Showing posts with label Sashimi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sashimi. Show all posts

Monday, September 8, 2025

Issho Izakaya @ Marina One - Second Outlet with Lunch & Dinner Omakase Experiences from $68

IMG_7103(1)

IMG_7054

Issho Izakaya has recently opened its second outlet at Marina One. In addition to their standard menu, this new outlet offers lunch and dinner omakase experiences, starting from $68, with options ranging from 8 to 11 courses.

IMG_7057
Bonito Walnut

IMG_7068
Homemade Tofu

We tried the 11+ course dinner omakase ($128), beginning with a trio of appetisers. The Bonito Walnut was crunchy and addictive with deep umami notes. The Homemade Tofu had a light, creamy mouthfeel, subtly flavoured with an aromatic corn sauce, which could have been less starchy.

IMG_7072
Horse Mackerel with Seaweed Somen

The Horse Mackerel with Seaweed Somen brought an intriguing contrast of savoury crunch and briny strands of “seaweed noodles.” A touch of vinegar helped balance the brininess.

IMG_7082
Sashimi 5/5

The Sashimi course was a highlight, featuring five indulgent belly cuts: Toro, Kanpachi Belly, Tai Belly, Kajiki Belly, and Salmon Belly, each unctuous with a lingering fullness.

IMG_7094
Prawn Wanton in Black Vinegar 2.5/5

A local fusion touch came next with Prawn Wanton in Black Vinegar, reminiscent of chilli oil dumplings. The flavours were familiar and enjoyable, but the thick, slightly stiff wanton skin and the lack of a juicy filling were a letdown.

IMG_7102
Tai 4.5/5

The Grilled Tai course delighted with its tender, flaky flesh and beautifully crispy scales. A squeeze of Japanese lime added a refreshing citrus lift.

IMG_7111
Chilli Crab 4.5/5

Fusion continued into the Agemono course with their take on Chilli Crab, featuring fried soft-shell crab served alongside housemade chilli sauce and toast. The batter was light and airy, keeping the crab succulent. The sauce struck a delicate balance of sweetness and heat, making this dish a pleasant surprise.

IMG_7120
Miyazaki A5 with Foie Gras Miso 3.5/5

The Miyazaki A5 with Foie Gras Miso followed. The desired beef flavour was there, but the texture and mouthfeel were slightly drier than expected. The accompanying grilled vegetables were full of flavour, and what I also loved about the dish was the savoury miso served at the side, which was infused with a subtle hint of foie gras funk that enhanced the flavour of the beef up a notch.

IMG_7130
Cheese Kani 2.8/5

Instead of the usual temaki and rice course, we were served Cheese Kani and Beef Noodle with Clam Soup. The Cheese Kani, layered with gooey cheese, macaroni, and ikura, leaned indulgent but heavy, overshadowing the natural sweetness of the crab.

IMG_7145
Beef Noodle 3.5/5

The Beef Noodle, a local interpretation of Japanese ingredients, was tasty, though a touch of grated yuzu zest could have brightened the richness and tied it more seamlessly to the overall theme. I reckon a less saucier Rice course would have given a much more cohesive flow of the omakase experience. The accompanying clam soup, while pleasant, could have carried more depth.

IMG_7159
Dessert

Dessert was simple yet satisfying with sweet and juicy melon.

The fusion take on the omakase was refreshing and delivered a few standout dishes. That said, a stronger emphasis on seasonal ingredients, a more defined progression of courses, and greater refinement in execution would have elevated the experience into something truly memorable.

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.


Issho Izakaya
Marina One Show Gallery
West Tower
5 Straits View
#01-14
Singapore 018935
Tel: +65 6592 8876
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Shenton Way (TE Line), Marina Bay (CC, NS, TE Line), Downtown (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am – 3pm, 530pm – 10pm
Sat-Sun & PH: 11am – 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Shenton Way MRT station. Take Exit 1 or 5. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Marina Bay MRT station, Take Exit 1. Walk to Marina Way. Cross the road and walk to destination. [Map]

3) Alight at Downtown MRT station. Take Exit D or E. Walk to Straits View Road. Walk down Straits View Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]


Sunday, September 7, 2025

Uoharu (魚治) @ IOI Central Boulevard Towers - Celebrates 1st Anniversary with Limited-Time Menu and Fun Interactive Activities

Uoharu1stAnniversary35

Renowned Tokyo izakaya Uoharu (魚治) marks its first anniversary in Singapore with a lineup of limited-time dishes and engaging activities from 14 August to 19 October. Since opening its doors a year ago, Uoharu has impressed diners with fresh produce sourced directly from the famed Toyosu Market. The izakaya has now expanded its offerings to include premium seafood and fish flown in from Hokkaido, further elevating the authentic Japanese dining experience.

To celebrate the occasion, Uoharu has introduced a series of interactive activities such as the Egg-slide Challenge (win your dish for free if you succeed!), mochi pounding, Polaroid snapshots with a complimentary sake shot, and a lucky-draw Fuku Stick with prizes including free beer and dishes.

Uoharu1stAnniversary2

Uoharu1stAnniversary6
Seared Miso Sashimi Tartare 3.5/5

The Seared Miso Sashimi Tartare ($14.80) arrives dramatically, fire-torched tableside. Wrapped with seaweed and creamy egg yolk, each bite is rich, smoky, and texturally layered. It is a fun and flavourful start to the meal.

Uoharu1stAnniversary8
Akita Smoked Radish with Cream Cheese 5/5

The Akita Smoked Radish with Cream Cheese ($10.80) is a simple yet outstanding dish that stole the show. The crunchy, smoky-sweet radish paired with smooth cream cheese was so addictive that we immediately ordered a second serving.

Uoharu1stAnniversary10
Japanese-Style Tomato Salad 4.2/5

Refreshing and light, the Japanese-Style Tomato Salad ($12.80) showcased tomatoes with an incredible natural sweetness, enhanced by a nutty goma sesame dressing.

Uoharu1stAnniversary13
A4 Wagyu Baguette with Cured Egg Yolk 3/5

Priced at $16.80 for two pieces, the A4 Wagyu Baguette with Cured Egg Yolk ($16.80 for 2pc) comes with its own Egg-slide Challenge. While the wagyu itself was tender and savoury, the highlight here is the fun activity rather than the flavour.

Uoharu1stAnniversary16

Uoharu1stAnniversary18

Uoharu1stAnniversary17
Grilled Seasonal Shellfish 3.8/5

Grilled Seasonal Shellfish ($38.80) comprises a trio of scallop, turban shell, and surf clam.. The scallop and clam were sweet and delightful, though the turban shell proved tough and less enjoyable.

Uoharu1stAnniversary22
Beef Tongue and Daikon Nitsuke 4/5

The Beef Tongue and Daikon Nitsuke ($21.80) was a comforting and flavourful simmered dish. The tender cubes of beef tongue practically melted in the mouth, balanced beautifully by the sweetness of slow-cooked daikon.

Uoharu1stAnniversary26
Beef Bone Marrow with Baguette Toast 3/5

The Beef Bone Marrow with Baguette Toast ($25.80) delivers rich, buttery marrow spread over crisp baguette, making it a decadent drinking snack. Indulgent as it is, the heaviness may not appeal to everyone.

Uoharu1stAnniversary30
Jumbo Sea Tiger Prawn with Mentai Aburi 4/5

The Jumbo Sea Tiger Prawn with Mentai Aburi ($26.80) impressed with its sweet, briny flesh crowned with creamy, smoky mentai, which is decadent and indulgent. Personally, I felt the bold topping overshadowed the natural sweetness of the prawn, though I can see how the punchier flavours would appeal to the younger generation.

Uoharu1stAnniversary33
Oden Moriawase 4.5/5

The Oden Moriawase ($18.80 for 7 kinds/ $32.80 for 20 kinds) is a quintessential Japanese comfort dish. The lightly seasoned dashi broth, sweet daikon, and variety of fish cakes made this a must-order, especially for sharing.

Uoharu1stAnniversary41
Chicken Wing 4.2/5

Grilled and perfectly executed, the Chicken Wing was juicy with a crisp skin, which is always a crowd pleaser.

Uoharu1stAnniversary49
Premium Seafood Donabe 4/5

Packed with crab, hotate, aka ebi, salmon, and ikura, the Premium Seafood Donabe ($29.80) was brimming with oceanic flavours. The donabe sealed in all the goodness, with fluffy rice soaking up every drop of umami essence.

Uoharu Singapore celebrates its milestone in true izakaya spirit with great food, premium seafood, interactive fun, and plenty of sake to go around. While not every dish hit the same high note, highlights such as the Akita Smoked Radish with Cream Cheese, Oden Moriawase, and Jumbo Sea Tiger Prawn with Mentai Aburi make this anniversary menu well worth a visit.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Uoharu (魚治)
IOI Central Boulevard Towers
2 Central Boulevard
#01-16
Singapore 018916
Tel: +65 6931 2733
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line), Shenton Way (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11am - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Downtown MRT station. Take Exit E or F. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Shenton Way MRT station. Take Exit 4. Cut across Asia Square Tower to Commerce Street. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.[Map]

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Morita Unigoro @ Stanley Street - An Exclusive 1-for-1 Six-course Dinner at $298++

MoritaUnigoro22

Osaka’s acclaimed uni omakase specialist Morita UNIGORO at Stanley Street launches an exclusive 1-for-1 six-course dinner at $298++, available daily for dinner until 31 July 2025. This limited-time offering presents a more accessible way to enjoy the restaurant’s premium uni-focused omakase, showcasing Hokkaido sea urchin alongside seasonal Japanese ingredients.

MoritaUnigoro2
Duo Sashimi 4.8/5

Our first course is a sashimi dish featuring two different cuts of tuna - Chutoro and Otoro. To enhance the enjoyment of the fatty tuna, diners can pair it with the accompanying sea salt and wasabi.

MoritaUnigoro7
New "Uniku" (Uni & Meat) 5/5

The next course is the New "Uniku" comprising Uni and Meat. The A5 Wagyu Uchimomo (top round) is slightly torched and served together with egg yolk and uni. The three ingredients seem unassociated or unrelated, but when you have them all together, the combination of flavour and texture is out of this world. It was almost heavenly, deliciously good.

MoritaUnigoro13
Tempura Scallop with Uni 4.5/5

Following that, we were served the Tempura Scallop with Uni. The plump and juicy scallop was lightly coated in a delicate, crispy batter, perfectly complementing the creamy sweetness of the uni. A touch of roasted seaweed tied all the elements together, enhancing both the aroma and umami, making for another beautifully executed and well-balanced dish.

MoritaUnigoro21

MoritaUnigoro18

The highlight of the six-course dinner is the Signature Uni Hot Pot. The hot pot comes with premium ingredients, including Uni, Lobster, Clam, Abalone, A5 Wagyu Beef Ribeye, Japanese Pork Belly, and Vegetables.

MoritaUnigoro23

MoritaUnigoro26

MoritaUnigoro30

MoritaUnigoro34
Signature Uni Hot Pot 4.8/5

The hot pot is brought to a boil, with uni added to the broth. Parmesan and olive oil are further added to elevate the taste profile. The ingredients are top-notch quality, too. The clam was the biggest I had ever seen and eaten; it was as big as my palm. The other highlight is the melt-in-the-mouth A5 wagyu.

MoritaUnigoro38
Uni Mixed Rice 4.2/5

To fill one's up, the last savoury course is the Uni Mixed Rice. The rice was fluffy and well-infused with the robust flavour from the uni. My only complaint is that the portion is too small. I don't understand why the restaurant is reluctant to offer a larger portion or provide diners with the option to choose a different-sized portion of rice to their preference.

MoritaUnigoro41
Homemade Granita 3.5/5

Last but not least, we wrapped up the meal on a sweet and refreshing note. The Homemade Granita was ideal after all the richness.

To book, make reservation at https://reserve.toretaasia.com/moritaunigorosg#/


Morita Unigoro
10 Stanley Street
Singapore 068729
Tel: +65 85256553
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 2pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street, walk to Boon Tat Street. Turn left onto Boon Tat Street. Turn right onto Stanley 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 Mccallum Street. Turn right onto Mccallum Street. Turn left onto Stanley Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, July 19, 2025

Ensō Steakhouse @ CapitaGreen - Neo-Japanese and American Steakhouse with Lunch Set Menu From $58++

IMG_5844

Ensō Steakhouse, nestled within COTU, the region's first multi-concept dining and entertainment venue, is a Neo-Japanese and American Steakhouse that marries premium American cuts with modern Japanese grill expertise. All premium cuts are aged in-house. Their new lunch set menu is now even more comprehensive, starting from a 2-course set at $58++ and a 3-course set from $68++.

IMG_5826
Wagyu Beef Koshihikari Rice 4.5/5

Whetting our appetite was a hearty first course of Wagyu Beef Koshihikari Rice. The braised wagyu and maitake mushrooms were deeply steeped in umami, served over plump, pearly Koshihikari rice that complemented their textures and flavours. A slow-cooked egg with a sticky, creamy yolk brought it all together beautifully. I would gladly have it as a main if offered in a full portion.

IMG_5809
Hamacho Sashimi 3.5/5

Another first course, the Hamacho Sashimi, was a refreshing contrast. To complement the lighter profile of the sashimi, the dish was elevated with shredded myoga, shiso, and a fennel salad for a slightly spicy lift, as well as crispy potato. The latter adds both texture and an extra savoury dimension.

IMG_5834

IMG_5846
Angus Bavette 5/5

As for mains, for dishes included in the base price of the set, the Angus Bavette (220g) is the one to go for. This loosely textured, lean cut from the cow's abdominal muscles surprised me with its depth of flavour, especially paired with a well-balanced red wine sauce. My prior memories of flank steak leaned toward blandness, but this was the complete opposite – tender and juicy, tantalising with beefy character.

IMG_5861
Grilled Salmon Salad 3/5

If you prefer something lighter, the Grilled Salmon Salad offers a seafood alternative. It's served with mixed greens, grilled avocado, and a bright, citrusy dressing, accompanied by crispy rice that lends a pleasant crunch. However, I found the salmon slightly 'stiff', lacking the succulence I hoped for.

IMG_5852
Wagyu Fat Crispy Fries

IMG_5870
Wagyu Beef Mac & Cheese

Sides were indulgent and worth the calories. The thick-cut Wagyu Fat Crispy Fries were fluffy on the inside, with a savoury, golden crust. The Wagyu Beef Mac & Cheese was comforting and rich, with al dente macaroni and juicy morsels of wagyu beef.

IMG_5873
Fuji Apple Crumble 4.5/5

Desserts were decent overall. Fuji Apple Crumble was a joyful treat featuring chunky, tender apple slices tucked beneath buttery-sweet crumbles and served warm with a scoop of Madagascan vanilla ice cream.

IMG_5879
Raspberry Almond Tart 3.5/5

The Raspberry Almond Tart had a lovely, well-baked crust, although I wished for a more generous amount of raspberries to bring out its fruity depth more effectively.

IMG_5885

Indeed, Ensō Steakhouse knows its beef well. Beyond the Angus Bavette, the lunch set includes other premium steak cuts, making it a solid choice for steak lovers seeking quality and value.

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.


Ensō Steakhouse
COTU
CapitaGreen
Levels 38
138 Market Street
Singapore 048946
Tel: +65 64164800
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sat: 530pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk down Cecil Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk down Cross Street (against the flow of traffic). Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]