Tenkaichi Japanese BBQ Restaurant @ Marina Square - Affordable Wagyu Beef Yakiniku Buffet

Tenkaichi Japanese BBQ Restaurant at Marina Square specialises in Wagyu Beef Yakiniku. It offers a high-quality buffet spread at affordable prices. For those seeking an elevated experience, premium Japan Kagoshima Wagyu is available in different grades on the à la carte menu.

Kagoshima Wagyu 3 Cuts

The buffet has three tiers: Standard, Deluxe, and Premium. To enjoy Wagyu beef, opt for the Deluxe or Premium options, with the latter featuring Kagoshima Wagyu. The Kagoshima Wagyu is served in three different cuts, unveiling its beautiful marbling and allowing diners to experience a variety of textures.

Japanese Wagyu Sirloin Steak, Angus Beef Ribeye

The Premium buffet also includes a thick-cut (300g) Japanese Wagyu Sirloin Steak for those who prefer a chunkier bite. Alternatively, the Angus Beef Ribeye is a great choice if you prefer a meatier cut with less marbling.

Pork Cheek Fillet, Iberico Pork Collar, Pork Belly

Pork lovers won't be disappointed either — the buffet includes high-quality pork selections such as Black Pork Belly, Iberico Pork Collar, and Pork Cheek Fillet. All were tender and succulent, but the pork cheek fillet stood out with its melt-in-your-mouth texture, reminiscent of Wagyu.

Seafood

Seafood selections were thoughtfully curated and exceptionally fresh, featuring options like salmon, prawns, ika (squid), hotate (scallops), and more.

Sashimi

There's a wide variety of accompaniments to complement the BBQ meats and seafood. The Sashimi selection includes salmon, maguro (tuna), tai (sea bream), hamachi (yellowtail), tako (octopus), and shime saba (vinegared mackerel). The Premium buffet further impresses with Wagyu Sashimi and Wagyu Tataki.

Furikake Gohan, Garlic Chahan

For carbs, the Furikake Gohan and Garlic Chahan were excellent pairings. I especially enjoyed the Garlic Chahan, topped with crispy fried garlic bits. Having it alongside the rich, fatty Wagyu cuts and a comforting bowl of miso soup truly enhanced the dining experience.

Other side dishes, including Tamago Yaki, Maki, Kaki Fry, and Ebi Fry, completed the feast. We couldn't get through the entire menu, but the Kaki Fry — fried breaded oyster — was exceptionally moreish and worth trying.

Kaki Fry

DELUXE BUFFET (U.P $69.80)
LUNCH: Mon – Fri: $49.90++ Sat- Sun & PH: $54.90++
DINNER: Mon – Thu: $54.90++ Fri – Sun, Eve & PH: $59.90++

PREMIUM BUFFET (U.P $119.80)
LUNCH: Mon – Fri: $85.90++ Sat- Sun & PH: $89.90++
DINNER: Mon – Thu: $89.90++ Fri – Sun, Eve & PH: $95.90++

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.


Tenkaichi Japanese BBQ Restaurant
Marina Square
6 Raffles Boulevard
#03-129
Singapore 039594
+656250 8918
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC, DT Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm
Sat & Sun, PH: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

KA-MON @ Resorts World Sentosa - Three Traditional Japanese Grilling Techniques Under One Roof

Nestled within Resorts World Sentosa, KA-MON is the latest venture by celebrated Chef Hal Yamashita. It promises an authentic yet innovative Japanese grilling experience. What sets KA-MON apart is its integration of three traditional grilling techniques — irori, robatayaki, and warayaki — all within a single restaurant. It reminds me of Setsuri Ishinomake, which also embraces multiple grilling styles under one roof, showcasing the depth and versatility of Japanese cuisine.

Our meal began with an Amuse Bouche — a delightfully crisp fried fish paired with pickled vegetables in a sweet and sour sauce. The pickles' vibrant acidity perfectly balanced the fish's richness, making it a refreshing and appetising start.

Wagyu Beef Tartare 4.8/5

The Wagyu Beef Tartare is a reimagined take on Yukke, seasoned with soy, garlic, sesame, and gochujang. The quail egg yolk, resting atop the finely diced wagyu, added a luscious creaminess. Mixing everything together and scooping it up with the accompanying crisp papadam created a harmonious blend of sweet, savoury, and umami flavours.

Organic Egg & Ikura 4.5/5

One of the standout dishes was the Organic Egg & Ikura, a decadent layering of Ajitsuke Tamago, briny ikura, and luxurious Hokkaido uni. This dish offered a symphony of textures — from the silky yolk to the creamy sea urchin and the signature pop of salmon roe — all heightened by the sharp, fresh heat of wasabi.

Sakoshi Bay Oyster 4.2/5

Seafood took centre stage with the Sakoshi Bay Oyster, a prized delicacy from Hyogo Prefecture. Grilled over robatayaki until just 80% cooked, the oyster was then glazed with shio kombu butter and topped with a fragrant crumble of garlic, ginger, and shallots, enhancing its natural oceanic richness.

Tuna Wara Tataki 4.5/5

The Tuna Wara Tataki featured Big Eye Tuna, sustainably sourced from Australia's East Coast. Unlike traditional charcoal grilling, this dish was kissed by straw fire, resulting in a gently charred exterior while preserving the buttery, raw centre. The subtle smokiness complemented the bright ponzu sauce, thinly sliced myoga, and crisp garlic chips, perfectly balancing smoke and freshness.

Irori Grilled Jumbo Tiger Prawn 4.2/5

The Irori Grilled Jumbo Tiger Prawn was a prime example of traditional grilling techniques. Skewered and slow-grilled over charcoal in the irori style, a method dating back to the Jomon period, this dish showcased the prawn's natural sweetness and succulence. A touch of Maldon sea salt and a squeeze of lemon were all that was needed to highlight its pure, briny essence.

Aged Breast of Duck 4.8/5

For meat lovers, the Aged Breast of Duck was a revelation. Dry-aged for at least five days, the duck was slowly grilled over robatayaki to a perfect medium-rare, resulting in crisp skin and tender flesh. It was accompanied by burdock root purée for an earthy depth, while the spicy romaine and apple salad added a touch of sweetness and crunch, echoing the balance found in Korean BBQ and Japanese yakiniku.

Coriander Salad 4/5

One of the most polarising dishes on the menu is the Coriander Salad — a love-it-or-hate-it experience. Tossed in a white soy vinaigrette and topped with crispy fried sakura ebi and fragrant bawang goreng, the salad delivered a bright, herbal crispness that might not be for everyone but certainly intrigued the palate.

Saba Donabe 4.2/5

The meal culminated in the Saba Donabe, a tableside performance where rice was cooked in a traditional claypot over grilled fish bone dashi. Depending on the daily fresh catch from Nagasaki, our version featured grilled saba, which was folded into the rice at the tableside. The result? It is a deeply comforting dish with fluffy grains and crisped edges served with miso soup for a satisfying finish.

Mont Blanc "Flower" 4.2/5

To end on a high note, we were served the Mont Blanc "Flower", a delicate yet indulgent dessert. The chestnut mousse, piped atop a crisp French meringue, was paired with mikan yuzu jelly, creating a beautiful contrast between nutty richness and citrusy brightness. It felt like we were enjoying two desserts in one, perfectly encapsulating French pastry finesse and Japanese flavour precision.

With its seamless integration of traditional Japanese grilling techniques, premium ingredients, and meticulous execution, KA-MON at Resorts World Sentosa offers a one-of-a-kind Japanese grill experience in Singapore. Chef Hal Yamashita's expertise is evident in each dish, which celebrates both the purity of ingredients and the artistry of grilling. Whether you're a fan of seafood, premium meats, or comforting rice dishes, KA-MON delivers an elevated dining experience that is both exciting and deeply satisfying.

Note: This is an invites tasting.


KA-MON
(Opposite Resorts World Station) Resorts Word Sentosa
Hotel Michael
Level 1
Tel: +65 6577 6448/6688
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbour Front MRT station. Exit station to Vivocity Shopping Mall. Go to Sentosa Express Station at Level 3 of Vivocity. Take Sentosa Express Train to Resorts World station. Alight at Resorts World station. Walk to destination. Jourrney time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Nomiya Izakaya & Bar @ Chinatown - Offering Contemporary Twist on Japanese Izakaya

Nestled amid Chinatown’s bustling streets, Nomiya Izakaya & Sake Bar stands out with its contemporary twist on a traditional Japanese izakaya. Offering an inviting space for gatherings over unique small plates and an impressive selection of Japanese sake, whisky, and craft beer.

Amid the bustling stretch of Chinatown, Nomiya stands out effortlessly among the rows of souvenir shops.

Hokkaido Scallop Aburi 3/5

Ikura Negitoro Pie Tee 3.5/5

We tried the Hokkaido Scallop Aburi and the inventive Ikura Negitoro Pie Tee to kick off our meal. We found the Pie Tee especially delightful, priced at $17 for two pieces each. The crispy shell filled with fresh minced tuna was visually appealing and offered a satisfying crunch and burst of flavour.

Charred Brussels Sprouts 3/5

Foie Gras Chawanmushi 4/5

Moving on to the next course, the Charred Brussels Sprouts ($9.50) arrived, infused with kombu butter. While the charred flavour added depth, it slightly overpowered the kombu, making it more of an accompaniment to drinks. The Foie Gras Chawanmushi ($18.50) was the highlight. This velvety custard, dotted with ingredients like crab meat and camembert, was topped with a sesame-crusted piece of foie gras. It is on the expensive end but definitely an indulgent experience.

Gold Dust Charcoal Chicken 3.5/5

Tempura Cauliflower 3.5/5

Next up were two fried dishes: the Gold Dust Charcoal Chicken ($14) and Tempura Cauliflower ($9.50). The chicken was crispy outside and juicy inside, paired with a tangy tartar-like sauce, though a more robust marinade could have elevated it further. The cauliflower was a fun twist on a classic, topped with furikake for added flavour. We would have loved a dipping sauce and a bit more crunch on the cauliflower, as the ones we had were a tad soft.

Dashimaki Tamago with Mentaiko 3.5/5

The Dashimaki Tamago with Mentaiko combined fluffy Japanese egg with creamy mentaiko. The salty mentaiko and tobiko topping made for a bold contrast, though a touch more sweetness in the tamago would have created a better balance.

Charred Ebi with Burnt Butter 3/5

We had high hopes for the Charred Ebi with Burnt Butter ($29), but the two prawns felt a bit steep in price for the portion size. The baguette pieces that accompanied it were intended for dipping but could have been softer. Adding extra bread for $1.50 may be helpful for those looking for a heartier bite.

Charcoal Grilled Skewers 3/5

Yuzu Glazed Char-Grilled Pork Jowl 3/5

From the grill, we got a selection of skewers, including Tori Momo (Chicken Thigh) ($4.50), Miso Glazed Butabara (Pork Belly) ($5), Asparagus ($4), and Smoked Duck with Salsa ($6). While each skewer was well-marinated and tender, we found ourselves wishing for more of that quintessential smoky char. The Yuzu Glazed Char-Grilled Pork Jowl stood out for its fatty, tender texture, but the flavours didn’t quite hit the mark - the marinade leaned slightly sweet, and the tartness of the yuzu didn’t come through as much as expected.

Mini Cold Udon & Seasonal Truffle 3.5/5

Smoked Duck Carbonara Udon 3/5

We tried two types of udon for our final dishes: the Mini Cold Udon with Seasonal Truffle ($11.50, $22 for full portion) and Smoked Duck Carbonara Udon ($13). With its bold truffle aroma, the cold udon was a refreshing palate cleanser after the richer dishes and came in a convenient mini size. The carbonara udon, on the other hand, had a lighter cream sauce that, while less heavy, lacked a distinctive carbonara richness. The cheese slices didn't add much to the presentation, giving the dish a less refined feel.

Nomiya offers izakaya sets for 2-6 people starting from $139, making it a great spot for small gatherings. Their extensive selection of Japanese drinks adds to the lively and trendy atmosphere, with upbeat music (which can be a bit loud) and attentive service. With limited seating, including outdoor tables and bar seats, Nomiya is a vibrant destination for a night out in Chinatown.

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


Nomiya Izakaya & Bar
11 Trengganu Street
Singapore 058465
Tel: +65 6232 7827
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 530pm - 1030pm
Tue-Thu: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sat: 1130am - 1030pm
Sun: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight down Pagoda Street. Turn right onto Trengganu Street. Walk down Trengganu Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk straight to Sago Street. Turn left onto Sago Street and walk to the end. Turn right onto Trengganu Street. Walk down Trengganu Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 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]