Yamamoto’s Hamburg @ Lau Pa Sat Festival Market - Japanese Hamburg Specialist Open Its First Singapore Outpost with Singapore-Exclusive Chicken Patty

Yamamoto’s Hamburg, which began in Ebisu, Tokyo in 2005, recently opened its first Singapore outlet at Lau Pa Sat. Founded by restaurateur Shohei Yamamoto, the same creator behind hamburg steak restaurant Hikiniku To Come, Yamamoto’s Hamburg draws from the wholesome home-cooked meals of his childhood, celebrating the warmth and comfort of yoshoku, or Japanese-style Western comfort food.

Yamamoto Hamburg 5/5

Using thoughtfully selected ingredients, the menu features handmade patties made with a blend of Japanese beef and pork, alongside a Singapore-exclusive chicken patty and a selection of Japanese favourites. Our absolute favourite was the signature Yamamoto Hamburg ($19.90), a hand-formed beef patty stuffed with Gorgonzola cheese and mushroom cream sauce, served with a demi-glace infused with miso and dashi, and finished with a dollop of Hollandaise. The slight funk and earthiness of the oozy Gorgonzola and mushroom cream enriched the beefy notes of the patty, while the demi-glace cut through the richness with its umami-rich sweetness, adding even more depth to each bite. We found it best enjoyed with the accompanying bowl of rice, which helped balance the richness and ensured that none of the sauce went to waste.

Tamago Yaki Nose Hamburg 4.8/5

For something more classic, the Jikasei Hamburg ($15.90) is a straightforward option, though we went for the Tamago Yaki Nose Hamburg, topped with a sunny-side-up egg for a more complete experience. We switched the original beef patty for a chicken patty, developed exclusively for the Singapore outlet. It was just as tasty as its beef counterpart - lighter but juicier, making it an easy alternative for those who prefer something less heavy. The accompanying sides were rustic and wholesome, with a small serving of simple spaghetti, grilled broccoli and eggplant, and a scoop of potato salad. The latter was worth a mention. Light and creamy with a slight tang, it had slices of pickled cucumber and pasta for texture.

Tomato Hamburg 4.5/5

Rustic Pork Sausage 3/5

Another classic pairing was the Tomato Hamburg ($17.90), which replaces the richer demi-glace with a fruity, sweet tomato sauce. For this relatively lighter version, it was served with two chunky fried potatoes, which added a layer of indulgence to the meal. We added Rustic Pork Sausage (+$3.50), which is also available as a side for $7.90 for two.

Anchovy Butter Potatoes 4/5

Karaage 4/5

Other sides include Anchovy Butter Potatoes ($4.90), which not only sounded delicious but also lived up to expectations, with a soft, fluffy interior and a savoury, fried exterior. The Karaage ($3.90 for 3 pieces / $4.90 for 5 pieces) came in chunky, succulent morsels and was a particularly affordable addition.

Every Rice Set ($3.90) or Salad Set ($4.90) comes with a complimentary tasting portion of Yamahan’s house-made vegetable juice, blended daily with seasonal fruits and vegetables, with the option to upsize for an extra $2.50. The Salad Set also includes a small serving of Signature Yamahan Salad, fresh with crisp leafy greens. It certainly didn’t feel like an afterthought, as some side salads sometimes do.

To celebrate its opening, Yamahan will run a special giveaway from 5 to 7 October 2026, with the first 300 redemptions each day receiving an adorable complimentary pack of five exclusive Yamahan stickers with a minimum spend of $20, excluding GST and service charge. The sticker pack features five cute designs inspired by Yamahan and its Central Business District location.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Yamamoto’s Hamburg
Lau Pa Sat Festival Market
18 Raffles Quay
Stall 96-103
Singapore 048582
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Cross Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit I. Walk to Robinson Road. Turn left onto Robinson Road. Walk down Robinson Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

Bari Bari Grand @ The Capitol Kempinski - Premium Teppan with Complimentary Unlimited Gourmet Bar

If you enjoy sizzling teppan dishes with plenty of sides, Bari Bari Grand at The Capitol Kempinski Singapore is a new Japanese steak and seafood concept worth checking out. An evolution of the Bari Bari dining experience, the new concept takes things up a notch with more premium steak and seafood options, an expanded free-flow gourmet bar, and a more upscale social dining space.

The idea remains familiar — order your choice of teppan main and enjoy it straight from the hot stone — but Bari Bari Grand offers a wider selection of premium proteins, including Miyazaki Wagyu, lobster, scallops and Angus beef. Every teppan order also includes complimentary access to the Free-Flow Gourmet Bar, featuring a rotating selection of fresh salads, seasonal appetisers, and other accompaniments. All teppan mains are also served with homemade truffle mashed potatoes, cherry tomatoes, brussels sprouts and pearl corn, making each platter a rather substantial meal.

Lobster & Wagyu Hamburg Teppan 4.2/5

Lobster & Wagyu Hamburg Teppan ($49) is a fun surf-and-turf combination that gives you both seafood and beef in one plate. The lobster arrives piping hot on the teppan, topped with a rich, cheese-forward Thermidor-style sauce. The sauce melts into the lobster meat, giving it a creamy, savoury, decadent finish without completely masking the lobster’s sweetness. Alongside it is a house-made Japanese Wagyu beef patty, which adds a juicy, beefy component to the dish. I liked the variety here, from the richness of the lobster and sauce to the comforting truffle mash and vegetables on the side.

Gindara Teriyaki & Scallops Mentaiko Teppan 3.5/5

The Gindara Teriyaki & Scallops Mentaiko Teppan ($36) combines flaky black cod with scallops for a seafood-focused option. The gindara is teppan-grilled until tender and flaky, and the black cod’s natural richness pairs well with the house-made teriyaki sauce. The glaze is sweet, savoury and deeply caramelised around the edges from the heat of the teppan. The scallops come with a creamy mentaiko sauce, adding a slightly briny and savoury contrast. This is a fairly rich combination, especially with the fatty gindara, but seafood lovers will appreciate the different textures on the plate.

Chicken Thigh & Angus Saikoro Steak Teppan 4/5

For something more value-driven, the Chicken Thigh & Angus Saikoro Steak Teppan ($32) is a multi-protein platter with plenty to eat. The Angus beef is cut into bite-sized cubes, making it easy to pick up and enjoy with the accompanying sauce. The beef was tender with a good savoury beefiness. What stood out more, though, was the chicken thigh. The skin was nicely crisp and well marinated, while the meat underneath stayed tender and juicy. The combination feels comforting and satisfying without being overly complicated.

Miyazaki Wagyu Teppan 4.2/5

For those looking to splurge a little more, the Miyazaki Wagyu Teppan ($75) features 150g of ribeye round sourced from Miyazaki Wagyu. The beef is rich and exceptionally tender, with the kind of deep, savoury flavour and marbling you would expect from premium Japanese Wagyu. It is cooked on the teppan, allowing the exterior to develop a nice sear while keeping the meat juicy inside. The steak is finished with a dollop of house herb butter, which slowly melts over the warm beef and adds another layer of richness and aroma. Bari Bari Grand highlights A4/A5-grade Miyazaki Wagyu from a producer associated with the prestigious National Wagyu Award, making it one of the menu’s more premium options.

Atsuage Negi Cheese Yaki 3.8/5

For a lighter side or something to snack on while waiting for the mains, the Atsuage Negi Cheese Yaki ($8) is worth adding. The atsuage tofu is deep-fried until it develops a thin, lightly crisp exterior while retaining its soft, silky and slightly wobbly texture inside. The tofu is then topped with an umami-rich mentaiko sauce and melted cheese, then finished with crisp scallions. It is creamy, savoury and quite addictive, with the scallions adding some freshness and crunch to cut through the richness. This would work particularly well as a starter or bar bite alongside a drink.

Iidako Karaage 4.2/5

The Iidako Karaage ($10) was another favourite. Instead of the usual larger pieces of octopus, this uses whole baby octopus, lightly coated in seasoned starch and deep-fried until golden and crunchy. The exterior is satisfyingly crisp, while the baby octopus inside stays pleasantly chewy and tender. Seasoned simply with salt and savoury spices, it is the sort of snack that is easy to keep reaching for.

Whether you are here for a casual meal with friends or looking to indulge in premium Japanese beef, there’s a wide range to choose from. I particularly enjoyed the Lobster & Wagyu Hamburg Teppan and Miyazaki Wagyu Teppan, and the Iidako Karaage is a great addition to share. If you like your food served hot and sizzling straight from the teppan, Bari Bari Grand is one to add to your list for a Japanese-style steak and seafood meal with plenty of sides to go around.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Bari Bari Grand
Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski
15 Stamford Road
#01-82
Singapore 178906
Tel: +65 62843788
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Nearest: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Torasho Ramen Bar @ Takashimaya - Revamped with a Focus on Authentic Japanese Shoyu Ramen

Chef Sho Naganuma is the founder of the popular homegrown Japanese ramen brand Torasho Ramen. Its Takashimaya space has recently undergone a revamp and menu refresh, with a renewed focus on classic Japanese-style shoyu ramen.

Chef Sho introduced this direction to showcase the authentic flavours he grew up with, built on a carefully crafted base of pork and shoyu.

Chashu Wontonmen 4/5

First up was the Chashu Wontonmen ($22), served in a generously filled bowl, topped with tender, well-seasoned chashu, wontons, bamboo shoots, and bean sprouts. The egg is a $2 top-up. The clear broth was hearty and deeply savoury, yet surprisingly light. We especially enjoyed the layered depth of flavours, which went beyond just soy sauce. That said, we did wish the noodles had a slightly firmer bite.

For simpler options, there is the signature Ramen ($16), Chashumen ($19), and other variations with different toppings.

Wonton Tsukemen 4/5

If you prefer bolder flavours, go for the Wonton Tsukemen ($21). The dipping broth is noticeably thicker and richer. This is also available as Tsukemen ($18), Tsukemen with Tamago ($20) and Chashu Tsukemen ($21).

House condiments are available at the counter for diners to customise their bowls, including homemade garlic chilli, crushed garlic for tsukemen, and ramen pepper from Nagoya.

Karaage 4/5

Beyond ramen, you can also opt for sides or top up to set meals, such as Wonton, Karaage, Chashu Rice Set, Curry Rice Set and more. We tried the Karaage ($6.80) to share, which was crispy on the outside and juicy within.

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.


Torasho Ramen Bar
Takashimaya Food Hall B2
391 Orchard Road
Singapore 238873
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line), Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight to Ngee Ann City and to the 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 the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]

Nomiya Izakaya & Bar @ Chinatown - Offering Contemporary Twist on Japanese Izakaya

Nestled amid Chinatown’s bustling streets, Nomiya Izakaya & Sake Bar stands out with its contemporary twist on a traditional Japanese izakaya. Offering an inviting space for gatherings over unique small plates and an impressive selection of Japanese sake, whisky, and craft beer.

Amid the bustling stretch of Chinatown, Nomiya stands out effortlessly among the rows of souvenir shops.

Hokkaido Scallop Aburi 3/5

Ikura Negitoro Pie Tee 3.5/5

We tried the Hokkaido Scallop Aburi and the inventive Ikura Negitoro Pie Tee to kick off our meal. We found the Pie Tee especially delightful, priced at $17 for two pieces each. The crispy shell filled with fresh minced tuna was visually appealing and offered a satisfying crunch and burst of flavour.

Charred Brussels Sprouts 3/5

Foie Gras Chawanmushi 4/5

Moving on to the next course, the Charred Brussels Sprouts ($9.50) arrived, infused with kombu butter. While the charred flavour added depth, it slightly overpowered the kombu, making it more of an accompaniment to drinks. The Foie Gras Chawanmushi ($18.50) was the highlight. This velvety custard, dotted with ingredients like crab meat and camembert, was topped with a sesame-crusted piece of foie gras. It is on the expensive end but definitely an indulgent experience.

Gold Dust Charcoal Chicken 3.5/5

Tempura Cauliflower 3.5/5

Next up were two fried dishes: the Gold Dust Charcoal Chicken ($14) and Tempura Cauliflower ($9.50). The chicken was crispy outside and juicy inside, paired with a tangy tartar-like sauce, though a more robust marinade could have elevated it further. The cauliflower was a fun twist on a classic, topped with furikake for added flavour. We would have loved a dipping sauce and a bit more crunch on the cauliflower, as the ones we had were a tad soft.

Dashimaki Tamago with Mentaiko 3.5/5

The Dashimaki Tamago with Mentaiko combined fluffy Japanese egg with creamy mentaiko. The salty mentaiko and tobiko topping made for a bold contrast, though a touch more sweetness in the tamago would have created a better balance.

Charred Ebi with Burnt Butter 3/5

We had high hopes for the Charred Ebi with Burnt Butter ($29), but the two prawns felt a bit steep in price for the portion size. The baguette pieces that accompanied it were intended for dipping but could have been softer. Adding extra bread for $1.50 may be helpful for those looking for a heartier bite.

Charcoal Grilled Skewers 3/5

Yuzu Glazed Char-Grilled Pork Jowl 3/5

From the grill, we got a selection of skewers, including Tori Momo (Chicken Thigh) ($4.50), Miso Glazed Butabara (Pork Belly) ($5), Asparagus ($4), and Smoked Duck with Salsa ($6). While each skewer was well-marinated and tender, we found ourselves wishing for more of that quintessential smoky char. The Yuzu Glazed Char-Grilled Pork Jowl stood out for its fatty, tender texture, but the flavours didn’t quite hit the mark - the marinade leaned slightly sweet, and the tartness of the yuzu didn’t come through as much as expected.

Mini Cold Udon & Seasonal Truffle 3.5/5

Smoked Duck Carbonara Udon 3/5

We tried two types of udon for our final dishes: the Mini Cold Udon with Seasonal Truffle ($11.50, $22 for full portion) and Smoked Duck Carbonara Udon ($13). With its bold truffle aroma, the cold udon was a refreshing palate cleanser after the richer dishes and came in a convenient mini size. The carbonara udon, on the other hand, had a lighter cream sauce that, while less heavy, lacked a distinctive carbonara richness. The cheese slices didn't add much to the presentation, giving the dish a less refined feel.

Nomiya offers izakaya sets for 2-6 people starting from $139, making it a great spot for small gatherings. Their extensive selection of Japanese drinks adds to the lively and trendy atmosphere, with upbeat music (which can be a bit loud) and attentive service. With limited seating, including outdoor tables and bar seats, Nomiya is a vibrant destination for a night out in Chinatown.

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


Nomiya Izakaya & Bar
11 Trengganu Street
Singapore 058465
Tel: +65 6232 7827
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 530pm - 1030pm
Tue-Thu: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sat: 1130am - 1030pm
Sun: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight down Pagoda Street. Turn right onto Trengganu Street. Walk down Trengganu Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk straight to Sago Street. Turn left onto Sago Street and walk to the end. Turn right onto Trengganu Street. Walk down Trengganu Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]