Masa Saito Innovative @ OUE Downtown Gallery - Experience the UMAMI of Japanese Food Ingredients and Fermented Seasonings

Umami, the elusive, savoury taste our palate seeks, is the focus of the Japan Food Product Overseas Promotion Center's (JFOODO) latest campaign, 'Unlock UMAMI'.  This gastronomic promotion is taking place in New York, Los Angeles, and Singapore. It began on January 16 and runs until February 29. While fresh Japanese produce and ingredients are fundamental to restaurant menus, the promotion aims to draw attention to the taste of umami, which might not always be visible on our plates. With the tagline 'Unlock UMAMI, Live Deliciously Healthy with Japanese KOJI', the campaign will showcase how umami is derived from Japanese fermented seasonings, and the combinations of Japanese food ingredients and fermented seasonings can be used as key elements to create delicious and healthy foods.

The best way to experience Umami is, of course, through tasting it. In partnership with renowned chefs and restaurants (30 participant restaurants in total expected), special menus are featured, serving various Japanese dishes using Japanese fermented seasonings (including soy sauce, miso, mirin, and rice vinegar) combined with Japanese food ingredients. I was privileged to experience umami at Masa Saito Innovative, located at OUE Downtown Gallery. Helmed by Chef Masanao Saito, he crafts the KOJI SEASONING MENU under the 'Unlock Umami' concept using traditional Japanese seasoning and seasonal ingredients.

Snow Crab Crystal Potato Tarte 4.5/5

Our dinner started with an exquisite Fukui Snow Crab Crystal Potato Tarte, layered delicately with Hokkaido Yumepirika Rice Puree, Rice Puff, White Kombu, Yuzu Zest and finished off with a Yuzu garlic dressing.

Uni Brioche 5/5

2nd course was a luscious Uni brioche featuring Hokkaido Bafun Sea Urchin. Bringing together the various ocean-y ingredients together and binding them with the sweet buttery broiche was a dark Yamani Shoyu.

Charcoal-Grilled Squid 5/5

The third course featured Charcoal-Grilled Squid from Choshi, Chiba. The squid was skillfully grilled over charcoal, achieving a texture that was almost creamy within, yet with a delectable bounce to each bite. Accentuating its subtle flavour and the hint of smokiness from the grill was the use of Yamasa Soy Sauce, enlivened with zesty Ponzu.

Grilled Tilefish 4/5

Up next was Grilled Tilefish in dashi with Asari Clam seasoned with White Soy Sauce. The dashi was a tad salty, but the clams and the greens helped alleviate that. The fish was beautifully done with crispy skin.

Yellowtail in Sake Kasu Beurre Blanc 5/5

My favourite dish of the evening was Yellowtail in Sake Kasu Beurre Blanc. Delicately roasted over the straw fire, the yellowtail was laced with a hint of smokiness, enhancing its natural flavours. The beurre blanc was the highlight. Chef Saito had skilfully incorporated sake kasu into his beurre blanc, a departure from the traditional use of white wine. This byproduct of sake production imparted a different kind of flavour to the beurre blanc. It was delicious with a light consistency, boasting the mouthfeel of the buttery yellowtail.

Iberico Pork Pluma 4.8/5

Akanedashi Miso

This Unlock Umami menu also introduces Akanedashi Miso, which is featured in our Iberico Pork Pluma dish. Generously marbled with fats, Iberico Pork Pluma is prized for its rich flavours and texture, akin to wagyu. Akanedashi Miso, a pretty intense miso with a fiery kick, was an apt choice to complement the rich character of the pork. Sato Imo (Japanese Yum Potatoes) accompanying the pork has a dense and creamy texture, elevating the overall enjoyment of this dish.

Chestnut Gelato with Kintoki Carrot Paste 4/5

Summing up our meal was a velvety Chestnut Gelato, featuring alongside Kintoki Carrot Paste, known for its beautiful red hue and creamy texture.

The dishes are part of the dinner course menu ($250++). This "Unlock Umami Restaurant Campaign" Menu is available during dinner time. For more information on the campaign and participating restaurants https://japan-food.jetro.go.jp/odan/sg/

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.


Masa Saito Innovative
OUE Downtown Gallery
6A Shenton Way
#01-04
Singapore 068815
Tel: +65 9052 8810
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Shenton Way (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon - Sat: 12pm - 330pm, 7pm-11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to traffic junction of Maxwell Road and Shenton Way. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Shenton Way MRT station. Take Exit 6. Walk to Shenton Way. Cross the road. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

HANAZEN @ CHIJMES - Indulgent 9/10-course Dinner Omakase Crafted by Michelin-Starred Chef, Inspired by French and Japanese Cuisine and Techniques

HANAZEN at Chijmes unveiled a completely new menu under the guidance of Michelin-starred Chef Taiseo Iwao. Chef Taiseo brings with him a depth of knowledge and culinary experience with Japanese ingredients alongside French cooking techniques.

The meticulously curated menu strives to showcase the finest globally sourced ingredients tailored to suit the local palate. The highlights are the 9-course ($180/pax) and 10-course ($210/pax) omakase options.

I highly recommend securing a seat at the counter that wraps around the kitchen. It provides a fantastic view of the chefs in action. During the visit, we had the fantastic opportunity to sample Chef Taiseo's 10-course menu.

Uni Brioche 4.5/5

The first dish of Uni Brioche made a remarkable impression, offering a burst of flavours with generous fresh Murasaki uni, Gruyère cheese, and a capsicum-based sauce done intentionally lighter atop a crisp square of brioche.

Tuna Tartare 4.2/5

The Tuna Tartare presented a luxurious blend of Nagasaki Chutoro and Akami, adorned with caviar and gold leaf.

Hotate 4.5/5

Our third course featured the Hotate, showcasing a lightly seared and plump Hokkaido scallop. It was accompanied by broccoli with clam chowder sauce, broccoli espuma, parsley oil, kale and coriander leaf, creating a harmonious blend of umami and buttery notes.

Lobster 4.8/5

I had been anticipating the Lobster since the start of the meal after watching the chefs skillfully working on its preparation with flames over the grill. The amount of seafood explosion here was spectacular. The Australian lobster delivered succulent meat, perfectly complemented by creamy béchamel sauce, lobster miso, and an intensely flavourful crustacean sauce with blue crab espmua.

Awabi 4.8/5

Another of my favourite courses was the Awabi (abalone). A spoonful of Koshihikari rice was accompanied by a bubbling hot mini-well of abalone liver sauce that was incredibly rich. You could either dip the tender abalone cut directly into the sauce or spoon it over the rice. Either way, it was delicious.

Iberico Pork 4.2/5

Next, I enjoyed the Iberico Pork with fresh wasabi and onion sauce, enhanced with sweet peppercorn that boasted mild and fruity notes. As a default, this course would be prepared with Kagoshima A4 Beef unless dietary restrictions are specified.

Pork Curry 4.5/5

Made with premium Miyazaki mangoes, mixed fruits and vegetables, Chef Taiseo’s rendition of Curry was delicately and comfortingly balanced. It was rich and creamy, carrying a mild heat and pleasing sweetness derived from the fruits and vegetables. Similarly, I had this paired with pork, which was a replacement for the original beef.

Peach Soup 4.5/5

Fresh peach and celery ice cream in a single dish? All of us had to do a double take when we heard of this combination in the Peach Soup. Both elements surprisingly matched, each carrying subtle flavours. It was very refreshing, and I loved having the additional bits of Yamanashi peach underneath.

Mont Blanc 4.5/5

There were many intricate elements in Chef Taiseo’s rendition of Mont Blanc. Next to a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, you have creamy chestnut puree, cheese mousse, Graham cracker crumbs and thin strips of sweet potato crisps. The varied textures and flavours were a delight.

Raisin Butter Cookie 4.5/5

Our final dessert, the Raisin Butter Cookie, featured raisins thoroughly soaked in Yamazaki Whisky. It looked unassuming, but the mouthful surprised with a decadent burst of fragrant liquor.

In addition to the new omakase options, HANAZEN has introduced a revamped à la carte menu for their outdoor bar setting, emphasising sharing dishes.

Japanese Oysters Platter 4/5

The Japanese Oysters Platter ($28) was prepared in varied ways with punchy dressings.

Amaebi Salad 4.2/5

While slightly on the pricey side, the Amaebi Salad ($24) was still a delightful and refreshing dish, featuring sweet amaebi, avocado, and various vegetables.

Hanazen’s Charcuterie Platter 4.2/5

The Hanazen’s Charcuterie Platter ($28) was a beautiful mix of sweet figs, foie gras, brioche toast, Iberico ham, cheese and more.

Braised Beef Short Ribs

Although I couldn't try the Braised Beef Short Ribs ($34), this won praise from my fellow diners, who were fans of the tender texture.

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.


HANAZEN
CHIJMES
#01-21/22
30 Victoria Street
Singapore 187996
Tel: +65 9820 2963
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Bras Basah (CC Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut across Raffles City Shopping Centre to Bras Basah Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road, cross the road to Chijmes. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk southwards towards Victoria Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and Victoria Road, cross the junction to Chijmes. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Seorae Korean Charcoal BBQ @ Northpoint - Launches Singapore’s First Ever Hangari Dry-Aged Meat

Seorae Korean Charcoal BBQ is renowned for being the first restaurant in Singapore to offer the exclusive Korean galmaegisal, a premium pork skirt meat. This delicacy, once reserved for Korean royalty, has become a favourite among Korean food enthusiasts. First conceptualised in Seorae village, South Korea, it has grown into the leading Korean BBQ chain and cemented its reputation as a rare pork-cut specialist, with over 300 outlets established globally. Seorae has since expanded to 6 outlets in Singapore, with its newest outlet in Northpoint City. They are dedicated to presenting the authentic flavours of Korean BBQ and traditional cuisine, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a taste of Korea's culinary heritage.

Hangari Dry-Aged Pork Belly 4.5/5

Seorae's latest addition to their Signature Collection is the Hangari Dry-Aged Pork Belly ($32/200g), a culinary masterpiece aged in traditional Korean Hangari pots with a proprietary blend of three essences. This careful ageing process in a controlled 3-degree chill chamber produces a uniquely flavourful and tender pork belly cut. It promises a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is a true indulgence for the senses. To elevate the experience further, this exquisite dish complements exceptionally well with a side of sambal kimchi onion, adding a delightful hint of spice and complexity to the rich flavours of the dry-aged pork belly. Make a classic lettuce wrap by placing a piece of pork belly within a lettuce leaf and topping it with the sambal kimchi onion.

Pork Skirt 4.2/5

Seorae Korean Charcoal BBQ's signature dish, the Pork Skirt ($23.90), is a rare and exclusive delicacy as only 250 grams of this premium pork skirt meat can be sourced from a full-grown pig. The meat undergoes a meticulous 30-minute marination process using Seorae's authentic Korean spices, resulting in a juicy and flavourful experience. What sets this dish apart is its remarkable flavour profile, with all the succulence you'd desire from pork while being notably leaner, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a delectable and indulgent yet less fatty meat option.

Iberico Black Pork Tasting Platter 4/5

The Iberico Black Pork Tasting Platter ($68/350g) at Seorae Korean Charcoal BBQ introduces diners to the exquisite flavours of Iberico black pork from Spain. This exceptional tasting platter showcases a carefully curated selection of premium cuts, totalling 350 grams of succulent Iberico pork per serving. It offers a unique opportunity to savour each distinct cut, allowing you to explore the nuances of this exceptional pork variety: Abanico, Rib Finger, Skirt Meat, Jowl and Pork Tongue. The Rib Finger meat is known for its juicy and well-marbled qualities, delivering a delightful combination of tenderness and flavour. The Pork jowl is exceptionally tender and showcases a luxurious fattiness that adds depth and succulence to every bite. Our favourite is the Abanico, which is delicate and beautifully marbled, offering a rich and buttery flavour.

Watermelon Soju 4/5

The Watermelon Soju at Seorae Korean Charcoal BBQ is a refreshing and visually captivating beverage served inside a hollowed-out watermelon with balls of watermelon meat. This delightful drink combines fresh watermelon juice with soju, offering a perfect balance of natural sweetness and a mild alcoholic kick. It serves as a palate cleanser and pairs excellently with the restaurant's grilled meats.

Seorae Korean Charcoal BBQ also offers a tempting array of free-flow sides such as kimchi, potato macaroni salad and braised pumpkin that perfectly complement the main barbecue dishes.

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.


Seorae Korean Charcoal BBQ
Northpoint City
North Wing
930 Yishun Ave 2
#B1-37
Singapore 769098
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Nearest MRT: Yishun (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

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

La Bottega Enoteca @ Joo Chiat Road - Singapore’s Number One Pizzeria Unveils New Menu Celebrating Award and Second Anniversary

Celebrating its 2nd anniversary, La Bottega Enoteca has unveiled an enticing new menu. The joy is twofold as La Bottega Enoteca recently secured the 19th spot on the prestigious 50 Top Pizza Asia Pacific 2023 ranking – a remarkable achievement in the culinary world. Remarkably, it is the sole pizzeria in Singapore to earn this recognition, cementing its status as the city's premier pizzeria.

NEW: Calamaretti Alla Griglia 4.5/5

Among the new additions to the menu, the Calamaretti Alla Griglia ($25) stands out. This antipasto features grilled baby calamari adorned with pea, mint, and lemon zest. The baby calamari is impeccably tender and retains its delightful oceanic sweetness.

Newpolitan®: ½ Broccolini & ½ Mortadella 4.5/5

With the revamped menu, La Bottega introduces fresh pizza flavours. We opted for the Newpolitan®: ½ Broccolini & ½ Mortadella, which offers the delightful option of trying both. The Broccolini ($28/half) boasts charred broccolini layered with San Marzano DOP tomatoes, taleggio cheese, and a crisp blend of lemon breadcrumbs, oregano, and chilli. On the other half, the Mortadella ($32/half) entices with gooey parmesan fondue, silky Italian mortadella, red pesto, crunchy pistachios, sweet potato chips, and fresh basil. The Mortadella's complex flavours and textures were particularly captivating among the two.

Arrosticini 4.2/5

In addition to the new dishes, we sampled some signature and classic favourites, beginning with the Arrosticini ($7/each, minimum 3 pieces). These lamb neck skewers are grilled in the Abruzzo style, featuring a lovely lamb flavour and a delightful crunch heightened by a herbaceous touch.

Pappadelle Al Ragú D’ Anatra 4.2/5

The Pappardelle Al Ragù D'Anatra ($34) features homemade pappardelle cooked to perfection with goose meat. The dish is elevated by adding Parmigiano Reggiano 24 Months and orange zest, resulting in a multi-dimensional flavour profile.

Pulma Alla Griglia 4.2/5

The Pluma Alla Griglia ($58) is a highlight for the carnivores. This dish showcases grilled Spanish Pluma of Iberico pork placed over a bed of crunchy asparagus and fragranced with Sicilian capers and red capsicum. Instead of traditional sauce, the tender meat pairs beautifully with Sicilian capers, which impart a salty seasoning.

Caciucco E Fregola 4.5/5

Shifting from land to sea, the Caciucco E Fregola ($68) presents monkfish cooked with Gambero Rosso, Japanese scallops, Australian mussels, and squid in a rich and flavorful tomato-based broth. Toasted bread accompanies the dish, allowing diners to savour every drop of the delectable broth.

La Focaccia di Recco Classica 4.2/5

The La Focaccia di Recco Classica (V, $52) is a must-try, featuring paper-thin layers of dough filled with soft, melted cheese. Drizzled with high-quality extra virgin olive oil, it is baked to a golden and crispy perfection.

NEW: Sfogliatella Riccia Gelato Al Parmigiano Reggiano 24 Mesi 4.5/5

Dessert lovers will be delighted with the three new desserts on the menu. The Sfogliatella Riccia Gelato Al Parmigiano Reggiano 24 Mesi ($16) showcases La Bottega's signature Parmigiano Reggiano Gelato in a delicate Neapolitan "Sfogliatella Riccia" shell. It's a delightful blend of crispy, flaky pastry with the creaminess of Parmigiano Reggiano Gelato.

NEW: Seadas 4.2/5

Another delightful surprise is the Seadas ($14), a Sardinian delicacy. This raviolo is stuffed with cow's cheese, fried to a golden crisp, and drizzled with honey. The sweet and savoury combination is a harmonious delight for the palate.

NEW: I Bomboloni “Fai Da Te” 4.8/5

Last but not least, the I Bomboloni "Fai Da Te" (V, $18) offers daily DIY baked doughnuts with a luscious Mascarpone filling. These doughnuts are incredibly soft and moist, without any greasiness, making for a delectable ending to your meal at La Bottega Enoteca.

In conclusion, La Bottega Enoteca consistently delivers classic Italian flavors that celebrate the essence of traditional cuisine. The focus here is undeniably on the food, and it shines brilliantly. From the rich and robust pasta dishes to the carefully crafted pizzas and mouthwatering desserts, La Bottega Enoteca brings Italy's culinary heritage to life with every bite. Whether you're seeking the comfort of timeless Italian classics or simply a delicious dining experience, this restaurant's dedication to the authenticity of its offerings makes it a must-visit for food enthusiasts looking to savor the very best of Italy.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


La Bottega Enoteca
346 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427596
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Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 530pm - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 2pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 16. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road, turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]