DOMO Modern Japanese @ Fairmont Hotel - Where Robatayaki Meets European Creativity

DOMO Modern Japanese, located at Fairmont Singapore, marks Chef Rose Ang's return after 29 years abroad, working in some of Europe's finest restaurants. With an impressive six-year tenure at NOBU Group, Chef Rose brings a fusion of Japanese robatayaki with modern European flair, promising a unique and refined dining experience.

Tuna Taco, Wagyu Taco 4/5

We began with the Tuna, Feta, Avocado Taco ($18 for 2pcs) and Wagyu Beef Taco with Jalapeño ($28 for 2pcs). Both tacos were served in crisp, hard shells, adding a textural contrast to the well-balanced ingredients. The tuna taco had a delightful freshness with the feta's creaminess, while the wagyu taco carried a satisfying umami kick with a spicy jalapeño finish.

Salmon Tataki with Dijon Mustard Balsamic Glaze 4.2/5

The Salmon Tataki ($22) is a classic dish with a flavourful twist. While the lightly seared salmon was undeniably fresh, the Dijon mustard balsamic glaze elevated the dish, adding a tangy and slightly sweet dimension that brightened the dish beautifully.

Salmon California, Crabmeat, Cucumber, Avocado, Tobiko Maki Roll 3.8/5

Softshell Crab, Cucumber, Kimchi, Tobiko, Chilli Mayo Maki Roll 3.8/5

We also indulged in two different maki rolls, each offering its own unique blend of flavours and textures. The Salmon California Maki ($28) was a classic yet satisfying combination of sweet crabmeat, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and briny tobiko, all wrapped in delicate sushi rice. Each bite delivered a harmonious balance of freshness and richness. Meanwhile, the Softshell Crab Maki ($24) took a bolder approach, featuring crispy softshell crab, crunchy cucumber, and a hint of kimchi and chilli mayo spice. The interplay of umami, heat, and crunch made this roll a more dynamic and exciting option. While both rolls were enjoyable, they leaned towards the familiar, lacking a distinct signature touch that would set them apart from other maki offerings in town.

Fried Halibut with Yuzu Truffle Sauce 4/5

The Fried Halibut ($35) was beautifully executed. It featured a crispy exterior while retaining a moist, buttery interior. The yuzu truffle sauce added a refreshing citrusy contrast that complemented the delicate fish wonderfully.

Asparagus Fried Capers with Sesame Teriyaki 3.5/5

A simple yet well-executed dish, the Asparagus Fried Capers ($16 for 5pcs) was grilled with sesame teriyaki, adding a light smokiness to the natural crunch of the asparagus. While flavourful, it felt less innovative compared to the other dishes.

Miso Chicken with Grilled Eggplant in Mirin Ginger Soy 4/5

Among the grilled selections, the Miso Teriyaki Chicken ($24) stood out with its beautifully caramelised glaze. The chicken was grilled to tender perfection, its juices locked in beneath a lightly charred exterior. The miso teriyaki glaze lent a delicate balance of sweetness and umami, enhancing the meat's natural flavours without overpowering them. Each bite carried a subtle smokiness, a testament to the precise grilling technique. Alongside the chicken, we had the Grilled Eggplant with Mirin, Ginger, and Soy ($16) — a simple yet well-executed dish. The buttery-soft eggplant absorbed the aromatic sauce, which brought together the gentle sweetness of mirin, the warmth of ginger, and the deep savoriness of soy. The interplay of sweet, earthy, and smoky notes elevated the otherwise humble vegetable, making it a delightful complement to the richer dishes on the table.

Flambe Angus Beef Tenderloin with Japanese Whiskey 4.2/5

Making a dramatic tableside entrance, the Flambé Angus Beef Tenderloin ($49) was served on a salt stone and flambéed with Japanese whisky. The beef was already excellent on its own, but the whisky flambé added an extra aromatic depth.

Domo Arigato Finale 4/5

When the Domo Arigato Finale ($80) arrived at our table, I finally understood why this dessert carried such a hefty price tag — it wasn't just a single dessert, but an extravagant platter showcasing every sweet creation on the menu comprising of Matcha-Misu, Sticky Date Ginger Pudding with Soy Toffee Sauce, Warm Chocolate Lava Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream, Coffee Brulee and Coco Crumble, Mangolicious Cake with Mandarin Orange Sorbet, Ice Cream Selections, Fresh Fruits and Berries. It felt like a grand finale to an indulgent feast, a symphony of flavours and textures crafted to delight every kind of dessert lover. More than just a dessert, the Domo Arigato Finale felt like a celebration of indulgence, perfect for those who want to sample a little bit of everything and end their meal on a truly memorable note.

DOMO Modern Japanese presents refined robatayaki with a modern European touch, thanks to Chef Rose Ang's extensive global experience. Standout dishes include the Flambé Angus Beef Tenderloin, Fried Halibut with Yuzu Truffle, and the Salmon Tataki. While not every dish was groundbreaking, the overall execution and flavours were well-balanced and satisfying. If you're a fan of Japanese-European fusion, DOMO is worth a visit, especially with their opening special — from 28 Feb 2024 to 31 Mar 2025, every table receives a free limited-edition appetiser (worth $18), specially curated by Chef Rose.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


DOMO
Fairmont Singapore
252 North Bridge Road
#03-00
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 89108835
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

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

Genki Sushi @ Somerset - Catch Genki Sushi’s Limited-Time Collaboration with Spy x Family From 19 Sep to 3 Nov 2024

Spy x Family fans are in for a treat as Genki Sushi rolls out a limited-time collaboration menu featuring 10 exclusive creations inspired by the popular anime. Available at all Genki Sushi outlets islandwide, the special menu brings beloved characters to life through a range of dishes.

Genki Premium members can also redeem a limited edition Anya Tote Bag with a minimum spend of $50 while stocks last.

Anya’s Beef & Peanut Butter Maki

One of the signature items is Anya's Beef & Peanut Butter Maki ($4.90), which reflects Anya's love for peanuts. This sushi roll features a quirky combination of short plate beef, cucumber, and a housemade peanut sauce.

Ebi Mentai Maki 3/5

Another sushi roll creation is the Ebi Mentai Maki ($4.90), filled with shrimp, tamago, and cucumber, then drizzled with rich mentaiko sauce.

Chicken Stew 3/5

For a comforting option, the Chicken Stew ($6.90) offers a bowl of chicken chunks, potatoes, and carrots, served with tamago and star-shaped rice. Although we found the rice too dry, the stew itself was pretty satisfying.

Hiyashi Tanuki Udon 3.5/5

On the cooler side, the Hiyashi Tanuki Udon ($4.90) is served chilled with chewy udon noodles dressed in Japanese Goma sauce, complemented by crabstick, tamago, cucumber, and crispy tempura bits.

Stellar Ebi Katsu 3/5

The Stellar Ebi Katsu ($2.90) was created in celebration of Anya's first ‘Stellar Star’ earned. This star-shaped shrimp cutlet is deep-fried and served with mayonnaise.

Anya Croquette 3.5/5

Another fried treat is the Anya Croquette ($2.90), which comes adorned with an Anya imprint. The crispy croquette is served with Tonkatsu Mayo sauce, giving it a flavour profile reminiscent of okonomiyaki.

Clam Chowder 3/5

The soup option on the menu is a creamy Clam Chowder ($3.90) with bits of clams, carrots and potatoes.

Kaisen Gunkan 3/5

Lastly, the Kaisen Gunkan ($4.40) offers a mix of different sashimi cubes topped with a bit of spice.

Kani Salad Edo-mae 3.5/5

In addition to the themed items, we also had a couple of dishes from the regular menu. The Kani Salad Edo-mae ($3.60) consisted of rice wrapped in sweet omelette and topped with crabstick shreds.

Aburi Maguro 2.5/5

The Aburi Maguro ($3.40) was unfortunately over-torched, taking away from the fish's natural flavour.

Parfait 2.5/5

To end the meal on a sweet note, two themed desserts are on offer. The Bond Mofu-Mofu Parfait ($6.40) and Spy x FamilySpecial Parfait ($6.40) both feature existing soft serve flavours - Hokkaido Milk and Matcha, decorated to fit the Spy x Family theme. Each is topped with honey stars and a chocolate piece featuring the character Bond.

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.


Genki Sushi
313@somerset
B2-03
313 Orchard Road
Singapore 238895
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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

Hiyaki Yakitori Izakaya Bar @ Kamping Bahru - Bringing a Fresh and Inventive Twist to Traditional Japanese Cuisine

Nestled in the tranquil stretch of Kampong Bahru, Hiyaki Yakitori Izakaya Bar is a recently opened Izakaya Bar that brings a fresh and inventive twist to traditional Japanese cuisine.

With its cosy and intimate ambience, the bar features a softly dimmed atmosphere with Japanese-inspired decor.

Guests can choose from a private dining room with traditional Japanese zaisu seating or table and bar seating for a more casual experience.

Assorted 5 Kind Sashimi 4.2/5

Although Hiyaki labels itself as a yakitori izakaya bar, its menu is impressively diverse, featuring a wide range of both raw and cooked dishes. We sampled the Assorted 5 Kind Sashimi ($70.80), which included generous slices of otoro, kanpachi, maguro, sake (salmon), and mekajiki. The freshness of the fish was evident in the sweetness of each bite. A similar sashimi platter is also available with chutoro at a reduced price of $10.

Potato Salad 4/5

The quintessential Japanese Potato Salad ($8.80) is a new addition to the menu and offers a delightful twist with crispy fried shredded sweet potato on top, adding an extra crunch to the dish. This creamy salad also features sweet corn kernels, carrots, cucumber, and eggs, making for a satisfying blend of textures and flavours.

Pidan Tofu 4.2/5

Another exciting new appetiser on the menu is the Pidan Tofu ($7.80). Thanks to its inventive twist, this dish left a lasting impression on me. Like the potato salad, it features a topping of crispy fried potato, which adds an unexpected crunch and elevates the traditional pidan tofu. It's a successful and refreshing take on a familiar favourite.

Deep Fried Silver Fish 3.8/5

The final appetiser we tried was the Deep Fried Silver Fish ($12.80), served with mayonnaise dip. While the silver fish was well-fried and pleasantly plump, the dish itself was somewhat ordinary. However, it pairs nicely with drinks and would make a great snack for casual sipping.

Salmon Mentai Maki 4/5

A new addition to the menu, the Salmon Mentai Maki ($16.80) is a favourite among Singaporeans. This maki roll is generously filled with ingredients such as salmon sashimi, avocado, and what appears to be pumpkin. It's topped with Aburi salmon, mentaiko sauce, and the crunchy shredded sweet potato used in the potato salad.

Charcoal Grill – Tsukune, Torimomo & Tebasaki 4/5

Given that Hiyaki prides itself on being a yakitori bar, we had to sample some of their grilled offerings. We tried the Tsukune (chicken meatballs, $7.80), Torimomo (chicken thigh, $5), and Tebasaki (chicken wings, $5). Each item was well-grilled and flavourful. The tsukune featured bits of soft bone, adding a pleasing texture, while the torimomo had a flavour profile more akin to chicken breast, with less fat than expected but still very tasty. The tebasaki, however, was a bit too salty for our taste. The grill menu also includes other chicken parts such as bishop's nose, liver, gizzard, and heart and vegetables like ladyfinger, ginkgo nut, and oyster mushroom.

Kurohana Wagyu (150g) 4.5/5

For our main course, we enjoyed the Kurohana Wagyu Ribeye Steak ($60.80), accompanied by three condiments: snowflake salt, yuzu shisho, and wasabi. The wagyu was perfectly cooked, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, juicy and flavorful. Despite its premium price, we highly recommend giving it a try.

Hotate Nori Wasabi 4/5

We were surprised to find the Hotate Nori Wasabi ($19.80/3 pcs) listed under the main course, as they are bite-sized and feel more like an appetiser. Nevertheless, the scallops were perfectly pan-fried and paired wonderfully with the kizami wasabi and crispy nori.

Unagi Chahan 4.2/5

Last but not least, we tried the Unagi Chahan ($16.80). While it may look ordinary, it packs incredible flavour! Each grain of rice is coated in a savoury sauce and fried to a delightful char. The overall taste is a balanced savoury mix with a hint of sweetness reminiscent of teriyaki. This dish is both appetising and hearty, making it perfect for sharing. Be sure to enjoy it while it's hot for the best experience.

For drinks, Hiyaki offers a well-curated selection of beers, sake, and cocktails. Their highballs are priced at S$10.80, and they feature a 1-for-1 Sapporo beer deal at S$11.80 from Monday to Thursday, between 4:30 pm and 7:00 pm.

Overall, we were thoroughly impressed with the quality and flavours of the food at Hiyaki. We look forward to seeing them maintain these high standards in the future.

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


Hiyaki Yakitori Izakaya Bar
33 Kampong Bahru Road
Singapore 169354
Tel: +65 9487 5363
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 5pm – 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 5. Walk to New Bridge Road. Left turn and walk down New Bridge Road. Continue onto Kampong Bahru Road. Walk to the row of shophouses along Kampong Bahru Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

SHINRAI @ Telok Ayer Street - Bold Fusion of Aburi and Charcoal Grill Mastery

Nestled in the vibrant enclave of Telok Ayer, SHINRAI unveils an exquisite sushi-izakaya concept that seamlessly blends the artistry of omakase-inspired dishes with the convivial ambience of a traditional Japanese izakaya. Spearheaded by veteran omakase Chef Desmond Fong from Sushi Yujo and meticulously curated by Head Chef Haoey Cheah, SHINRAI promises a dining experience brimming with aburi and charcoal-grilled specialities that captivate the senses.

Salmon Carpaccio 3.5/5

We kickstarted the meal with several appetisers, starting with the Salmon Carpaccio ($16.80). This tantalising dish features thinly sliced salmon sashimi delicately drizzled with the chef's housemade aromatic truffle sauce, culminating in a harmonious symphony of flavours heightened by adding truffle caviar for an intensified earthy essence.

Seafood Chawanmushi with Truffle Caviar 4/5

Indulge in the rich flavours of the Seafood Chawanmushi ($9.80), a Japanese egg custard infused with succulent crab meat, prawns, and scallops, accentuated by the opulent notes of truffle caviar. Each spoonful offers a luxurious burst of flavour, making it a delightful appetiser that tantalises the palate.

Hotate with Foie Gras Sushi 4/5

Elevate your sushi experience with the decadent Hotate with Foie Gras Sushi ($23.80). This opulent creation showcases a perfect union of sweet scallops, and rich foie gras layered atop sushi rice. The scallops are enhanced with a sweet housemade sauce and torched to perfection, resulting in a delectable caramelised finish.

Shinrai Signature Maki 4.2/5

Dive into a world of flavours with the SHINRAI Signature Maki ($21.80), an irresistible sushi roll bursting with torched salmon, grilled unagi, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, tobiko, and a delightful touch of chicken floss. The harmonious blend of textures and flavours offers a delightful, satisfying, and indulgent mouthful.

Tebasaki, Tsukune, Hotate 3.5/5

Savour the smoky and charred flavours of the Tebasaki ($3.80), Tsukune ($6.80), and Hotate ($7.80) skewers, each glazed with teriyaki sauce and grilled to perfection. Accompanied by a luscious onsen egg dip, these skewers offer a delightful interplay of flavours and textures that tantalise the taste buds.

Ebi with Mentaiko 4/5

Delight in the succulent flavours of the Ebi with Mentaiko ($21.80), featuring tiger prawns enveloped in a rich housemade mentaiko sauce that perfectly complements the sweet and crunchy prawns, resulting in a harmonious marriage of flavours.

Wagyu Foie Gras Don 4/5

Indulge in the ultimate indulgence with the Wagyu Foie Gras Don ($48.80), a sumptuous bowl starring prime A5 Kagoshima wagyu beef and decadent foie gras served over fluffy pearl rice, accompanied by a compelling onsen egg and truffle sauce. This hearty dish promises a symphony of flavours that delights the senses.

Tofu Cheesecake 3.8/5

Conclude your meal on a sweet note with the Tofu Cheesecake ($5.80), a delightful fusion of soybeans transformed into a melt-in-the-mouth cheesy indulgence. It is complemented by a sable base for added texture and depth of flavour.

Experience the culinary charms of SHINRAI with their lunch sets starting from $16.80, available every Monday to Friday from 11.30am to 2.30pm. With a diverse selection of options such as Chicken Teriyaki Don, Salmon Mentaiko Don, and Bara Chirashi Don, each lunch set includes miso soup, salad, and a delectable serving of tofu cheesecake, offering a delightful midday reprieve for discerning diners.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


SHINRAI
173 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068622
Tel: +65 8858 8831
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1145pm
(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 5 minutes. [Map]

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

SENSHI Sushi & Grill @ Dorsett Singapore - All-You-Can-Eat A La Carte Japanese Buffet with Newly Expanded Menu

SENSHI Sushi & Grill sits in the corner of Dorsett Singapore, a stone's throw away from Outram Park MRT Station. The Japanese restaurant offers both a la carte dishes and an all-you-can-eat buffet that has recently introduced a refreshed selection. Diners can expect new dishes that include Aburi dishes, Kaki Fry, Kani Gratin, Niku Jaga Braised Beef, Buta Kakuni Braised Pork and Japanese Mochi.

The buffet rates are as follows:

Lunch (11.30am to 3pm)
Weekday: $40+/pax
Weekend: $48+/pax

Dinner (6pm to 10.30pm)
Weekday: $50+/pax
Weekend: $55+/pax

The buffet includes free-flow drinks of house tea, soda and juice. With an add-on of $38/pax, you can also enjoy free-flow alcohol.

Included in the buffet are free flow drinks of house tea, soda and juice. With an add on of $38/pax, you can also enjoy free flow alcohol.

We tried the Weekend Dinner menu here, which differs slightly from their Weekday and Lunch menus. The range includes appetisers, sashimi, maki sushi, nigiri sushi, aburi nigiri sushi, handrolls, grilled dishes, hot dishes, deep-fried dishes, rice and noodles, and shabu shabu.

Assorted Sashimi

It's not a Japanese buffet without sashimi! We started with an Assorted Sashimi platter with salmon, tuna, swordfish, yellowtail and octopus. Their quality was decent, though some of the cuts could be improved. You can order these individually too.

Hot Appetisers - Truffle Chawanmushi

There is a selection of both hot and cold appetisers. From the Hot Appetisers range, you can choose from dishes such as Truffle Chawanmushi, Mentaiko Fries, and Asari Tofu Soup.

Cold Appetisers - Pidan Tofu

There are Pidan Tofu, Wafu Seafood Salad, Cold Spinach, Edamame, and more from the Cold Appetisers. The Pidan Tofu was a little disappointing, as I hoped the Pidan sauce would be more distinct.

Sushi

We ordered a mix of different items from the extensive range of Sushi items, consisting of maki, aburi sushi and nigiri sushi. Our favourites from here were the salmon dishes, such as the Aburi Salmon Mentaiko, Aburi Salmon Cheese and Salmon Mentaiko Maki.

Other non-salmon dishes include Chicken Floss Maki, Tuna Truffle Sushi and Aburi Ebi Mentaiko.

Handrolls

There are six types of Handrolls. We had the Softshell Crab Handroll but did not like it as the crab filling came lukewarm and needed a crunch. I suggest skipping this and trying the others instead.

Grilled Dishes - Baked Half Shell Scallop

From the Grilled Dishes section, we tried the Baked Half Shell Scallop, Baked Half Shell Oyster and Kani Gratin. These were generously topped with torched cheese! While the Kani Gratin had little crab meat, the scallops and oysters were plump and fresh.

Hot Dishes - Niku Jaga (Braised Beef)

My dining companion had the Braised Beef, one of the newest items in the Hot Dishes section. While she appreciated the flavourful sauce, the beef slices were a tad tough.

Hot Dishes - Sea Clam Butter Monte

Other Hot Dishes include the garlicky Sea Clam Butter Monte, Beef Cubes, Eggplant in Miso, Pork Yakiniku and more.

Deep Fried - Kaki Fry

My dining companion and I recommend getting their Kaki Fry from the Deep Fried selection. The oysters were creamy and fried to a crunch, faring much better than we expected.

Shabu Shabu

Their Shabu Shabu comes in a sharing portion with the choice to add on Pork Slices, Beef Slices and Sea Clams. The base broth leans towards the bland side. Hence, I suggest adding meats and clams to provide better flavour.

Beverages

For Beverages, we had their Slushies from the a la carte menu - Strawberry Yuzu ($6) and Lychee Grapefruit ($6). Unfortunately, both of them were too sweet for my liking.

If you prefer alcohol, they have quite a range of alcoholic drinks, from wines, beers and sake to soju, umeshu and Japanese whisky. Non-alcoholic options include juices, coffee, tea, soft drinks and water.

Hokkaido Cheesecake with Soft Serve Ice Cream

Desserts are not included in the buffet. We picked two from the a la carte menu, the first being the Hokkaido Cheesecake with Soft Serve Ice Cream ($9). While the cheesecake was creamy and soft, the soft serve had quite an icy texture.

Fresh Melon

The second dessert we chose to end the night was the crunchy and sweet Fresh Melon ($6).

Overall, we appreciated SENSHI’s fast and warm service in serving orders, but the buffet dishes were a mix of hits and misses.

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.


SENSHI Sushi & Grill
Dorsett Singapore
#01-01
333 New Bridge Road
Singapore 088765
Tel: +65 8518 8616
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park MRT (EW, NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 9pm

Direction:
1. Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]