Tamashii Robataya @ North Canal Road - Sake Shabu Shabu

I have tried many types of hotpot but Sake Shabu Shabu is a new to me. Looking for a change and uniqueness, you can hit down to Tamashii Robataya who has recently introduced the Sake Shabu Shabu on their dinner menu. The shabu shabu set comes with an appetizer and dessert of the day, minimum 2 pax to order.

Fresh Oyster 4.2/5

For the appetizer of the day, we have the Fresh Oyster to kick start the meal while waiting for the Sake hotpot to boil.

A whole bottle of Sake is used for the hotpot. Some clams are added into the sake broth to sweeten it. The Sake Shabu Shabu ($208/$358 for 2/4pax) comes with assorted vegetables, Japanese Black Pork Belly/ Loin and choice of Japanese Thin Udon or Rice.

Assorted Vegetables 4.2/5

Japanese Black Pork Belly/ Loin 4.5/5

If this is your first time having Sake Shabu Shabu, you may need a while to get used to the bitter aftertaste from the sake if you do not drink alcohol. The longer the hotpot boils, the alcohol from the sake evaporated and the sweeter it becomes.

If the alcoholic Sake Shabu Shabu is not your thing, there are also the Kurobuta Shabu Shabu ($58/pax), A3 Joshu Gyu Shabu Shabu ($78/pax), A5 Saga Gyu Shabu Shabu ($108/pax) and Kani Shabu Shabu ($118/pax) that uses dashi broth. All these set come with an appetizer, dessert, assorted vegetables, meat and choice of rice or thin udon. If you are want something special, you can try the Soy Bean Shabu Shabu ($108/$188 for 2/4pax).

A5 Grade Saga Beef 4.5/5

The A5 Grade Saga Beef with its beautiful marbling is perfect for the shabu shabu. The saga beef is full flavoured, tender and literally melted in the mouth.

Porridge 4/5

The finale of the hotpot is to pour the rice into the broth that has been infused with the essence of the cooked ingredients. An egg is added to thicken the porridge and lift the taste. I was taken aback that the porridge actually tasted sweet instead of the bitter aftertaste I got from cooking the vegetables and pork.

Wrapping up the meal is the dessert of the day. I have the Sea Salt Ice Cream while my dinner companion has the Mochi. A perfect ending to a sumptuous meal.


Tamashii Robataya
12 North Canal Road
#02-01
Singapore 048825
Tel: +65 62220316
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line), Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards the junction of North Canal Road and South Bridge Road. Cross the junction and continue on North Canal Road. Walk along the shophouses along North Canal Road. Look out for an alley and turn left into it. Look for the entrance to the building and take lift to level 2. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk towards North Canal Road. Continue on North Canal Road. Walk along the shophouses along North Canal Road. Look out for an alley and turn right into it. Look for the entrance to the building and take lift to level 2. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Sakurazaka @ Greenwood (Bukit Timah Road) - Traditional Shabu-Shabu and Sukiyaki with Refined European Flair

Located in the enclave of Greenwood Avenue is a new Japanese restaurant, Sakurazaka. Sakurazaka infuses traditional shabu shabu, sukiyaki and kakigori with refined European flair. Chef Masashi, with his Japanese heritage and European culinary roots, uses both Japanese and European ingredients, condiments and stock to refine the whole experience of shabu shabu and sukiyaki with a refinement of flavours.

Bouillabaisse and Pork Bone Soup

Ordering is rather simple and straight foward. Choose from the 4 sets which is namely Pork Set ($95++), Bouillabaisse Set ($108++), Beef Set ($128++) and Sukiyaki Set ($150++). All the set comes with a starter, meat (seafood for bouillabaisse set), vegetables, mushrooms, rice or noodles and dessert.

Beef and Ago Dashi Soup

For the shabu shabu set, diners have a choice of 6 different soup base. They are Chicken Bone, Pork Bone, Bouillabaisse, Ago Dashi, Beef and Soya Milk. For our dinner, we tried Bouillabaisse, Pork Bone, Beef and Ago Dashi soup base.

Ishiyaki 4.5/5

The dinner experience began with the Ishiyaki (hot stone) and Onsen Tamago. Depends on which set the diner ordered, slices of iberico pork, Japanese wagyu beef or seafood is served. It is to be cooked on the the hot stone that is heated to 140 degrees. The cooked meat or seafood is then dipped into the Japanese half boiled egg with spring onion and sukiyaki sauce to elevate the taste.

Bouillabaisse Set

The Bouillabaisse Set ($108++) comes with assorted seafood such as tiger prawns, white clams, scallop, red snapper, squid, mussel and prawn ball.

Bouillabaisse Set - Prawn Ball

For diners that ordered the Pork Set ($95++), it comes with Kyushu Japanese Pork Belly (200g) and Pork Loin (200g). While the Beef Set ($128++) comes with Aomori Japanese Rice-Fed Beef Striploin (150g) and Ribeye (150g). While the Kyushu Shirobuta pork and Aomori rice-fed beef are not common in Singapore, they are not inferior in terms of marbling and flavours. In fact, they are as good or even better.

Selection of Pork and Beef 4.5/5

On top of the set menu, diners can also order additional serving from the a la carte menu. I would recommend trying the Joshu Wagyu Striploin ($45/100g) and Ribeye ($45/100g). The flavour is more beefy and intense.

Vegetable and Mushroom 4.2/5

Besides the meat and seafood, every set also comes with an assortment of Vegetables and Mushrooms. Each set comes with 5 different seasonal vegetables and 2 seasonal mushrooms.

Foie Gras 3.5/5

If you are game for some acquire taste, you can try shabu shabu Foie Gras ($14) from the a la carte menu. I personally think that the creamy texture and taste may not be easily accepted by many.

The finale of enjoying the shabu shabu is to cook the rice or noodle in the broth that has absorbed with all the essence of the ingredients. Egg and two different type of cheeses are added into the mixture to thicken and intensive the flavour even more.

Kakigori 4.2/5

The dessert rounding off the set is the Kakigori made of finely shaved ice, flavoured with syrup and condensed milk. However, at Sakurazaka you are in for a different. Chef Masashi has given the dessert a refinement make over. We tried the Ujikintoki Green Tea ($16), Port Wine ($15), Tiramisu ($14), Strawberry ($12), Hokkaido Milk ($12) and Mango ($12) Kakigori. The kakigori creation is really interesting. I think Chef Masahi can open his own Japanese dessert house soon. My favourite is the Ujikintoki Green Tea, Port Wine and Hokkaido Milk kakigori.

What is great food without drink? Worry not as Sakurazaka also offers an exquisite choice of wines, sake, and Japanese craft beers.


Sakurazaka
24 Greenwood Avenue
Singapore 298221
Tel: +65 64630333
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tan Kah Kee (DT Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Tan Kah Kee MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to Exit B. Walk straigh to Hillcrest Road. Turn right onto Hillcrest Road. Walk down Hillcrest Road and make a left into Greenwood Avenue. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Momiji Shabu Shabu @ Shaw Plaza (Balestier Road)

For hotpot lover, you will be delighted to know that Momiji Shabu Shabu at Shaw Plaza, Balestier Road has introduced a brand new a la carte menu on top of its hotpot buffet.

At the same time, it also launch 4 new soup bases. They are Healthy Veggie Soup ($12.80), Low Calorie Pork Soup ($15.80), Premium Beef Soup ($18.80) and Lamb Stew Soup ($18,80).

The Japanese themed restaurant offers a wide range of ingredients from seasonal vegetables, meats, seafood and specialty items. I noticed the Argentine Red Prawns was huge. Definitely will delight the seafood lovers. One of my favourite on the buffet line is the various Bamboo Pastes. You don't usually get this in hotpot buffet.

Momiji Shabu Shabu has also fine tuned some of its processe. At the meat section, now the pork and beef are only sliced upon order. This ensures its freshness.

Sushi 4/5

Many times, we do not have the patient to wait for the soup to boil and cooked the ingredients. Hence, why not help yourself to some sushi while waiting.

Waffle and Ice Cream 3/5

I was already too full to try the selection of dessert and cakes. However if you still have some space, you can have some food fun in making your own Waffle and paired it with some ice cream.

Fried Pork Ribs 2/5

The revamped menu also include some new side dishes such as the Fried Pork Ribs ($6), Minced Pork Rice ($3.50) and Coconut Chicken Soup ($9.90). Did not quite enjoy the fried pork ribs as they did not have a lot of meat and quite tough.

Minced Pork Rice 3/5

The minced pork rice is a comforting addition to the menu. The braised minced pork goes very well with the fluffy rice. My ony disappointment is that it was not served warm.

Coconut Chicken Soup 3/5

I was rather surprise that the Coconut Chicken Soup ($9,90) was brimming with ingredients. There are clams, chicken and some Chinese herbs in the coconut husk. The sweetness of coconut can be tasted in the hearty soup, light and clean in taste.

As I aged, buffet is not a thing for me anymore. I can't eat as much as I used to do. Hence it is great to know that Momiji has a Steamboat Set for 2 Pax at $28.50. That is $14.25 for each person.

The beauty of the Steamboat Set is that one can add on from the a la carte menu and order only what you want to eat. Not only cutting down on food wastage and also paying for what you eat.

The Steamboat Set for 2 Pax ($28.50) comes with a choice of soup base out of the six, a staple, a meat and drink. One can top up $3 for free flow hot or cold drinks. This is a reasonable value set for 2 person.

Pricing
Lunch
Mon-Fri: $20.80 Adult, $18.80 Senior Citizen, $13.80 Kid
Brunch
Sat-Sun PH Eve & PH: $25.80 Adult, $23.80 Senior Citizen, $15.80 Kid
Dinner
Mon-Thu: $25.80 Adult, $23.80 Senior Citizen, $15.80 Kid
Fri-Sun, PH Eve & PH: $29.80 Adult, $27.80 Senior Citizen, $15.80 Kid

(Senior Citizen 60 years old and above, Kid below 12 years old and 1.4m)

Momiji Shabu Shabu
Shaw Plaza
360 Balestier Road
#04-01
Singapore 329783
Tel: +65 62583398
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Toa Payoh (NS Line), Lavender (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm
Brunch
Sat-Sun PH Eve & PH: 1130am - 4pm
Dinner
Mon-Thu: 5pm - 930pm
Fri-Sun, PH Eve & PH: 5pm - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Toa Payoh MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Toa Payoh Bus Interchange (Stop ID 52009). Take bus number 145. Alight 5 stops later. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Lavender MRT station. (Stop ID 01311). Take bus number 145. Alight 9 stops later. Cross the street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 25 minutes. [Map]

FUKU Fine Kaiseki Restaurant @ Mohamed Sultan Road

Fuku Fine Kaiseki Restaurant is the first ever restaurant specializes in fugu or better known as pufferfish to be opened in Asia, outside Japan. Located at Mohamed Sultan Road, the restaurant imported the highest grade fugu, known as Torafugu or Tiger Pufferfish among the 20 edible species. These prized catch are flown in twice a week from Shimonoseki.

Appetizer 3/5 and Gelatine Meat 3.5/5

The dinner started with the Appertizer and Gelatine Meat. The fugu skin tossed in a delectable sauce comes with a nice crunchy bite to whet up the appetite. I also enjoyed sucking the gelatine meat of the fugu head and cheek but it is quite boney, hence not suitable for kid.

Fugu Sashimi 4.2/5 and Lightly Boiled Fugu Skin 4/5

The highlight of the dinner has to be the Fugu Sashimi and Lightly Boiled Fugu Skin. Fugu is known for its low fat and high protein content. Hence there is no harm having more of it. The thinly sliced pufferfish sashimi has a clean taste to it with a slight rubbery texture. This is best enjoyed with the ponzu sauce. For the lightly boiled fugu skin, I was took to wrap it around some leeks to enjoy it. This comes with a more crunchy texture.

Fugu Sushi 4/5

From the fugu sashimi and boiled fugu skin, we moved on to the Fugu Sushi. Besides the skillful knife skill of the chef, the different cuts of the fugu showcases how different texture brings out the different flavour of the fugu. The fugu sushi is actually quite similar to having the squid sushi exclude the slimy texture.

Deep Fried Fugu

The seasoning and flavour of the Deep Fried Fugu is heavier and more robust. The whole execution feels like eating deep fried chicken karaage instead.

Fugu Milt (Shirako) 3.5/5

This Fugu Milt may be a bit exotic for some but I am all game to it. It is grilled and served with a lemon slice and salt. It has non of those gamey and comes with a creamy texture. However the execution was a bit on the salty side.

Fugu Hotpot (Konbu) 4/5

Fugu Hotpot (Soya Bean) 4.2/5

At Fuku, diners can also enjoy the exquisite Japanese delicacy over the Fugu Hotpot, at $70 per pot (for 1-2 pax). Currently it offers three different types of soup base. , traditional Konbu Soya Bean and Miso. I tried both the traditional tecchiri and soya bean soup base. I think the local will prefer the soya bean broth which is richer in flavour and has a nice thick creamy consistency.

Fugu Porridge 4.2/5

Pour some rice and an egg into the leftover broth and we have another dish, Fugu Porridge. The porridge carries the essence of the broth. This comforting bowl of fugu porridge is best eaten with some salted seaweed.

To try the different parts of the fugu, cooked in different ways, the Fugu Course Daikokuten ($250) which is good for up to 4 pax, allows one to do so. The courses include appetizer and gelatine meat, lightly boiled fugu skin, thiny sliced fugu sashimi, deep fried fugu, seasonal Japanese cooked dish, grilled or steamed milt, fugu hotpot with vegetables, fugu japanese style porridge and seasonal dessert.

A new offering at Fuku is the Shabu Shabu Hotpot ($70) with A5 beef imported from Miyazaki, Japan. The beautiful marbled beef literally melted in the mouth.

Many may be wary about eating fugu as it is known to be toxic. However be assured as the chefs have over 20 years of experience working with the toxic fish. In additional, the regulation set by Singapore's Agri-food and Veterinary Authority ensures the gourmet experience is 100% safe. All the internal organs have to be properly and thoroughly removed in Japan first before allowing to be imported into Singapore.


[CLOSED]
FUKU Fine Kaiseki Restaurant
14 Mohamed Sultan Road
#01-01
Singapore 238963
Tel: +65 62358216
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FUKUsingapore
Website: http://www.fugu-fuku.com/
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to bus stop at Clark Quay Station (Stop ID 04222). Take bus number 54. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to Mohamed Sultan Road. Turn left onto Mohamed Sultan Road. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]