Haku Sushi @ Great World - Limited-Time 7-Course Bluefin Tuna Omakase At S$88 Per Person Available on 27 and 28 July Only

In the basement of Great World City, Japanese sister restaurants Kou Teppan and Haku Sushi are nestled side by side. Kou Teppan delights diners with teppanyaki-style omakase, while Haku Sushi specialises in kansai-style omakase.

To celebrate their 1st Anniversary, the restaurants launched an exclusive Hon Maguro (Bluefin Tuna) Omakase. For $88 per person, diners can choose from a 7-course Teppan or Sushi Omakase Menu, both featuring various parts of premium Hon Maguro from Wakayama. Initially available only on 20 and 21 July, this special omakase was extended to 27 and 28 July for lunch and dinner.

Also as part of the celebration, the restaurants have specially prepared for a live Tuna Cutting Show. The engaging show showcased the freshness of the Hon Maguro, and the chefs' skills. Due to overwhelming response, an additional show has been scheduled for lunch on 27 July. Diners can join the show at Kou Teppan before commencing lunch.

7-Course Sushi Omakase 4.2/5

After the Tuna Cutting Show, we settled comfortably in Haku Sushi for our 7-Course Sushi Omakase ($88/person). Diners will have the option to top up with Maguro Sashimi of 3 Kinds (akami, chutoro, and otoro) for $18 and a Kamatoro (prized tuna cheek meat) Handroll for $18.

Appetiser of 6 Kinds

We began with a vibrant plate of Appetiser of 6 Kinds. Each dish showcased maguro in different preparations, including Saikyo Cream Cheese with Shuto Maguro, Vinaigrette Miso Marinated Maguro, Nanban Maguro, Maguro Sansho Pepper Stew, Maguro Avocado Salad, and Maguro Carpaccio with Water Eggplant.

I appreciated the chefs' extra effort to showcase the maguro with varied flavours, such as the creamy and mildly buttery Maguro Avocado Salad and the tangy Vinaigrette Miso Marinated Maguro.

Maguro Sashimi

Next, we enjoyed a platter of Maguro Sashimi served in three cuts - akami, chutoro, and otoro. Each piece was incredibly fresh.

Maguro Patty with Mizore Sauce

I tried cooked negitoro in the Maguro Patty with Mizore Sauce for the first time. The negitoro was shaped into a ball and served in a savoury-sweet sauce, which tasted quite homely.

Maguro Katsu with Charcoal Salt

We then observed the chefs slice the Maguro Katsu, revealing a lovely pink centre. The katsu had a thin fried exterior and was served rare, using the otoro cut for a rich, fatty mouthfeel.

Maguro Nigiri of 5 Kinds

The Maguro Nigiri course followed, featuring five kinds of maguro cuts, each with a unique topping.

Despite the restaurant being bustling with diners, the quality of each piece of nigiri was executed well, with nicely thick cuts.

The nigiri we enjoyed included Otoro with Sea Grapes, Chutoro with Sea Urchin, and Akami with Wasabi.

Soup

The Soup course was a light, dashi-based broth with Maguro and Japanese Leek, which was average.

Negitoro Ice Cream

Dessert was a surprising twist, incorporating tuna. The Negitoro Ice Cream featured a scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with negitoro and a side of brown sugar syrup. While the concept was intriguing, I wasn't a fan of this combination as it didn't come together harmoniously.

Due to the restaurant being fully booked for this special omakase menu, the service for each course took a bit longer. Nonetheless, we found the omakase to be competitively priced for the quality and variety offered. Diners can also complete the omakase with a selection of curated alcohol from Tokushima. The special promotion offers each glass for $3.80 or by the bottle at 38% off on varying prices. Reservations for this special omakase menu are filling up quickly. To book a slot, visit their official booking website here: https://bit.ly/kouhakusg.

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.


Haku Sushi
Great World
B1-135
1 Kim Seng Promenade
Singapore 237994
Tel: +65 6235 1645
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Nearest MRT: Great World (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Great World MRT station. Take Exit 6. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tempura Udon by Mizuya @ Tanjong Pagar Road - $1 Salmon Sashimi Promo with Any Order Of Tempura/Udon Set

Nestled in the cosy confines of Orchid Hotel along Tanjong Pagar Road, Tempura Udon by Mizuya may not have the widespread fame of larger Japanese restaurant chains, but it certainly holds its own with quality tempura, fresh sashimi and delicious dishes. Returning here was a delightful experience, reaffirming its status as a gem for Japanese food.

Hyogo Fresh Oyster 4.5/5

We began our dinner with the fresh Hyogo Oysters ($12 for 2pcs). These oysters were impressively large, plump, briny, and creamy, offering a delightful start to our meal.

Mix Sashimi Platters 4.5/5

Next, we indulged in the Mix Sashimi Platters ($35), which featured four kinds of fresh and thickly cut sashimi. The quality of the sashimi was outstanding, and I was thoroughly impressed by the freshness and richness of each slice.

Mix Tempura Udon 4.5/5

The highlight of our dinner was the Mix Tempura Udon ($18). The bouncy and chewy udon noodles came in a light, refreshing, and flavorful dashi soup. The accompanying plate of tempura was coated in a light and crispy batter, making each bite a perfect combination of texture and taste.

Salmon Sashimi 4.8/5

Currently, the restaurant is running a promotion where any order of Tempura or Donburi Set entitles you to purchase Salmon Sashimi at one dollar per piece (maximum 5 pieces). Despite being a promotional item, the quality of the salmon sashimi was not compromised. Each piece was fat and thickly cut, offering a melt-in-the-mouth experience that was truly satisfying.

Shake Aburi Don 4/5

We concluded our meal with the Shake Aburi Don ($23). Its vibrant presentation is reminiscent of the Chinese Yusheng. After giving the bowl of ingredients a good toss, the different textures and flavours came together beautifully, creating a delicious and harmonious mouthful with each bite.

Tempura Udon by Mizuya is a delightful spot for those seeking quality Japanese cuisine in a cosy setting. The fresh Hyogo Oysters, impressive Mix Sashimi Platters, delectable Mix Tempura Udon, and the well-executed Shake Aburi Don are standout dishes that showcase the restaurant's commitment to quality. Don't miss out on their promotional Salmon Sashimi - it's an incredible deal for such high-quality sashimi. Tempura Udon by Mizuya is definitely worth a visit for an authentic and satisfying Japanese dining experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tempura Udon by Mizuya
Orchid Hotel
1 Tras Link
#01-14 Singapore 078867
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon – Sat: 1130am – 230pm, 6pm – 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT statin. Take Exit A. Walk straight to Orchid Hotel. Go around the building to the other side facing Tanjong Pagar Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Kozen Sushi Bar & Restaurant @ Flanders Square - Offering Dry-aged Sashimi and a Variety of Delightful Japanese Dishes

Nestled in the quaint street just behind the City Square Mall carpark, Kozen Sushi Bar & Restaurant specialises in dry-aged sashimi, offering a unique twist on traditional Japanese cuisine.

Chawanmushi of the day – Snow Crab 4/5

We started our meal with the Snow Crab Chawanmushi ($16.90). The jiggling steamed egg topped with sweet snow crab meat and ikura was pleasantly delightful, with a fresh hint of sweetness from the snow crab. This dish was a definite winner, and we really enjoyed it.

Chawanmushi of the day – Scallop 3.8/5

Another chawanmushi we tried was the Scallop Chawanmushi ($16.90). It was a good dish topped with aburi fresh scallop and ikura, but it lacked the flavour depth of the snow crab version.

Lobster Toro Don 4.2/5

The Lobster Toro Don ($59.90) is a premium don featuring fatty tuna (toro) dry-aged for 9 days, chunks of lobster meat with uni sauce, and topped with ikura. It is served with raw egg yolk for dipping the tuna. This dish was incredibly umami, and we scraped every single grain of rice from the bowl!

Beef Wine Short Ribs 3.5/5

The Beef Wine Short Ribs ($45.90) offered fork-tender braised beef short ribs, making it an excellent appetiser for sharing if you're looking for something non-fish. However, we found it too salty for our taste, but it might be perfect for those who love beef.

Seasonal Nigiri 4/5

The Seasonal Nigiri Platter provided a great mix of dry-aged and seasonal sashimi, allowing us to try different fishes, each with its own sweetness and flavour. A highlight of any Japanese meal, this sushi platter did not disappoint. Our selection included Chutoro, Isaki, Kinmedai, Smoked Salmon, Minced Tuna Maki topped with Uni, Aka Ebi with Ikura, Mikan Tai, Shimaaji, and Akami. Be sure to check with the restaurant for the current selection, as it changes seasonally.

Chocolate Banana Waffle 3/5

Kozen has recently launched a dessert bar, open from 6pm daily until 1am, making it a great spot for late-night dessert cravings. We tried the Chocolate Banana Waffle ($14.90), accompanied by not-too-sweet chocolate ice cream and caramel macadamia. While the flavours were nice, the waffle itself wasn't crispy enough for our liking.

Kozen Sushi Bar & Restaurant impresses with its innovative dry-aged sashimi and a variety of delightful dishes. The Snow Crab Chawanmushi and Lobster Toro Don were standouts, offering exceptional flavors and quality. While some dishes like the Beef Wine Short Ribs and Chocolate Banana Waffle had room for improvement, the overall experience at Kozen was enjoyable and worth a visit for anyone looking to indulge in premium Japanese cuisine.

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


Kozen Sushi Bar & Restaurant 
22 Flanders Square
Singapore 209306
Tel: +65 6816 0253
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Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit H. Walk to Kitchener Link. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Shaburi & Kintan Buffet @ JEM - New Summer Buffet Menu Featuring Seafood Platter with Oysters, Scallops, Prawns and More

Shaburi & Kintan Buffet has been a popular, family-friendly option at JEM. It offers both Shabu-Shabu and Kintan (Japanese BBQ) buffet options at various price points. The restaurant has launched a new seasonal Natsu Matsuri Shaburi Platter/Kintan Platter as part of summer celebrations.

From now till 27 June 2024, the Natsu Matsuri Shaburi Platter is available at an attractive 20% discount, priced at $68.04++ for 2 pax (U.P. $78.80++). After that, it will return to its original price point and remain available until the end of August.

Natsu Matsuri Shaburi Buffet 4/5

The restaurant was decked out in vibrant decor that matched the summer vibes. Look out for the blue food tags to identify the special seasonal items!

Twin Pot

With the whole range of broths available, we definitely appreciated that we could opt for two broths instead of just one. For an additional $1, you can opt for the Twin Pot. We chose the classic Original Kombu and Chicken Collagen Paitan for our first pot and the seasonal Creamy Truffle and Clear Truffle for our second. Other broth options include Hot Miso, Tonkotsu, and Sukiyaki.

Banchan

We enjoyed the Banchan more than we expected! The sesame spinach, beansprouts, kimchi and radish tasted fresh and had a good crunch.

Sushi Rolls

However, the Sushi Rolls, mainly consisting of chicken and a higher rice-to-meat ratio, were skippable in favour of better carb options.

Takoyaki

At the Fried Food section, you can find Tempura Sweet Potato, French Fries and Takoyaki, all of which we noticed were popular with children.

Tori Karaage

Among the starters, there was Chawanmushi and Tori Karaage available. The latter was chunky and seasoned well, despite lacking crunch.

Hot Food

The Hot Food section offered a variety of dishes, including Bacon with Potatoes, Beef Japchae, Curry Chicken, Yakisoba and Ginger Fried Rice. We were pleasantly surprised by the Ginger Fried Rice, which had a lingering ginger aroma.

Condiments

All Condiments are included in the buffet price, and there is a good selection of sauces to choose from. Take a look at their sauce board for the restaurant's recommended mixes. I liked the Japanese Favourite, a tangy and refreshing mix of ponzu, original Shaburi sauce, and Japanese leek. The seasonal spicy Shaburi sauce, studded with sesame seeds, is perfect for those who like more heat.

Natsu Matsuri Shaburi Platter

Next came the buffet's highlight, the Natsu Matsuri Shaburi Platter, served in a wooden boat. It featured a range of seafood, including Half-Shell Scallops, Cooked Prawns, Fresh Salmon, Baby Cuttlefish, Oysters, and White-Shell Clams. Our favourites were the plump scallops and crunchy prawns.

Special Shabu Meat

As part of the buffet, we could select two plates of Special Shabu Meat. We chose the Tender Chicken, Homemade Chicken Ball, Iberico Pork, and Pork Cheese Shabu. The meats were thinly sliced and fresh, without any gamey smell. The Pork Cheese Shabu was particularly interesting, with cheese slices served alongside the pork. We were taught to roll the cheese up before putting it into the bubbling pot for a quick cook for that cheesy ooze.

Shabu ingredients

Shabu ingredients are free-flowing for all diners, including leafy vegetables and chilled/frozen options like fishcakes, crabsticks, chikuwa, and fish balls. We enjoyed the fresh ingredients, including black fungus, corn, mushrooms, tofu, egg, etc.

Chocolate Fondue

For desserts, we started with the Chocolate Fondue, which featured bittersweet chocolate with choices of marshmallows, churros, and more to pair. Unfortunately, we found the churros and donuts a bit too hard and preferred the fresh fruits.

Dango

The time-limited Dango leaned more dense. They come in pairs on a stick, with sauces on the side to drizzle over. While we found the Dango average, the black sesame paste was rich and fragrant.

DIY Kakigori Station

The DIY Kakigori Station, located with the beverage machines, allowed us to make our own shaved ice. Pour the ice cubes into the top of the machine, switch it on, and you will have a bowl of shaved ice in no time. Drizzle with sauces such as Strawberry sauce, Blue Hawaii sauce, and Condensed Milk before pairing with azuki red beans or even soft serve and warabi mochi. While the ice wasn't as fine in texture, it was a fun experience.

As part of the summer celebration, diners who spend a minimum of $80 can participate in their Sure-win Gachapon Game, with prizes such as return cash vouchers and cute keychains.

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.


Shaburi & Kintan Buffet
JEM
#03-11/12
50 Jurong Gateway Road
Singapore 608549
Tel: +65 6262 4329
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Nearest MRT: Jurong East MRT (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

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