Showing posts with label Tempura. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tempura. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

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

Group

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.

Sashimi Platter 1
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 1
Pitan Tofu 3.5/5

Chawanmushi 1
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 1
Agedashi Tofu 4/5

Tako Yaki 1
Tako Yaki 3/5

Asari Miso Soup 1
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.

Kushiyaki Platter 1
Assorted Kushiyaki 3.8/5

Saba Shoyaki
Saba Shoyaki 4/5

Pork Belly Shogayaki 1
Pork Belly Shogayaki 3/5

Surume Ika 1
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.

Tempura Platter 1
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 1
Kitsune Soba 3/5

Garlic Fried Rice 1
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 1
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 2
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.

Interior 1

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.

Interior 2

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]

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Nobu @ Four Seasons Hotel Singapore - Launches new "Taste of Nobu" Bottomless Weekend Brunch

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Nobu at the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore has introduced an enticing "Taste of Nobu" weekend brunch, allowing diners to indulge in unlimited servings of Nobu’s signature creations. This semi-buffet brunch concept pairs exquisite dishes with free-flow beverage options, providing an experience that epitomizes luxury and indulgence.

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Upon arrival, diners are greeted by a visually stunning counter spread where Nobu’s skilled chefs prepare a variety of sushi rolls, sashimi, cold dishes, and salads right before your eyes.

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Some standout items from the counter include the Yellowtail Jalapeño, Umami Chicken Wing, Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna, and Sashimi Salad with Matsuhisa Dressing. Each dish is meticulously crafted, offering bursts of flavour that are irresistible. However, with so many delectable options on offer, I recommend exercising some restraint to save room for the hot dishes, which are prepared à la minute and served directly to your table.

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Rock Shrimp Tempura with Creamy Spicy Sauce 4.5/5

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Shojin Tempura 4/5

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Nasu Miso 3.5/5

The hot dishes at Nobu are nothing short of spectacular, beginning with the Rock Shrimp Tempura with Creamy Spicy Sauce, Shojin Tempura, and Nasu Miso. Among these, the Rock Shrimp Tempura was the star, with tender shrimp encased in a thin, crispy coating and tossed in an addictive, creamy, spicy sauce that left me yearning for more.

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Scallop Wasabi Pepper 3.5/5

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Black Cod Miso 4.5/5

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Salmon Steak Yuzu Butter Soy 4.2/5

Moving on to more substantial dishes, the Scallop Wasabi Pepper, Black Cod Miso, and Salmon Steak Yuzu Butter Soy offer a true taste of Nobu's signature dishes. The portions are generous, with each dish being almost a complete meal on its own. The Black Cod Miso and Salmon Steak particularly stood out, with flavours so well-balanced and satisfying that they alone are reason enough for a return visit.

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F1 Japanse Beef and Mushroom Toban Yaki 4.2/5

The pinnacle of the brunch experience was the F1 Japanese Beef and Mushroom Toban Yaki. Served sizzling on a hotplate, the dish features tender slices of premium beef resting on a bed of mushrooms, all cooked in a sweet and savoury sauce that begs to be paired with a bowl of rice. The beef was succulent and perfectly cooked, making this dish a must-try for any beef lover.

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Nobu’s weekend brunch also features a decadent dessert room that showcases the brand's popular Nobu-style Cheesecake along with handcrafted desserts such as Green Tea Flan, Chocolate Miso Cream Puff, and Yuzu Meringue Tarts. Each dessert is an indulgent treat, perfectly rounding off the brunch with a sweet and satisfying finale..

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To complement the exceptional food, Nobu Singapore offers bottomless alcohol packages at an additional charge. These packages feature premium Taittinger champagne, Nobu Matsuhisa white wine, red wine, and sake, as well as craft cocktails. One of the beverage highlights is the Nobu Junmai Daiginjo, an exclusive sake available only at Nobu restaurants. This medium-bodied sake is smooth, crisp, and complex, with delicate floral notes that pair beautifully with Nobu's dishes, offering a truly immersive and luxurious dining experience.

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"Taste of Nobu" Weekend Brunch
• Priced at SGD 168++ per person, inclusive of free flow of juices, soft drinks, teas and selected mocktails
• Additional SGD 60++ per person for an upgrade to the Classic beverage package, which includes a free flow of selected sake, champagne, wines and beers
• Additional SGD 168++ per person for an upgrade to the Luxe beverage package, which consists of a free flow of selected sake, champagne, wines, beers and craft cocktails

For those seeking a sophisticated brunch experience, Nobu’s weekend offering is an indulgent way to spend a leisurely afternoon with flavours that linger long after the meal is over.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Nobu Singapore
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
190 Orchard Boulevard
Singapore 248646
Tel: +65 6831 7653
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 11. Walk straight to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, August 4, 2024

Izakaya Shun @ Cuppage Plaza - Seven Course Omakase Experience at $99/pax

Ikura Rice + Uni and Negitoro 1

Nestled in Cuppage Plaza, Singapore's "Little Japanese Mall," Izakaya Shun is the sister restaurant of the 5-time Michelin Plate awardee Kappo Shunsui (2018-2023). Led by Chef Takamasa Suzuki, Izakaya Shun offers an exquisite Omakase menu featuring Japan's seasonal best, sourced directly from Tokyo's Toyosu Market. Izakaya Shun also assures guests that they avoid using seafood sourced from the sea around the Fukushima region (including Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, Ibaraki and Chiba).

Chef in action

The Omakase experience at Izakaya Shun includes a 7-course menu comprising an appetizer, a warmed dish, sashimi, a deep-fried dish, a grilled dish, a rice dish, and dessert. It is available at a promotional price of $99/pax (U.P. $128/pax).

Additionally, Izakaya Shun boasts an extensive selection of alcoholic beverages from renowned Japanese distilleries, including beer, shochu, whiskey, wine, and sake - all included in the Omakase experience.

Appetizer 1
Assorted Appetisers 4/5

We began our dinner with a beautifully plated 6-Kinds of Assorted Aappetisers. The most memorable items were the steamed oysters, which were plump and fresh; the miso eggplant, surprisingly light and melt-in-your-mouth soft; and the cold grilled octopus, which was chewy and packed with flavour.

Chawanmushi 1
Chawanmushi with Fresh Seaweed Sauce 3/5

Oden 1
Assorted Oden Soup 4/5

The second course is a warm dish, and we selected the Chawanmushi with Fresh Seaweed Sauce and Assorted Oden Soup. Although the chawanmushi didn't impress us much, the oden stood out with its three pieces: chikuwa, fish cake, and kinchaku. The kinchaku, a purse-shaped tofu skin named after Edo-period bags, contained a delightful surprise of soft and chewy mochi inside. Another warm dish option from this course is the Agedashi Tofu with Mushroom Sauce.

Sashimi 5
Assorted Sashimi and Sushi 4.2/5

Next, we have a seasonal assortment of Sashimi and Sushi platter with a total of 8 items where you get to sample an array of freshly sliced fishes including bonito fish, scallop, octopus and salmon and ikura roll.

Top Up Uni 1
Uni 4.2/5

If you are a fan of Uni, there is an option of a top-up of $19 for a portion of fresh Uni served with crispy seaweed strips. The uni is really fresh and sweet!

Tempura 1
Assorted Tempura 4/5

Chicken Nanban 1
Chicken Nanban with Wafu Tartar Sauce 3.8/5

For the deep-fried course, we chose the Assorted Tempura and Chicken Nanban with Wafu Tartar Sauce. We preferred the tempura, where the light yet crispy batter coated the ingredients perfectly. The tempura included 3-pieces: prawn, fish, and shiso leaf. While the wafu tartar sauce on the chicken nanban was excellent, we found the chicken itself lacked flavour. Another option for this course is the Snow Crab Cream Croquette with homemade Demi-Glace Sauce.

Karei Saikyo Yaki 1
Karei (Flatfish) Saikyo Yaki 4/5

Wagyu Harami Steak 1
Wagyu Harami (Out-Skirt) Steak with Special Onion Sauce 3.8/5

For the grilled course, we had the Karei (Flatfish) Saikyo Yaki and Wagyu Harami (Out-Skirt) Steak with Special Onion Sauce. The fish was exceptional — so tender and sweet that we wished for a more significant portion! A squeeze of lemon juice further enhanced its flavour.

Wagyu Harami Steak 3

The steak was perfectly cooked and tender, with the fried garlic complementing it nicely. However, we found the onion sauce a bit overpowering. Another option for this course is the Kagoshima Kurobuta Pork Steak with Special Steak Sauce.

Ikura Rice 1
Overflowing Ikura Rice 4/5

Before dessert, we were served the Overflowing Ikura Rice, a signature dish from its sister restaurant Kyuu by Shunsui, created by Chef Takamasa Suzuki. The show-stopping moment occurred when the chef heaped generous scoops of ikura onto the small cup of sushi rice!

Ikura Rice + Uni and Negitoro 2
Overflowing Ikura Rice with additional Uni and Negitoro (minced toro) 4.5/5

For an additional $14, you can enjoy a generous topping of Uni and Negitoro (minced toro) on the sushi rice before the chef covers it with loads of ikura. This option adds more depth and complexity to the dish, balancing the saltiness of the ikura. We highly recommend this upgrade.

Yuzu Sorbet + Warabi Mochi 1
Yuzu Sorbet 3.8/5 and Warabimochi 3/5

As part of the Omakase tradition, a small serving of Miso Soup is provided to wash down all the food before dessert. We had the Yuzu Sorbet and Warabimochi, the only dessert options on the menu. The yuzu sorbet was a perfect ending, balanced without being too sour or sweet, with the right amount of fragrant yuzu scent. The Warabi mochi was soft but otherwise unremarkable.

Sashimi 4

Overall, we had a great time at Izakaya Shun, and we consider it a hidden gem. We recommend the bar counter seats for the best experience, but a few table seats are available if you prefer a more private meal. Although we aren't big alcohol drinkers, the wide selection of options provides excellent value for those who are, allowing you to drink to your heart's content. Non-alcoholic drinks such as Calpis, Ginger Ale, Coke, Oolong Tea, and Green Tea are also included.

Please note that the offerings are seasonal, with the menu changing every 3 months.

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


Izakaya Shun
Cuppage Plaza
4 Koek Road
#04-04
Singapore 228796
Tel: +65 8245 1798
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Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 5pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B, C or D. Walk to Orchard Road. Cross the road and walk to Cuppage Road. Walk down Cuppage Road. Walk to Cuppage Plaza. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]