Shakō-Ba @ North Canal Road - A Vibrant & Immersive Experience Alongside Classic and Innovative Izakaya Creations

Time to check out the hottest new izakaya bar in town! Shakō-Ba is conceptualised around a unique daruma theme, inspired by the traditional Japanese doll symbolising perseverance and good luck. The space is stylishly decorated, with a main bar and dining area showcasing cheeky neon signage to create the perfect atmosphere for a night out. There's also a private room available for diners who want to enjoy a karaoke session.

The kitchen is led by Chef Patrick, who brings with him over 25 years of culinary expertise. Besides the ala carte main menu, they have recently launched an omakase menu, served in a cosy dining room away from the main bar and dining area. This setting offers a more intimate and sophisticated ambience whilst still embracing a fun and playful vibe. During my visit, my dining companion and I were treated to the Daruma Lite Omakase, and to begin the evening, we were presented with a tray of 6 different types of Japanese cups and glasses. This welcome ritual allows each diner to choose their preferred vessel, which is then paired with a complimentary welcome drink! There are both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available, and I was pleased with my refreshing iced yuzu drink.

Seasonal Appetisers 4.5/5

Chef Patrick then presented the first dish: a tray of Seasonal Appetisers featuring three delightful items. The fruit tomato, delicately sprinkled with snowflake salt, was set alongside a bowl of beancurd skin paired with wasabi. Intriguingly, there were two little river crabs perched on the tray — I initially thought they were just decorative! However, they are indeed meant to be eaten. Deep-fried and seasoned with salt and garlic powder, the crabs were incredibly crunchy, and we demolished them rather quickly.

Seasonal Sashimi Tray 4.2/5

Next, we were treated to the Seasonal Sashimi Tray, presented with a touch of flair as lights illuminated the ice beneath. We were served three thick, fresh slices of fish: chutoro, yellowtail, and swordfish belly. Chef Patrick adds a creative twist to the soy sauce by transforming it into a foam, encouraging diners to apply the soy sauce foam directly onto the fish rather than dipping it.

Scallops Cold Truffle Somen 4.8/5

Before diving into the Scallops Cold Truffle Somen, diners get to engage in an exciting game of dice with Chef Patrick! The stakes are high—those who win will be well rewarded with a complimentary topping of fresh seasonal hairy crab to elevate their somen! But even if luck isn't on your side, the truffle somen is already very delicious, featuring large, succulent pieces of scallops that make it a delight regardless!

Truffle Chawanmushi 4.2/5

Next is a Truffle Chawanmushi that is served piping hot and warms the palate. Each spoonful reveals a silky smooth consistency, enhanced by earthy truffle flavours.

Tempura Prawn & Corn Rice 4.2/5

We were then served a tray of Tempura Prawn & Corn Rice, a dish beautifully showcasing textures' harmony and flavours. The bite-sized pieces of prawn and corn tempura are perfectly crisp, providing a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, fluffy bed of rice beneath. The rice is seasoned with furikake, and I found the dish to be quite tasty, although my dining companion felt that the rice could do with an extra pinch of salt.

Shots Tray

At this point, you have the chance to win free shots — if you’re feeling daring! The odds are definitely in your favour, as you’ll draw from a full deck of cards, winning the corresponding number of shots based on your draw. But beware: if you happen to draw the Joker, you'll have to buy a round for all the diners at the omakase table, though at a discounted 1-for-1 price! Are you willing to take the risk?

Note: The shots shown in my photo are the mini version, as we requested a reduced size. Typically, the shots served are in standard shot glasses!

Clam Soup 4.2/5

After all that excitement, sip on a comforting bowl of Clam Soup, where each spoonful envelops you in warmth and contentment. The broth is richly infused with the briny essence of fresh clams, and the many tender pieces of clam in the soup provide a satisfying bite in every sip.

Dessert 4.2/5

For dessert, diners are treated to three delightful pieces of mochi, each one coated in your choice of chocolate, kinako, or sesame. A nice way to experience traditional Japanese sweets with a modern twist.

Brown Sugar Cheesecake 4.5/5

This Brown Sugar Cheesecake isn't included in the Daruma-lite omakase menu, but it's absolutely worth ordering from the main menu. The cheesecake boasts a luscious, melted top layer of cheese that perfectly complements the crispy brown sugar crust, adding rich caramel sweetness to every bite. Each forkful combines the creamy filling, the crispy sugar crust and the buttery biscuit base, creating a harmonious blend of textures that will leave you craving more.

The drinks menu is equally enticing, featuring a diverse selection of flavoured shochu, sake, highballs and more, ensuring there’s something to please every palate. Whether you prefer the refreshing notes of a fruity shochu or the nuanced flavours of a finely crafted sake, you’ll find the perfect accompaniment to your meal.

Additionally, there's an exciting option to press the "Superstar Button." If you're feeling like a boss, this fun feature lets you treat the whole crowd to a round of shots for just $288! It's a fantastic way to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a lively night out with friends. Whether you're here for drinks and izakaya bites or a multi-course omakase, you can be sure of one thing: the team at Shakō-Ba is ready to welcome you for a good time!

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Shakō-Ba
12 North Canal Road
#02-01
Singapore 048825
Tel: +65 9689 9010
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Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (CC Line), Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 5pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards the junction of North Canal Road and South Bridge Road. Cross the junction and continue on North Canal Road. Walk along the shophouses along North Canal Road. Look out for an alley and turn left into it. Look for the entrance to the building and take lift to level 2. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]


2) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk towards North Canal Road. Continue on North Canal Road. Walk along the shophouses along North Canal Road. Look out for an alley and turn right into it. Look for the entrance to the building and take lift to level 2. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

The Lobby Lounge @ InterContinental Singapore – Reimagined Flavours of Japan Afternoon Tea

Timeless elegance with teatime affair at The Lobby Lounge as Executive Pastry Chef Jason Goh and his talented culinary team bring back the crowd-favourite Flavours of Japan Afternoon Tea following its successful debut last year. The updated menu reimagines classic Japanese sweet and savoury delights that marries traditional Japanese flavours with modern culinary artistry.

Japanese Lobster Salad Sandwich 4/5

Seafood Inari with Shoyu Ikura 3.8/5

There are 4 savoury items, and our favourite was the Japanese Lobster Salad Sandwich, which was really flavourful, and we loved the overall texture. The Seafood Inari with Shoyu Ikura has great potential with Hokkaido Scallop, Jumbo Lump Crab, Octopus, Seasoned Wakame, Salmon Roe and Wasabi-Yuzu Dressing but the sweet tofu pocket overpowered all the ingredients. The other 2 items were the Baked Miso Black Cod, which was a little too salty for our liking, and the Charcoal Barbeque Eel Quiche, which has a nice flavour but is a little dry.

Scones: English Buttermilk and Ichida Hoshigaki / Charcoal Barbeque Eel Quiche

Scones are one item we always look forward to during an afternoon tea. The classic Buttermilk Scones are buttery and perfect with clotted cream. The other 2 condiments to go with the scones are Sakura Peach Preserves and Strawberry-Mint Marmalade. Even though we can't taste the mint, we prefer the Strawberry-Mint Marmalade over the Sakura Peach Preserves. As for the Ichida Hoshigaki Scones, made with dried Japanese persimmon, have a slightly bitter aftertaste, which we are not a fan of.

The afternoon tea set includes a good selection of TWG Tea or Coffee. However, note that it is only one serving. If you order a tea, you may refill hot water.

Yuzu Kumquat Mame (in shot glass) 3/5 and Japanese Matcha Roll 3.5/5

Okinawan Tartlet 3/5

The Sweet Fancies look so pretty we didn't know where to start! Our favourite has to be the Kurogoma Ryokucha Mousse, which actually is just a simple black sesame cream on a genoise sponge, but it is so soft and light, and the fragrant black sesame is such a delight; it was unexpected! Chef Jason told us that he was trying to mimic soba for the black sesame cream part, it's cute. The Japanese Matcha Roll made with roasted almond sponge was rolled with a light hojicha mascarpone cream but sandwiched with 2 pieces of white chocolate, which made it a little too sweet.

Mizu Shingen Mochi 3.5/5

Kurogoma Ryokucha Mousse 4/5

The Okinawan Tartlet has good potential, but the tart shell was too bitter for our liking, overpowering the Okinawan sweet potato crème, and the caramelised macadamia wasn't sweet enough to balance it out. Mizu Shingen Mochi, the once viral raindrop cake, was paired with Japanese black honey (we thought it was Okinawa's famous black sugar at first) and kinako (soybean powder). It was fun to eat but nothing surprising. You may adjust your preference for sweetness with the amount of black honey.

Enjoy the free flow of sorbet and gelato, with two flavours rotating daily. We had the Mixed Berry Sorbet and Vanilla Gelato.

Flavours of Japan Afternoon Tea is available daily till 12 November 2024 at $65++ per person on weekdays and $70++ per person on weekends. Add on $28++ for one flute of champagne. There are 2 seatings available at 1pm-3pm and 3.30pm-5.30pm.

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


The Lobby Lounge
InterContinental Singapore
Level 1
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 68251008
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1-3pm, 330pm - 530pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Crystal Jade Okinawa Fare Promotion Available Until 5 May 2024, Showcasing the Bountiful Produces From Okinawa

Recently returning from a trip to Okinawa, I found myself at Crystal Jade to explore their latest promotion, Flavours of Okinawa. This promotion, running until May 5th, 2024, celebrates the vibrant flavours and fresh produce of Okinawa, often referred to as the Hawaii of Japan.

Some of the ingredients from Okinawa that Crystal Jade will be using and incorporating into the dish are Okinawa Mozuku Seaweed, Sea Grape, Bittergourd and Brown Sugar.

Okinawa Mozuku Seaweed:
One of the stars of the promotion, Okinawa Mozuku Seaweed, takes centre stage in several dishes. Renowned for its briny flavour and delicate texture, this seaweed adds a distinct umami richness.

Sea Grape:
Another Okinawan gem is the Sea Grape. Rarely seen outside of Okinawa, this unique seaweed variety offers a burst of freshness and a delightful crunch, elevating dishes with its unique texture and flavour profile.

Bittergourd:
Bittergourd is a beloved ingredient in Okinawan cuisine. It is used in various dishes. Known for its creamy texture and mild flavour, bittergourd adds depth and richness to soups, stir-fries, and other delights.

Brown Sugar:
No exploration of Okinawan cuisine would be complete without the use of Brown Sugar, a staple ingredient in many traditional dishes. Adding a subtle sweetness and depth of flavour, Okinawan brown sugar lends a unique character to both savoury and sweet creations.

Chilled Okinawa Mozuku Seaweed 4/5

We began our dinner with the refreshing Chilled Okinawa Mozuku Seaweed ($22.80), a delightful dish paired with wasabi-aged vinaigrette, fresh lily bulb, and cherry tomato. Available at all Crystal Jade fine dining outlets, it sets the tone for the evening ahead.

Okinawa Sea Grapes 3.8/5

A rare find in Singapore, the Okinawa Sea Grapes ($19.80) showcased the uniqueness of Okinawan produce. Served on a bed of ice and paired with fragrant, spicy soy sauce, it offered a crunchy texture and a burst of flavour.

Crisp-fried Shredded Taro with Okinawa Mozuku Seaweed 3.5/5

Next, we indulged in the Crisp-fried Shredded Taro with Okinawa Mozuku Seaweed ($19.80 for 4pc), a harmonious blend of fragrant taro and briny seaweed, providing a multi-textural experience.

Crispy Okinawa Bittergourd & Shimeiji Mushroom with Salted Egg 3/5

While flavourful, the Crispy Okinawa Buttergourd & Shimeiji Mushroom with Salted Egg ($12.80) at Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen left me wishing for a more distinct salted egg flavour. Nevertheless, the addition of rice puff added an enjoyable crunch to the dish.

Pan-fried Prawn & Chives with Okinawa Mozuku Seaweed Pancake 3.5/5

Reminiscent of okonomiyaki, the Pan-fried Prawn & Chives with Okinawa Mozuku Seaweed Pancake ($13.80) at Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen was a delightful treat. Topped with prawns, chives, and seaweed, it offered a crisp and flavorful experience.

Spicy Szechuan Chicken with Okinawa Bittergourd 4/5

The Spicy Szechuan Chicken with Okinawa Bittergourd ($22.80) at Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao stood out as a bold and flavourful dish. The fragrant spicy sauce perfectly complemented the tender chicken and bittergourd.

Stewed Noodle with Okinawa Mozuku Seaweed & Prawn 3/5

Ending our savoury journey, the Stewed Noodle with Okinawa Mozuku Seaweed & Prawn ($15.80) provided a comforting experience. While the noodles were soft and silky, the flavour was subdued, probably to allow the seaweed to shine.

Acerola Cherry Mochi 3.5/5

We savoured the Acerola Cherry Mochi ($9.80 for 4pc) and Mini Chocolate Tart with Okinawa Brown Sugar ($8.80 for 4pc) for dessert. Both offered a sweet ending to our meal, with the latter standing out for its elevated aroma and indulgent sweetness from the brown sugar.

Mini Chocolate Tart with Okinawa Brown Sugar 4/5

Crystal Jade's Flavours of Okinawa promotion is a delightful exploration of Okinawan cuisine, showcasing the freshness and diversity of the region's produce. Available until May 5th, 2024, across various Crystal Jade outlets, it offers a tantalising glimpse into the tropical flavours of Okinawa.

Note: This is an invited tasting.

Cafe Usagi TOKYO @ Suntec City - Featuring Mochi Creations, Teas And Other Modern Japanese Desserts

Cafe Usagi TOKYO opened its space late last year in Suntec City, with a second kiosk recently introduced at 111 Somerset. "Usagi" translates to rabbit in Japanese, and decorations in the cafe are in line with its name.

Led by Japanese Chef/Creative Director Yuka Shigeno and co-founder Artini, the cafe features a range of Japanese desserts with modern twists, focusing on mochi and tea-based creations. Coming 9 and 10 April 2023, enjoy a 1-for-1 Mochi Ice Cream Promo at their Suntec City outlet (limited to 2 orders per customer, while servings last).

Strawberry Daifuku 4/5

All of Cafe Usagi's desserts are crafted in-house, including the Strawberry Daifuku ($6.90). It was well-liked among my dining companions. Wrapped in freshly made soft and chewy mochi skin, the decent-sized strawberry had a thin layer of red bean paste around it. While the red bean paste could be smoother, the strawberries were juicy and sweet.

Mochi Dorayaki 2.5/5

Apart from the range of mochi desserts, the cafe hopes to focus on dorayaki. The Mochi Dorayaki ($6.90) has a combination of both. Layered between two dorayaki was mochi and red bean paste. The overall texture was dry and needed syrup or sauce to pair. I wasn't a fan of the dorayaki on its own, as it had a slight aftertaste that wasn't entirely pleasant.

Strawberry Matcha Dorayaki Cake 2.5/5

The Strawberry Matcha Dorayaki Cake ($9.90) had matcha cream in the middle and sliced strawberries all around. While this had a better combination than the previous Mochi Dorayaki, the dorayaki affected the overall experience.

Iced Uji Matcha Latte 3/5

Unfortunately, my Iced Uji Matcha Latte ($6.80) wasn't whisked well and came slightly clumpy. It also didn't carry the fragrance and robustness I hoped for. To be fair, I tried the same matcha latte at their 111 Somerset outlet, and the experience was better.

Mochi Waffles with Kuromitsu Syrup 4/5

Our unanimous favourite was the Mochi Waffles with Kuromitsu Syrup ($8.50). We paired this with the Samurai Blue Sea Salt Ice Cream ($5). If you are a mochi fan, you will likely enjoy this. The mochi skin is sandwiched in between, which results in a slight crispness around the waffle edges and a chewy interior. I recommend digging into this while it's hot, as the texture gets slightly sticky after cooling down.

Ceremonial Uji Matcha Mochi 4/5

The use of mochi skin continues in their Mochi Ice Cream ($6 onwards). You can first choose a preferred ice cream flavour, and the staff will prepare the order on the spot by wrapping the selected scoop with mochi skin. We found the Uji Matcha ice cream quite sweet, but it had a much more robust flavour than the matcha latte.

Lavender Hojicha Pot 4/5

After the variety of cold desserts, the Lavender Hojicha Pot ($7.90) was extra welcoming. We learnt that many of the tea blends in Cafe Usagi are Chef Yuka's creations. This hot Lavender Hojicha tea, in particular, was fragrant and smooth.

Matcha with Hokkaido Azuki Red Bean and Mochi Bread 3.5/5

Lastly, it's the newly launched Matcha with Hokkaido Azuki Red Bean and Mochi Bread ($8.80 per Loaf). Available in Original Milk, Matcha and Hokkaido Chocolate Chip flavours, they will be available daily from early April in limited quantities.

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.


Cafe Usagi TOKYO
Suntec City Tower 3
8 Temasek Boulevard
#02-615A
Singapore 038983
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Nearest MRT: Promenade MRT (CC, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Musubi @ JEM - Unique Japanese Otsumami And Wappameshi

Musubi is a new casual dining concept at JEM offering unique Japanese Otsumami and Wappameshi. Diners can look forward to a delightful selection of Japanese rice bowls - Seiro Gohan, inspired by the traditional culinary art of Wappanmeshi. Complete the meal with a nibble of tasty Japanese otsumami (small plates) and Shabu Shabu.

Cheese Imo Mochi 4.2/5

Corn Butter Shoyu Mushi 4/5

The Cheese Imo Mochi ($7) and Corn Butter Shoyu Mushi ($5) are available for its winter promotion. The Cheese Imo Mochi, deep-fried to golden perfection, has a cheesy centre. It is crispy on the outside while chewy and fluffy inside, and umami pops from the ikura. As for the Corn Butter Shoyu Mushi, the corns are extremely sweet.

Oyster, Crab & Salmon 3 Kind Seiro Gohan 3.8/5

Known for its signature seiro gohan, the restaurant has put together the Oyster, Crab & Salmon 3 Kind Seiro Gohan ($26) for its winter promotion. The steamed flavoured rice comes with Shio-koji Aomori Salmon, Ikura, plump oyster, crab meat and Shishito pepper.

Steamed Ika Siu Mai 3/5

The Steamed Ika Siu Mai has a unique presentation, unlike the usual one in a Chinese restaurant. Though the appearance was appealing, the taste fell below my expectation. I still prefer the Chinese version over this.

Crab Gravy Chawanmushi 4/5

The Crab Gravy Chawanmushi is a smooth, silky and flavourful bowl of steamed rice topped with crab meat that complements the seiro gohan for a complete meal.

Melted Braised Pork Belly Seiro Gohan 3.8/5

Lemon-koji Chicken Seiro Gohan 3.8/5

Besides the Oyster, Crab & Salmon 3 Kind Seiro Gohan, We also tried two other seiro gohan on the menu - Melted Braised Pork Belly Seiro Gohan and Lemon-Koji Chicken Seiro Gohan. I preferred the melt-in-the-mouth braised pork belly with hanjuku egg among the two. On the other hand, the lemon-koji chicken is a healthier choice with tender chicken and fluffy rolled omelette.

Steamed Beef Shabu Shabu 4/5

Another delicious and healthy option is the Steamed Beef Shabu Shabu. The thinly sliced beef is laid on top of a bed of cabbage. If I am right, the meat and cabbage are steamed together, allowing the cabbage to soak up the delicious beef essence.

Homemade Kokuto Pudding 3/5

Yuzu Macaron 3/5

For dessert, we had the Homemade Kokuto Pudding and Yuzu Macaron. The homemade kokuto pudding was mildly sweet with a custard-like texture, topped with crunchy cacao. Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy the citrusy Yuzu Macaron.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Musubi
JEM
50 Jurong Gateway Road
#04-13/14
Singapore 608549
Tel: +65 63341084
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Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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