Café Natsu @ Joo Chiat - Unveils New Menu Featuring Japanese Staples with Local Sensibilities

Café Natsu is excited to launch its new menus at both its Joo Chiat and Orchard outlets, featuring a fusion of Japanese and local flavours. These menus offer a warm and comforting dining experience, with carefully crafted dishes incorporating traditional Japanese cuisine and familiar local touches. Furthermore, Café Natsu's commitment to exceptional quality extends to sourcing fresh ingredients and the finest produce from Japan.

Kaarage 3.8/5

The Kaarage ($14) features a thin, crispy coating on the outside that gives way to a tender and juicy interior. What sets it apart is the unique coating of Dong Bei spices, which adds a delightful burst of flavour. The spices infuse the dish with a savoury and aromatic profile that perfectly complements the succulent chicken. While the Kaarage is a treat on its own, it is worth noting that the combination can be a tad salty for some palates when paired with the mayo on the side.

Chawanmushi 4/5

The Chawanmushi ($8) consists of a savoury steamed egg custard that is elevated with a delightful combination of ingredients, including clams, snow fungus, and ikura. The clams impart a subtle brininess that mingles beautifully with the delicate flavours of the custard. In contrast, the ikura imparts a pleasant pop and a delightful saltiness that perfectly balances the dish's overall taste.

Wagyu Hamburg Bowl Set 4.2/5

Café Natsu Joo Chiat introduces a hearty lunch set that will capture your hearts with its exquisite flavours and carefully curated ingredients. Diners can choose between the Wagyu Hamburg Bowl Set ($36), featuring a house-made Wagyu patty, or the Teishoku Set ($32). We opted for the Wagyu Hamburg Bowl Set ($36), which features a tender and succulent patty, refreshing oroshi and a yolk atop. To complement the wagyu hamburg, a side of sauce is provided, adding an additional layer of depth and richness. The meal is accompanied by appetisers and chestnut rice cooked with house-made dashi.

Pork Katsu Sando 4/5

The Pork Katsu Sando ($26) features a generous portion of crispy and tender pork katsu, complemented by the delightful crunch of the tamanegi and the refreshing crispness of the lettuce, providing a delightful contrast to the succulent pork. What sets this sandwich apart is the doubanjiang aioli, a sauce that brings the flavours to a whole new level. The doubanjiang, a fermented chilli bean paste, infuses the aioli with an intensely umami-rich taste and a subtle sweet touch. The Pork Katsu Sando is also served with a side of Togarashi fries. These crispy fries, sprinkled with Togarashi seasoning, provide a delightful kick of heat and spice.

Uji Matcha Kakigori 4.2/5

Moving on to the desserts, the Uji Matcha Kakigori ($14) features a slightly different ice texture, characterised by a rougher shaved ice consistency. The matcha-infused ice in the Uji Matcha Kakigori exudes a distinct and robust flavour profile. Accompanying the ice is a heavenly soft coconut foam that adds a creamy and luxurious touch to the dessert. It is adorned with a drizzle of gula melaka that adds a delightful hint of sweetness and depth, balancing the earthy bitterness of the Uji Matcha.

Zenzai 4/5

The Zenzai ($12) features a velvety and comforting azuki red bean soup. The sweetness of the red bean soup is perfectly balanced, allowing the natural flavours of the azuki beans to shine through. I love the chewy and soft kiri mochi tangyuan embedded within the soup, which added a delightful textural element to the dessert. Overall, it is a traditional dessert that embodies the essence of Japanese culinary traditions and is perfect for those seeking a soothing and indulgent treat.

In conclusion, my experience at Café Natsu was a positive one. The food offered at the café was undeniably good, with a range of dishes that delighted the taste buds. From the delightful Wagyu Hamburg Bowl Set to the delectable Pork Katsu Sando and the flavourful Chawanmushi, the menu showcased a fusion of Japanese and local flavours that left a lasting impression. The attention to detail in ingredient sourcing and the thoughtfulness of crafting each dish were evident, ensuring a satisfying and memorable dining experience. Café Natsu truly delivered on its commitment to providing exceptional quality and flavours that pleased the palate.

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.


Café Natsu
283 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427537
Tel: +65 8886 4697
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 830am - 530pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk to bus stop at block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 33. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to Koon Seng Road. Turn right onto Koon Seng Road. Walk towards Joo Chiat Road. Turn right on Joo Chiat Road and walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk to bus stop at block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 33. Alight 4 stops later. Walk down Joo Chiat Road towards Koon Seng Road direction. Walk down Joo Chiat Road and walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes.  [Map]

Antoinette @ Penhas Road - The Ever-Inspired Chef Pang Has Unveiled A New Menu

The ever-inspired Chef Pang of Antoinette has unveiled a new menu, introducing a number  of new savory and brunch dishes. Together with the new menu launched, it has also introduced a number of new cocktails to complement the its extensive tea pairing.

Some of these new cocktails are Pretty Pink ($16), Prescription ($14), Huat Ah! ($18) and Blue Romance ($12). The eye catching drink probably is the Prescription which comes with a pill sachet which contains grass jelly cubes. This is a playful drink whereby the guests get to play doctor and mix the houjicha latte, okinawan black sugar syrup, yuzu ice cubes and fairy grass together to concoct their own medicine drink.

Baked Rigatoni 4/5 and Black Bait 4.5/5

For some light starters, there are the Baked Rigatoni ($8) and Black Bait ($12). The baked rigatoni pasta is satueed in tomato cream sauce, topped with a golden brown crust of gruyere cheese and emmental cheese. This is an all-day comforting dish. As for the black bait, it is a very addictive snack. The morsels of fish is dusted with homemade spice seasonings which consists of onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper with a sprinkle of raspberry powder.

Watermelon & Smoked Duck Salad 4/5

The interplay of color for the Watermelon &  Smoked Duck Salad ($24) definitely stands out. It looks like a garden in autumn except that it is on the plate. Two components on the plate stood out for me. The beautiful tender smoked duck and pickled watermelon cubes which has a refreshing acidity to the dish.

Wagyu Beef Tagliatelle 4.2/5

The pasta for the Wagyu Beef Tagliatelle ($26) is made in house using whole wheat. The delightful bite of the pasta is complemented by the delicious ragout which has been cooked with red wine, herbs and wagyu beef. It also comes with an onsen egg and grated parmesan cheese.

Double Prawn Linguine 4.2/5

Inspired by the local prawn noodles is the Double Prawn Linguine ($26). It has a rich umani-spicy note from the prawn bisque and spicy shrimp paste, that is well coated around the ribbons of linguine. The dish is then finished with zucchini strips, ebiko, sakura ebi, nori and shiso cress for flavours as well as textures.

Kurobuta Ham & Cheese Toast 4.2/5

Toast lover will rejoice to know that Antoinette has added 4 savoury and 2 sweet Toast to their new menu. For savoury there are Smoked Salmon, Kurobuta Ham & Cheese, Wild Mushrooms and Avocado Mash. If you have a sweet tooth, there are Banana and Strawberry.

Banana Toast 4.2/5

We tried both the Kurobuta Ham & Cheese Toast ($14) and Banana Toast ($12). The bread of the Kurobuta Ham & Cheese Toast  is brushed with butter before being toasted to a nice crispy crust on the exterior while retaining a soft texture inside. It is then spread with a layer of sweet potato mash,  followed with topping of kurobuta ham and emmental cheese. As for the sweet Banana Toast, it comes with salted butter, nutella, fresh banana, caramel popcorn, coco pops and drizzled with chocolate sauce.

Fondant au Chocolat 4.2/5

The Fondant au Chocolat ($14) is a warm chocolate cake, served with cold brewed coffee ice cream with orange confit. The combination of warm and cold, with the richness of the chocolate cake will satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth.

Watermelon Kakigori 4.2/5

Making a spectacular entrance is the Watermelon Kakigori ($20) which is appealing to both taste and presentation. The refreshing watermelon comes in cubes as well as shaved ice. Hidden underneath the shaved ice is earl grey chiffon cake layered with yuzu cream, fresh strawberries, rose petal foam and almond crumble. Perfect for sharing and ending your meal on a sweet finale.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Antoinette 
30 Penhas Road
Singapore 208188
Tel: +65 62933121
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Lavender (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thur: 11am - 10pm
Fri & Eve PH: 11am - 11pm
Sat: 10am - 11pm
Sun & PH: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to V Hotel Lavender. Walk down Horne Road and turn right onto Penhas Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Sakurazaka @ Greenwood (Bukit Timah Road) - Traditional Shabu-Shabu and Sukiyaki with Refined European Flair

Located in the enclave of Greenwood Avenue is a new Japanese restaurant, Sakurazaka. Sakurazaka infuses traditional shabu shabu, sukiyaki and kakigori with refined European flair. Chef Masashi, with his Japanese heritage and European culinary roots, uses both Japanese and European ingredients, condiments and stock to refine the whole experience of shabu shabu and sukiyaki with a refinement of flavours.

Bouillabaisse and Pork Bone Soup

Ordering is rather simple and straight foward. Choose from the 4 sets which is namely Pork Set ($95++), Bouillabaisse Set ($108++), Beef Set ($128++) and Sukiyaki Set ($150++). All the set comes with a starter, meat (seafood for bouillabaisse set), vegetables, mushrooms, rice or noodles and dessert.

Beef and Ago Dashi Soup

For the shabu shabu set, diners have a choice of 6 different soup base. They are Chicken Bone, Pork Bone, Bouillabaisse, Ago Dashi, Beef and Soya Milk. For our dinner, we tried Bouillabaisse, Pork Bone, Beef and Ago Dashi soup base.

Ishiyaki 4.5/5

The dinner experience began with the Ishiyaki (hot stone) and Onsen Tamago. Depends on which set the diner ordered, slices of iberico pork, Japanese wagyu beef or seafood is served. It is to be cooked on the the hot stone that is heated to 140 degrees. The cooked meat or seafood is then dipped into the Japanese half boiled egg with spring onion and sukiyaki sauce to elevate the taste.

Bouillabaisse Set

The Bouillabaisse Set ($108++) comes with assorted seafood such as tiger prawns, white clams, scallop, red snapper, squid, mussel and prawn ball.

Bouillabaisse Set - Prawn Ball

For diners that ordered the Pork Set ($95++), it comes with Kyushu Japanese Pork Belly (200g) and Pork Loin (200g). While the Beef Set ($128++) comes with Aomori Japanese Rice-Fed Beef Striploin (150g) and Ribeye (150g). While the Kyushu Shirobuta pork and Aomori rice-fed beef are not common in Singapore, they are not inferior in terms of marbling and flavours. In fact, they are as good or even better.

Selection of Pork and Beef 4.5/5

On top of the set menu, diners can also order additional serving from the a la carte menu. I would recommend trying the Joshu Wagyu Striploin ($45/100g) and Ribeye ($45/100g). The flavour is more beefy and intense.

Vegetable and Mushroom 4.2/5

Besides the meat and seafood, every set also comes with an assortment of Vegetables and Mushrooms. Each set comes with 5 different seasonal vegetables and 2 seasonal mushrooms.

Foie Gras 3.5/5

If you are game for some acquire taste, you can try shabu shabu Foie Gras ($14) from the a la carte menu. I personally think that the creamy texture and taste may not be easily accepted by many.

The finale of enjoying the shabu shabu is to cook the rice or noodle in the broth that has absorbed with all the essence of the ingredients. Egg and two different type of cheeses are added into the mixture to thicken and intensive the flavour even more.

Kakigori 4.2/5

The dessert rounding off the set is the Kakigori made of finely shaved ice, flavoured with syrup and condensed milk. However, at Sakurazaka you are in for a different. Chef Masashi has given the dessert a refinement make over. We tried the Ujikintoki Green Tea ($16), Port Wine ($15), Tiramisu ($14), Strawberry ($12), Hokkaido Milk ($12) and Mango ($12) Kakigori. The kakigori creation is really interesting. I think Chef Masahi can open his own Japanese dessert house soon. My favourite is the Ujikintoki Green Tea, Port Wine and Hokkaido Milk kakigori.

What is great food without drink? Worry not as Sakurazaka also offers an exquisite choice of wines, sake, and Japanese craft beers.


Sakurazaka
24 Greenwood Avenue
Singapore 298221
Tel: +65 64630333
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tan Kah Kee (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Wed: 6pm - 10pm
Thu-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tan Kah Kee MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to Exit B. Walk straigh to Hillcrest Road. Turn right onto Hillcrest Road. Walk down Hillcrest Road and make a left into Greenwood Avenue. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]