Tsuruhashi Fugetsu @ Eat At Seven (Suntec City Mall) - Osaka's Number One And Largest Okonomiyaki Restaurant

With 75 outlets in Japan, 3 in Korea, 1 in Taiwan and even in America, Tsuruhashi Fugetsu, Osaka's number one and largest Okonomiyaki restaurant has finally arrived at our shore. Eat At Seven at Suntec City Mall is where it resides. Tsuruhashi Fegetsu offers Okonomiyaki on the menu, a well loved Japanese dish originating from Osaka which is also fondly known as the "Japanese style pizza". You may have come across some stalls in our local pasar malams naming theirs the same but this is the real deal. I love vegetables which inevitably makes this one of my favourite Japanese dish. I have tried Tsuruhashi Fugetsu in Osaka hence I was really excited to see how this local joint will fare.

Tonpei-Yaki 2.5/5

Fried Buta Kimchi 2.8/5

As okonomiyaki is made mainly out of cabbage, you may want to beef up your meal with Tonpei-Yaki ($9.80) and Fried Buta Kimchi ($9.80). With the mayonnaise and ketchup on the fluffy hot omelette, the Osaka style pork omelette would have been a really appetising side dish but ours disappoint with a strong porky smell. At the same time, I find the meat too tough despite all the good fats sandwiching the meat. The hot plate kimchi pork fares much better. The pork was more tender and fats more seared, and the piquant kimchi helps to cut the greasiness of the meat.

Omelet-Yakisoba 3/5

The signature pancakes, Omelet-Yakisoba ($13.80) here are made with yakisoba, the fried egg noodles. Not to be mistaken as our yellow noodles, these egg noodles are produced accordingly to the brand's traditional recipe by a local supplier. Indeed, they do not carry that distinctive alkaline taste, along with a much chewier texture.

Cheetama-Buta Tama 4/5

My favourite is still the Cheetama-Buta Tama ($14.80), a much more indulgent version with a layer of cheese. Cut cabbages and yams bind together tightly with wheat flour mixture, the grilled side of the cabbage pancake was charred with smoky sweetness, while the inside remains fluffy and crunchy. Its character as a 'pizza' shines as the gooey cheese oozed upon being sliced. The brilliant combination of Worcesterhire sauce and mayonnaise atop the pancake is the key to complete the taste.

The overall experience is quite authentic and enjoyable, other than the porky meat which I feel should really be changed. Same as back in Osaka, dishes are served on individual teppanyaki plates which keep the food hot throughout. What's different is that the DIY grilling of the pancake myself is not an option here, perhaps to keep the food consistent.

Words and photos 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.


Tsuruhashi Fugetsu
Suntec City Mall
Eat At Seven
3 Temasek Boulevard
#03-316
Singapore 038983
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 5pm - 1030pm

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]

Ninja Bowl @ Duxton Road - A Refreshed Brunch Menu With Japanese Flair

With the successful launch of its sister restaurant, Ninja Cut at Seah Street, Ninja Bowl has also refreshed its brunch menu to give diners a whole new offerings with Japanese flair to indulge in their next visit.

Aligot-O Gozaimasu 3.5/5

Giving the classic French Pommes Aligot to a new twist is the Aligot-O Gozaimasu ($18). It comes with a generous slab of deep fried pork katsu, poached eggs, ume apple slaw and trufle cheese mashed potatoes. I like the idea of the apple slaw which gives the dish a nice crunchy and tangy contrast. However I felt that the pork needed a bit more marination or seasoning for a lift in flavour.

Mentaiko Scrambled 3.8/5

The Mentaiko Scrambled ($18) will definitely win the heart and tummy of many if the execution is spot on. It comes with pan seared Hokkaido scallops on top a bed of creamy mentaiko scrambled eggs, and topped with edamame and furikake. I could not really tasted the bold mentaiko flavour, I guess it needs to be bolder.

Ninja Okonomiyaki 4/5

Out of the four new brunch items I tried, the Ninja Okonomiyaki ($18) is my favourite. The highlight for me is the mini savoury pancakes which were crispy and packed with flavours. It is paired with the braised beef check, poached eggs, sliced red ginger and garden greens. I was hoping that I can change the poached eggs to fried eggs, which I felt will complement the okonomiyaki better.

Shinjuku Comfort 4/5

Perfect for the rainy day is comforting bowl of Shinjuku Comfort ($18) that comes with orzo pasta simmered in a rich miso broth topped with salmon confit, carrots, corn and onsen egg. It even comes with a piece of butter to be mixed into the broth ofr a velvety finish.

Fancy French 4.2/5

An all time favourite at Ninja Bowl is the Fancy French ($16). Stuffed with fig jam, the french toast is drizzled in a ume-bashi infused honey sauce. Fluffy and sweet, this is best paired with the fresh grapes, plums and homemade hazelnut butter for a balanced finished. I would recommend this at the start of your meal or you have to wait for about 20 minutes for this.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ninja Bowl
15 Duxton Road
Singapore 089481
Tel: +65 62228055
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 930am - 730pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. At Orchid Hotel turn right onto Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road to the opposite side of Tanjong Pagar Road. Walk along Tanjong Pagar Road to Duxton Hill. Turn left onto Duxton Hill and then turn right on Duxton Road. Journey time about 15 mins. [Map]