Menya Kokoro @ 100 AM Mall - Seasonal Tsukesoba Specials Featuring QQ Noodles Made In-House

Menya Kokoro is one of the largest mazesoba chains in Japan, and they have been serving a whole range of mazesoba, ramen and dons in Singapore for the past couple of years. This time, they have launched seasonal Tsukesoba specials - Kokoro Tsukesoba and Mentai Tsukesoba, available till 31 July 2022. Their noodles are now freshly made in-house using 100% whole grain wheat flour imported from Japan. Each portion of noodles comes at 200g, slightly bigger than what they used to serve.

If you are dining at their 100AM outlet, you can peek in to look at the whole noodle-making process. These fresh noodles are also being supplied to their other two outlets at Plaza Singapura and Eat At Seven Suntec City.

Tsukesoba, like tsukemen, has its noodles served separately from the sauce. It's enjoyed by dipping the noodles into the sauce and slurping them up. The Kokoro Tsukesoba ($14.80) has toppings of cha shu, bamboo shoots, ajitama, seaweed, naruto fish cake and freshly grated yuzu peels. You get to choose either the Original or Spicy for your dipping sauce. The original is made with mackerel fish powder, a thick tonkotsu broth base and spring onions, while the spicy version has additional homemade spicy oil that leaves a numbing mouthfeel.

If you have had Menya Kokoro's mazesoba before, we found the new noodles thicker with a much more distinct chew. Fans of chewy noodles, you will enjoy this! In addition, we all appreciated how the yuzu peels and squeeze of lime give the whole dish a needed zest and brightness to help cut through the more decadent sauce. When you are done with the noodles, you can also request for "oimeshi", a small amount of complimentary rice to mix into the remaining dipping sauce.

Mentai Tsukesoba 3.8/5

The second seasonal bowl is the Mentai Tsukesoba ($14.80). It has the same noodles topped with cha shu, bamboo shoots, tobiko, mentai, naruto fishcake and seaweed. The dipping sauce for this has the same base ingredients as Kokoro Tsukesoba's, with the addition of sesame seeds, a slab of butter, spring onions and more mentai. We enjoyed the crunch from the tobiko and how the generous amount of mentai provides more of an umami touch. However, I found it a bit too heavy to finish on my own with the buttery sauce and thick noodles. I would recommend sharing this bowl with a friend.

Handmade Gyoza 3/5

Apart from the mains, a couple of sides are also available on the menu. The Handmade Gyoza ($4.80) has minced meat wrapped in slightly chewy skin. These were pretty decent, but we would have liked them a little less oily.

Tori Karaage 4.5/5

Their Tori Karaage ($4.80) was a favourite for us. A portion comes with four big karaage chunks that are nicely battered and crunchy on the outside yet still very juicy and tender within.

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.


Menya Kokoro
100 AM Mall
100 Tras Street
#02-10
Singapore 079027
Tel: +65 64431727
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm
Fri: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 930pm
Sat: 11am - 930pm
Sun: 11am - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards Gopeng Street and turn into Tras Street. Walk to Amara Hotel. Journey time about 5 minutes.[Map]

Boyutei @ Ann Siang Hill - New French-Japanese Cafe By One-Michelin Starred Whitegrass And Tea Artisans Hvala

Boyutei is an exciting new collaboration between the one-Michelin starred Whitegrass and tea artisans Hvala. Their menu sees French-Japanese fusion cuisine ranging from sandos to sweet and savoury crepes. The savoury items are crafted by Whitegrass Head Chef Takuya Yamashita, while Hvala focuses on their area of expertise, desserts and beverages.

Wagyu Sukiyaki Tamago Sando

There are 4 types of sandos currently. The Wagyu Sukiyaki Tamago Sando ($24) has slices of braised wagyu beef, red onions, cabbage, chives, and an onsen egg served on toasted brioche.

Ebi Katsu Sando 3/5

The Ebi Katsu Sando ($22) has a thick and crunchy ebi katsu with tomatoes, cabbage, a drizzle of tartar sauce, and homemade chilli. Apart from the beef and prawn options, the other 2 sandos are chicken and veggie.

Cha Soba 3/5

For a noodle dish, the Cha Soba ($24) is presented with kinshi tamago strips and slices of unagi with momiji oroshi. The wedge of lemon helps to add some brightness to the dish.

Niku Miso Chazuke 

Served with a side of dashi broth, the Niku Miso Chazuke ($18) has Japanese white rice paired with moromi miso flavoured minced beef and a mix of chives and crispy genmai bits. Flavours here are lighter.

Seafood Mentaiko Crepe 3.5/5

One of the highlights of Boyutei's menu would be their lineup of crepes that carry strong French-Japanese fusion. The Seafood Mentaiko Crepe ($22) has a mix of prawns, squid, bacon, cabbage and tomato enveloped in a thin and soft crepe with a slight chew. It's finished with mentaiko mayo and shredded nori.

Fans of matcha desserts will be familiar with Hvala. They've brought a wide range of teas from an exclusive partner farm and are showcasing them here through the beverages and newly conceptualised plated desserts.

Goma Matcha Crepe 4.5/5

In the Goma Matcha Crepe ($14), you will find a layer of bittersweet matcha pastry cream between the matcha crepe, topped with matcha ice cream and goma crumbles. The goma crumbles were roasty and fragrant, helping to tie all the elements together nicely.

Matcha Goma Garden 4.2/5

If you are a fan of warabi mochi, the Matcha Goma Garden ($17) has a fun assembly of them, together with matcha ice cream, cinnamon sand and a handcrafted goma nama chocolate. The pieces of warabi mochi were soft, while the nama chocolate was decadent with a subtle roasty fragrance.

Black Forest Tart 4/5

The Black Forest Tart ($17) offers something different with its dark chocolate fondant, cherry compote, chocolate soil and rum ice cream. The mini bursts of sweet cherry in the bittersweet dark chocolate were a pleasant surprise.

Matcha Latte, Sakura Smoked Cold Brew Tea

Drinks wise, there’s a whole range of Chinese teas, Japanese teas, cold brews, straight matcha and lattes. Hvala’s classic Matcha Latte ($9) is available alongside Genmaicha and Hojicha Lattes. You can customise your ice and sugar levels, as well as if you’d prefer the use of fresh milk or oat milk.

The Sakura Smoked Cold Brew Tea ($12) is an interesting drink. You will first meet with a light smoky aroma before hints of sakura and sour cherry come through.

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.


[CLOSED]
Boyutei
28 Ann Siang Road
#01-02
Singapore 069708
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Continue to the end of Amoy Street. Climb the stairs beside Siang Cho Keong Temple, up Ann Siang Hill. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Maxwell Road towards Kadayanallur Street (beside URA building). Turn right onto Kadayanallur Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Pagoda Street to South Bridge Road. Cross the road and turn right. Walk down South Bridge Road. Turn left onto Ann Siang Hill. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Kiyoshi @ Amoy Street - Family-style Japanese Restaurant With Wholesome Dishes

Kiyoshi 清 at Amoy Street is a newly opened family-style Japanese restaurant which focuses on bringing light and wholesome meals to customers. On the menu, you will find sashimi, donburi, soba, yakitori and bento sets.

Tofu & Avocado Salad 3.8/5

Expect starters such as this Tofu & Avocado Salad with Sesame Dressing ($11.80), an ever-popular combination of avocado and tofu to provide the right amount of fats and protein for texture and nutrients all in one salad.

Yakitori 2.5/5

To spruce up its offerings, you can also find Yakitori items such as Yakitori Chicken ($2), Cheese Maki (Mozzarella Cheese wrapped with Bacon) ($3.50), Buta Bara (Pork Belly with Teriyaki Sauce) ($2.50), 'Black Angus' Ribeye ($7.50), Shishamo and Chicken Wings. Other than the Cheese Maki and Shishamo, which provided lip smacking savoury and fatty goodness, the rest of the items were mostly disappointing, ranging from undercooked, mediocre to overcooked, tough meats.

Salmon Kabuta Shioyaki 3.5/5

Fortunately, on the other hand, the Salmon Kabuta Shioyaki ($11.80) was on point. Simply grilled with salt and not doused with teriyaki sauce like many would do, the cartilage was quite well broken down, and the collar meat was moist and juicy.

Tekka Tataki 3.8/5

Tekka Tataki $14.80 was another dish that I quite enjoyed.  The homemade special dressing was citrusy and complemented the raw tuna well.

Salmon Mentai Roll 3.5/5

Salmon Mentai Roll ($12.80) is a crowd-pleasing dish which will satisfy your craving for a sweet and rich mentaiko sauce edged with alluring smokiness. Wrapped with fried ebi and shredded cucumber, these crunchy elements contrasted well with the mouth-filling salmon and creamy mentaiko mayonnaise. Your taste buds will be stoked.

Tempura Zaru Soba 3.5/5

For mains, we tried some soba and udon dishes. Tempura Zaru Soba ($18.80) was decent. It would be even better if the tempura batter for the Ebi was slightly thinner.

Salmon Ikura Cha Soba 3.8/5

My favourite dish would be this Salmon Ikura Cha Soba ($20.80) - the cold sauce went really well with the raw salmon, with bursts of umami-ness from the roes. One more slice of salmon will perhaps make this is more filling and wholesome.

Oden 2.8/5

Oden ($22.80) is a seasonal item not on the menu. It is served with Inaniwa Udon. To me, Inaniwa Udon has to be treated with care to preserve its smooth and velvety texture. In places which I had tried, it is usually served as the star of the dish, accompanied by elements of your choices. For this dish, presenting it in a clump on curly mess surely didn't do justice to this fine quality udon. As for the Oden itself, I appreciate that it is loaded with ingredients such as meatballs, fishcakes and cabbages, but the dashi tasted more like cabbage soup.

While it is is quite common to find a mainstream Japanese restaurant in malls, it has been quite some time since we last had an independent casual Japanese restaurant in this area. Kiyoshi 清 will be a good alternative for gatherings, especially for families on the weekend.

For orders, please call 6223 0995 or email enquiry@kiyoshi.com.sg or 93666 419. Order online on their website https://inline.app/order/kiyoshi/amoystreet. Minimum order of $30. Islandwide delivery is available at $11. Free delivery for orders above $100.

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. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kiyoshi
75 Amoy Street
Singapore 069894
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am - 3pm, 5pm-10pm
Friday: 11am - 3pm, 5-1030pm
Sat: 5pm - 1030pm
Sun: 5pm-10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Sora Boru @ 313 Somerset - New Japanese Fast-Casual Restaurant Offering One-Bowl Meals

Newly opened at the basement of 313 Somerset is Sora Boru, a new Japanese fast casual restaurant that offers a variety of delectable one-bowl meals. These one-bowl meals come in the form of DonBoru, CurryBoru, ChirashiBoru and Noodles, offering diners a quick, tasty and wholesome meal that is wallet friendly.

Crispy Salmon Skin with Egg Mayo Dip 3/5

Start the meal with some delectable snack bite such as the Crispy Salmon Skin with Egg Mayo Dip ($8.50). Other sides available on the menu includes Salmon Sashimi, Chicken Gyoza and Yasai Corn Tempura with Tartar Sauce.

Volcano Beef Don 4/5

The highlight here has to be their Volcano Beef Don ($7.50/$11.90) and Snow Beef Don ($7.50/$11.90). The rice bowls come with a base of steamed rice and a choice of either stewed cabbage or seasoned beansprouts, followed by a pile of flame-grilled beef slices.

Snow Beef Don 3.8/5

The Volcano Beef Don looks like a active volcano in eruption with lava (red spicy sauce) flowing down on its side. On the whole hand, the Snow Beef Don looks like a snow-capped mountain covered with grated parmesan and a sweet-savoury sauce made from whipping cream. The thinly sliced beefs were tender with hint of smokiness. What I like is the bed of vegetables that helps to cut those richness.

Chirashiboru 3.8/5

The ChirashiBoru ($6.50/$11.90/$16.90) here comes in 3 sizes (mini, regular, large) and diners have a choice of either sushi rice or mixed greens for their base. We went for the greens instead. Next you get to choose the one sashimi for your bowl out of the five (salmon, scallop, tuna, octopus, swordfish). You can have extra sashimi for an additional $3.50 per serving. Then you pick your toppings at $1 per extra serving. A total of eleven different toppings are available such as shrimp, corns, hanjuku egg, chicken ham, sliced tamagoyakia and more. Last but not least, you pick your dressing (shoyu, sesame, spicy) and garnish your bowl with tempura crumbs, spring onion and roasted sesame seeds to complete you DIY bowl.

Cha Soba Soup 4/5

Cha Soba Chilled 4/5

For Cha Soba lover, you will be glad to know that you can have it served either chilled or in a bowl of hot soup. Make it a complete meal with accompaniments such as Ebi Vegetable Tempura ($7.50/$12.90), Chicken Karaage ($6.50/$10.90) or Vegetable Tempura ($6.50/$10.90)

Chicken Katsu 4/5

If you want something more filling, you can go for the CurryBoru which can be paired with a choice of deep-fried meat or seafood, such as Chicken Katsu ($6.50/$10.90), Breaded Ebi ($6.50/$10.90). Those that have a big appetite, there is also two combo options such as Breaded Ebi with Shabu Beef ($12.90) and Breaded Salmon with Shabu Beef ($11.90).

Breaded Ebi with Shabu Beef 4/5

What won me for the CurryBoru is their homemade Japanese curry which is mildly spicy that carries a hint of fruity acidity. It is rich, robust but not cloying.

Overall the food here is pretty good and friendly to the wallet. Hardly one can find a hearty one-bowl meat that is less than $12 along Orchard road.

Note: This is invited tasting.


Sora Boru
313 Somerset
313 Orchard Road
#B3-19/20
Singapore 238895
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 11pm

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

Menya Kokoro @ Eat At Seven (Suntec City Mall) - Largest Maze-Soba Restaurant Chain from Japan, Opens In Singapore

Menya Kokoro, one of Tokyo's most popular Maze-soba (Japanese dry ramen) restaurant chains established in 2013, has recently opened its first flagship outlet at Suntec City. Founder Chef Takuma Ishikawa has 13 years culinary experience under his belt and is trained under the original masters and creators of Maze-soba – Menya Hanabi – the restaurant known for introducing Maze-Soba to the world. In 2014, Chef Takuma even won the highly acclaimed Best Maze-Soba Award in Japan. It's no wonder that within a short period of 4 years since its opening, there are already 27 outlets worldwide in Japan, Indonesia, Spain, Thailand and Vancouver. The special minced meat sauce is imported from Japan and its extra chewy noodles is done locally with its in-house recipe.

Maze-soba 3.5/5

While the Chinese have their Zha Jiang Mian, the Japanese have their Maze-Soba ($10.80). There are other variations available, alongside with Singapore-exclusive creations. Accompanying the minced meat sauce are ground saba fish, poached egg, nori, green onions, leek, bamboo shoots and chopped garlic. To a certain extend the mixture does become too salty after a while and I find no relief from the raw greens. But thanks to the kombu vinegar at the side - a few drops of it opens and brightens the flavours of the dish, like that of our Bak Chor Mee. Interestingly, the richness of the sauce brings out the best of its springy noodles, both its taste and texture. The noodles are cooked for exactly eight minutes and forty seconds using the chef’s fine-spun techniques to achieve the perfect texture. All noodles is made with multi-grain flour, consisting of over 35 percent whole wheat. Japanese water-softening technology is used to remove the minerals in the water it uses as well.

Spicy Maze Soba 3.5/5

Personally I do like the Spicy Maze Soba ($11.80), though more voted against it. Not only there is an added dimension of aromatics from the spices, there is a slight sweetness in the sauce that balances its saltiness slightly. The vinegar gives it an even more rounded taste. The sauce sticking to the bottom of the bowl may be too good to be wasted, hence simply mix in the complimentary scoop of rice to sop in all the goodness. I love the free mushroom kombu soup, a much needed remedy to clear my palette at the end of the meal. The chopped greens do get quite overpowering after a while.

Curry Maze Soba 3/5

With noodles of that thickness and texture, Curry Maze Soba ($13.80) may be mistaken as a curry udon. The original is still preferred, as the curry tends to overwhelm the flavour of the minced meat sauce and doesn't gel well with the soba.

Curry Maze Don 3.5/5

The rice version Curry Maze-Don ($13.80) is created exclusively for Singapore, using 100% Japanese Michelin-acclaimed Tawaraya rice from Hokkaido and Niigata, specially selected by Singapore’s only Japanese rice sommelier. This Tawaraya rice is flown in straight from Japan in its raw state, and is polished only upon order to preserve its aroma. Although both soba and don come with extra grilled chicken cubes atop, the latter fares better as it was almost like enjoying a bowl of Japanese curry don, with extra heat and flavour from the minced meat sauce.

Takoyaki 2.8/5

Chicken Kaarage 3/5

Sides are available as well. The Takoyaki ($4.80) doesn't taste authentic, so what are worth your calories are probably the Chicken Kaarage ($4.80) and the Chicken Wings ($4.80), a Nagoya-style which most were vying for it.

Chicken Wings 3.8/5

Edamame 3.8/5

It unusual but we find the Edamame here, which comes with the stalk attached, a lot tastier than what we have tried before.

If you love chewy noodles, Menya Kokoro will serve your needs. There are other versions too, such as a a more indulgent one with Cheese or you can also go meatless with their Vegan Maze Soba. Each has its own selling point but there are reasons why the original Maze-Soba is still the best selling, and among which I feel is that the rich minced meat sauce alone works best with the chewy noodles.

Words and photos 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. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Menya Kokoro
Suntec City Mall
Eat At Seven
3 Temasek Boulevard
#03-313
Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 62353386
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1100am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Konjiki Hototogisu Ramen @ CHIJMES - Tokyo Michelin Bib Gourmand Ramen Opens in Singapore

Our ramen scene continues to flourish with the arrival of Konjiki Hototogisu at CHIJMES. Chef Atsushi Yamamoto has come a long way, from selling a mere 5 bowls a day when opened in 2006 in Toyko, to earning the Michelin Bib Gourmand title consecutively from 2015 to 2018. Locally, it was also the Number 1 Ramen in Tokyo for 2016 and 2017 as well as the Number 1 Ramen in the whole of Japan in 2016. What make it Number 1? I believe it's Chef Yamamoto devotion to mastering the 3 main component of the ramen - Soup, Noodles, Cha Shu.

The signature Triple Soup - produced using selected premium Hamaguri clams, pork bone and Japanese broth. This combination creates a deeper umami flavor that you don't really taste in a regular tonkatsu broth. Each of us had a mini bowl of clam rice to prime our taste buds.

Shio Hamaguri 4/5

Indeed, as I brought the bowl of Shio Hamaguri ($14.90) towards my nose, that sweet umami fragrance was pronounced. Before you tuck in, be sure to read the instruction tablet on your table on how to appreciate your bowl of ramen. There are 4 basic steps - feel the warmth with your palms around the bowl, smell the aroma of the triple soup broth, sip the broth and taste the difference with the respective Porcini Duxelles Sauce, the herbs & the bacon bits, and finally mix everything up and slurp the noodles. The soup itself, though I must say it was still high on the salt level, has that additional depth of deep, savoury sweetness not found in a regular pork broth.

Shoyu Hamaguri 3.8/5

The Shoyu version comes with black truffle, spring onions and the shoyu. Although Shoyu Hamaguri ($14.90) appeared to be even more flavourful, I prefer Shio for its cleaner taste, which allows each component to seep through, such as the Porcini Duxelles Sauce that enhances the aroma and imparts earthiness to the broth. I also like how the basil from the herbs accented the soup with its minty and peppery nuances.

Shifting the spotlight to the housemade noodles - Made from a special 'haru-yo-koi' flour from Hokkaido, which explains the brown specks on the noodles, this wholegrain noodle is like a hybrid of soba and thin ramen noodles - wholesome, light, nutritious but carry enough weight to satisfy your cravings for ramen. I love it.

Hamaguri ramen comes with 2 types of cha shu - the regular and the low temperature. Though the regular is lined with more flavourful fats, the latter is just as tender, and fall apart with great ease in my mouth.

Tonkatsu Smoke and Pepper 3/5

Tonkatsu broth-base ramens are available too, with one exclusively created for us - Tonkatsu Smoke and Pepper ($13.90). Smoked using Sakura woodchips, the minced meat topping imparts a smokey hue into the broth. It's intriguing to taste that 'smokey bacon flavour' in the soup, alongside with the black pepper accent. The fried burdock strips topping was moreish.

Tonkatsu Spicy 3/5

The Tonkatsu Spicy ($14.90) here has its own characteristic as well. While some spicy ramen are simply added with chilli oil, the spicy minced meat topping is similar to a grainy spicy miso paste. It doesn't just add heat but along with some sweetness and tanginess to the soup.

Garnishes with minimum toppings, the 3 main components - soup, noodles and cha shu each stands out in its own right and together they form a fine bowl of ramen. What a stark contrast to a recent bowl of ramen which I had tried, which was a case of too much doesn't mean good. Konjiki Hototogisu Ramen has managed to create ramen with a rare elegance.

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. Note: This is an invited tasting.

Konjiki Hototogisu Ramen
CHIJMES
30 Victoria Street
#01-17/K5A/K5B
Singapore 187996
Tel: +65 62563155
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Bras Basah (CC Line), City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 930pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut across Raffles City Shopping Centre to Bras Basah Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road, cross the road to Chijmes. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk southwards towards Victoria Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and Victoria Road, cross the junction to Chijmes. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]