBQ
Bugis+
201 Victoria Street
#01-17
Singapore 188067
Tel: +65 80384659
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Bugis(EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 11am - 930pm
Fri-Sat, PH: 11am - 1am

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Victoria Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

SENS Dining @ Holland Village - New Menu With Innovative Add-ons Plus A Hidden Bar Concept

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Known for its contemporary Japanese cuisine, SENS Dining at Holland Village has recently launched a new menu, offering innovative new dishes and sets for sharing. In addition, to deliver an even more unique experience, SENS Dining has also incorporated a Japanese whisky and cocktail bar concept - Bar Nikai.

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Yagura Ketsuga Sushi Box 4.5/5

Available in limited sets daily, Yagura Ketsuga Sushi Box ($88) allows you to create your own handrolls using the beautiful ingredients provided - a combination of fish and seafood, beautifully arranged in a tower modelled after an ancient Japanese fortress. The first tier of the box (the roof of the tower) holds the pieces of crispy seaweeds; the second tier is loaded with uni, negitoro, ikura and avocado, while the last tier is a chirashi of scallops, salmon, tuna and Hamachi atop sushi rice. It is a tasty and fun way to present and enjoy the food.

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Sushi Tacos 4.5/5

Its all-new Sushi Tacos fit perfectly into its Bar Nikai concept. The taco shell is made of ebi senbei prawn crackers, available in five flavours: Ebi with Tobiko ($8), Tsubugai Shellfish ($8), Salmon Mentai ($12.50), Negitoro ($13.20) and Hotate Uni ($25.80). As the ingredients for the sushis were pretty mouth-filling and buttery, the extra crunch and slight savouriness from the taco shell complement the texture and flavour exceptionally well.

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Hokkaido Treasure Don 4.5/5

Hokkaido Treasure Don ($48.80) highlights the freshness of the ingredients. Revamped with additional ingredients, the oyster is a rare treat from a don.

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Aburi Sugoi Maki 4/5

A crowd-pleaser is the Aburi Sugoi Maki ($18.50) - Seared Avocado Salmon maki roll with Century Egg sauce and Flying Fish roe. What makes this special is the use of century egg sauce. The maki was good, but the century egg sauce was less distinctive than I had expected.

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Wagyu Sukiyaki Set 4.5/5

The Wagyu Sukiyaki Set ($39.50) is my all-time favourite with its extremely comforting broth. The broth's recipe has been tweaked to make it even more flavourful.

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Kurobuta Rosu Katsu 4/5

Kurobuta Rosu Katsu ($19.80) features an aged Kurobuta pork cutlet. The pork has been aged for a richer flavour. The katsu wasn't as moist as I had wanted, but I still enjoyed its clean taste and crusty texture.

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Bar Nikai curates a wide array of rare Japanese whiskies and Sakes from independent breweries. In addition, the cocktail menu features Japanese culinary-inspired drinks.

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Enjoy 1-for-1 tacos for the entire month of November 2022. You get the options of Tsubugai Taco, Negitoro Taco or Salmon Mentai Taco. The free taco will be of the same flavour and exclusively for dine-in. Best to go with a drink or two from the bar!

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.


SENS Dining
243 Holland Avenue
Singapore 278977
Tel: +65 62625618
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]