Umami 10 @ Telok Ayer Street - A Refined Japanese-European Fusion, Tapas-Style Experience

Located in the vibrant Telok Ayer district, Umami 10 delivers an elevated dining experience, blending the artistry of Japanese cuisine with refined European influences. Designed around a tapas-style concept, it offers a curated menu of inventive small plates, all served in an inviting setting perfect for savouring fine food, wine, and sake.

Premium Hyogo Oysters 4.2/5

The Premium Hyogo Oysters ($36) set the tone for the meal. Plump, juicy, and boasting a clean, briny flavour. The creamy oysters are elevated with uni and ikura toppings, delivering an exquisite taste of the sea in every bite.

Truffle Pitan Tofu 4.2/5

A standout dish was the Truffle Pitan Tofu ($20). This luxurious creation combines silky tofu with a rich, creamy century egg sauce, delivering a bold and savoury depth. Snow crab meat adds a delicate sweetness, while ikura pearls provide bursts of umami flavour. A subtle hint of truffle oil ties everything together with its earthy aroma, making it a must-try.

Cod Fish Shirako 4/5

The Cod Fish Shirako ($28) is a seasonal delicacy that should not be missed. The creamy texture and mild sweetness of the shirako are perfectly complemented by the house-made sauce, creating a delicate yet indulgent dish.

Gold Charcoal Karaage 4.2/5

The visually striking Gold Charcoal Karaage ($19) is as delicious as it is eye-catching. The chicken is coated in charcoal powder and finished with edible gold, delivering a crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior. It's a perfect balance of flavour and texture, making it a treat for both the eyes and the palate.

Wagyu Boneless Short Ribs 4.2/5

The Wagyu Boneless Short Ribs ($35) are braised for 12 hours in a red wine blend, resulting in an incredibly tender, melt-in-the-mouth texture. The buttery flavour of the wagyu is enhanced by the richness of the braising liquid, offering a luxurious bite that's worth savouring.

Garlic Fried Rice 4.2/5

The Garlic Fried Rice ($20) is comfort food at its finest. Fluffy Japanese rice is cooked to perfection, with prawns adding a touch of sweetness. The garlicky and eggy fragrance is well-balanced, making it an irresistibly satisfying dish that complements the richer items on the menu.

Three Liqueur Tiramisu 4.2/5

To end on a sweet note, the Three Liqueur Tiramisu ($18) is a bold twist on the classic Italian dessert. The blend of three distinct liqueurs brings depth and complexity to the dish, striking the perfect balance between sweetness and subtle warmth from the alcohol. It's a decadent and satisfying finale to the meal.

Umami 10 impresses diners with its innovative Japanese-European fusion dishes, offering them an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of Telok Ayer. From indulgent small plates to exquisite seasonal offerings, each dish reflects a perfect harmony of flavours and textures. Pair it with their curated selection of sake or wine, and you have a dining destination that's perfect for both intimate meals and celebratory occasions.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Umami 10
163 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068616
Tel: +65 65135789
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
Sat: 530pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

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

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes.  [Map]

Kushi Japanese Dining @ Grantral Mall & Complex MacPherson - Offering Budget-Friendly A La Carte Japanese Buffet

Kushi Japanese Dining has been a fixture in Singapore for the past 16 years, having moved locations a few times before settling into its current spot at Grantral Mall, MacPherson. Offering a budget-friendly à la carte buffet, Kushi boasts an extensive selection of Japanese dishes that satisfy all your cravings.

Assorted Sashimi Platter 4/5

We began our buffet experience with the Assorted Sashimi Platter, which included maguro, sake, shiro maguro, tako, ika, meikajiki, and hamachi (limited to one serving per table). The sashimi was impeccably fresh, with the shiro maguro standing out as a rare find at many Japanese restaurants.

Pitan Tofu 3.5/5

Chawanmushi 3.5/5

We also enjoyed the Chawanmushi, which was subtly flavourful, and the must-try Pitan Tofu, a unique and creamy dish that offered a different take on tofu.

Agedashi Tofu 4/5

Tako Yaki 3/5

Asari Miso Soup 4/5

Moving on to the hot dishes, we sampled the perfectly fried Agedashi Tofu, which was crispy on the outside and tender within. It's a dish we could quickly devour on our own. The Tako Yaki was decent but could be skipped if you're looking to save room for more sashimi. The Asari Miso Soup, with its plump and fresh clams, served as a refreshing palate cleanser, preparing us for the next round of food.

Assorted Kushiyaki 3.8/5

Saba Shoyaki 4/5

Pork Belly Shogayaki 3/5

Surume Ika 4/5

Next, we tried an assortment of Kushiyaki, as recommended by our server. Each skewer was perfectly grilled, but our favourites were the Saba Shoyaki and Surume Ika. The saba was generously portioned, lightly salted, and deliciously flaky, while the grilled squid had a pleasantly charred flavour and was only available in limited servings. The Pork Belly Shogayaki was tasty, but we wished we had room to enjoy it with rice.

Assorted Tempura Platter 4/5

For Tempura, the Ebi stood out with its light, crispy batter, and the prawn itself was fresh and sweet.

Kitsune Soba 3/5

Garlic Fried Rice 3/5

Kushi offers options like Garlic Fried Rice, Kitsune Soba, and Mini Ramen if you need carbs. While they were decent, they didn't leave a lasting impression.

Shabu Shabu Pork 4/5

However, the Shabu Shabu Pork was a pleasant surprise. The broth was clean and sweet, likely from the vegetables, and perfectly contrasted with the heavier grilled and fried dishes we had been enjoying. This hotpot dish is a must-try if you want something to cut through the greasiness and refresh your palate.

Wafu Beef Steak 3.5/5

For those looking for more beyond the buffet, Kushi offers a 25% discount on selected à la carte dishes. We decided to try the Wafu Beef Steak. You can request your preferred doneness, and the flavourful wafu sauce enhances the tender steak.

Priced at $54.90++ for lunch and $58.90++ for dinner, Kushi's buffet is exceptional value for money, offering a wide variety of quality Japanese dishes. The restaurant is clean, brightly lit, and nicely decorated, providing a comfortable dining environment.

For those planning a special gathering, Kushi also offers two private dining rooms, each accommodating up to 10 people, or 20 if combined, with a minimum spend required. Whether you're a fan of sashimi, grilled items, or hotpot, Kushi Japanese Dining will surely satisfy you.

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


Kushi Japanese Dining
Grantral Mall & Complex Macpherson
601 Macpherson Road
#01-27/28
Singapore 368242
Tel: +65 69040728
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Nearest MRT: Tai Seng (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tai Seng MRT Station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Kai Kai Sushi & Grill @ Wisma Atria - Newest Brainchild of Chef Yamashita Teppei Replaces Koh Grill & Sushi Bar, Offering Range of Japanese Fare

Kai Kai Sushi & Grill now sits where Koh Grill & Sushi Bar used to be in Wisma Atria, bringing diners a comprehensive menu of Japanese dishes ranging from classic sashimi and sushi to yakitori and teppan.

The new casual restaurant is helmed by Chef Yamashita Teppei, most known for its various Japanese F&B concepts on our island, such as Teppei Japanese Restaurant and Man Man Japanese Unagi Restaurant (now known as Unagi Tei). Here at his newest brainchild, Chef hopes to bring affordable yet quality Japanese fare to diners.

We sampled several items, with some in bite-sized portions. The prices listed are for the full portions.

Pitan Tofu 4/5

Pitan Tofu ($5) is always one of my must-orders when it's on the menu. Kai Kai's rendition is decent, with a slightly nutty sesame sauce base and a generous topping of chopped century egg and tobiko. I would have preferred a more robust century egg flavour in its sauce for that extra oomph.

Kai Kai Hanabi Roll 4/5

You will find a selection of different sushi rolls on the menu, one being the Kai Kai Hanabi Roll ($18.80). I found the sauce slightly too sweet, but this one is for fans of salmon as they offer it 2-ways here - raw in the middle and lightly aburi-ed on top.

Negitoro Sushi 3.8/5

The Negitoro Sushi ($6) roll had the classic combination of minced tuna and chopped spring onions in its centre, with crunchy tempura bits for extra texture. The tuna portion could be much better, for a better ratio to the tempura bits.

Nama Kaki 4/5

Next was the Nama Kaki, which had a plump and fresh oyster drizzled with a mildly tangy ponzu vinegar sauce.

3-Kind Sashimi Moriawase 4/5

We got to see Chef Yamashita Teppei do a bluefin tuna block-cutting demonstration, leading to our next dish, the 3-Kind Sashimi Moriawase ($15). We sampled slices of otoro, chutoro and maguro.

While they weren’t the best quality of cuts, they were still thick and fresh.

Buta Enoki Yakitori 3.5/5

The Buta Enoki Yakitori ($4) had enoki mushrooms wrapped with pork belly. While I enjoyed the grill on it, it was tougher and blander than I expected it to be. I prefer a stronger seasoning on this.

Yaki Hotate 4/5

Served in its shell with a wedge of lemon, the Yaki Hotate ($12) carried a nice slight char. The plump scallop remained juicy despite the grill.

Sukiyaki 3.5/5

While the pork slices were tender, we found the rest of the elements in the Sukiyaki ($16.80) more mediocre. The base could be a touch less salty as well.

Kani Toro Donburi 4.2/5

From the selection of mains, I decided on the Kani Toro Donburi ($17). It was clearly created for crab lovers, with crab meat, crab leg and soft shell crab with toppings of ikura and tobiko. The original size and portion will also include an onsen egg! The crab meat used was fresh and sweet.

Kai Kai Castle Bento 3.8/5

The Kai Kai Castle Bento ($18.90) was served in a multi-tiered bento box shaped like a Japanese castle. Each tier featured different items, namely tamago and unagi, assorted sashimi, and a bed of rice with chopped tuna belly, tempura bites, flying fish roe and ikura.

Unfortunately, its taste paled compared to its look, with average cuts on the sashimi. I must say that it's still considerably decent for the variety at this price.

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.


Kai Kai Sushi & Grill
Food Republic Wisma Atria
#04-21
435 Orchard Road
Singapore 238877
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

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

UNI Gallery by OosterBay @ The Plaza - Experience The New 'Uni Ultima Kaiseki' With Premium Uni In Every Single Dish

Uni-specialist sashimi restaurant, UNI Gallery by Oosterbay launched a new set course menu, the 'Uni Ultima Kaiseki', following last year's 'Multiple Foodgasm Kaiseki' which proved to be a hit among diners. The new kaiseki is available in 5 or 7 courses (from $128++ per course). Besides using premium uni in every single dish of the course, the innovative dishes are also fused with delicacies from traditional Chinese, Italian and even Peranakan cuisines.

Uni Pitan Tofu 4.5/5

To start off the course, we had the Uni Pitan Tofu. A perennial favourite in Chinese cuisine, the Pitan Tofu comes with a luxurious spread of uni cream sauce, sprinkled with century egg, tobiko and spring onion, and finally with actual Bafun uni sitting atop to complete the indulgent appetiser.

Ultima Wagyu Sashimi 4.2/5

The Ultima Wagyu Sashimi features a platter of Japanese Murasaki Uni, Tataki Miyazaki A5 Wagyu with Siberian Caviar, a shot of Mozuku Algae, and Japanese Seasonal Sashimi. While the Otoro Sashimi was extremely fresh and fatty, the highlight is the uni which boasts an exquisite creamy butter-like consistency. It practically melts in the mouth instantly when you take a bite.

Flaming Lambo Uni 4/5

The Flaming Lambo Uni comes in a pan-seared rack of lamb glazed with Japanese mustard, coated in wasabi crumble, before being flambe with whiskey and drizzled with white truffle uni cream sauce. It makes for an instagram worthy experience with the flaming part of the dish as well.

Buah Keluak Uni Pasta 4.2/5

The Buah Keluak Uni Pasta features a combination of the Peranakan favourite, Buah Keluak, with uni, uni cream sauce and ikura. I like how the unique taste of the Buah Keluak contrasts and blends in with the creamy uni, which makes for a surprisingly good combination.

Last but not least, wrapping up the 'Uni Ultima Kaiseki' is the Gold Dust Uni Cheesecake. It is a fitting finish to the splendour of the kaiseki, with luscious bafun uni encased in jelly and sprinkled with paper gold dust, although we did not get to try as it was not available on the day we were there.

Photos and words 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.


UNI Gallery by OosterBay
The Plaza
7500A Beach Road
#B1-310
Singapore 199591
Tel: +65 98388209
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Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Follow the overhead walkway all the way to The Concourse building. Take the exit down to Nicoll Highway and walk towards Parkroyal Serviced Residences. Cut through towards The Plaza at Parkroyal Hotel. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Peace Japanese Cuisine @ OUE owntown Gallery - It Even Have A 8-Course Vegetarian Omakase

With its humble beginnings in 2017 in an industrial estate in Bukit Batok Crescent, Peace Japanese Cuisine had once shifted and settled at Beauty World Centre for 2 years before landing itself at the current space at Downtown Gallery. Its membership has grown over the years, with regulars often returning for their favourite dishes.

Kani Hiyashi Pitan Tofu 4.2/5

Such as its Kani Hiyashi Pitan Tofu ($6.80). The homemade steamed cold egg tofu was soft and custardy, with a layer of crabstick meat underneath for a boost of textural bite. The blanket of century egg subtly flavoured the tofu, and I learn it is also one of the reasons why even non-century egg diners fall for this dish as well.

Tori Karaage 4.5/5

One of the most crowd-pleasing items is its Tori Karaage ($8.80). For less than 10 bucks, you get a serving of 8 extremely juicy and succulent pieces of chicken meat. The mouthwatering part was when I peeled off the thin crispy layer of chicken skin, some of the juice and fats that were stuck underneath started to drip onto my plate.

Kama Shioyaki 4/5

Yellow Tail Carpaccio 4.2/5

The restaurant prides itself on using fine quality ingredients. That is evident in both Yellow Tail Carpaccio ($10.80) and Kama Shioyaki ( price by weight). The cold dish features slices of yellowtail topped with flying fish roe and dressed with a special truffles oil mix in Japanese shoyu. I love the meaty texture of the fish, which was beefed up further by the oil mix. But the flavour of the truffle had overpowered the fish slightly. As for the grilled Japanese Fish Collar, its supple and tender meat was pure joy.

Aburi Unagi Salmon 3/5

Aburi Unagi Salmon ($19.80) is popular among the regulars too. The combination of mentai seared salmon on a Japanese eel roll tends to give that melt-in-your-mouth texture, one of the key reasons why such maki is always a popular item on the menu. The version here was good, but I feel the rice ratio was on the high side.

Wagyu Teppanyaki 4.5/5

A must-try item I feel is the Wagyu Teppanyaki (200gm/$27.80). It is a pan-fried A3 Wagyu Sirloin Steak served with jus cooked with its own fats and a dollop of homemade garlic sauce. Mine was pan-fried to an ideal state where a good amount of fats had been rendered off just enough to release its flavours. And the well-seasoned jus had the effect of elevating its flavours as well.

Steamed Eggplant 4.5/5

Peace Japanese Cuisine is known for its omakase too, even for vegetarian omakase. Not known to many, unless you are its regulars. Upon request, an 8 Course Vegetarian Omakase ($138 per pax) can be arranged with at least 2 days in advance notice for them to prepare the special ingredients. A glimpse of how creative the dishes can be, we were served a steamed Japanese eggplant with vegetarian dashi. And the best part is that the eggplant was not in any way soft and mushy, but the chef managed to retain its structure like pan-fried potatoes. The chef explained that as the steam evaporates, leaving the eggplant in the pan gives the eggplant a nice sear on the side, resulting in the delicious charred sides.

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. 


Peace Japanese Cuisine
OUE Downtown Gallery
6A Shenton Way
#03-20
Singapore 068815
Tel: +65 66940828
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 3 pm, 530pm - 9 pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to the traffic light junction. Cross the traffic light to Maxwell Road. Turn right and walk towards Shenton Way. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]