The Gyu Bar @ Stevens Road - Celebrates 6-year Milestone With An Extended Menu

This March, The Gyu Bar, situated on Stevens Road, celebrated its 6-year milestone by introducing its first menu extension. The new dishes draw inspiration from cuisines across Asia, seamlessly combining the restaurant's signature quality beef with familiar flavours from the region.

Wagyu & Mizuna ‘Salad’ 4.5/5

Inspired by the Thai Beef Salad, the Wagyu & Mizuna 'Salad' ($38) features luscious marbled Miyazaki Wagyu sirloin, lightly seared and wrapped around fresh mizuna greens. The Wagyu imparted richness to the palate, perfectly balanced by the sharp, peppery notes of the mizuna greens. What elevated this starter was the savoury and zesty salad dressing, concocted with lime, chilli, dashi, fish sauce, onion, and basil, making each bite even more mouthwatering.

Deep-fried Wagyu Cha Gio 4/5

Deep-fried Wagyu Cha Gio ($18) was inspired by Vietnamese spring roll. A layer of Kumamoto seaweed enveloping minced Kagoshima Wagyu and chopped prawns was encased within the crispy skin. The filling was juicy and flavoursome with rich, beefy notes. While it was undoubtedly tasty, using Vietnamese rice paper instead would have improved the experience.

Spicy Pumpkin Wagyu Nabe 5/5

Spicy Pumpkin Wagyu Nabe ($48) is The Gyu Bar's take on Chinese sauerkraut fish. While it lacked the piquant and spicy notes of the classic version, I thoroughly enjoyed the hotpot, which offers two indulgent pieces of wagyu slices. The broth, comforting sweet with mashed Japanese pumpkin and a slight hint of heat, was also wholesome with a combination of fresh produce, which included cabbage, enoki mushrooms and Hokkaido milk corn.

Braised Wagyu Lu Rou Fan 3/5

Braised Wagyu Lu Rou Fan ($28) is a beef rendition of Taiwanese Lu Rou Fan. The Gyu Bar replicates the dish by simmering finely chopped Miyazaki Wagyu in a fragrant herbal mix and serving it atop a bed of Hokkaido rice alongside an Okinawan onsen egg. I appreciate the blend of chewy tendons and minced meat, which gave the dish an excellent textural bite. However, while the beef topping was decadent and morish, it is not a dish that allows you to appreciate fine quality wagyu. I reckoned this dish could be made with any beef.

Stir Fried Wagyu Konnyaku Noodles 3.5/5

We also tried a healthier version of Korean Japchae - Stir Fried Wagyu Konnyaku Noodles ($28). Replacing glass noodles with springy konnyaku noodles, slices of Kagoshima Wagyu were sautéed alongside julienned carrots and shimeji mushrooms. The execution was decent, but I prefer it to be less sweet and have a more savoury profile

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.


The Gyu Bar
30 Stevens Road
#01-08
Singapore 257840
Tel: +65 67320702
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Website
Nearest MRT: Stevens (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Stevens MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to bus stop at Stevens Court (Stop ID 40229). Take bus number 105, 132, 190 or 972. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Kurohanabi @ Eat At Seven (Suntec City) - Introducing An Unique Motsu Nabe Experience Together With Authentic Okonomiyaki & Yakisoba Staples

Kurohanabi, a Motsu Nabe speciality restaurant that originated in Hokkaido in 2009, has recently set up Eat at Seven @ Suntec City. Kurohanabi is known for its unique sesame miso flavour soup base specially created for the signature Motsu Nabe. In addition, Kurohanabi brings original motsu recipe dishes from Japan and non-offal popular dishes such as Okonomiyaki and Yakisoba staples to create a unique Motsu Nabe experience for their diners.

Hokkaido Motsu Nabe 4.5/5

To get the most out of your Motsu Nabe experience, go for the Hokkaido Motsu Nabe ( $32 ). The hotpot boils up Kurohanabi's signature sesame miso soup base, melts down the beef intestines and thickens into a rich broth. It had this intense and savoury sweetness, seemingly resulting from cooking down the vegetables accompanying the motsu. The motsu itself was chewy and unctuous but surprisingly not gamey, with the flavour of a fish belly.

Wagyu Motsu Yakisoba 4/5

With the motsu being so fatty, a good sear will also make the most out of their flavours. Wagyu Motsu Yakisoba ( $21.80 ) was loaded with beef chunks and innards laced with charred edges and caramelised savoury sauce. Unfortunately, the innards had also rendered much of its fats and flavours into the soba. A tad greasy, but it had a very enjoyable texture and taste. I would have loved a bigger portion of the soba to go with the morsels. Non-innards Yakisoba (from $13.80) are also available.

Okonomiyaki 3/5

Kurohanabi's Okonomiyaki (from $13.80) comes with flavour options of pork kimchi, seafood, beef, or pork, and also in the form of Motsu Okonomiyaki ($19.80). However, I find the sauce too saltish, which overpowers the entire dish.

Lamb Tsukune 4/5

We also tried their Lamb Tsukune ($15.80), a pan-fried patty made with a mixture of minced lamb, nagaimo, onions, and chives, drizzled with housemade teriyaki sauce. The sweet sticky sauce worked brilliantly well with the gaminess of the lamb, so delicious that one of the dining companions decided to mix his rice into the remaining sauce left on the hot plate.

Kamo Hanabi 3.5/5

Another side dish on the menu is the Kamo Hanabi ($14.80), featuring pan-fried duck breast marinated in a house-made sauce. It tasted good but was a tad dry for me.

Hokkaido Signature Shochu Cocktails

Kurohanabi also has a new selection of refreshing Hokkaido Signature Shochu Cocktails or mocktails available in lemon, orange, or tomato flavours.

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.


Kurohanabi
Eat at Seven
3 Temasek Boulevard
Suntec City Tower 1
#03-316
Singapore 038983
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Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line), Promenade (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily - 1130am – 3pm, 530pm – 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]

sen-ryo @ ION Orchard - Celebrates First Anniversary With Special Dishes And New Lunch Offerings

sen-ryo, which originates from Tochigi, Japan, celebrates its first anniversary in Singapore. Open on 01 April 2021, the restaurant is known for its well priced, top-notch offerings. It is hard to get a seat at the Japanese restaurant with reservations 2-3 months in advance. To commemorate this momentous occasion, Sen-ryo presents special dishes and new set lunch offerings to add to its already popular ones. There is even an exclusive gift for dine-in customers.

Tai Carpaccio with Truffle Soy and Shio Konbu 4.5/5

We start with the Chef's special of the day - Tai Carpaccio with Truffle Soy and Shio Kombu ($19.80). The addition of truffle soy and shio kombu accentuated the enjoyment of the clean tasting sea bream.

Otoro with Shio Koji Negitoro 4.8/5 & Abalone Sushi 3.8/5

Next, for the sushi dish, we had the Otoro with Shio Koji Negitoro ($11.80) and Abalone Sushi ($6.80). I love the otoro with shio koji negitoro for its multi-textural melted in the mouth enjoyment.

Kaki Soy Nabe 4.8/5

The restaurant has levelled up the popular Kaisen Soy Nabe with the introduction of the new Kaki Soy Nabe ($38.80), whereby freshly shucked Hyogo Oysters are added to the hotpot. The Japanese soy milk-dashi soup base is super good. So good that I have gone back for a few extra bowls. Besides the plump and sweet oysters, diners can also find chewy Kuzukiri noodles, tofu, vegetables and shiitake in the hotpot.

Sen-ryo Premium Sushi Set 5/5

Not to be missed at Sen-ryo is their lunch sets. One of the popular lunch sets is the sen-ryo Premium Sushi Set ($32.80) which comes with an assortment of sushi with premium seafood. On the plate, customers can look forwardto a beautiful plate of chutoro, maguro with spicy sauce, salmon, hamachi, hotate, akaebi, unagi, ikura gunkan and ebi fry maki. Completing the sets are chawanmushi, miso soup and tomato salad.

Sen-ryo Special Bento 4.2/5

Another popular lunch set is the sen-ryo Special Bento ($29.80) which comprises nine of the chef's recommended side dishes, including assorted sashimi flown in fresh from Japan, signature sen-ryo tamagoyaki, tofu in goma sauce, ebi tempura and tako karaage. The set also comes with rice, miso soup and warabi mochi. Some items may change.

Sen-ryo Kushiyaki Set 4.2/5

It has also launched three new lunch sets in conjunction with the restaurant's first anniversary. One of the three new lunch sets is the sen-ryo Kushiyaki Set ($20.80), which will delight skewer-fan with five sticks of ebi, hotate, tsukune, shiitake and onion, complete with rice, chawanmushi, miso soup, salad and pickles.

Peach Sorbet 4.5/5

Lemon Sorbet 4.5/5

Be in for a cute and sweet ending surprise in the range of fruit desserts specially brought in from Toyama, Japan. We tried the Peach Sorbet ($11.80) and Lemon Ice Cream ($6.80), which tasted and came in the shape of the real fruit.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


sen-ryo
ION Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
#03-14
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 69746782
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am to 1030pm

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

Sen-ryo @ ION Orchard - Japanese Restaurant Hailing From Tochigi, Japan Opens In Singapore

Established in Tochigi, Japan, in 1999, Sen-ryo has opened its first Singapore outlet in ION Orchard. Behind its well-known exceptional authentic Japanese cuisine is a team of shokunin (artisan chefs), using only quality ingredients imported from Toyosu Fish Market and around the world. Sen-ryo is very well -received in Hong Kong as well when it first started there in 2005 and has since grown to 13 outlets there. In Singapore, sen-ryo wishes to bring you premium but pocket-friendly creations that promise affordable luxury at its best, which includes a range of specially created Singapore-exclusive dishes.

Sen-ryo Tamagoyaki with Mentaiko Sauce 4.5/5

Sen-ryo Tamagoyaki with Mentaiko Sauce ($2.80) speaks a lot about the team's effort to make every dish exquisite. The Singapore-exclusive Sen-ryo Tamagokyaki with Mentaiko Sauce is a house signature comprising a beautifully done traditional Japanese omelette hand-made and branded with its logo. The pure mentaiko sauce not only looks pretty in pink against the yellow omelette, but it also acts as a natural flavour enhancer to the sweet omelette.

Otoro 4/5

Along with that, we also had Otoro ($24) sashimi.

Soft Shell Crab and Mango Nama Haru Maki 4.5/5

The Soft Shell Crab and Mango Nama Haru Maki ($16.80) is a very interesting starter made for our tropical weather. Featuring fresh slices of mango, onion strips, lettuce and addictive crispy deep-fried soft shell crab wrapped in Vietnamese rice paper, I appreciate the attention paid to the dish's execution. The mango was kept very chilled, and that elevated the enjoyment of the dish. The accompanying mango puree sauce was spicy, sweet and tangy, bringing all elements together in harmony.

DIY Hokkaido Uni 4/5

The sushi and grill counter highlights include this DIY Hokkaido Uni ($58) platter, something not often seen in traditional Japanese restaurants. The platter is made of half-board of premium uni (sea urchin) from Hokkaido with fresh sushi rice, ikura (salmon roe), Japanese cucumber strips and sheets of roasted seaweed. So have fun wrapping your uni maki roll!

Sen-ryo Sushi 3.8/5

Maguro (Akami) with Shio Koji Negitoro 3.8/5

The Shokunin Sushi series showcases the restaurant's inventive handcrafted creations, in which I had the signature Sen-ryo Sushi ($8.80). It is a layering of uni, negitoro (minced fatty tuna) and ikura atop premium sushi rice. I also had the Maguro (Akami) with Shio Koji Negitoro ($6.80), in which a slice of tuna is boosted with a dollop of minced fatty tuna seasoned with fermented salt seasoning. Both encompassed a luscious texture, but I feel the rice can be less compressed for a more cohesive sushi.

Kaisen Dobin Mushi 3.5/5

What will complement these cold dishes is the Kaisen Dobin Mushi ($6.80), a traditional Japanese seafood broth served in a teapot. I first knew it as 'teapot soup', and this dainty teapot is filled with scallops, prawns, clams and shimeji mushrooms. Made with red snapper dashi, a squeeze of the lemon enlivened the clear soup. Not the best I had, but decent.

Grilled Chicken Thigh in Charcoal Style Sauce 3.8/5

We had Grilled Chicken Thigh in Charcoal Style Sauce ($7.80) and Grilled US Beef Tenderloin and Foie Gras ($28) from the grill section. The chicken is prepared by grilling the meat on high heat and smearing it with a specially imported charcoal-infused sumiyaki sauce. Hence you got a very intensely flavoured caramelised sauce coating the chicken.

Grilled US Beef Tenderloin and Foie Gras 4.2/5

A much more indulgent version will be this Grilled US Beef Tenderloin and Foie Gras ($28), available exclusively in Singapore. I reckon you should go for this if it is your first trip to sen-ryo. The flavourful sauce is made with the juices of the meat, mirin and black pepper, and when it came sizzling hot, it was simply mouthwatering.

Kaisen Soy Nabe 4.8/5

My favourite of the feast is the Kaisen Soy Nabe ($32) comprises a unique milky base made with Japanese soy milk and dashi. It comes brimming with King Snow Crab legs, scallops, Kuzukiri noodles, carrots, vegetables and shiitake mushrooms. The best part of the hotpot is the soul-nourishing soup and the extremely chewy Kuzukiri noodles. I only hope there is more of the beautiful soup.

Mizu Warabi Mochi 3.5/5

Cream Catalana with Mixed Berries 4.5/5

For dessert, we tried Mizu Warabi Mochi ($5.80) and Cream Catalana with Mixed Berries ($9.80). The Mizu Warabi Mochi is a jiggly clear jelly 'mochi' served with roasted soybean powder and black sugar syrup. As for the Cream Catalana with Mixed Berries, it is a velvety custard served with fresh berries.

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
ION Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
#03-14
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 69746782
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am to 1030pm

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

Niku Kappo @ ION Orchard - Dine In Style Without Breaking The Bank

Niku Kappo is a Japanese beef and sake restaurant located at ION Orchard. The restaurant which hails from Tsukiji, offers Japanese Kappo style cuisine, focuses on good beef, ranging from sushi to skewers to tendon bowls and more. Kappo means cut and cook in Japanese is a traditional way of preparing Japanese cuisine.

Pakuchi Tempura 3.5/5

While waiting for the mains, you may want to start with the Pakuchi Tempura ($6.90). Lightly coated with tempura batter, it gives the coriander an enjoyable crispy texture. For those that does not like the taste of coriander, it is quite subtle. Personally I prefer the distinct flavour of the coriander to stand up more.

Tori Kushi Mori 4.2/5

Grilled to a delectable tender bite is the Tori Kushi Mori ($19.90). What is unique is the topping on the chicken skewers. The flavours are miso, citrus, sesame, vinegar & tartar and teriyaki sauce. There is also beef version, Wagyu Kushu Mori ($39.90) which comes in an assortment of grated radish & ponzu sauce, edo sweet miso, homemade steak sauce wasabi and saikyo miso.

Tokusen Niku Sushi Mori 8 Kinds 3/5

Usually we have sushi with seafood but how about beef? The Tokusen Niku Sushi Mori 8 Kinds ($38.90) comes with sliced wagyu beef topped with a premium mix of ingredients such as uni, truffle and foie gras. Unfortunately we find the beef on the tough side, which didn't quite go well with the ratio of sushi rice.

Sukiyaki Sushi 4/5

Compared with the tokusen niku sushi mori, I prefer the Sukiyaki Sushi ($19.90) more. The beef is wrapped around some sushi rice and then blow torched. The aburi beef slices are more tender with the right proportion of sushi rice.

Time Bomb Maguro 4/5

It is not just about beef at Niku Kappo, it has a variety of other seafood items such as the Time Bomb Maguro ($9.90). The tuna cubes are blow torched and cooked by the fire underneath, giving it a hint of smokiness.

Iced Tako Wasabi 3/5

I didn't quite enjoy the Iced Tako Wasabi ($9.90). I find the sliced octopus too chilled and bland in taste. However I have to say the wasabi is really pungent.

Niku Tendon 4/5

Unatama Don 4.2/5

For those that just need a quick meal, you can go for the Niku Tendon ($12.90) and Unatama Don ($18.90). These rice bowls come with delicious ingredients atop the warm bed of rice. Given a choice, I would go for the unatama don for that bed of scrambled egg sauce which just look so appetising and goes so well with the rice.

Yaki Tetsu Ebi Style 4/5

A signature at Niku Kappo is their Yaki Tetsu Ebi Style ($28.90/$35.90 per pax). It has an order of minimum 2 pax. The ebi style uses the sweet miso sauce which the server will cook the beef and other ingredients at table side. This is really rich and suitable for those that has a heavy palate. There is also a lighter version, Kobe Style that replaces the sweet miso sauce with foie gras sauce. I prefer the later that the lighter sauce allows me to appreciate the flavour of the beef
Also Kobe style.

Yaki Testsu Sukiyaki Style 4.5/5

A newly launch dish at Niku Kappo is the Yaki Testsu Sukiyaki Style ($26.90 per pax) with minimum order for 2 pax. This is the traditional sukiyaki with Japanese beef wagyu slices, vegetables, tofu and gluten slices (ofu). Similar to having hotpot, all the ingredients are cooked in a sukiyaki sauce, that seems to bring out the flavours even more. I can see why this is getting popular even though it is only recently launched.

Mt Fuji Nabe 4/5

Standing towering tall is the Mt Fuji Nabe ($20.90). It is quite majestic having the beef slices rolled up into a tower. Diners have a choice of beef, pork or a combination of both. If you are not a fan of beansprouts, then you may want to skip this. A whole tower of beansprouts is wrapped inside the meat to form the tower.

Strawberry Ice Brulee with Snow 3/5

Last but at least we have the Strawberry Ice Brulee with Snow ($5.90) to wrap up the dinner. A decent dessert to end the meal on a sweet note.

Apart from the wide variety of food items on the menu, Niku Kappo also provides an extensive alcohol menu for pairing with the food. Customers can select from more than 50 different kinds of Sake and Shochu specially imported from Japan at friendly prices.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Niku Kappo
ION Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
#B3-23
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 65099366
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

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

Kushikatsu Tanaka Singapore @ Clarke Quay - First Asian Outlet In Singapore

Japan's number one kushikatsu chain, Kushikatsu Tanaka has opened its first Asian outlet at Clarke Quay, Singapore. It is famed for its Osaka-style fried cutlet skewers and signature special dipping sauce, with over 165 outlets in Japan.

Chiritori Hotpan with Beef + Risotto 3.8/5

If you are not a fan of beansprouts, you will hate the Chiritori Hotpan with Beef ($18 for 2 pax). This is because the sizzling hotpan of beef slices is served on a bed of beansprouts, topped with beef offal and chilli powder. Diners can have a choice of beef or pork. After finishing the nabe, diners can rice, curry powder, egg into the pan to soak up the rich broth for a delectable curry cheese risotto.

DIY Potato Salad 4.2/5

Besides the fried cutlet skewers and hotpan, the menu also offers a selections of starter such as DIY Onigiri, Takoyaki and Potato Salad. My favourite is their DIY Potato Salad ($8). You can choice to have your potato salad creamy or chunky, depends on how much you want to mash the potato with the Japanese mayonnaise, seasoned boiled egg, fresh lettuce and bacon bits.

Signature Kushikatsu 4/5

The signature here is non other than the Golden Kushikatsu with over 30 variations such as kushikatsu beef, prawn, asparagus, lotus root, all these range from $1 to $2.50 each. The skewers are covered in a finely grounded panko crumbs, deep fried in a unique blend of oil consisting of beef fats. The result is a light airy crispiness on the exterior.

Not forgetting to dip the skewers into the special dipping sauce, a well guarded family recipe passed down from creator Mr Yukichi Tanaka, to his daughter, Ms Hiroe Tanaka who is currently the Vice-President of the business. The sweet and savoury dipping sauce is served in a tin container, which pairs the fried skewers excellently, However do remember not to double dip.

Cookies And Cream Kushikatsu 4/5

A very special kushikatsu is the Cookies and Cream skewer. I didn't know that cookies can even be deep fried. The cookies and cream skewer can be some sort of a dessert too with its sweetness.

At Kushikatsu Tanaka, you can you also find one of the largest range of Jim Bean highballs with over 15 varieties such as Triple Berry Highball, Triple Citrus Highball and Aomori Ringo Highball, starting from $6.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kushikatsu Tanaka
Merchants' Court Clarke Quay
Block A #01-01B
3A River Valley Road
Singapore 179020
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Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line), Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 5pm - 12midnight
Sat-Sun: 12pm - 12midnight

Direction: 
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT Station. Take Exit A. Turn right and down River Valley Road. Turn right onto Tan Tye Place. Walk to the end of the road. Turn left onto Clark Quay. Walk to destination. Journey time bout 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit C or G. Walk to the river front. Turn left and walk down the river. Cross the bridge. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.  [Map]