Tempura Ensei X Kaluga Queen - An Exclusive Tempura and Caviar Omakase Experience

Tempura Ensei at Palais Renaissance partners with Kaluga Queen, one of the world’s leading caviar brands, to present an exclusive three-week-only caviar and tempura omakase experience.

At Tempura Ensei, you will be treated to authentic Edo-style tempura prepared using techniques passed down from the 120-year-old Tenkane in Japan. To highlight the natural flavours of seasonal ingredients flown in several times a week, Executive Chef Naruki Takeshima, who trained at Tenkane, uses premium Tomizawa Super Violet flour, chilled batter, and high-quality goma abura sesame oil.

For this collaboration, each guest receives a personal tin of Kaluga Queen Caviar to enjoy throughout the meal.

Red Snapper Carpaccio 4/5

Shirako Chawanmushi 5/5

Dinner began with an elegantly presented Red Snapper Carpaccio dressed in a citrusy yuzu-sesame oil, followed by a Shirako Chawanmushi with Cauliflower Cream, an ingenious creation. The delicate flavours melded into a milky, creamy profile, beautifully lifted by a dash of sansho pepper, and it was one of the best pairings with the savoury caviar.

Tiger prawn 3.5/5

Prawn head 4/5

Next came a selection of Edo-style tempura served with condiments, beginning with Tiger Prawn. The crispy prawn heads were wonderfully moreish, especially with curry salt.

Kisu Tempura 4/5

We then had Kisu Tempura, a popular seasonal delicacy. With its tender, flaky white flesh, the light, airy batter gave it a delightful, crispy exterior, and the caviar elevated its subtle sweetness.

Kobako Kani 4.5/5

In between tempura courses, we were served Kobako Kani, a female snow crab, a treasured winter delicacy prized for its sweet meat and rich roe.

Uni 4/5

Sumi Ika 4.5/5

The Uni Tempura paired with caviar made for a luxurious bite, but my personal favourite was the Sumi Ika. Its surprisingly creamy texture was further enhanced by the briny richness of the caviar.

Unagi 4/5

Unagi Tempura was served like a handroll, delectable with a sweet-savoury tare.

Asparagus Tempura 4/5

Sweet Potato Tempura 5/5

The selection included 2 vegetable tempura, Asparagus and Sweet Potato. The sweet potato was especially memorable for its sweet and creamy interior. I found myself wishing there were more of it.

Hot Soba 3/5

The omakase concludes with a choice of Tendon, Tencha or Hot Soba. I opted for the Hot Soba, which was somewhat lacklustre. The Tendon would have been a more satisfying finish. I found the shrimp tempura somewhat dry.

Dessert 5/5

Dessert ended the meal on a refreshing note with a slice of juicy and sweet musk melon and strawberry.

Available till 31 December 2025, Reservations for this Exclusive Menu ($388) at Tempura Ensei are now open. For more information or to secure your seat, visit the official website: https://ensei.sg/

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Tempura Ensei
Palais Renaissance
90 Orchard Road
#B1-06/07
Singapore 238871
Tel: +65 9178 0664 / +65 6226 0500
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Nerest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to Wheelock Place. Walk to the traffic junction of Orchard Road and Angullia Park. Cross the road to the Royal Thai Embassy. Turn left and continue down Orchard Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

Homm Dessert @ Resorts World Sentosa - Opens Second Outlet at Weave RWS with Exclusive DIshes

Melbourne-born Thai dessert café Homm Dessert has expanded beyond its first outlet at Raffles City, now opening its second branch at the new Weave Mall in Resorts World Sentosa. Known for their creative takes on Thai-inspired sweets, the RWS outlet introduces not only its signature bingsu and drinks but also a range of exclusive savoury and sweet offerings.

Cheese Top Thai Milk Tea, Cheese Top Taro Milk Tea 4.2/5

We started with the Cheese Top Thai Milk Tea ($6.80) and Cheese Top Taro Milk Tea ($7.80). Refreshing and not overly sweet, both drinks hit the spot on a hot day. The flavours were distinct and natural, without the artificial aftertaste sometimes found in flavoured teas.

Mango Soba Salad 4/5

One of the savoury exclusives at the RWS branch is the Mango Soba Salad ($16.80). The vibrant combination of soba, ripe mango, soft-boiled egg, avocado, chilli, coriander, and red onion makes this a light yet satisfying option. Tossed in a spicy dressing of fish sauce, chilli and lime juice, it delivered a punchy, zesty kick that tied everything together.

Thai Chilli Crab Linguine 4/5

Another exclusive is the Thai Chilli Crab Linguine ($22.80). The pasta is generously coated in a robust Thai chilli crab sauce made with lemongrass, shallots, garlic, candlenut and bird's eye chilli. While flavour-packed and fragrant, it leaned more towards sweet than spicy. The two crispy soft-shell crabs served alongside added extra indulgence and texture to the dish.

Mount Chendol 4/5

For desserts, the RWS-exclusive Mount Chendol ($18.80) is their creative spin on the beloved local treat. A fluffy coconut “snowflake ice” base is layered with jackfruit, pandan jelly, semi-smashed red beans, creamy corn, grass jelly and drizzles of gula melaka. It’s a fun, Thai-inspired take on chendol, or as it’s called there, “lod chong.”

Thai Milk Tea Avalanche Bingsu 4.5/5

Of course, no visit to Homm is complete without their signature Thai Milk Tea Avalanche Bingsu ($19.80). Using a blend of fragrant Thai tea leaves, the flavours are earthy yet smooth, never too tannic. The “avalanche” reveal is a playful touch, unveiling whipped cream cheese on Thai tea snowflake ice, gelato, and buttery sable crumbles. Served with Thai tea sauce, grass jelly, and condensed milk on the side, this is an indulgent dessert perfect for sharing.

Homm Dessert continues to impress with its creative interpretations of Thai classics. With the addition of exclusive savoury dishes at the new RWS outlet, it makes for a fun spot not just for desserts but also for a light meal.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Homm Dessert
Resorts World Sentosa
Weave Mall
26 Sentosa Gateway
#01-232
Singapore 098138
Tel: +65 6745 5323
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Vivocity Level 3 to Vivocity Monorail Station., Take Monrail to Sentosa. Alight at Resorts World Station. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Kushi Japanese Dining @ Grantral Mall & Complex MacPherson - Offering Budget-Friendly A La Carte Japanese Buffet

Kushi Japanese Dining has been a fixture in Singapore for the past 16 years, having moved locations a few times before settling into its current spot at Grantral Mall, MacPherson. Offering a budget-friendly à la carte buffet, Kushi boasts an extensive selection of Japanese dishes that satisfy all your cravings.

Assorted Sashimi Platter 4/5

We began our buffet experience with the Assorted Sashimi Platter, which included maguro, sake, shiro maguro, tako, ika, meikajiki, and hamachi (limited to one serving per table). The sashimi was impeccably fresh, with the shiro maguro standing out as a rare find at many Japanese restaurants.

Pitan Tofu 3.5/5

Chawanmushi 3.5/5

We also enjoyed the Chawanmushi, which was subtly flavourful, and the must-try Pitan Tofu, a unique and creamy dish that offered a different take on tofu.

Agedashi Tofu 4/5

Tako Yaki 3/5

Asari Miso Soup 4/5

Moving on to the hot dishes, we sampled the perfectly fried Agedashi Tofu, which was crispy on the outside and tender within. It's a dish we could quickly devour on our own. The Tako Yaki was decent but could be skipped if you're looking to save room for more sashimi. The Asari Miso Soup, with its plump and fresh clams, served as a refreshing palate cleanser, preparing us for the next round of food.

Assorted Kushiyaki 3.8/5

Saba Shoyaki 4/5

Pork Belly Shogayaki 3/5

Surume Ika 4/5

Next, we tried an assortment of Kushiyaki, as recommended by our server. Each skewer was perfectly grilled, but our favourites were the Saba Shoyaki and Surume Ika. The saba was generously portioned, lightly salted, and deliciously flaky, while the grilled squid had a pleasantly charred flavour and was only available in limited servings. The Pork Belly Shogayaki was tasty, but we wished we had room to enjoy it with rice.

Assorted Tempura Platter 4/5

For Tempura, the Ebi stood out with its light, crispy batter, and the prawn itself was fresh and sweet.

Kitsune Soba 3/5

Garlic Fried Rice 3/5

Kushi offers options like Garlic Fried Rice, Kitsune Soba, and Mini Ramen if you need carbs. While they were decent, they didn't leave a lasting impression.

Shabu Shabu Pork 4/5

However, the Shabu Shabu Pork was a pleasant surprise. The broth was clean and sweet, likely from the vegetables, and perfectly contrasted with the heavier grilled and fried dishes we had been enjoying. This hotpot dish is a must-try if you want something to cut through the greasiness and refresh your palate.

Wafu Beef Steak 3.5/5

For those looking for more beyond the buffet, Kushi offers a 25% discount on selected à la carte dishes. We decided to try the Wafu Beef Steak. You can request your preferred doneness, and the flavourful wafu sauce enhances the tender steak.

Priced at $54.90++ for lunch and $58.90++ for dinner, Kushi's buffet is exceptional value for money, offering a wide variety of quality Japanese dishes. The restaurant is clean, brightly lit, and nicely decorated, providing a comfortable dining environment.

For those planning a special gathering, Kushi also offers two private dining rooms, each accommodating up to 10 people, or 20 if combined, with a minimum spend required. Whether you're a fan of sashimi, grilled items, or hotpot, Kushi Japanese Dining will surely satisfy you.

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


Kushi Japanese Dining
Grantral Mall & Complex Macpherson
601 Macpherson Road
#01-27/28
Singapore 368242
Tel: +65 69040728
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Nearest MRT: Tai Seng (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tai Seng MRT Station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Sushi Sei @ Holiday Inn Singapore Ochard City Centre - Taste the Height of Summer with Its New Seasonal Summer Menus

Sushi Sei at Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre has welcomed a new head chef, Chef Kaoru Mitsuhashi, who has introduced lunch and dinner menus centred around the traditional art of Edomae sushi, focusing on bite-sized nigiri sushi. This summer, the menus highlight the best seasonal ingredients, such as the sweet catch of Ayu and peak-season harvest Komo Nasu Japanese eggplant from Kyoto. The 綾 Aya Lunch Menu, priced at $98 per person, is a concise yet refined offering, while the 絆 Kizuna Dinner Menu is a more extensive experience, priced at $480 for two persons.

Kyoto Japanese Eggplant 4.5/5

My lunch began with an appetiser course featuring Kyoto Japanese Eggplant, simply dressed to accentuate its gentle flavour.

Smoked Ayu Fish 4.5/5

Next, I was served a Smoked Ayu Fish, a symbol of Japanese summer. At their peak in mid-summer, Ayu fish are at their meatiest and juiciest. Chef Mitsuhashi prepared it simply salted and grilled, accompanied by a peppery green that complemented the fish perfectly.

Tachiuo, Baby Corn and Radish 4.5/5

The next 2 courses were my favourite dishes - Tachiuo (Silver Belt fish) paired with Baby Corn and Radish in a soy sauce glaze and Snow Crab. The baby corn captured my taste buds with its intense corn flavour and sweetness, intensified by an aromatic butter soy glaze. Every bite was a delightful crunch of sweet, savoury, buttery flavours.

Snow Crab 5/5

The Snow Crab was prepared into a morsel topped with shaved karasumi. With a texture that was almost creamy, the meat was incredibly sweet, especially so when contrasted with the umami karasumi.

Nama Soba 4.5/5

I was also served a cold Nama Soba, a unique take on soba noodles to cool off the summer heat. Instead of the typical dipping sauce served on the side, the dip was presented as a mirin and dashi espuma foam, coating each strand of soba.

Shima-Aji Sushi

Kohada

Next came the sushi course, offering five pieces for lunch. I savoured Takabe Sushi, Wild Bluefin Tuna Sushi (from Canada), Shima-Aji Sushi (Wild Striped Jack), Kohada (Gizzard Shad), and Uni. Chef Mitsuhashi's mastery was evident in how he expertly sliced the surface of each fish, allowing it to catch the soy sauce he lightly dabbed on before serving. This technique beautifully brought out the fish's natural sweetness.

Takabe Sushi

The Takabe Sushi was particularly memorable, with an added depth of smoky flavour from the grill.

Wild Bluefin Tuna

Uni

The Wild Bluefin Tuna sushi delighted my palate with its unctuous mouthfeel, while the Uni was featured in a simple yet satisfying handroll.

Atsuyaki Tamago

A savoury Atsuyaki Tamago with yam and shrimp was served as a palate cleanser before dessert.

Coconut Pudding, Warabimochi 4.5/5

Dessert was excellent, accompanied by matcha brewed by Chef Mitsuhashi himself. The Coconut Pudding was pillowy soft, complemented by the slight bitterness of the matcha glaze on top. Even adding that single black bean gave the delicate dessert an extra depth of flavour. Accompanying the pudding was a serving of housemade Japanese Warabimochi, completing this elegant and satisfying meal.

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.


Sushi Sei
Holiday Inn Singapore
11 Cavenagh Road
#01-13/14
Singapore 229616
Tel: +65 81399600
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Thu, Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 930pm
Tue: 6pm - 930pm
Fri: 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B and C. Walk to Orchard Road. Cross the road. Turn right and walk to Cuppage Road. Turn left onto Cuppage Road.Walk down Cuppage Road and cut through Cuppage Terrace to Kramat Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]