KOMA is the latest and newest Japanese restaurant to open at
Marina Bay Sands. The restaurant offers a menu put together by Executive Chef Kunihiro Moroi, featuring sushi, robata and izakaya style dining. It even boasts a bar and lounge that serves an extensive selection of over 30 types of sake sourced from across Japan.
The restaurant is really stunning and breathtaking. First, the guest will walk through a striking 20 metre-long passageway that is inspired by the torii gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. Once inside, one will be greeted by the bar and lounge with glass owls lining at the bar and suspending from the ceiling. Moving into the dining hall, a spectacular 2.5 metre-high Japanese bell with 20 different faces that overlooks a traditional Japanese footbridge and reflecting pool.
Salmon Pillow 3/5
Dinner started with some small bites. The
Salmon Pillow ($14) comes in a little parcel of a crispy puff pastry shell filled with smoked avocado and topped with salmon sashimi and burnt jalapeno peppers. While the flavours come together excellently, I just find it a little small to fully enjoy it.
Aburi Hamachi Salad 3.5/5
Though the
Aburi Hamachi Salad ($26) is a salad dish on the menu, the portion of the white fish is more than the greens. What I enjoyed most was how the ponzu sauce brightened up the whole enjoyment.
Tuna Pringles $14 and Taro Chip Tuna Tacos $21
The
Tuna Pringles ($14) reminds me of the Tuna pizza which I had at Akira Black. Instead of tortilla base, it uses pringle instead, giving it an even crisper texture. While the flavours for the
Taro Chip Tuna Tacos ($21) work harmoniously, I felt that it lacked the vibrancy of a typical taco for it to stand out.
Crispy Tokyo Gyoza 3/5
The
Crispy Tokyo Gyoza ($12) which comes with chicken, onion and ginger filling is juicy and plump. However, I felt that the filling needed more robust marination to lift the taste profile.
Oysters on The Half Shell 4/5
Moving to the freshness from the sea, we started with fresh
Oysters on The Half Shell ($24) crowned with radish. The oyster is really huge, creamy and plump.
Assorted Sashimi Platter 4/5
Assorted Sushi Platter 4/5
From the sushi bar, one can go for either the
Assorted Sashimi Platter ($78 for 9pc) or
Assorted Sushi Platter ($88 for 9pc). You can't really go wrong with sashimi and sushi, as long as the ingredients are fresh. Best to pair with the huge sake collections from the bar.
Truffle Unagi 3.5/5
For something more substantial, there is a selection of maki on their menu. We decided to go with the
Truffle Unagi ($25) which paired unagi together with avocado and dressed in a sweet soy sauce.
Wagyu Beef Sirloin 3.8/5 and Negima 4.2/5
From the grill, one can opt for a selection of meats for their skewer. We had the
Wagyu Beef Sirloin ($28 per skewer) and
Negima ($9 per skewer). My preference is the Negima, for the tender chicken thigh.
Crispy Barbecued Chicken 4/5
Meanwhile, the small bites and sushi bar seems rather expensive in comparison with the portion. Not to worry, the menu also offers one plate meal or big plates that will satisfy your hunger and make your money worth. Starting with the
Crispy Barbecued Chicken ($29), the large portion will bring a smile to your face. On the plate, you can find tender barbecued chicken, paired with rice, tomatoes and greens. Though not really Japanese cuisine, I am not complaining as it tasted pretty good.
Ginger Honey-Glazed Salmon 4.2/5
Another well-executed dish that has been cooked perfectly is the
Ginger Honey-Glazed Salmon ($38). Love how the ginger honey glaze complemented the salmon's moist texture, giving it a sweet note for a delectable finishing.
Scallion Fried Rice in Sizzling Pot 4.2/5
Good for sharing is the
Scallion Fried Rice in Sizzling Pot ($32). In the hot pot, the fragrant fried rice comes with pork, chicken, shrimps, scallops and mushroom. The savoury broth magically binds everything together, like a volcanic erupting with delicious flavours.
Wagyu Fried Rice 3.5/5
The sunny side up egg looked sexy on top of the
Wagyu Fried Rice ($42). However, I am disappointed that the fried rice and beef did not manage to arouse me as much. If I am to choose, I would still go for the
Scallion Fried Rice in Sizzling Pot, and it is cheaper too.
Bosai 3.5/5
Moving to the desserts, the
Bosai ($17) fell short in the presentation. It looks a little bare. The leaves are made up of chiffon cake while the soil is molten dark chocolate with crunchy praline.
Lemon Yuzu 3.5/5
Doesn't it look like a real lemon sitting on the plate for the
Lemon Yuzu ($16)? Break into the lemon, and you will find that it is made up of lemon mousse and yuzu jam. A sweet, light and refreshing dessert that is idea after the feast.
The dessert that I enjoyed most is the
Sesame Profiterole ($16). This is a huge profiterole which looks almost like a burger. This is definitely the highlight of the night with white sesame ice cream complementing the soft and fluffy black sesame choux pastry. What's more interesting is the multi-nation influence on the plate. Profiteroles from the Italian, puff pastry from the French and sesame from the Japanese.
Dining at KOMA does not come cheap. If you are tight on your wallet, I would recommend the more oriental dishes instead. Frankly, the ambience and decor of the restaurant shout out more than the food. The is more of a place to impress your guest and not really about the food.
Note: This is an invited tasting.
KOMA
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
2 Bayfront Ave
#B1-67
Singapore 018972
Tel: +65 66888690
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bayfront (CC Line, DT Line)
Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 5pm - 12midnight
Fri-Sat: 5pm - 2am
Direction:
1) Alight at Bayfront MRT station. Take Exit C or D. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [
Map]
