sen-ryo @ Suntec City - Popular Japanese Restaurant at Ion Orchard Opens 2nd Outlet Offering Exclusive Items

sen-ryo has recently opened its second outlet in Suntec City. While the brand continues to deliver the brand's philosophy of 'affordable luxury' with a menu much similar to its outlet at Ion, you may look forward to outlet-exclusive platters, draft sake – a rare offering – as well as new set lunches from just $15.80.

Appetiser Platter 4/5

We started our dinner with the outlet-exclusive sen-ryo Appetiser Platter ($26.80). Aesthetically pleasing with 4 seasonal creations. My favourite is the mouth-watering Wagyu Sando. The rich and savoury beef notes against the sweet buttery notes of the brioche are deeply satisfying. The Monaka-Negitoro with Bafun Uni sandwiched between 2 crisp wafers was also a delightful treat. Hyogo Oyster with Ikura will definitely excite oyster fans, but for the Spicy Tuna in Black Sesame Cone, I feel it can do more with more tuna for a better mouthfeel.

Bamboo Shoots 4.5/5 (Tasing Portion)

Tsubugai Wasabi 4/5 (Tasting Portion)

This new outlet is also specially designed to be a space for a great drinking experience, both in the interior and the menu, offering a lineup of new appetisers. Slow-cooked Bamboo Shoots ($19.80), simmered in shoyu and bonito, allowed me to enjoy the beauty of both its mildly sweet-earthy flavour and crunchy texture. Using Ice Plant, Tsubugai Wasabi ($16.80) plays on the crunch element as well, with the zest of Wasabi Root to bring a kick to its neutral flavours.

Abalone Sashimi 5/5

Ankimo Ponzu 5/5

Abalone Sashimi ($20.80) features green-lipped abalone aged for three days after steaming and marinated in shoyu. Every bite released its beautiful intricate flavours accentuated by the whole process. What intrigued me the most was the Ankimo Ponzu (monkfish liver) ($19.80). It's neither fishy nor liver-y, and I love its melt-in-your-mouth texture that spreads its deliciousness into my mouth.

Signature Sushi Platter 4/5

The outlet-exclusive sen-ryo Signature Sushi Platter ($68) was a feast for my senses, with various crafted sushi on the platter. The huge and plump Hotate topped with Seaweed jam and shredded fried leek was one of the first that caught my eye, followed by the jumbo-sized Salmon and Anago sushi. Others include sweet Botan Ebi, melt-in-your-mouth Otoro, Uni, Ika, Negitoro, Akami, Ikura, and Madai (sea bream). Sen-ryo's signature Tamagoyaki provided a sweet note to this platter.

Maguro Sashimi Trio Don 3/5

Tuna continues to the star offering in Sen-ryo. One of the popular items is the Maguro Sashimi Trio Don ($32), offering tuna sashimi with varying degrees of fattiness, paired with a fragrant bed of Koshihikari rice from Aomori Prefecture. Given the taste and the varieties offered, I enjoyed the Sushi Platter more.

Kaki Soy Nabe 2.5/5

A new addition to the Mains is Kaki Soy Nabe ($38.80), which features fresh Hyogo oysters. While the oysters looked enticing, the soy broth disappoints with a thin consistency.

Complementing the mains was a refreshing Kaisen Sashimi Salad ($17.80) that delivered a harmony of varying bites and textures lent by the Ice Plant and sashimi, with a welcoming touch of sweetness from the corn.

Premium Sashimi Platter 4.5/5 (Tasting Portion)

The Premium Sashimi Platter ($26.20) offers a premium cut of sashimi, mainly the belly portion, such as Salmon Belly and Otoro.

Peach Sorbet 3.8/5

Watermelon Sorbet 3.8/5

Our desserts were so cute! We had Peach Sorbet, and Watermelon Sorbet contained within the fruit itself. They were on the sweeter side, but they paired well with the draft sake that we had. Rumiko Kinmoto Tokubetsu Junmaishu Kijioshu, being full-bodied and strong, was recommended for dessert pairing. This premium sake is outlet-exclusive as well.

As mentioned, Sen-ryo at Suntec City amps up the dining experience with the inclusion of KEG Draft into its beverage offerings. You can choose from a menu of diverse and exquisite flavour profiles, which includes the SENSUKE KEGDRAFT Special Junmai, an elegant, unfiltered sake renowned for its melon and muscat aroma. Selections will change according to availability. You may approach the staff for personalised recommendations to accompany your meal.

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.


sen-ryo
Suntec City Mall
Tower 5
5 Temasek Boulevard
#01-434
Singapore 038985
Tel: +65 6957 7978
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Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line), Promenade (CC, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant (嘉味) @ Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy - Timeless Flavours, Modern Twists: Rediscovering Jia Wei's Culinary Charms

After a hiatus, I recently dined at Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant (嘉味) at Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy, and I was delighted to discover that the restaurant's culinary standards remain consistent. Jia Wei offers a unique blend of homely, traditional dishes infused with a modern touch while staying true to its classic roots.

Crispy Local Soft Shell Crab, Ice Plant Ume infused Tomato, Yuzu Dressing 4.2/5

I had previously enjoyed the Crispy Local Soft Shell Crab with Ice Plant ($23), and I was pleased to find that it still featured the refreshing salad dressed in vibrant yuzu dressing. The use of ice plant, not commonly found in Chinese cuisine, provided a delightful combination of crispiness from the soft shell crab with the crunch and refreshment of the ice plant.

Ah Ma Prawn Hae Chor 4.2/5

The Ah Ma Prawn Hae Chor ($22) was deep-fried to a golden brown. Unlike the usual Hae Chor, which tends to be meaty, this version had a delightful crunchy bite enriched by the sweetness of prawns.

Braised Beetroot Soup, Sweet Corn, Beancurd 4.2/5

Having tried the Kale Soup on a previous visit, I opted for the Braised Beetroot Soup ($14) this time. The sight of the colourful soup was already appetising, and the addition of sweet corn balanced the earthy profile, resulting in a delicious finish. The beancurd added an extra layer of texture contrast.

Wok Fried A4 Wagyu Striploin, Fresh Wasabi 4.8/5

The Wok Fried A4 Wagyu Striploin ($68) was thickly cut into cubes, showcasing impressive marbling. It was cooked to perfection—tender and juicy, complemented by asparagus to cut through the richness of the beef.

Wok Fried Scallop, Japanese Mountain Yam, Edamame, Yuzu Miso Sauce 4.5/5

The Wok Fried Scallop with Japanese Mountain Yam ($40) featured plump and sweet scallops, complemented by fresh and crunchy Japanese mountain yam. Edamame provided extra texture and enhanced the overall enjoyment, all brought together by a delicious yuzu miso sauce.

Jia Wei Ocean Gems Vermicelli in Opeh Leaf 4.2/5

For a taste of nostalgia, the Jia Wei Ocean Gems Vermicelli ($28) was served in an opeh leaf, a tradition that's somewhat uncommon nowadays. The opeh leaf infused the dish with a subtle aroma. Despite its pale appearance, the dish was bursting with robust flavour from a variety of seafood.

Chilled Homemade Coconut Pudding, Vanilla Ice Cream 5/5

A must-try dessert is the Chilled Homemade Coconut Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream ($16). The coconut pudding is crafted from fresh coconut water, resulting in an extremely light, smooth, and refreshing treat. Served with vanilla ice cream and lychee pops, it's a delightful conclusion to the meal.

Chilled Osmanthus Jello 4.2/5

Another delightful dessert is the Chilled Osmanthus Jello ($7.80), which strikes a perfect balance of sweetness and features the beautiful aroma of osmanthus.

Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant continues to offer a delightful dining experience with its harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary flavours. Whether you're savouring familiar classics or innovative creations, there's a treat for every palate.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant (嘉味)
Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy
50 East Coast Road
Marine Parade Road
Singapore 428769
Tel: +65 6340 5678
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Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line), Paya Lebar (CC, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 31. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop along Paya Lebar Road (Stop ID 81111). Take bus number 43, 76, 134 or 135. Alight 8 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

Taste Paradise @ ION Orchard - New Luxurious Spring Seasonal Menu Available For Limited Time

Fine Cantonese restaurant Taste Paradise unveiled a new seasonal menu to mark the dawning of the spring season. It features a medley of dishes specially curated using luxurious sea and land ingredients, including osmanthus mussel, coral trout and lobster.

The menu will be available from now till 30 April 2023, with special discounted prices* on weekdays for Maybank Credit or Debit Cardmembers and PGR members.

Chilled Ice Plant with Tangy Sesame Sauce 3.8/5

We started off dinner with starters from their existing menu. First of which was the refreshing Chilled Ice Plant 胡麻酱冰菜 ($16.80). The fragrance of the nutty sesame sauce made this an appetising start, but the ice plant could be crunchier.

Classic XO Carrot Cake 4.2/5

For the second starter, we had the Classic XO Carrot Cake 经典XO酱萝卜糕 ($14.80). Each carrot cake cube had a lovely thin and crisp crust around it but remained fluffy and soft inside. Stir-fried in an umami XO sauce, eggs, and beansprouts, the savoury notes and hint of spice made this very appetising.

Doubled-Boiled Black Chicken Soup with Sea Whelk and Sea Coconut 4/5

The Doubled-Boiled Black Chicken Soup 海椰皇螺头炖乌鸡汤 ($76.90*, UP: $85.90) is carefully boiled for over 8 hours before it's served to diners. The clear yet flavourful superior stock is made with fresh sea whelk, chicken feet, American ginseng, wolfberries and coquito nuts. While I wasn't a fan of the hard and crunchy coquito nuts, they did provide a mild sweetness to the broth. We were also told that they aid in strengthening your immune system.

Steamed Coral Trout with Pickled Cabbage and Potato Vermicelli 4.5/5

Our favourite dish of the night was the Steamed Coral Trout 川味酸菜水晶粉蒸东星斑 ($18/100g*, UP: $20/100g) prepared in Szechuan style. The fresh slices of boneless fish fillets were firm and tender, with the gravy packing a comfortable level of heat and numbness. Hidden underneath was springy potato vermicelli that soaked up the broth particularly well.

Boston Lobster Black Truffle Fried Rice with Sakura Shrimp 4.2/5

The Boston Lobster Black Truffle Fried Rice 波士顿龙虾黑松露樱花虾炒饭 ($76.90*, UP: $88.90) is fried with a housemade truffle sauce to a mild smoky fragrance, with sakura shrimps, chopped asparagus and diced fresh mushrooms. Topped on top are chunks of tender Boston lobster meat. The truffle fragrance was stronger than its flavour, but we appreciated that as it allowed the rest of the ingredients to shine better.

Stir-fried Osmanthus Mussel with White Asparagus in Black Truffle Sauce 4.2/5

Our last savoury dish of the night was the Stir-fried Osmanthus Mussel with White Asparagus 松露松茸桂花蚌炒淮山白芦笋 ($76.90*, UP: $86.90) that is done in the same black truffle sauce. Osmanthus mussels are unlike the usual mussels that we are more familiar with. They are softer with a bit of a chew and have an impressively light crunch. The earthiness from the matsutake mushrooms paired with Chinese yam, spring white asparagus, fresh lily bulb petals and the aromatic truffle sauce was delicious.

Chilled Aloe Vera and Lemongrass Jelly in Sour Plum and Lime Juice 3.5/5

We ended the meal on a refreshing note with the Chilled Aloe Vera and Lemongrass Jelly in Sour Plum and Lime Juice 芦荟酸柑香茅冻.

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.


Taste Paradise
ION Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
#04-07
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 65099660
Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 1030am - 430pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Yak Kin Yakiniku @ Jalan Riang - Thai-Japanese Yakiniku With Premium Meat Cuts And Fresh Seafood

Yak Kin Yakiniku located at Jalan Riang is a Thai-Japanese yakiniku restaurant. The Japanese-style yakiniku offers quality meats and seafood married with Thai spices, marinated meats and Thai dipping sauces.

Meat Platter 4.2/5

Moo Ping 4.2/5

We kickstart our yakiniku with a meat platter that consists of Rosu (Wagyu A5 Yakiniku), Karubi (Short-Rib Bone-In), Thai Style Pork Neck, Thick Bacon Steak and Moo Ping. I need help pinpointing my favourites as they are all quality meat with their own merits. How fitting it is to have Moo Ping on the menu for the Thai side of things, a staple in Thai cuisine.

Pork Tomahawk 4.5/5

A highlight is the Pork Tomahawk. The beautiful piece of pork after grilling has a delightful crunch.

Scallop with Miso Butter, Surume Ika 4.2/5

Besides the meats, there is a fresh selection of seafood, such as the plump Scallop with Miso Butter, a whole Surume Ika (Japanese flying squid), and even Fresh Oyster.

Vegetable & Mushroom Platter 4/5

Complete the grilling experience with a vegetable and mushroom platter such as Enoki Mushroom with Soy Butter in Foil, King Oyster Mushroom, Butter Corn Cup and Coral Lettuce.

Kawaebi Karaage 4/5

Kaki Fry 4/5

Fitting for a few glasses of beer, highballs, or sake is an array of delightful starters such as the Kawaebi Karaage and Kaki Fry. These deep-fried snacks are ideal bar bites. The kawaebi karaage is sweet and plump, while the deep-fried oysters are bursting with briny juiciness.

Yak Kin! Tako Wasabi 4/5

Yak Kin! Potato Salad 4.2/5

The Yak Kin! Tako Wasabi is an appetising side dish in which the raw octopus is flavoured with Japanese horseradish. If you can get over the octopus's slimy texture, this is very addictive. As for the Yak Kin! Potato Salad, the smooth and creamy texture is further accentuated in flavour with bonito flakes topping.

Ice Plant with Goma Dressing 4.2/5

Yam Mamuang 4/5

The Ice Plant with Goma Dressing and Yam Mamuang showcases the best of both worlds. From Japan, we have the crunchy ice plant dressed in a delicious goma sauce, while we have the piquant yam mamuang that comes with a spicy kick.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Yak Kin Yakiniku
15 Jalan Riang
Singapore 358987
Tel: +65 87693788
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Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 11pm

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 Eixt 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]

Ginza Shinto @ Mohamed Sultan Road - A New Contemporary Japanese Sushi & Omakase Establishment by Chef Ron Newton Leo

Ginza Shinto is a newly opened contemporary Japanese Sushi and Omakase restaurant, nestled in one of the shophouses on Mohamed Sultan Road. Helmed by Chef Ron who has over 30 years of sushi counter experience under his belt, he sources produce from Toyosu Fish Market in Tokyo to the markets in Hokkaido and Osaka depending on the season’s best. As such, the omakase menus change biweekly according to the seasonality of ingredients.

Sweet Cherry Tomatoes from Japan with crisp Ice Plant 3.5/5

Our dinner started off with Sweet Cherry Tomatoes from Japan accompanied by crisp ice plant with truffle oil. The ice plant gets its moniker from its cool frosted look, with crystalline beads covering its stems and leaves. Crisp and crunchy, it went really well with the juicy and sweet Cherry Tomato. With such fresh and delicate flavours, just a sprinkle of salt may do more justice to the ingredients than drizzling them with sesame sauce and truffle oil.

Amaebi topped with Uni, fresh Ikura and Caviar 4.2/5

2nd course was Amaebi topped with Uni, fresh Ikura and Caviar. The creamy uni was like a salted butter that melted over the sweet and almost crunchy amaebi, which was further flavoured with a burst of savouriness from fresh Ikura and Caviar. The herbaceous oba leaf not only added a dimension of aroma but also helped to balance out the brininess of the ingredients.

Flame-seared Hotate wrapped with Nori, and Botan-ebi 4.8/5

The next course was Flame-seared Hotate wrapped with Nori and Botan-ebi. The plumb and sweet Botan-ebi left a lasting impression on my taste buds that night. Its counterpart hotate echoed a similar satisfying crunch.

Kanpachi, Toro and Dashi-rolled Hirame 4.2/5

For Sashimi course, we had Kanpachi, Toro and Dashi-rolled Hirame with fresh Hanaho. The toro here was one of the finest I had tried. But other than the fresh ingredients, what I appreciate is that Chef Ron actually took the effort to teach his diners how to appreciate Hanaho. I always find it a pity to see people chucking it, and oba leaves aside as simply garnishes.

Miyazaki A5 Wagyu 4.5/5

Next up we had Miyazaki A5 Wagyu with a raw quail egg yolk and homemade beef sauce (consume by mixing the egg yolk in the beef sauce before dipping the beef in). Mine had been seared to perfection, rendering just enough fats to release its flavours.

Kanpachi Aburi with Bonito Flakes 4.2/5

The Sushi course reflected Chef Ron's creative take in contemporary Japanese dining. Kanpachi Aburi with Bonito Flakes was flavourful on its own without any dipping sauce, thanks to the savoury Bonito Flakes that was made in house. This extra touch also added an interesting dimension to the bite.

Aburi Amaebi with Foie Gras 4.5/5

Next sushi was my favourite of the evening - Aburi Amaebi with Foie Gras, sprinkled with grated yuzu zest. Torching the foie gras which melted over the amaebi, what surprised me was the hint of pepperiness exuding from the foie gras spread, which sang in harmony to the sweetness of the amaebi. The Aaburi amaebi had taken on a firmer texture, which made the sushi even more luscious and mouth-filling along with the fats lent from the foie gras.

“Forget Me Not” 3.8/5

“Forget Me Not” Nigiri Sushi is one of the restaurant's signatures. Focusing on textural contrast, in between the sushi rice and the top layer of fatty negitoro and creamy uni, Chef Ron inserted a layer of mini roasted, crisp rice puffs. That not only gives that desirable crunch, but they also release a nutty aroma to the sushi. However, I find the ingredients rather separated as the ingredients were gone much faster than the sushi rice itself.

Mini Ikura Uni Don 3.8/5

We also had a Mini Ikura Uni Don. What stood out other than the fine ingredients is the rice underneath, which has mini rice puffs mixed into it to provide that nutty flavour and textural contrast. However, with Ikura as the main ingredient, it got quite saltish towards the end. In conjunction with the grand opening, there is a Lunch Special, featuring a more luxurious version - $35 Negitoro Ikura Uni Don (U.P. $55). Each rice bowl will be served with a side of chawanmushi and miso soup. The Grand Opening Special is only available for dine-in during lunch from 12 October 2020 onward, while stocks last.

Botanebi Miso Soup 3/5

Dinner ended with a bowl of Botanebi Miso Soup with seaweed, tofu & egg. It was quite saltish, but the addition of fluffy egg helped to ease that out a little.

There are three omakase menu selections for dinner with a 5-course ‘Gin’ Menu at $150, 8-course ‘Ginza’ Menu at $220 and 9-course ‘Shinto’ Menu at $300. Otherwise, you can also go for Chef’s luxe tasting menu for lunch with the 7-course Mini Kaiseki menu ($65) that comprises of an appetiser, sashimi, yakimono, mushimono, sushi, soup and dessert.

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.


Ginza Shinto
5 Mohamed Sultan Road
#01-01
Singapore 239014
Tel: +65 89388355/ +65 69708355
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Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12 - 230pm, 6 - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down River Valley Road to Mohammed Sultan Road. Turn left onto Mohammed Sultan Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]