Maguro Samurai @ Robertson Quay - New Modern “Fish Market” Izakaya Specialising in Unique Tuna Parts, Overflowing Ikura Dons and More

Maguro Samurai, a new addition to the Robertson Quay dining scene, brings a modern 'fish market-style' izakaya concept to Singapore. Associated with Kansushi, the restaurant takes pride in its range of authentic Japanese dishes, including items uncommonly found in Singapore.

The interesting 'fish market' concept allows diners to first take their pick from a display of seafood imported from Japan and then decide on a preferred cooking method. Some of these include sashimi, grilled and sushi.

For its interior, several samurai swords are on display, alongside an impressive collection of Japanese alcohols, most of which are available for order.

Avocado Shiokobu Ae 4/5

Our first dish was the Avocado Shiokobu Ae ($9), which had cubes of creamy avocado tossed in salted kelp and topped with bonito. We enjoyed this lightly savoury starter but wished it came in a more significant portion for its price.

Maguro Yukke 4.5/5

Next up, we had their Maguro Yukke ($38). Crack the silky raw egg yolk and mix it thoroughly to let the yolk coat each piece of tuna. The tuna chunks, marinated in a flavorful spicy sauce, matched harmoniously.

Negitoro Bucket 3.8/5

The Negitoro Bucket ($28) comprises minced fatty tuna and is meant to be savoured as a spread on crunchy baguette slices. While the additional garlic butter on the baguette was clever, we found it quite average overall.

Maguro Sashimi Mori 4.5/5

Tuna lovers should check out the Maguro Sashimi Mori ($52), which showcases four different tuna sashimi cuts. We had fresh and thick slices of Otoro (fatty tuna), Chutoro (medium fatty tuna), Maguro Zuniku (tuna head meat) and Akami (Bluefin tuna).

Grilled Maguro Zuniku 4.5/5

After enjoying the sashimi version, we were excited to try the Grilled Maguro Zuniku ($38). The grilled tuna head meat carried a bit of a soft, fatty texture and was done tender and smoky.

Grilled Maguro Hohoniku 4.5/5

Similarly, the Grilled Maguro Hohoniku ($16) was also grilled expertly, with the tuna cheek meat retaining its buttery and firm yet tender bite. The simple condiments of fresh wasabi, salt and garlic chips were more than sufficient.

Ninniku Syoyu Engawa Don 4.2/5

We had two different dons, the first being the Ninniku Syoyu Engawa Don (Flounder fin garlic flavour rice bowl). It was quite a small bowl, but we were impressed by the buttery slices of melt-in-your-mouth Engawa.

Ikura Kobore Don 4/5

The presentation of the Ikura Kobore Don ($39) was a whole visual treat. The chef first began a short performance on his drums while one of his servers generously topped on spoons of ikura synchronised to the rhythm of the beats. The don was finished with a shimmering spray of gold dust. While the plump ikura was briny and flavourful, this is definitely best as a sharing dish for 3 or more pax.

Kakigori 3.8/5

Dessert was a traditional Japanese offering, a freshly made calamansi-flavoured Kakigori. The layers of shaved ice here are thicker with a soft texture. It was refreshing, albeit a bit sweet.

Overall, the dishes we sampled at Maguro Samurai were indeed of decent quality; however, the general pricing was also relatively high.

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.


Maguro Samurai
Village Residence Robertson Quay
#01-16
30 Robertson Quay
Singapore 238251
Tel: +65 6320 3637
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Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 4pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic junction of Clemenceau Ave and River Valley. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Clemenceau Ave. Turn right onto Unity Street. Then left onto Merbau Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

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]

Wagatomo @ Guoco Tower - Chef Tomoyuki Welcomes The Arrival Of Spring With A Refreshed Omakase Menu

Wagatomo at Guoco Tower is considered Chef Tomoyuki Kiga's new home following the opening of his butchery and sando shop - Gyu San. It is where Chef Tomoyuki pushes boundaries to create his version of modern Japanese cuisine, drawing inspiration from his past experiences with food and culture gathered over the years. Experience the arrival of spring with a refreshed omakase menu here at Wagatomo with the new line-up of seven courses that features Spring ingredients, which are all about lighter flavours and fresher profiles.

Maguro & Green Pea Tartlets 3.5/5

The Spring Menu starts with Maguro & Green Pea Tartlets, with the tartlet base inspired by Kuey Pie Tie. Serving up two very contrasting profiles to tease your taste buds. One is a topping of spicy tuna sashimi spiced with togarashi aioli that brought a tinge of fiery kick. The other is a Japanese interpretation of the French Petit Pois, topped with sweet and crunchy green peas nested in a mashed green pea base.

Tomato 3 Ways 4.5/5

The 2nd course celebrates the humble tomato - Tomato 3 Ways, made with Tomato Houjicha Consommé, Tomato Jelly, and Marinated Tomatoes. A mix of French tomatoes marinated in tangy amazu and cubed tomato jelly made from tomato water was served chilled with a tomato consommé. The tomato jelly didn't provide much flavour, but I liked the contrasting texture they gave to the dish. Sweet, savoury and tangy, it was a stellar example of a dish celebrating the beauty of a single ingredient.

Maguro Tataki 3/5

The next course Maguro Tataki follows a similar flavour profile - Tataki in a sauce of vinegar, soy and sugar, garnished with Pickled Ginger Flower, Negi and garlic chips. While the flavours were pleasing, I would prefer a creamier dressing for the lean maguro.

Haru Kakiage 4.8/5

Next is Haru Kakiage, which is served with a tentsuyu sauce and a yummy batter of Bamboo shoots, Asparagus, Onion, Burdock and Prawn Tempura. Concocted with dashi, mirin and soy, the sauce delivered an umami punch to the light batter. I love the chewy texture and crunch lent by the various ingredients.

Saba Shio Yaki 4.5/5

Following is an individual portion of Saba Shio Yaki. Such tasty fish needs no seasoning, only some sea salt to bring out its sweetness. The grilled Japanese saba mackerel from Fukuoka is served with grated daikon with yuzu zest to cut the fatty flavour of the fish. The crisp skin that had been slightly seasoned with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt was delicious, with the flesh being firm and rich in taste.

Beef & Negi 4.5/5

The Main showcases Wagatomo's signature beef Kamichiku 4% Miracle Gyu - Beef & Negi. The Kamichiku 4% Miracle Gyu chuck roll is grilled using an open grill fired by binchotan charcoal and oakwood, with the right doneness to render the marbled fat. The sweetness of the caramelised negi in brown butter and the savoury potato puree complement the robust meat well, with all flavours welded together harmoniously.

Baked Ringo 4/5

The omakase ends with a divine Baked Ringo - Chef Tomoyuki reimagines an apple pie. Here we get an apple pie chutney encased in a baked apple, topped with refreshing green apple sorbet, alongside a cap of dehydrated apple with apple gel dollops.

The Spring 2023 Omakase menu will be available from 6 March 2023 onwards and is priced at $96 per person, with a minimum of two pax to share required.

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.


Wagatomo
Guoco Tower
5 Wallich Street
#01-12
Singapore 078883
Tel: +65 83136622
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130 am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to Guoco Tower. Walk to the open air square. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Maguro Brothers @ 100 AM Mall - Grilled Whole Gigantic Maguro Head & Rare Parts Of Bluefin Tuna

If you are a fan of good quality maguro sashimi, look no further. The new Maguro Brothers at 100 AM Mall offers sashimi connoisseurs a wide range of offerings, including rare parts of the Bluefin Tuna that are difficult to get at affordable prices.

3 Cuts of Sashimi 5/5

A must-have at Maguro Brothers is the 3 Cuts of Sashimi that consists of the Otoro (fatty tuna belly), Akami (meaty red tuna) and Chutoro (back and stomach). You will be guaranteed quality as Misaki Megumi Suisan, responsible for the concept, is a wholesaler of maguro and sashimi in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The Maguro is skinkei-jime using a Japanese tradition of inserting a spike into the hindbrain and destroying the spinal cord to preserve the quality and freshness. It stops lactic acid production and thus maintains the fish's quality. It is then kept in a minus-60 degree freezer to maintain its freshness.

Special Cuts of Maguro 4.2/5

You can also get rare parts of the maguro here. We have the following special cuts of maguro, starting with the Toumi (head toro sashimi). The texture is like otoro with a firmer texture. It is best to consume quickly as it may melt relatively fast due to its high-fat content. The other three cuts are Behind the Eye, Dorsal (above the chutoro) and Cheek of the maguro. These cuts are deeper in colour that has a texture reminiscent of beef. Prices start from $62 for a platter of 12 slices featuring seven special cuts of maguro.

Maguro Ribs Saikyo Yaki 4.8/5

Other than sashimi, the restaurant also offers a range of cooked dishes. One of our favourite items was the Maguro Ribs Saikyo Yaki ($29.80), painstakingly prepared for four days. The tender and succulent ribs, sweetened by Saikyo miso, packed an umami punch that left you wanting more.

Maguro Hohoniku Nanban Style 4/5

The Maguro Hohoniku Nanban Style ($16.80) boasts a western influence with tartar sauce and marinated onions to enjoy the crispiness of the deep-fried maguro cheek.

The Grilled Hon Maguro Head ($188) requires a day advance reservation. The gigantic bluefin maguro can serve 4 to 6 pax. Interestingly, chopped red chilli with ponzu sauce is served to go with the exotic meat around the maguro's head.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Maguro Brothers
100 AM Shopping Mall
100 Tras Street
#03-K1
Singapore 079027
Tel: +65 68544394
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 1130am - 2pm, 530pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun & PH: 1130am - 2pm, 530pm - 9pm
(Closd on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards Gopeng Street and turn into Tras Street. Walk to Amara Hotel. Journey time about 5 minutes.[Map]