SAKEMARU Artisan Sake Hideout @ Clarke Quay - Modern Japanese Kappo-style Izakaya with Extensive Range of Exclusive Artisanal Saké

SAKEMARU Artisan Sake Hideout is an izakaya tucked along South Bridge Road, between Clarke Quay and Raffles Place MRT stations. Specialising in modern Kappo-style Japanese cuisine, the restaurant exudes a cosy ambience with options for counter seating or regular tables.

True to its name, SAKEMARU boasts an extensive selection of artisanal sakes, many of which are rare finds not typically available in other local establishments.

Chef Kudo’s Omakase 4/5

The highlight of the menu is the signature Chef Kudo’s Omakase ($150/pax), while a la carte options are also available.

Saikzuke

The omakase begins with Saikzuke, a curated appetiser platter. This includes monkfish liver delicately paired with ponzu sauce, a saucer of flavourful boiled spinach, sweet Annou potato tempura, dried horse mackerel, and a fresh cuttlefish sushi piece.

Wanmono

The Wanmono soup course features a light yet hearty turnip soup, enhanced with cod milt and garnished with green onions.

Sashimi

No omakase is complete without Sashimi, and we were treated to thick, fresh slices of tuna, sea bream, and mackerel.

Yakimono

For our Yakimono course, we were served with buttery grilled scallops, brussel sprouts, and a tender slice of fish topped with sea urchin.

Agemono

Next was the Agemono course, which consisted of three tempuras: smelt, lotus root, and tilefish. While the ingredients were fresh, we found the batter slightly bland.

Sunomono

The Sunomono course showcased snow crab, grouper, and radish pickled in sweet vinegar, further dressed in Tosazu vinegar. While refreshing, it was a little too sweet for our liking.

Gohan

The main course was Gohan, featuring grilled yellowtail served with saikyo miso claypot rice, paired with a cup of miso soup. The rice is lightly savoury, complementing the grilled fish. I particularly liked the clear miso soup that had depth.

If you are not able to finish your portion of rice, the staff can shape it into small onigiri for takeaway, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Kanmi

The meal concluded with the Kanmi course. While I wished there was slightly more azuki filling, this traditional Japanese sweet treat of strawberry daifuku came with a juicy, sweet strawberry encased in soft mochi skin.

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.


SAKEMARU Artisan Sake Hideout
55 South Bridge Road
Singapore 058686
Tel: +65 65132789
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Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line), Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat:1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Cross the road and walk to Carpenter Street. Walk down Carpenter Street to South Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Chulia Street to North Canal Road. Walk to the junction of North Canal Road and South Bridge Road. Turn right onto South Bridge Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

En Yakiniku @ Middle Road (Bugis) - First in Singapore Sake Tengoku

En Yakiniku, nestled in the heart of Middle Road, introduces a first-of-its-kind experience in Singapore - Sake Tengoku. This unique offering involves superior broth and sake being steamed with Ebi, Hotate, and Asari over charcoal in a special steamer, adding a distinctive touch to the traditional Japanese yakiniku experience.

En Sashimi 4.2/5

Embarking on our dinner experience, we delved into a couple of appetizers, starting with the En Sashimi ($32.40). A platter of fresh and generously cut Salmon, Maguro, Hamachi, Mekajiki, and Tako.

Foie Gras with Yam 3/5

Following the exquisite sashimi is the Foie Gras with Yam ($36). The pan-seared duck liver, resting atop a slice of yam, offered a decadent experience. However, the slightly sweet sauce somewhat obscured the nuanced creaminess of the foie gras.

Sake Tengoku 4.5/5

The pièce de résistance was the newly introduced Sake Tengoku ($68). Prawns, clams, and scallops were meticulously steamed over charcoal in a special sake and superior broth-infused steamer. Arranged in three layers, each tier unveiled a seafood symphony. The Japanese congee in the final layer, infused with the essence of seafood and sake, reached perfection when paired with a serving of wagyu shabu-shabu - a bowl of comforting and hearty porridge.

Zabuton

For the quintessential Japanese yakiniku experience, a variety of beef cuts graced our table. The cut of the day, Zabuton ($38.90), showcased a rich beefy flavour and a satisfying textural bite.

Temari Gyutan

The Temari Gyutan ($14.90) was a unique offering, presented with seasoned rice balls wrapped in thinly sliced wagyu beef tongue. Grilled over charcoal, this dish offered a delightful fusion of sushi and barbecue.

Negi Gyu Tan

To fully savour the tender beef tongue, the Negi Gyu Tan ($27.90), adorned with spring onions, provided a flavorful and aromatic option.

Miyazaki A4 Wagyu Striploin

For those seeking a more premium indulgence, the Miyazaki A4 Wagyu Striploin ($54.90) showcased top-quality marbling, delivering a distinct melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Chestnut-fed Duroc Pork Belly

Non-beef enthusiasts need not fret. The Chestnut-fed Duroc Pork Belly ($15.90) and Tiger Prawn ($22) offered equally gratifying options. The grilling process released fragrant aromas, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Tiger Prawn

En Yakiniku's meticulous attention to detail and innovative offerings make it a standout destination for those seeking a Japanese BBQ experience elevated by culinary creativity and premium cuts.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


En Yakiniku
Midland House
112 Middle Road
#01-00A
Singapore 188970
Tel: +65 62555744
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line), Bras Basah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Fri-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk down Victoria Street to Middle Road. Turn right onto Middle Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Queen Street to Middle Road. Cross the road and turn right onto Middle Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Sakaba Igokochi @ NEWest - Transformation from Omakase to Izakaya Concept

Igokochi, nestled in NEWest, has recently undergone a captivating transformation. From its origins as an omakase restaurant, it now embraces the spirited essence of a Tokyo izakaya. Inspired by Shinjuku's bustling back alleys and hidden gems, Igokochi beckons with its izakaya-focused menu and bar.

Peperron Edamame 3/5

Takara MIO Sparkling Rose Sake Limited Edition 300ml

Before delving into the dining experience, we indulged in the Takara MIO Sparkling Rose Sake Limited Edition (300ml), served chilled. Accompanying this refreshing libation was the Peperron Edamame ($7). While the edamame pods were flavoured, the seasoning remained on the surface, sparing the prized beans inside.

Salmon Yukke-Style Carpaccio 4/5

The Salmon Yukke-Style Carpaccio ($13) graced our table next. Thick, luscious salmon slices bathed in a sweet and tangy chef's special sauce. Adorned with ikura, the pearls of umami goodness, it elevated the salmon's rich, fatty flavours.

Beef Tataki with Dashi Ponzu 3.8/5

Beef Tataki with Dashi Ponzu ($16) followed suit, showcasing thinly sliced, seared beef drizzled with a zesty dashi ponzu sauce. Adding green onions and fried garlic provided an aromatic and harmonious finish.

Kombu-marinated Chicken Thigh Steak 3.5/5

The Kombu-Marinated Chicken Thigh Steak ($15) showcased dry-aged chicken marinated in kombu before grilling. The result was a tender, moist, and intensely flavoured chicken. While the distinct chicken flavour might not suit every palate, it was a bold and unique creation.

Pressed Sushi 2.5/5

Despite its creative intent, the Pressed Sushi left us with mixed feelings. We opted for the Scallop Pressed Sushi ($22) adorned with ikura and green onions. Regrettably, the ratio of rice to scallop was skewed, overwhelming the delicate sashimi topping.

Japanese Style Grilled Apple 4/5

We savoured the Japanese Style Grilled Apple ($8), accompanied by red bean, mochi, and vanilla ice cream for dessert. This simple yet delightful dessert offered a sweet conclusion to our meal.

At Igokochi, the transformation from omakase to izakaya has brought forth a medley of flavours inspired by Tokyo's vibrant back alleys. While some dishes soared, others left room for further refinement, promising intriguing culinary journeys to come.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Sakaba Igokochi
NEWest
1 West Coast Drive
#01-98/99
Singapore 128020
Tel: +65 6963 9430
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Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station (Stop ID 17171). Take bus 154 or 201. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Mio Fine Foods ( 美桜 ) @ Neil Road - Celebrates Its First Anniversary With An Updated Menu

Mio Fine Foods, located on Neil Road, celebrates its first anniversary with a refreshed menu. Known for its modern and artistic interpretations of Japanese cuisine, Mio's new menu features a more refined version of their crowd favourites from past seasonal menus and traditional staples.

Kaki Ikura 4.5/5

From their previous Winter Menu, we enjoyed an enhanced version of the Kaki Ikura ($24/6pcs), showcasing plump Japanese fresh oysters adorned with ikura and enlivened with the tangy zest of Japanese ponzu.

Grab Sushi 3/5

Grab Sushi ($25/5pcs) is from their previous Summer Menu, featuring Spicy salmon avocado, unagi cheese, negitoro tanuki, hotate mentaiko, ebi fry wasabi mayo. The way to eat it is to wrap each sushi with a piece of nori. While they looked stunning on the plate, the elongated rice roll was a challenge to be picked up without the risk of breaking it. I tried the Negitoro Tanuki. It didn't deliver the expected unctuous texture, which would have brought a better balance to the amount of rice in the sushi.

Sanshoku Maki 2.8/5

Sanshoku Maki is a new traditional staple created. I enjoyed the interplay of textures - crunchy fried ebi and cucumber, contrasting with raw salmon and akami. The rice, however, needed to be more compact, dampening the maki's overall experience.

Niku Enoki Roll 2.8/5

Niku Enoki Roll ($20/5pcs) is also from their Summer Menu. We had pan-seared sliced beef roll with golden mushrooms in sweet butter sauce on the plate. While the beef was tender and flavourful, the sweet butter sauce and soft beefy roll combination was a tad cloying.

Waygu Uni Don 4.5/5

Wagyu Uni Don ($62) is a luxurious, refined dish showcasing Japanese Wagyu's excellence. Enhanced with fresh nama uni, thinly sliced fried garlic, ikura, and a shoyuzuke egg yolk, the beef's flavour is elevated further by a drizzle of momidare sauce. The cured egg yolk boasts a rich and creamy texture, beautifully binding the ingredients with the sushi rice. The sushi rice's vinegary notes balance the dish's richness with its pleasant acidity.

Kinoko Tofu 4.2/5

Hamachi Kama 4.5/5

We also had two popular items that continued from the previous menu - Kinoko Tofu and Hamachi Kama. Kinoko Tofu stood out with its clear bonito soup that delivered a complex depth of umaminess. The tofu was gratifying, with a nice creamy texture encased within the crust and moreish with a savoury mushroom flavour. The Hamachi was perfectly grilled with a juicy texture, seasoned with just a touch of salt to bring out its subtle flavour.

Mochi and Berries 4/5

Summing up the evening is Mochi and Berries ($15) from Spring Menu, pleasurable with chewy handmade Japanese mochi, lightened with summer strawberry ice cream, berries and maple drizzle. There was a good balance of sweetness, but more ice cream would be great, given the number of mochi.

The Beverage menu has also been updated, featuring creative mocktails and cocktails concocted with sakes.

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.


Mio Fine Food
82 Neil Road
Singapore 088843
Tel: +65 62912330
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 930pm
Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 12pm - 4pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Cut through Duxton Plain Park to Keong Saik Road. Turn left onto Keong Saik Road and walk towards Neil Road. Turn left on Neil Road and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road. Turn right and walk down Neil Road. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Akanoya Robatayaki & Bar @ Orchard Rendezvous Hotel - A Revamped Robatayaki Experience with a $48++ Lunch Set

Nestled within the Akashi Group, Akanoya Robatayaki, a renowned Japanese bincho grill restaurant, has unveiled a fresh chapter in its culinary journey. After 8 years of serving delectable robatayaki dishes, the restaurant underwent an extensive transformation, modernising its space to provide an enriched dining encounter. This makeover added more booths, private rooms, and a bar while keeping the central robatayaki dining counter intact. Simultaneously, as part of this renaissance, Akanoya Robatayaki introduced lunch service for the first time in its history. The Hirugohan Lunch Set, priced at $48++, presents an indulgent collection of 8 delightful dishes.

The Hirugohan Lunch Set ($48++) commences with a parade of 5 diverse appetisers, which vary daily to ensure a fresh experience. This initial array aptly reflects the restaurant's meticulousness and commitment to quality.

Sashimi 4.2/5

Additionally, an optional Sashimi course is available for an extra $20. Our sashimi ensemble spotlighted Maguro, Hamachi, and Salmon, each exhibiting the impeccable freshness synonymous with Akanoya Robatayaki.

Meat Skewer with Half-boiled Egg 4.5/5

Moving ahead, we savour the Meat Skewer with Half-boiled Egg. This creation boasts a unique combination of meat with soft bone, providing a captivating textural interplay. As the half-boiled egg complements the skewer, a delightful fusion of flavours emerges, evoking memories of a classic Singaporean breakfast.

You can also order a couple of cocktails from the bar to complement the lunch. If not, it also has a stellar sake list offers 30 to 40 selections of rare sakes carefully sourced from various parts of Japan

Grilled Japanese Vegetables and Mushrooms 4/5

Enhancing the culinary affair, Grilled Japanese Vegetables and Mushrooms come into play. These delectable bites, caressed by the bincho charcoal's essence, acquire a subtle smoky allure while retaining their inviting crunch.

Beef Croquette 4.2/5

Among the highlights of the lunch set is the Beef Croquette, a scrumptious creation that marries flavoursome, juicy beef with a crispy exterior.

Wagyu 4.2/5

The main course offers a choice between Wagyu and Cod. Opting for the Wagyu, diners are treated to marbling that translates to a heavenly blend of flavour and melt-in-the-mouth texture, an epitome of culinary delight.

Donabe 4/5

The finale arrives with the Donabe, where fragrant rice dances with sakura ebi and salmon roes. Each spoonful bursts with intricate flavours, crafting a memorable conclusion to the meal.

Dessert 4.5/5

As a final touch, a duet of Japan Melon and Nashi Pear provides a sweet epilogue, aligning harmoniously with the lunch's unbeatable value.

This splendid 8-course lunch set, priced at $48++, is not limited to weekdays. The offering extends its allure on Saturdays, providing an equally captivating afternoon escapade. Akanoya Robatayaki beckons all who seek a revitalised robatayaki encounter brimming with authenticity, innovation, and culinary finesse.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Akanoya Robatayaki & Bar
Orchard Rendezvous Hotel
1 Tanglin Road
#01-01
Singapore 247905
Tel: +65 6732 1866
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 130am
Sun-Mon: 530pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Walk down Orchard Road to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]