The Ushi Club @ Boat Quay - A Hidden Gem for Japanese Beef Aficionados

The Ushi Club on Circular Road offers an authentic Japanese yakiniku experience, showcasing premium A5-grade Miyazaki and Miyazawa beef. Walking into the restaurant feels like a brief escape to Japan; the cosy, intimate space exudes a Japanese ambience with its minimalist decor and warm, inviting atmosphere. We were seated at the counter, where each guest had their own grill, and the attentive staff handled the grilling process to ensure each cut was cooked to perfection.

Assorted Kimchi and Namul 4.2/5

We started our Ushi Club Course ($111) with a selection of Assorted Kimchi and Namul. The bright flavours and tangy notes perfectly whet the appetite, offering a refreshing counterbalance to the rich meats that followed. Throughout the dinner, we found ourselves returning to these small bites to cut through the richness of the beef.

Choregi Salad 4/5

The Choregi Salad might look simple at first glance, but it's surprisingly flavourful. The greens are tossed in a light yet savoury choregi dressing, adding a delightful crunch and freshness to the course lineup.

Wagyu Beef Sashimi 4.2/5

The Wagyu Beef Sashimi was a revelation. It might seem unusual for anyone unfamiliar with beef sashimi, but the clean and mild flavours of the high-quality raw beef surprised me. There was no hint of gaminess — just a smooth, buttery taste that elevated the experience.

Beef Muscle with Ponzu 3.5/5

The Beef Muscle with Ponzu was less tender than other cuts due to its natural texture, but the tangy ponzu sauce with radish brightened up the dish. While it was not my favourite, the flavours were well-complemented by the acidity of the ponzu, making it an interesting addition.

Assorted Wagyu Platter 4.8/5

Beef Tongue with Spring Onion 4.8/5

The star of the night was the Assorted Wagyu Platter (120g), featuring cuts like Chunk Tender, Premium Short Rib, Beef Skirt, Chunk Rib, Top Blade, and Triceps Brachii Caput. Each piece was grilled by the skilled staff, allowing us to savour the unique textures and flavors of each cut, one by one, at their optimal doneness. For a more adventurous bite, we had Beef Tongue with Spring Onion, which had a pleasant crunchiness balanced by the fresh, sharp flavour of the green onions.

Brisket Yakisuki 4.8/5

A standout from the grilled selection was the Brisket Yakisuki. Tender and well-marbled, this cut melts in your mouth. Dipping it into an egg yolk added a layer of creaminess, enhancing its richness and making it one of the most indulgent dishes of the night.

Garlic Rice 4/5

We were served a comforting bowl of Garlic Rice to wrap up the meal. The garlicky aroma and warm, hearty flavour were the perfect ends to a rich and satisfying dinner.

Wagyu Beef Tartare 4.2/5

We tried the Wagyu Beef Tartare ($28) from the à la carte menu. Mixed with egg yolk, spring onion, and a touch of seasoning, the tartare is perfect when paired with seaweed for a rich, umami-filled wrap.

Kourayaki 4/5

The seasonal Kourayaki ($18) was another treat—a blend of crab tomalley and roe grilled directly in its shell. The rich, creamy texture of the king crab tomalley, combined with the umami depth from Japanese cooking sake, homemade mirin, and butter, was a decadent addition to the meal.

The Ushi Club delivers a stellar Japanese yakiniku experience in a cosy setting where high-quality ingredients and meticulous preparation shine. Each course, from the refreshing starters to the premium Wagyu cuts, is thoughtfully prepared to bring out the best flavours. This spot is a hidden gem for Japanese beef aficionados, offering a taste of Japan in the heart of Singapore.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Ushi Club
64 Circular Road
#01-01
Singapore 049418
Tel: +65 6423 9060
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk straight down Chulia Street to Circular Road. Walk down Circular Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Kushi Japanese Dining @ Grantral Mall & Complex MacPherson - Offering Budget-Friendly A La Carte Japanese Buffet

Kushi Japanese Dining has been a fixture in Singapore for the past 16 years, having moved locations a few times before settling into its current spot at Grantral Mall, MacPherson. Offering a budget-friendly à la carte buffet, Kushi boasts an extensive selection of Japanese dishes that satisfy all your cravings.

Assorted Sashimi Platter 4/5

We began our buffet experience with the Assorted Sashimi Platter, which included maguro, sake, shiro maguro, tako, ika, meikajiki, and hamachi (limited to one serving per table). The sashimi was impeccably fresh, with the shiro maguro standing out as a rare find at many Japanese restaurants.

Pitan Tofu 3.5/5

Chawanmushi 3.5/5

We also enjoyed the Chawanmushi, which was subtly flavourful, and the must-try Pitan Tofu, a unique and creamy dish that offered a different take on tofu.

Agedashi Tofu 4/5

Tako Yaki 3/5

Asari Miso Soup 4/5

Moving on to the hot dishes, we sampled the perfectly fried Agedashi Tofu, which was crispy on the outside and tender within. It's a dish we could quickly devour on our own. The Tako Yaki was decent but could be skipped if you're looking to save room for more sashimi. The Asari Miso Soup, with its plump and fresh clams, served as a refreshing palate cleanser, preparing us for the next round of food.

Assorted Kushiyaki 3.8/5

Saba Shoyaki 4/5

Pork Belly Shogayaki 3/5

Surume Ika 4/5

Next, we tried an assortment of Kushiyaki, as recommended by our server. Each skewer was perfectly grilled, but our favourites were the Saba Shoyaki and Surume Ika. The saba was generously portioned, lightly salted, and deliciously flaky, while the grilled squid had a pleasantly charred flavour and was only available in limited servings. The Pork Belly Shogayaki was tasty, but we wished we had room to enjoy it with rice.

Assorted Tempura Platter 4/5

For Tempura, the Ebi stood out with its light, crispy batter, and the prawn itself was fresh and sweet.

Kitsune Soba 3/5

Garlic Fried Rice 3/5

Kushi offers options like Garlic Fried Rice, Kitsune Soba, and Mini Ramen if you need carbs. While they were decent, they didn't leave a lasting impression.

Shabu Shabu Pork 4/5

However, the Shabu Shabu Pork was a pleasant surprise. The broth was clean and sweet, likely from the vegetables, and perfectly contrasted with the heavier grilled and fried dishes we had been enjoying. This hotpot dish is a must-try if you want something to cut through the greasiness and refresh your palate.

Wafu Beef Steak 3.5/5

For those looking for more beyond the buffet, Kushi offers a 25% discount on selected à la carte dishes. We decided to try the Wafu Beef Steak. You can request your preferred doneness, and the flavourful wafu sauce enhances the tender steak.

Priced at $54.90++ for lunch and $58.90++ for dinner, Kushi's buffet is exceptional value for money, offering a wide variety of quality Japanese dishes. The restaurant is clean, brightly lit, and nicely decorated, providing a comfortable dining environment.

For those planning a special gathering, Kushi also offers two private dining rooms, each accommodating up to 10 people, or 20 if combined, with a minimum spend required. Whether you're a fan of sashimi, grilled items, or hotpot, Kushi Japanese Dining will surely satisfy you.

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


Kushi Japanese Dining
Grantral Mall & Complex Macpherson
601 Macpherson Road
#01-27/28
Singapore 368242
Tel: +65 69040728
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Nearest MRT: Tai Seng (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tai Seng MRT Station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Yuiitsu Yakiniku & Butchery @ Jalan Riang - Unlimited A5 Wagyu Buffet at $79.80++

Nestled in the quaint estate of Serangoon, Yuiitsu Yakiniku & Butchery is a hidden gem that offers a buffet extravaganza unlike any other. It boasts unlimited servings of Japanese A5 Wagyu beef and more at only $79.80++ per person or $59.80++ per person (without A5 Wagyu).

The A5 Wagyu comes in 200g per serving, and you can order as much as you can! The marbling on the cut gives it a melt-in-your-mouth texture. We got the onsen egg and used it as a dipping sauce! They also provide two dipping sauces and sea salt, so you get a variety of tastes in every bite.

Yuiitsu Yakiniku 4/5

Other cuts, such as Short Rib, Flap, and Shabu Shabbu, and unique options like gyu tongue, are also available.

We love the marinated Pork Belly with a good meat and fat ratio. Increase the heat when grilling them to get a nice crisp and charred.

The Pork Jowl has a nice crunch. What's even more enjoyable is watching the fat sizzle and the meat caramelise before your eyes as you cook it. You can't help but feel a sense of anticipation building.

The buffet menu also includes half-shell scallops, oysters and prawns. The scallops are topped with garlic butter sauce and oysters in kaki sauce, which are both very flavourful. A variety of mushrooms and vegetables are also available, which are good to have in between all the meats. We also ordered a slice of pineapple. If you have yet to try grilled pineapple, please do! The caramelised natural sugar made it extra sweet and is a great palette cleanser. We wish they have thinner slices without the skin which we feel will be better and faster for grilling.

If you need carbs, they have garlic fried rice, which is flavourful with crispy garlic pieces. They also have Udon if you prefer noodles.

They also have a retail section where you can buy quality cuts of meats to cook at home. There is a seasonal 1-for-1 promotion, too!

Overall, it was a nice, cosy place for a good feast. The meats served are all very fresh! However, be prepared to smell like BBQ afterwards, as we found the exhaust was not as great.

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


Yuiitsu Yakiniku & Butchery
15 Jalan Riang
Singapore 358987
Tel: +65 8930 8351
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Nearest MRT: Lorong Chuan (CC Line), Serangoon (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 11.30am - 2pm, 5pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to Serangoon Bus Interchange (Stop ID 66009). Take bus number 105. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to Jalan Girang. Turn right onto Jalan Girang. At the junction of Jalan Girang, turn left and walk down Jalan Girang towards Jalan Riang. Turn right onto Jalan Riang. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Serangoon MRT station (Stop ID 62139). Take bus number 100, 107, 147, 153 or 853. Alight 1 stop later. Cross the road to Wolskel Road. Walk down Wolskel Road to Jalan Riang. Turn right onto Jalan Riang. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Lorong Chuan MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Lor Chuan MRT station. (Stop ID 66391) Take bus 58 or 105. Alight one stop later. Cross the road and wlk to Jalan Girang. At the junction of Jalan Girang, turn left and walk down Jalan Girang towards Jalan Riang. Turn right onto Jalan Riang. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

MIYOSHI by Fat Cow (三好) @ Mess Hall at Sentosa - Three Japanese Cuisine (Ramen, Teppanyaki and Omakase) Under One Roof

MIYOSHI by Fat Cow is a modern concept by fine Japanese restaurant Fat Cow. Miyoshi or 三好 in kanji means 'three graces' whereby diners are invited to a new modern way of savouring Japanese cuisine through three Japanese dining experiences - Ramen, Teppanyaki and Omakase under one roof in a beautiful colonial-style conservation building on the balmy island of Sentosa.

Zensai

We had the Teppan-Kaisei Set Dinner ($280++), starting with the Zensai comprising Umami Dashi Marinated Garlic Chives with Dried Bonito, Steamed Egg Custard with White Truffle Sauce served with Minced Wagyu Ankake Sauce, and Wagyu Kinome Yaki, a delectable trio of appetisers to kickstart the 11-course set dinner.

Fresh Spring Rolls

Wagyu Tartare

Next are the Fresh Spring Rolls and Wagyu Tartare. The light and refreshing spring roll is wrapped with raw amaebi prawn, cream cheese, and kaiware. The hand-chopped wagyu tartare is richer in flavour, tossed with purple shallots, nori, gochujang, and yakiniku sauce, bursting with textures and flavours.

Wagyu Sawani-wan

A favourite of the set course dinner is the Wagyu Sawani-wan. Sliced A4 Miyazaki A4 Wagyu is rolled with strips of shiitake mushrooms, carrots and leeks, then grilled on the teppan. It is served in a bonito soup that freshens up the enjoyment of the quality beef.

Straw Smoked Hokkaido Scallops

The plump and sweet Straw Smoked Hokkaido Scallops are grilled on the teppanyaki before smoking with straw and served with a generous spoonful of caviar.

Uni Soba

Next is the Uni Soba, whereby the Japanese buckwheat noodles are tossed in a soba sauce and served with nikumiso. It is further topped with bafun uni, deep-fried burdock chip, spring onions and red shiso. It is a delectable dish, but I was expecting more.

Yuzu Butter Madai

Another seafood item on the menu is the Yuzu Butter Madai paired with grilled Maitake mushroom and shishito pepper. The sea bream is grilled on teppan and glazed with yuzu saikyo miso sauce for a sweet, savoury and citrusy finish.

Steamed Abalone

The Korean abalone is first covered in konbu, blanketed in sea salt, and steamed-baked on the teppan. The Steamed Abalone paired with green asparagus is finished with saikyo miso sauce, giving the tender and bouncy abalone a delightful umami and mild sweetness.

Teppan Style Sukiyaki

The best dish for the night goes to the Teppan Style Sukiyaki. The thinly sliced wagyu is mixed with a housemade sukiyaki broth that is both rich and delicate, enriched with a Japanese egg yolk. It is further complemented with shaved truffle to enhance the lovely beefy flavour of the premium beef cut.

Wagyu Tenderloin A4

The Satsuma A4 Tenderloin has a substantial bite compare to the sukiyaki. It is seasoned with salt and black pepper, and grilled on teppan, allowing the full appreciation of the beautiful red meat.

Signature Garlic Rice

The last savoury course is freshly cooked Hokkaido Nanatsuboshi Japanese Garlic Rice, stir-fried on the teppan with vegetable oil, butter, garlic, salt and black pepper to ensure we are filled. It is served with aka miso soup and Japanese pickles to complete the rice course.

Black Sesame Tofu

Last but not least, we have the Black Sesame Tofu made with black sesame paste, tapioca powder and water, then simmered and cooled to set. It is served together with seasonal fruits and yuzu ice cream.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


MIYOSHI by Fat Cow
Mess Hall at Sentosa
2 Gunner Lane
#01-04/05/06
Singapore 099567
Tel: +65 60190089
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch
Wed-Fri: 12pm - 3pm
Sat-Sun: 1130am - 3pm
Dinner
Wed, Thu & Sun: 6pm - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 6pm - 1030pm

Teppan-Kaiseki Experiences
Lunch seating at 1215pm
Dinner seating at 645pm

Sushi Omakase Experience
Dinner seating only at 645pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Exit station to Vivocity Shopping Mall. Go to Sentosa Express Station at Level 3 of Vivocity. Take Sentosa Express Train to Imbiah station. Alight at Imbiah station and walk to destination. Journey time about 15 mins. [Map]