Hanare by Takayama @ Takashimaya - Japanese Seasonal Snow Crab Themed Dinner Set for Two at $150++

Hanare by Takayama, located in Takashimaya Shopping Centre, is led by Chef Taro Takayama, who has previously had stints in three-star Michelin restaurants in Osaka. The restaurant is known for serving refined yet homely Japanese dishes made with premium ingredients.

Dinner Set for Two 4.2/5

To keep the menu fresh, seasonal specials are frequently introduced. This time, they are offering a Snow Crab Dinner Set for Two ($150++), with an optional 180ml house-pour sake add-on for $30++.

Snow Crab Salad with Ginger Citrus Dressing

The meal began with a Snow Crab Salad tossed in a fragrant ginger citrus dressing, served atop a bed of greens, cherry tomatoes, pickled radish, and orange. The dressing starts with a gentle ginger aroma, followed by bright citrus notes. For an additional $22, diners can opt for the Aburi Wagyu Salad, featuring lightly seared wagyu drizzled with a spicy sesame dressing and topped with crispy deep-fried potato.

Sashimi Platter

Next, the Sashimi Platter presented three kinds of seasonal sashimi, each sliced thick.

Snow Crab Chawanmushi with Ikura

The luxurious Snow Crab Chawanmushi with Ikura stood out, generously topped with sweet snow crab meat, briny ikura, and rich kani miso (crab innards). Beneath the toppings, the silky steamed egg custard offers a luxurious depth of umami enjoyed together.

Grilled Seasonal Fish

The Grilled Seasonal Fish, served with seasonal vegetables, featured two perfectly cooked salmon fillets accompanied by broccolini seasoned with an addictive chilli powder. For those seeking additional indulgence, diners can upgrade to the Saikyo Miso Pork Belly (+$12) or the Miyazaki A5 Wagyu Steak (+$76), both served with seasonal vegetables.

Snow Crab with Ikura Kamameshi

A highlight at Hanare is their Kamameshi, a traditional iron-pot rice dish. This set includes the Snow Crab with Ikura Kamameshi, cooked in fragrant dashi with Koshihikari rice, mushrooms, edamame, carrots, and bamboo shoots. There was also miso soup and pickles served together.

The female snow crab is packed with tender meat, crab eggs, and rich crab innards. Mix everything together for a deeply umami-filled bite. If you can't finish, the staff will shape the remaining rice into onigiri for takeaway. Other Kamameshi options include the Unagi Kamameshi (+$18) and Wagyu Kamameshi (+$24), which feature sliced A4 wagyu.

Nashi Pear Sorbet Served with Sour Plum Jelly

The meal concluded with a Nashi Pear Sorbet served with Sour Plum Jelly. However, we found this overly sweet and slightly artificial in taste, making it the least impressive dish of the night.

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.


Hanare by Takayama
Takashimaya Shopping Centre
391 Orchard Road
#03-07
Ngee Ann City
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 82989369
Facebook
Instagram
Website
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]

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
Facebook
Instagram
Website
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]

Hanare By Takayama @ Takashimaya - Value For Money 6 Course Dinner At S$110 For 2 Pax

Hanare by Takayama at Takashimaya is Chef Taro Takayama's new concept, offering all a taste of the traditional Japanese rice dish known as Kamameshi. At Hanare, you get to experience the warmth of comfort food. There is also a chance to try some of Chef Taro's signature favourites from his omakase menu in a relatively more social and casual way of dining.

Sashimi

Tofu Salad

We had a special Dinner Set Menu which allows diners to try 6 courses of the restaurant's best dishes in one seating. We started with 2 appetisers - Tofu salad and Sashimi for two. The Tofu Salad was made extra scrumptious with a heap of crispy whitebait, brought together in harmony with a tangy-sweet ume dressing. The Sashimi also shone with freshness.

Assorted Tempura

 Original Dahimaki

The next course is Assorted Tempura with Tiger Prawns, mushrooms, lotus root and Shishito peppers and an Original Dahimaki. The sweetness and succulency of the Tiger prawn tempura were notable. The latter showcases the finesse of Chef Taro's skills. The humble rolled egg omelette was delicious with the deep and exquisite flavours of the dashi stock, infused and served with Chef Taro's special dashi stock.

Unagi Kamameshi

Halfway through the dishes, our Unagi Kamameshi finally arrived. And on it is a card earnestly telling diners, "good things come to those who wait", and let the pot cook for a precise 18 minutes till the portable fire dies out before you lift the wooden lid. The rice was plumped with a specially brewed dashi stock reduced for 1 - 2 hours. The unagi was delightfully unctuous, and I loved how the tiny pickles accented the pot of goodness with bursts of acidity.

Yuzu Sorbet

Dessert was a scoop of refreshing Yuzu Sorbet to round up the dinner.

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.


Hanare by Takayama
Takashimaya Shopping Centre
391 Orchard Road
#03-07
Ngee Ann City
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 82989369
Facebook
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]

Sun with Moon Japanese Dining & Cafe @ Wheelock Place - Launches Latest 2018 Grand Menu

Sun with Moon Japanese Dining & Cafe at Wheelock changes its menu almost every year and has recently launched its latest 2018 menu, curated by Executive Chef Mr Toshio Sawai. Expect new highlights and creative takes on all-time favourites.

As one of the earliest Japanese establishments in Singapore in 2005, Sun with MooN has taught us how to appreciate certain traditional Japanese food that we are not familiar with. And even now, some of the dishes are kept as such, such as this Gyu tan Ishiyaki ($13.80).

Zensai Mori 3/5

Zensai Mori ($16.80) is a platter of 7 chef-curated appetizers, created perhaps with the intention to accompany your sake or beer. All the items have been marinated to intensify the taste. I quite like the savoury bacon-like grilled pork belly and the crabmeat and asparagus with mentai sauce in the middle. I thought the unagi with cream cheese is interesting, though some think otherwise. As the items are more highly flavoured than usual, pickled radish with yuzu and herring roe helps to clean the palate in between bites.

Temari Sushi 2.8/5

I prefer the Zensai Mori a lot more to its latest Temari Sushi ($23.80), which is a platter of sushi but in bite-sized mini rice balls with toppings. Despite the seemingly succulent toppings such as fresh scallop, yellowtail, swordfish, salmon belly, there is not much motivation for me to order this dish.

Kamameshi 3.8/5

Experience the traditional Kamameshi with a new appreciation. This rice dish is cooked in an iron pot called kama and here you will have it served to you in the iron pot, alongside with teapot soup. There are 2 new renditions - Niku Atsu Hotate & Unagi Kamameshi ($26.80) and Premium Seafood Kamameshi ($35.80). The latter is a lot more umami but if you ain't a fan of oyster, then the first would be a much better choice, especially when the flame-seared scallops gives so much texture and flavor to the rice. Eating straight out of the kama is the best, as for me, I get to dig the slightly burnt rice at the bottom and sides. The Japanese rice was plump and pearly, which made it very satisfying when I had it with the soup broth at the end.

Beef Miso Dare Sukiyaki 3.5/5

If that's not enough to warm you up, this piping hot Beef Miso Dare Sukiyaki ($25.80) will do the deed. Made with Executive Chef Sawai’s original miso dare blend with hatcho (soybean) miso from Okazaki in Aichi Prefecture, there is a balance of flavor, without being too overly sweet. Chef Sawai is thoughtful to choose diced US Ribeye beef cubes over standard sliced beef to retain the flavours of the beef longer.

Sun Chirashi Don Set 3/5

Sun Chirashi ($35.80) is the special rice don here, luxurious with premium sashimi such as medium fatty tuna, and scallops. Still, I feel it can't beat the comforting Kamameshi.

Steak Moriawase 3/5

Steak Moriawase ($45.80) is good for sharing, offering a combination of Japanese Wagyu, US Tenderloin and pork steak (300g). We had the steaks with red wine and goma mustard sauce, both are Sun with Moon original sauce blends. The sauces complement the meats well. However, with many other better items to choose from, this is not bang for the buck.

Dessert Trio 3.8/5

The desserts here are highly recommended. Dessert Trio ($9.80) allows you to have the Tofu Cheesecake, Matcha Ice Cream and Kuiroguma Pudding. All are superb, especially the wobbly black sesame pudding, you might end up having to fight for all three!

Umeshu Sampler (tasting portion)

The variety of sakes, wines, and spirits here are selected by in-house sommelier Mr. Daisuke Shibuya. The Umeshu Sampler, a tasting menu of umeshu allows you to sip flavours from different regions of Japan. Starting from Fukui Region, we travelled down to the Hokkaido Region, Kishu Region and back at Fukui Region with a spicy note. The Shiso-umeshu seems to be the most popular with that extra peppery flavor. Not many could accept the spicy Hannya Tou but it is also that heat that engages.

Compared to some contemporary Japanese dining places which have completely lost their identity, I feel Sun with Moon Japanese Dining & Café still manages to capture a level of authenticity in its latest menu.

---

PROMOTION - 20% Discount Off Total Bill

---

Followers and readers of SG Food on Foot will get to enjoy 20% discount off total bill when you dine at Sun with Moon Japanese Dining & Cafe between 02 July and 31 July 2018. All you need to go is quote SGFOODONFOOT X SUN to enjoy the discount.

- Present discount code (SGFOODONFOOT X SUN) upon payment of bill.
- Discount code entitles followers and readers to 20% discount off total bill.
- Not valid in conjunction with any other on-going promotions or privileges.
- Valid from 02 July to 31 July 2018

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.


Sun with Moon Japanese Dining & Cafe
Wheelock Place
501 Wheelock Place
#03-15/16/17
Singapore 238880
Tel: +65 67336636
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take exit E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]