Menya Kokoro @ 100 AM Mall - Seasonal Tsukesoba Specials Featuring QQ Noodles Made In-House

Menya Kokoro is one of the largest mazesoba chains in Japan, and they have been serving a whole range of mazesoba, ramen and dons in Singapore for the past couple of years. This time, they have launched seasonal Tsukesoba specials - Kokoro Tsukesoba and Mentai Tsukesoba, available till 31 July 2022. Their noodles are now freshly made in-house using 100% whole grain wheat flour imported from Japan. Each portion of noodles comes at 200g, slightly bigger than what they used to serve.

If you are dining at their 100AM outlet, you can peek in to look at the whole noodle-making process. These fresh noodles are also being supplied to their other two outlets at Plaza Singapura and Eat At Seven Suntec City.

Tsukesoba, like tsukemen, has its noodles served separately from the sauce. It's enjoyed by dipping the noodles into the sauce and slurping them up. The Kokoro Tsukesoba ($14.80) has toppings of cha shu, bamboo shoots, ajitama, seaweed, naruto fish cake and freshly grated yuzu peels. You get to choose either the Original or Spicy for your dipping sauce. The original is made with mackerel fish powder, a thick tonkotsu broth base and spring onions, while the spicy version has additional homemade spicy oil that leaves a numbing mouthfeel.

If you have had Menya Kokoro's mazesoba before, we found the new noodles thicker with a much more distinct chew. Fans of chewy noodles, you will enjoy this! In addition, we all appreciated how the yuzu peels and squeeze of lime give the whole dish a needed zest and brightness to help cut through the more decadent sauce. When you are done with the noodles, you can also request for "oimeshi", a small amount of complimentary rice to mix into the remaining dipping sauce.

Mentai Tsukesoba 3.8/5

The second seasonal bowl is the Mentai Tsukesoba ($14.80). It has the same noodles topped with cha shu, bamboo shoots, tobiko, mentai, naruto fishcake and seaweed. The dipping sauce for this has the same base ingredients as Kokoro Tsukesoba's, with the addition of sesame seeds, a slab of butter, spring onions and more mentai. We enjoyed the crunch from the tobiko and how the generous amount of mentai provides more of an umami touch. However, I found it a bit too heavy to finish on my own with the buttery sauce and thick noodles. I would recommend sharing this bowl with a friend.

Handmade Gyoza 3/5

Apart from the mains, a couple of sides are also available on the menu. The Handmade Gyoza ($4.80) has minced meat wrapped in slightly chewy skin. These were pretty decent, but we would have liked them a little less oily.

Tori Karaage 4.5/5

Their Tori Karaage ($4.80) was a favourite for us. A portion comes with four big karaage chunks that are nicely battered and crunchy on the outside yet still very juicy and tender within.

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.


Menya Kokoro
100 AM Mall
100 Tras Street
#02-10
Singapore 079027
Tel: +65 64431727
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm
Fri: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 930pm
Sat: 11am - 930pm
Sun: 11am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards Gopeng Street and turn into Tras Street. Walk to Amara Hotel. Journey time about 5 minutes.[Map]

Lawry's The Prime Rib @ Mandarin Gallery - Presents A Magnifique Spread This Festive Season

For this festive season, Lawry's The Prime Ribs at Mandarin Gallery has put together a collection of set course menus for the festive celebrations. The set course menu emphasis top-quality meats and seafood while featuring the restaurant's sublime signatures such as the Signature Roasted USDA Prime Rib of Beef and Broiled Atlantic Lobster Tail.

Ocean Gems Fresh Chilean Scallop 3.5/5

I tried the 6-Course Christmas Eve Set Menu ($168++/$189++) which starts with the Ocean Gems Fresh Chilean Scallop for amuse-bouche. The Chilean scallop is drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and served with baby carrot puree beetroot puree and green pea puree.

Boston Lobster Bisque with Fresh Lobster Claw 3.8/5

Next is the hearty Boston Lobster Bisque with Fresh Lobster Claw, served with chive bits, cream and a drizzle of Grand Marnier. However, I felt that it lacked the robustness of the crustacean flavour.

Foie Gras 4/5, Baby Octopus with Crabmeat Salad 3/5 and Chicken Gyoza 3/5

For the appetiser, we have a trio of small bites. From left to right, we have the baby octopus in Roma tomato puree with crabmeat salad, pan-seared goose foie gras with homemade red wine raisin sauce over bacon-wrapped chicken, and chicken gyoza with homemade spicy sauce.

Signature Roasted USDA Prime Rib of Beef with Turkey Combo 4.5/5

For mains, diners get to have three choices. They can opt for the Signature Roasted USDA Prime Rib of Beef with Turkey Combo, Grilled Kurobuta Pork Collar or Broiled Atlantic Lobster Trio and Wild Salmon Roe.

If you opt for the Signature Roasted USDA Prime Rib of Beef with Turkey Combo, it comes with 100grams roasted beef, 100grams roasted sliced turkey, 100grams smoked turkey ham, US Idaho mashed potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, whipped cream horseradish, chestnut stuffing as well as a choice of creamed corn, creamed spinach or buttered peas. For the doneness of the beef, I would recommend going for rare. I was afraid it will be too raw for my liking, but it turned out this is the perfect doneness to appreciate the tender and beautiful flavour of the prime rib. Not forgetting the soft and fluffy Yorkshire pudding which complements the dish. Do allow it to soak up the delicious and flavourful sauce.

Grilled Kurobuta Pork Collar 4/5

If you are not into beef, you can go for the Grilled Kurobuta Pork Collar. The slab of pork collar is served with US Idaho potato wedges, caramelised onion, and grilled tomato stuffed with creamed spinach.

Broiled Atlantic Lobster Trio and Wild Salmon Roe 4.5/5

Another favourite at Lawry's The Prime Ribs is their Broiled Atlantic Lobster Trio and Wild Salmon Roe. For a change, instead of the meat, these broiled lobsters will delight you with their delicate freshness. Not only one but you get 3 pieces of it. It is served together with US Idaho mashed potato, sauteed vegetables and drawn butter.

For dessert, one can choose between the Sakura Cremeux with Mango-Pear Coulis and Haagen-Dazs Chocolate Ice Cream or Glazed Chocolate Mousse Praline Dome with Haagen-Dazs Vanilla Ice Cream.  Subject to individual preference, the sakura cremeux is light with a little sweetness from the mango-pear coulis while the glazed chocolate mousse praline is pack with the bittersweet chocolate richness. One can order either coffee or tea to go with their dessert.

For the festive set course menu, guests will get a 10% discount if all guests are seated between 5-6pm. On top of that, for every three set course menu ordered, you will receive a bottle of Bolla Prosecco (750ml) or Casillero del Diablo Devil's Brut Sparkling Wine (750ml) for takeaway subject to which set course menu ordered.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Lawry’s The Prime Rib
Mandarin Gallery
333A Orchard Road
#04-01/31
Singapore 238897
Tel: +65 68363333
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 1130am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Goodwood Park Hotel Christmas 2019 - A Merry Whimsical Christmas

Christmas is just around the corner, and it is the time to feast again, For this Christmas, Goodwood Park Hotel presents an enchanting selection of festive sweets and new savoury treats.

Roasted Pandan Scented Turkey with Mantou Kaya Nibbles & Housemade Chilli

Goodwood Park is known of its Asian-inspired Yuletide fare, and for this year it has created the Roasted Pandan Scented Turkey with Mantou Kaya Nibbles & Housemade Chilli ($238). The turkey is steeped in honey marinade and fresh pandan extract and slow-roasted to perfection. The result is a succulent roasted bird with a subtle aroma of pandan on top of the natural honey sweetness. It comes with sweet-savoury mantou kaya nibbles stuffing consists of sauteed shallots, shiitake mushrooms, and mantou filled with luscious kaya.

Pan-fried Turkey and Chive Gyoza

Turkey Mantou Slider

Great accompaniments for the festive feasting is the Pan-fried Turkey and Chive Gyoza ($24 for 10pc) and Turkey Mantou Slider ($36 for 6pc / $58 for 10pc). The gyoza is encased with a generous filling of turkey melded with chopped chives and pan-fried to a delightfully crispy exterior. The turkey mantou sliders are inspired by the local Kong Bak Bao. Sandwiched in between golden bun are the tender braised turkey, yam and pickled white onion.

Crystal Glacier Log Cake 

On the sweet treats, Goodwood Park Hotel brought the winter wonderland to this year's Christmas celebration. The Crystal Glacier Log Cake ($82 for 1kg) is a delicate almond sponge cake with mascarpone, apple mousse and lingonberries, sitting on a base of milk chocolate hazelnut fudge. The cake is beautifully glazed with white chocolate and decorated with pastel milk chocolate shards.

Whimsical Fairy Cake

The magic of Christmas continues with the Whimsical Fairy Cake ($65 for 1kg). The enchanting cake features a butter cake sandwiched in strawberry jam, decorated with a graceful pink fairy, butterflies and lolly candies.

Merry Cubes 

The Merry Cubes ($88 for 1 Set) is a playful cake among the collection. The three tiers of sweet treats come in different coloured petite cake, shaped in little cubes. The different colours represent 6 different flavours - strawberry, orange, blueberry, lychee, mango and green tea.

Takeaway gourmet treats will be available at The Deli from 1 to 26 December 2019. Advance orders of five days are required, and guests may visit The Deli from 9am to 9pm daily to place their takeaway orders. Alternatively, guests may contact the Christmas Call Centre at (65) 6730 1867 / 68 from 10am to 6pm daily, email festive@goodwoodparkhotel.com, or visit festivepromotions.goodwoodparkhotel.com from 1 December 2019 to place their online orders. Last order date is 19 December 2019, 12pm.

Kei Kaisendon @ Marina Square - Quality And Affordable Japanese Rice Bowls For The Sashimi Lovers

The kaisendon is a traditional Japanese donburi dish consisting of a rice bowl loaded up with a variety of fresh sashimi. If you love Kaisendon, Kei Kaisendon is a place not to be missed for quality seafood dons without the hefty price tags.

You'd usually find the standard Kaisen don in most Japanese restaurants elsewhere, but this Kaisendon speciality restaurant gives diners plenty of options with its variety of kaisendons - from the mentaiyaki, to hotate and unagi kaisendon. You can also choose from their add-on selection, and make it a set with a soup and salad (+$3) for a more fulfilling meal.

Mentaiyaki Tamago Kaisendon 4.2/5

The Mentaiyaki Tamago Kaisendon ($18.90) arrived in an impressive array of cubed sashimi and mentaiko tamago pieces. I liked how the piquant flavour and slight saltiness of the mentaiyaki balance out the light sweetness of the tamago. While the sashimi cubes are fresh and silky, the mentaiko-laden tomago blow-torched to perfection adds a lovely umami flavour to the don.

Hotate Kaisendon 4/5

The Hotate Kaisendon ($19.90) features a subtly sweet, almost creamy-like hotate on a bed of fresh sashimi cubes. The hotate was no less fresh, with a melt-in-the-mouth texture. The kaisendons are also filled with cucumber cubes which adds a crunch to the dish. Together with mouthfuls of Japanese rice and fresh seafood, it is just pure indulgence.

Gyoza 4/5

We chose the Unagi ($3.90) and Gyoza ($6.90) for our add-ons. Glazed with a soy-based sauce before being torched, the unagi slices are richly flavoured and has an incredibly soft and tender texture. The Gyoza ($6.90) features savoury ground pork fillings wrapped in silky smooth dumpling skin. These little parcels of goodness go perfectly well with the light soya sauce provided to add a nice touch of flavour to the dish.

Kei Kaisendon at Marina Square has recently participated in the Food Masters Singapore 2019 competition hosted by Singapore Press Holdings. Vote for them by SMS-ing C11 to 91188980. Just flash the message of your voting to the staff for a 10% off total bill during your next visit. *Only at Marina Square outlet.

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.


Kei Kaisendon
Marina Square
6 Raffles Boulevard
#02-266A/B
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 62528311
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take exit B. Walk to Marina Square via Marina Square Link. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 8 mins. [Map]

麺 House Yamamoto @ Raffles City - Exclusive Chicken Soup Ramen

Chef Yamamoto, the man behind the 4-time Tokyo Michelin Bib Gourmand listed Konjiki Hototogisu Ramen, has recently opened a new concept - 麺 (Men) House Yamamoto, at Raffles City. Like all his 5 outlets in Singapore, House Yamamoto has a menu exclusive to this shop, and that is Chef Yamamoto's first chicken soup ramen in Singapore. On top of the exclusive ramen, the menu also has a few vegetarian-friendly dishes.

Truffle Shio Ramen 3/5

There are steps to appreciate Chef Yamamoto's ramen. Take the Truffle Shio Ramen ($14.80), you should start off by taking a spoonful of the original soup, followed by the portion with truffle oil. Then move on to the part with oyster paste, before mixing everything together into one. I find the taste of this Truffle Shio Ramen somewhat similar to Shio Hamaguri Ramen offered at Chijmes but lacks the harmony of flavours of the latter. The white truffle oil was a tad overwhelming, but if you like truffles, that won't bother you at all.

Porcini Shoyu Ramen 4/5

The use of lemon in ramen left a deep impression when I tried Chef Yamamoto's creation at Great World City. Porcini Shoyu Ramen ($14.80) uses lemon slices as well, which brightens the broth with a soft citrusy note. The broth smells comforting and uplifting at the same time. Mushrooms are not a common ingredient in ramen, but these stir-fried porcini and button mushrooms go well with the lemony chicken soup.

Salmon Snow 3.8/5

Other than the 2 signatures, there are 3 options dedicated to salmon. This combination of chicken broth and salmon has 3 variants to it, and my choice was Salmon Snow ($14.80). Other than the slice of slow-cooked char siew, it comes with salmon flakes, arugula, lemon and sour cream. The smell of the lemon and sour cream reminded me of a sweet pastry, which was somewhat appetising. Lemon, sour cream, arugula, salmon, a classic combination of a sandwich filling being incorporated into ramen! The presence of salmon can definitely be a lot more in the ramen, and a sweeter broth may be more suitable for the flavours to stand out as well.

Porcini Gyoza 3.5/5

A vegetarian-friendly side is this Porcini Gyoza. The filling is a mixture of diced Porcini mushrooms and leeks. The gyoza skin was really good, with a perfectly seared bottom and they were not at all greasy. As for the filling, I would prefer higher mushrooms to leeks ratio for a better texture and taste. I find the leek was a bit heavy on the seasoning.

Cold Tofu 4.2/5

The Cold Tofu here is made inhouse. A straightforward dish but just by looking at the 3 different toppings on each tofu cube, you can feel the efforts and thoughts behind it.

Wings Gyoza 4/5

A crowd-pleaser is the Wings Gyoza. Connected by a crisp skirt, each gyoza was plump and juicy with a right portion of filling within each pocket. This is probably one of the better ones I have tried in a ramen house.

Chef Yamamoto's creations always depart from your regular tonkatsu ramen. A great example is the newly launched vegetarian Avocado Ramen, which I didn't get to try. On the menu, it looks really delicious with buttered corn and avocado, definitely not your usual cabbages and beansprouts kind of ramen. It will be available as of this Thursday 10 Oct 2019 onwards, so be sure to give it a try.

Written and photography 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.


麺 (Men) House Yamamoto
Raffles City
252 North Bridge Road
#B1-44C
Singapore 179103
Facebook
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

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

KOMA @ Marina Bay Sands - New Japanese Restaurant With a Breathtaking Decor

KOMA is the latest and newest Japanese restaurant to open at Marina Bay Sands. The restaurant offers a menu put together by Executive Chef Kunihiro Moroi, featuring sushi, robata and izakaya style dining. It even boasts a bar and lounge that serves an extensive selection of over 30 types of sake sourced from across Japan.

The restaurant is really stunning and breathtaking. First, the guest will walk through a striking 20 metre-long passageway that is inspired by the torii gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. Once inside, one will be greeted by the bar and lounge with glass owls lining at the bar and suspending from the ceiling. Moving into the dining hall, a spectacular 2.5 metre-high Japanese bell with 20 different faces that overlooks a traditional Japanese footbridge and reflecting pool.

Salmon Pillow 3/5

Dinner started with some small bites. The Salmon Pillow ($14) comes in a little parcel of a crispy puff pastry shell filled with smoked avocado and topped with salmon sashimi and burnt jalapeno peppers. While the flavours come together excellently, I just find it a little small to fully enjoy it.

Aburi Hamachi Salad 3.5/5

Though the Aburi Hamachi Salad ($26) is a salad dish on the menu, the portion of the white fish is more than the greens. What I enjoyed most was how the ponzu sauce brightened up the whole enjoyment.

Tuna Pringles $14 and Taro Chip Tuna Tacos $21

The Tuna Pringles ($14) reminds me of the Tuna pizza which I had at Akira Black. Instead of tortilla base, it uses pringle instead, giving it an even crisper texture. While the flavours for the Taro Chip Tuna Tacos ($21) work harmoniously, I felt that it lacked the vibrancy of a typical taco for it to stand out.

Crispy Tokyo Gyoza 3/5

The Crispy Tokyo Gyoza ($12) which comes with chicken, onion and ginger filling is juicy and plump. However, I felt that the filling needed more robust marination to lift the taste profile.

Oysters on The Half Shell 4/5

Moving to the freshness from the sea, we started with fresh Oysters on The Half Shell ($24) crowned with radish. The oyster is really huge, creamy and plump.

Assorted Sashimi Platter 4/5

Assorted Sushi Platter 4/5

From the sushi bar, one can go for either the Assorted Sashimi Platter ($78 for 9pc) or Assorted Sushi Platter ($88 for 9pc). You can't really go wrong with sashimi and sushi, as long as the ingredients are fresh. Best to pair with the huge sake collections from the bar.

Truffle Unagi 3.5/5

For something more substantial, there is a selection of maki on their menu. We decided to go with the Truffle Unagi ($25) which paired unagi together with avocado and dressed in a sweet soy sauce.

Wagyu Beef Sirloin 3.8/5 and Negima 4.2/5

From the grill, one can opt for a selection of meats for their skewer. We had the Wagyu Beef Sirloin ($28 per skewer) and Negima ($9 per skewer). My preference is the Negima, for the tender chicken thigh.

Crispy Barbecued Chicken 4/5

Meanwhile, the small bites and sushi bar seems rather expensive in comparison with the portion. Not to worry, the menu also offers one plate meal or big plates that will satisfy your hunger and make your money worth. Starting with the Crispy Barbecued Chicken ($29), the large portion will bring a smile to your face. On the plate, you can find tender barbecued chicken, paired with rice, tomatoes and greens. Though not really Japanese cuisine, I am not complaining as it tasted pretty good.

Ginger Honey-Glazed Salmon 4.2/5

Another well-executed dish that has been cooked perfectly is the Ginger Honey-Glazed Salmon ($38). Love how the ginger honey glaze complemented the salmon's moist texture, giving it a sweet note for a delectable finishing.

Scallion Fried Rice in Sizzling Pot 4.2/5

Good for sharing is the Scallion Fried Rice in Sizzling Pot ($32). In the hot pot, the fragrant fried rice comes with pork, chicken, shrimps, scallops and mushroom. The savoury broth magically binds everything together, like a volcanic erupting with delicious flavours.

Wagyu Fried Rice 3.5/5

The sunny side up egg looked sexy on top of the Wagyu Fried Rice ($42). However, I am disappointed that the fried rice and beef did not manage to arouse me as much. If I am to choose, I would still go for the Scallion Fried Rice in Sizzling Pot, and it is cheaper too.

Bosai 3.5/5

Moving to the desserts, the Bosai ($17) fell short in the presentation. It looks a little bare. The leaves are made up of chiffon cake while the soil is molten dark chocolate with crunchy praline.

Lemon Yuzu 3.5/5

Doesn't it look like a real lemon sitting on the plate for the Lemon Yuzu ($16)? Break into the lemon, and you will find that it is made up of lemon mousse and yuzu jam. A sweet, light and refreshing dessert that is idea after the feast.

The dessert that I enjoyed most is the Sesame Profiterole ($16). This is a huge profiterole which looks almost like a burger. This is definitely the highlight of the night with white sesame ice cream complementing the soft and fluffy black sesame choux pastry. What's more interesting is the multi-nation influence on the plate. Profiteroles from the Italian, puff pastry from the French and sesame from the Japanese.

Dining at KOMA does not come cheap. If you are tight on your wallet, I would recommend the more oriental dishes instead. Frankly, the ambience and decor of the restaurant shout out more than the food. The is more of a place to impress your guest and not really about the food.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


KOMA
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
2 Bayfront Ave
#B1-67
Singapore 018972
Tel: +65 66888690
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bayfront (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 5pm - 12midnight
Fri-Sat: 5pm - 2am

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