Ganko Sushi @ Penang Road (Dhoby Ghaut) - Welcome Chinese New Year with $98 14-Course Omakase

Ganko Sushi, situated on Penang Road near Dhoby Ghaut, is the brand’s first foray into Southeast Asia. Since its arrival in Singapore a few years back, the restaurant has consistently maintained its hallmark quality by flying in fresh ingredients from Japan up to three times weekly.

Diners can choose between counter seating to observe the chefs at work or more traditional table seating, ideal for gatherings.

14-Course Omakase 4/5

Celebrate the Year of the Snake with Ganko’s meticulously crafted 14-Course Omakase ($98/pax), available for lunch and dinner.

Appetiser

The omakase began with an Appetiser of lightly torched Chutoro drizzled in Ponzu Sauce and garnished with radish.

Sashimi

The Sashimi course presented a selection of Salmon, Golden Eye Snapper, Flounder, and Monkfish Liver in a sweet sauce. While the cuts weren’t the finest we’ve encountered, they were considerably fresh.

Palette Cleanser

Next was the Chawanmushi with Ikura, a Palette Cleanser. It was lightly seasoned with pops of ikura, mushroom and prawn.

Fried and Grilled

Fried and Grilled offerings followed, including Grilled Eel, Tempura Lotus, Shiso Pepper, and Tempura Sea Bream. My dining companion and I thought it was a pity that the tempura batter was slightly thick and under-seasoned.

Chilled Dish

The Chilled Dish served thick-cut aburi Amberjack on dashi soy sauce, paired with tender turnip and sweet red pepper.

Sushi - Tai

Sushi - Aji

Sushi - Otoro

The Sushi course featured Tai, Aji topped with ginger and green onion, and Otoro, with each piece offering well-balanced flavours.

Mid-way through the Sushi course, we were served with a hot bowl of Miso Soup to accompany.

Sushi - Bara Gunkan

Sushi - Hotate

The Sushi lineup continued with a Bara Gunkan, a blend of salmon, sea bream, and prawn topped with ikura, and a lightly torched Hotate dressed in sweet soy sauce and a hint of yuzu kasho for a refreshing hit.

Seasonal Dessert

Dessert rounded off the meal with a seasonal medley of Apple, Pear, Muscat, Strawberry Jelly, and raspberry sauce, offering a simple and sweet end to the feast.

Reservations are highly encouraged to be made by reaching them at +65 8828 2280.

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.


Ganko Sushi
9 Penang Road
#01-01
Singapore 238459
Tel: +65 8828 2280
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Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut MRT (CC, NE, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130a, - 230pm, 6pm to 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to Penang Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu @ Raffles City - Japan Largest Gyukatsu Speciality Restaurant Opens First Outlet in Singapore

With over 70 outlets worldwide, Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu, Japan's largest gyukatsu speciality restaurant, debuted its first Singapore outlet in September 2024. Known for its breaded and deep-fried beef cutlets, served medium-rare, diners can grill their gyukatsu to their desired doneness on a personal hotplate.

Sirloin and Tenderloin Gyukatsu Zen 4/5

Sirloin and Chuck Tail Flap Gyukatsu Zen 4/5

We sampled both the Sirloin and Tenderloin Gyukatsu Zen and the Sirloin and Chuck Tail Flap Gyukatsu Zen. Each set is served with rice, miso soup, Japanese curry, and an onsen egg, giving diners the flexibility to enjoy the gyukatsu with or mixed into the rice. The sets also include two dipping sauces - dashi soy sauce and house-made gyukatsu sauce, plus the tangy sansho pepper salt, which beautifully enhances the flavour of the beef cuts. A touch of wasabi adds an extra kick for those who like some heat.

The menu offers five beef cuts - Sirloin, Wagyu, Chuck, Tenderloin, and Beef Tongue -available as single servings for diners with a preferred cut or as the "Half & Half" option as we did.

Miyazaki A5 Sirloin 4.5/5

The Miyazaki A5 Sirloin (½ portion, $25) stole the show with its perfect fat-to-meat ratio. Served medium-rare, it’s delightful as is or after a quick sear on the hotplate, resulting in a bite bursting with rich, beefy flavours.

For non-beef eaters, the menu also includes the Seafood Katsu Zen ($32), featuring shrimp, scallop, and salmon katsu, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

While Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu offers a satisfying meal with its quality cuts and customisable grilling, the dining space can get busy, so expect queues during peak hours. Additionally, as the restaurant specialises in deep-fried dishes, the lingering smell of oil can cling to your clothes and hair, a minor issue that could be improved for a more enjoyable experience.

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


Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu
Raffles City
252 North Bridge Road
#B1-63/64
Singapore 179103
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm

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

Ju Kyu Singapore @ Telok Ayer Street - Modern Japanese Restobar Catering to Various Occasions Booasting an Eclectic Menu

Located in Telok Ayer, Ju Kyu offers a modern Japanese dining experience within an enigmatic space adorned with sakura blossoms and vibrant Japanese motifs. The restaurant caters to various occasions, boasting a full menu ranging from skewers to tapas, small plates, rice dishes, noodles, mains, and desserts. Handcrafted cocktails with a Japanese twist are also one of the key offerings of Jyu Kyu.

Skewers 3.8/5

Grilled over Bincho-tan charcoal in a traditional Japanese Konro, Jyu Kyu's skewers are a highlight of the menu. We enjoyed a selection that included Pork Belly Enoki ($5.50), Beef Striploin ($6.50), Asparagus ($4.50), and Grilled Corn ($6.50). Each item had a well-executed caramelisation, but the Pork Belly Enoki stood out for its juicy, flavorful bite. The Grilled Corn, dusted with house spices, had great flavour but could have benefitted from a plumper corn cob.

Chargrilled Squid 3.8/5

The Chargrilled Squid ($22), grilled with care and served with sambal chilli and lime, had a lovely balance of flavours, though the squid could have been juicier for a more satisfying bite.

Chawanmushi 4/5

Cold Tofu 4.5/5

We tried the Cold Tofu ($14) from the tapas selection and Chawanmushi ($7.80). The marinated tofu was topped with ikura and furikake, with the marination seemingly infused with century egg, adding an excellent funky depth. The Chawanmushi, brimming with ikura, also surprised us with its generous fillings of salmon and mushrooms.

Uni & Crab Cracker 4/5

For a unique small plate, the Uni & Crab Cracker ($26) offered a mix of creamy crab rillettes and uni, topped with ikura and served on crispy rice paper puffs. The coriander infusion was subtle, but the contrast between the creamy filling and the crunchy base was delightful.

Unagi & Eggplant Rice 4.5/5

Under the Rice selection, the Unagi & Eggplant Rice ($26) was a standout, combining smoky, caramelized teriyaki eggplant with perfectly grilled eel. The smokiness of the eggplant added a surprising depth to the otherwise familiar unagi rice bowl, elevating the dish with texture and flavour.

Pork Belly Tonkotsu Ramen 4.8/5

A surprise hit was the Pork Belly Tonkotsu Ramen ($26). Despite not being a ramen speciality shop, Jyu Kyu delivered a bowl of rich, creamy pork broth hearty with tender chashu served slightly charred, a beautifully marinated ajitsuke tamago, and nicely cooked noodles.

Miso Black Cod 3.8/5

For Mains, we tried the Miso Black Cod ($34), served with spinach goma-ae was decent but felt like it could use a bit more refinement. While the pairing with goma-ae was thoughtful, the dish didn't quite reach the same heights as other mains.

Ju Kyu's beautifully decorated interior, featuring sakura-filled ceiling and Japanese illustrations, provides the perfect backdrop for a drink or two. Their curated cocktail menu offers aesthetically pleasing beverages that excite your eyes and palate.

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.


Ju Kyu
198 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068637
Tel:: +65 8819 8000
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 230pm, 5pm - 11pm
Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 5pm - 1130pm
Sat: 5pm - 1130pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left and walk down Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Yaki Yaki Bo @ NEX – Revamped Grand Menu, Value-for-money Weekdays Set Lunches

Teppanyaki enthusiasts, rejoice! Yaki Yaki Bo has unveiled a revamped grand menu featuring teppan combos and affordable weekday set lunches starting from just $14.90.

Sliced Beef Set Lunch 4/5

We tried the Sliced Beef ($16.90) and Chicken Steak ($14.90) lunch sets, with a choice of either black pepper or garlic shoyu sauce for the meats. Each set is accompanied by moyashi (bean sprouts), Japanese steamed rice, miso soup, salad, and homemade pickles. For a small additional fee of $2, you can upgrade to tamago or garlic rice.

Chicken Steak Set Lunch 4/5

The Sliced Beef Set Lunch offers tender, juicy cuts of beef, perfectly cooked to your preferred doneness. The Chicken Steak Set Lunch is another solid choice, with tender, succulent pieces of chicken that are pan-seared to perfection. Other set lunch options include Sliced Pork and Shiromi Fish, both priced at $14.90, offering the same value and delicious combinations.

Mentaiko Takana Fried Rice 3.5/5

We ventured into the grand menu with the Mentaiko Takana Fried Rice ($5.90), a smoky fried rice dish infused with the prized umami of mentaiko and Japanese pickled mustard greens. While flavourful, the mentaiko taste was more subtle than we had hoped.

Gindara Tsutsumi Yaki 4.2/5

Highly recommended by the staff, the Gindara Tsutsumi Yaki ($19.90) features a generous portion of black cod simmered with mushrooms in a citrusy, flavourful broth. This dish was a standout, and we would definitely return for it.

Tenderloin Steak 4/5

One of the must-try new dishes is the Tenderloin Steak ($30.90). It boasts a tender and flavourful prime cut of meat, making it a perfect choice for beef lovers.

Camembert Cheese Lava Okonomiyaki 3.5/5

The Camembert Cheese Lava Okonomiyaki ($18.90) elevates this classic dish with melted camembert at its centre. Unfortunately, our experience didn't achieve the full "lava" effect, as the cheese wasn't as molten as expected.

However, the combination of flavours remained delightful. The pancake is packed with crunchy vegetables like cabbage, which gives it a satisfying bite, while the exterior is crispy and well-grilled. If the cheese melted more thoroughly, it could elevate the dish to another level of indulgence. Still, even without it, this unique take on okonomiyaki is a flavourful treat worth trying for cheese lovers.

Hanpen Cheese Yaki 4/5

To satisfy our cheese cravings, we tried the Hanpen Cheese Yaki ($8.90), a delightful Japanese fish cake filled with gooey, melty cheese and grilled to perfection with a crispy exterior.

The soft texture of the hanpen paired with its crispy exterior made this a perfect shareable dish.

For seating, you can opt for counter seats to watch the skilled teppanyaki chefs in action or choose a side table if you prefer a more relaxed dining experience. For those seeking variety, the Teppan Combos start at $23.90, featuring a choice of beef, chicken, or pork paired with seafood such as buttery Shiromi or fresh Ebi.

At both Nex and Jurong Point outlets, weekday set lunches are available from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm, excluding public holidays. Enjoy special Purchase-With-Purchase promotions until 30 November 2024 to celebrate the new menu. With any main dish, you can add on a glass of Hanzo Kaminoho Junmai Daiginjo (60ml) or a Crème Brûlée with Matcha Gelato for just $5.00.

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


Yaki Yaki Bo
NEX
23 Serangoon Central
#B1-79
Singaore 556083
Tel: +65 6634 0015
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Website
Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Hanare by Takayama @ Takashimaya - Indulge in the Limited-Time Miyazaki A4 Gyukatsu Set for 2 at $158

Hanare by Takayama at Takashimaya has launched a limited-time seasonal Miyazaki A4 Gyukatsu Set for 2 diners at $158, and it's a luxurious feast not to be missed. This exclusive set menu includes a selection of dishes from appetisers to dessert, offering a fine balance of flavours and premium ingredients. Available to just 10 diners per session for lunch and dinner daily, the exclusivity of this meal makes it an enticing option for those looking to indulge in something special.

Aburi Scallop Salad 3/5

To begin, diners can choose from three salads: White Bait Salad with Plum Dressing, Aburi Scallop Salad (+$18), and Aburi Wagyu Beef Salad (+$22). We opted for the Aburi Scallop Salad. The scallops were plump, fresh, and slightly torched, which enhanced their sweetness. Paired with wakame seaweed and greens, the sancho dressing added a refreshing zest to the dish. While the scallops were delightful, the salad felt somewhat predictable and lacked the wow factor to warrant the additional price.

3 Kinds of Seasonal Sashimi 4.2/5

Following the salad was the Seasonal Sashimi, featuring three types of fresh fish. Thickly cut and beautifully presented, the sashimi was a highlight, offering that perfect melt-in-your-mouth sensation. The freshness of the fish was unmistakable, and each bite was a testament to the quality and care taken in sourcing ingredients. It is a substantial and satisfying dish for sashimi lovers.

Snow Crab Chawanmushi 5/5

The Snow Crab Chawanmushi was another highlight of the meal. The steamed egg custard was silky smooth, with each spoonful bursting with the sweetness of the snow crab. The addition of ikura (salmon roe) added a delightful salty pop, complementing the creamy texture of the chawanmushi. This luxurious version of a classic dish elevated the dining experience with its rich and delicate flavours.

Signature Kamameshi 5/5

A signature at Hanare, the Kamameshi (traditional Japanese rice dish) is a must-try, and luckily, it’s included in this set. Diners can choose from four varieties: Fried Garlic Kamameshi, Salmon and Ikura Kamameshi (+$12), Hokkaido Seiko Kani and Ikura Kamameshi (+$18), and Wagyu Kamameshi (+$24).

We went for the Hokkaido Seiko Kani and Ikura Kamameshi. The fragrant rice, cooked in a specially brewed dashi stock in a traditional iron pot, was topped with female snow crab, ikura, mushrooms, and edamame. The umami-packed rice was served with miso soup and pickles on the side, and every bite was satisfying, with the crab's sweetness enhancing the overall depth of flavour.

Miyazaki A4 Gyukatsu 4.5/5

The star of the show is undoubtedly the Miyazaki A4 Gyukatsu, where 200g of premium, breaded beef fillet is served golden and crispy on the outside while retaining a juicy, tender core. The real fun starts when diners get to grill the gyukatsu to their preferred doneness on a hot plate. The beef's rich marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture made it the highlight of the meal and a true indulgence for meat lovers.

Frozen Yuzu & Mango Prafit with Candied Yuzu Peel 3/5

The meal ended on a refreshing note with the Frozen Yuzu & Mango Parfait with Candied Yuzu Peel. The tartness of the yuzu paired with the sweetness of the mango created a well-balanced dessert, light and palate-cleansing after a rich meal. The candied yuzu peel added an extra touch of elegance and texture to the dessert.

The Miyazaki A4 Gyukatsu Set is a delightful experience for those looking to indulge in a curated menu of premium ingredients. While the Aburi Scallop Salad didn't quite justify its additional cost, the freshness of the sashimi, the luxuriousness of the chawanmushi, and the flavourful kamameshi and gyukatsu more than made up for it. The meal ended on a sweet and satisfying note with the Frozen Yuzu & Mango Parfait.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Hanare by Takayama
Takashimaya Shopping Centre
391 Orchard Road
#03-07
Ngee Ann City
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 82989369
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight at Ngee Ann City until destination. Journey about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B to Orchard Road. Head west or turn left onto Orchard Road against the flow of traffic. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]