Royal Host @ Jewel Changi Airport - Pioneer of Japanese-Western Food Opens Its First Direct Store Outside Japan

Renowned as the pioneer of Japanese-Western food, Royal Host boasts over 200 stores in Japan and a legacy spanning over 50 years. Now, this beloved household family restaurant has opened its first direct store outside Japan at Jewel Changi Airport. With its extensive history and reputation for delicious Japanese-Western comfort food, Royal Host brings a much-anticipated culinary experience to Singapore.

Onion Gratin Soup 4.2/5

We commenced our dinner with a comforting bowl of Onion Gratin Soup ($7.80). This homemade consommé, sweetened by caramelized onions, features a slice of toasted baguette loaded with melty Gruyère cheese. I recommend leaving the baguette to soak up the delicious soup for a bit longer for an even richer experience. This soup is a long-standing bestseller of Royal Host, gaining fame when Marilyn Monroe praised it during her honeymoon to Japan in 1954.

Kale Salad 3/5

For a healthier option, we tried the superfood Kale Salad ($19.80). This crunchy kale salad is complemented by plant-based meat, blueberries, and a special peanut oil salad dressing that adds an aromatic finish. It's a refreshing and nutritious choice that perfectly balances the meal.

Omurice with Demiglace Sauce 4/5

The Omurice with Demiglace Sauce ($26.80) is a must-try. Fresh eggs flown all the way from Kyushu prefecture create a creamy omelette that tops fluffy Japanese ketchup rice. For a unique twist, there's a Singapore-exclusive version featuring Singapore Chilli Sauce and Snow Crab on top. The dish combines traditional Japanese flavours with a local touch, making it a standout item on the menu.

Hamburg with Brown Butter Sauce 4.5/5 

Royal Host's signature item is their Japanese Hamburg. We sampled the "ROYAL" Hamburg Steak with Brown Butter Sauce ($29.80), served sizzling on a hot plate. Made using premium-quality beef typically reserved for steaks, the hamburg is seared to perfection, achieving a beautiful exterior char while maintaining a succulent and juicy texture. There's also a Singapore-exclusive Black Pepper Sauce version for those who prefer a bit of heat.

Parfait and Hot Fudge Sundae 4.5/5

We indulged in the Parfait and Hot Fudge Sundae ($18.40) to wrap up our meal. The dessert menu offers three categories: Parfait, Ice Cream, and Cake. Our choice, the Parfait and Hot Fudge Sundae, was delicately layered with tantalizing flavours in each layer, providing a delightful end to our dining experience.

Royal Host's debut in Singapore at Jewel Changi Airport is a delightful addition to the local culinary scene. With its rich history and dedication to quality, the restaurant offers a unique blend of Japanese-Western comfort food that is both nostalgic and innovative. Whether you're craving a hearty bowl of soup, a nutritious salad, or a sizzling hamburg steak, Royal Host promises a memorable dining experience that brings the best of Japan to Singapore.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Royal Host
Jewel Changi Airport
78 Airport Boulevard
#03-219
Singapore 819666
Tel: +65 6908 5591
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Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Changi Airport MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Japan Gourmet Hall SORA @ Changi Airport Terminal 1 - Showcasing Dishes From Fukuoka, Hokkaido and Kanagawa

Japan Gourmet Hall SORA has opened a new outlet at Changi Airport Terminal 1. Now it has 2 outlets at both Changi Airport Terminal 1 and 2. The new outlet at Terminal 1 houses three restaurants - Ikkousha, Yoshimi and Megumi Maru, showcasing Japanese dishes from three prefectures (Fukuoka, Hokkaido and Kanagawa).

Special Tonkotsu Ramen 4.2/5

First stop is Ikkousha from Fukuoka that is known for its Yatai-style ramen. The chain started in March 2004, and now it has 62 outlets in the world. Over at Singapore, one can savour exclusive dishes prepared in Yatai-style such as the Special Tonkotsu Ramen ($18.70), Special Red Chilli Ramen ($20.90) and Special Black Garlic Ramen ($20.90) and more. I tried the Special Tonkotsu Ramen, which comes in a bowl of silky and milky tonkotsu broth, made by simmering pork bones for many hours. It is lighter and less salty compared to many other ramen places. What impressed us is the beautifully boiled char siu that complements the bowl of ramen.

Kaisen Maze Don 4/5

Next stop is Megumi Maru, Singapore's first-ever maze don concept created by Misaki Megumi Suisan. We tried both the Kaisen Maze Don ($18.80) and Aburitoro Maze Don ($35.10). The Kaisen Maze Don is an assorted poke bowl comprising akami, salmon, boiled prawn, unagi, takuan, onsen tamago and sushi rice. The star has to be the uni dressing, a combination of sea urchin and shoyu, that binds all the ingredients together.

Aburitoro Maza Don 4/5

For those that are not into raw food, there is the Aburitoro Maze Don. The otoro is flame seared and perched on a bed of sushi rice. It is accompanied with a variety of healthy vegetables, like ladyfinger and purple cabbage, with an onsen egg capping the line-up.

Maguro Mentai Roll 3.5/5

Good for sharing is their maki rolls. I had their Maguro Mentai Roll ($15.90). I think anything mentaiko works wonder, and this is harmonised by the refreshing cucumber. Other crowd pleasers include salmon cheese roll, caterpillar roll, anago roll and more.

Pork Loin Katsu Set 3/5

The third and last concept at SORA Terminal 1 is katsu curry specialist Yoshimi. The restaurant has over 19 outlets in Japan, and this is the first time opening an outlet outside Japan. We started with the Pork Loin Katsu Set ($23.80) which comes with a bowl of miso soup, rice and cabbage.

Mille-feuille Katsu Set 4/5

Compared to the pork loin katsu set, I would prefer the Mille-feuille Katsu Set ($26.80) which boasts 16 layers of pork. It is more tender than the pork loin. A worthy note is the delicious and fragrant curry that consists of over 15 herbs and spices blend. It complements the pearly Japanese rice excellently.

Omurice Curry 3.8/5

For the Omurice Curry ($16), it has both vegetarian and non-vegetarian version. I personally prefer the non-vegetarian version as the curry is more robust with the beef stock in it. Not to forget the fluffy egg dome that conceals the Japanese rice in it.

Mixed Berry Pancake 4/5

If you have a sweet tooth, Yoshimi is the only concept that offers desserts on their menu at the terminal 1 outlet. The Mixed Berry Pancake ($19.80) is soft and fluffy, with the right balance of sweetness from the whipped cream and acidity from the mixed berry compote. If you have this too heavy, you can also grab a Hokkaido Soft-serve Ice Cream ($6.90) to go.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Japan Gourmet Hall SORA
Changi Airport Terminal 1
80 Airport Boulevard
#03-21
Singapore 819642
Tel: +65 6242 9087
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Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Changi Airport MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to sky train. Take the sky train to Terminal 1. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Hoshino Coffee @ Bedok Point - Launches New Dinner Set Special With Series Of Special Selection Items

Known for its large selection of Western-Japanese food, Hoshino Coffee Singapore recently launched two new outlets at OneKM Mall and Bedok Point. To celebrate the opening of its new outlets, Hoshino Coffee launches a series of new special selection items. As part of the Hoshino Coffee Dinner Set Special (worth $60) for 2 pax, diners can pick any 2 main dishes, 2 drinks, and 1 dessert from more than 60 items in the main menu. Expect new dish offerings such as the Softshell Crab Aglio Olio, Softshell Crab Rice, "Omu" Souffle Curry, Mentaiko Carbonara, Ginger Chicken Spaghetti, and Pancake Souffle Style with Strawberry (Seasonal).

Ginger Chicken Spaghetti 4/5

One of the newest dishes in the menu, the Ginger Chicken Spaghetti ($16.80) features al dente spaghetti noodles with generously portioned chicken chunks. Somewhat a reminiscent of a traditional chicken rice dish, yet infused with a western element as spaghetti is used here instead of the usual chicken rice. Although the chicken meat is a tad dry, it is well-seasoned with a aromatic ginger fragrance.

“Omu Rice” & Angus Beef Steak Plate 4/5

“Omu Rice” & Angus Beef Steak Plate ($18.80) features generous juicy beef slices with tomato omelette rice. Served medium rare, the angus beef steak is pinkish in the middle, and boasts a tender consistency, while the omelette is soft and fluffy.

Pancake Souffle Style with Strawberry 4/5

End your meal on a sweet note with the Pancake Souffle Style with Strawberry ($12.80) which consists of a double layer of thick pillowy pancakes soaked in fresh cream, and topped with strawberries as well as a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The dish plays out a perfect tangy-sweet balance with the fresh berries and ice cream, while the fresh cream added some moistness to the pancakes which have a drier texture. Do note that the dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare, so it’s best to let the service staff know in advance once you are ready to have it served.

Words and photos by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.

Hoshino Coffee
Bedok Point
799 New Upper Changi Rd
#01-01
Singapore 467351
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Nearest MRT: Bedok (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 1130am - 10pm
Fri-Sat, Eve & PH: 1130am - 11pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk straight down Upper Changi Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]