Ganko Sushi @ Penang Road (Dhoby Ghaut) - Enjoy 1-for-1 Promotion on New Japanese Robatayaki Menu Till 31 July 2023

Ganko Sushi debuted in Singapore in late 2021, marking its first outpost in Southeast Asia, after successful operations of its 99 restaurants in Japan and 100th in Hong Kong. The restaurant takes pride in its attention to detail and the seafood ingredients' quality. Specially selected fresh catch is flown directly from Japan up to thrice a week to ensure optimum freshness.

Under the guidance of new Head Chef Koichi Matsuda, Ganko Sushi's menu sees a smoky twist with its new robatayaki offerings. The chef brings along with him rich experience from various stints in Michelin-starred restaurants in Japan.

Robatayaki translates to 'fireside cooking', with dishes done grilled. From now till the end of the month, diners can experience the new robatayaki menu with a 1-for-1 promotion on the equivalent value of dishes. Each table is limited to only one redemption per bill while stocks last.

Deluxe Sashimi Platter 4/5

We tried several of the restaurant's signature dishes before the robatayaki menu. While the Deluxe Sashimi Platter ($77) featured very fresh and thick slices, the price tag was considerably steep.

Shrimp & Vegetable Tempura 3.8/5

The crunchy Shrimp & Vegetable Tempura ($15) consisted of three prawns, lotus root, shiitake mushroom, seaweed and more. My dining companion and I found this a little oilier and more underseasoned than we would like.

Supreme Sushi Platter, 12 Types 4.2/5

We also had the Supreme Sushi Platter ($77) featuring 12 types of sushi, with selections such as negitoro, chutoro, ebi, uni and tamago. The ingredients were fresh, with a good rice-to-topping ratio. Note that wasabi is included by default, but you can inform the staff if you prefer without. They also offer platters of smaller sizes.

Large Asparagus 4/5

Moving on to dishes from the Robatayaki menu! Though the Large Asparagus ($10) from Nagano looked unassuming, the toasted almond slices and creamy mayo-based sauce hidden underneath paired nicely with its crunch. The portion leans small.

Shiitake Mushroom 4/5

The Shiitake Mushroom ($5) uses mushrooms from Gifu. These were minimally seasoned and grilled to a lovely juiciness.

Corn 4.2/5

One of my favourites was the Corn ($15) from Hokkaido which boasted a crisp texture and a delicate sweetness. The smokiness here was light.

Big Clam 4/5

I believe the Big Clam ($20) from Aichi was lightly seasoned, as it retained that natural 'ocean' saltiness and sweetness.

Potato with Butter 4.2/5

The simple yet satisfying Potato with Butter ($5) was a pleasant surprise. The slices of grilled potatoes from Hokkaido had thin, crisp skin, and they were fragrant from the smokiness and a good amount of butter. The addition of kombu bits elevated it with an umami touch.

Warabi Mochi 4/5

Dessert was a traditional Japanese dessert, the Warabi Mochi ($8).

It was served with nutty soybean powder and sweet brown sugar that you can add based on your preference on the sweetness level.

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.


Ganko Sushi
9 Penang Road
#01-01
Singapore 238459
Tel: +65 8828 2280
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Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut MRT (CC, NE, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130a, - 230pm, 6pm to 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to Penang Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

IKKOTEN @ Telok Ayer - Kyoto Kaiseki-style Omakase in Intimate 10-Seater Japanese Restaurant by Chef Brandon Low

Brand new along Telok Ayer Street is IKKOTEN, a Japanese Omakase restaurant helmed by Executive Chef Brandon Low. Chef Brandon has nearly 10 years of experience in Japanese cuisine and is now venturing into offering traditional Kyoto Kaiseki-style omakase.

IKKOTEN translates to "Paradise on Earth", and Chef Brandon hopes to bring the best quality of ingredients and flavours to his diners.

The 10-seater intimate restaurant space was intentionally designed to be clean and minimalistic, with carefully curated Japanese elements. I particularly value how diners can focus on the food in this space.

There is a lunch Omaksae from $88 catering to the working lunch crowd in the area. As for dinner, there is a 9-course Omakase ($198) and a 11-course Hana Dinner Omakase ($298). I had the opportunity to try the latter.

Sakizuke (Chef’s Appetiser): Sesame Tofu with Uni & Dashi Sauce 4/5

Our first course featured Sesame Tofu with Uni & Dashi Sauce, which uses homemade goma tofu. The seasonal Hokkaido sea urchin sits atop and adds a lovely briny creaminess.

Hassun (Seasonal Appetiser): Baby Sweet Fish Tempura 4/5

The seasonal appetiser, which featured Baby Sweet Fish Tempura, was a delight. Chef Brandon shared that he decided on this assortment of items to showcase a variety of flavours.

The sweet fish carried a slight bitterness, the summer fruit fig with egg miso and yuzu had a fun tangy sweetness, while the deep-fried broad bean stuffed with homemade fish cake and pickled vegetables topped with shredded bonito flakes had pleasing nuttiness, sharper tangy notes and savoury bites.

Suimono (Seasonal Clear Soup): Kyoto Clear Dashi Broth 3.8/5

Before moving into the sashimi, we were served a lighter course of greenling fish cooked in Kyoto Clear Dashi Broth.

Tsukuri (Seasonal Sashimi): Threeline Grunt Fish 4/5

Our first sashimi course was the Threeline Grunt Fish. Carefully grilled over binchotan charcoal, these slices were fresh and boasted appetising sour plum notes.

Tsukuri (Seasonal Sashimi): Otoro with Bubble Shoyu Sauce 4.2/5

Our next sashimi course was lightly aburi-ed slices of Nagasaki Otoro topped with a jiggly bubble shoyu sauce. The fatty cut of Otoro had a lovely smokiness infused within. It was a bit saltier than I'd liked with the unique shoyu, but I enjoyed how it was bursting with umami notes.

Chef’s Signature: Negitoro Crystal Waffle 4.2/5

Chef's Special was the Negitoro Crystal Waffle, a reimagined rendition of the classic negitoro and uni hand roll with elevated elements. It was topped with chopped bluefin tuna, Hokkaido uni and seaweed soy sauce on a piece of crunchy translucent rice cracker.

Yakimono (Seasonal Grilled Fish): Grilled Japanese Spanish Mackerel 4/5

The highlight here in the Grilled Japanese Spanish Mackerel dish was definitely its accompanying burnt egg sauce. It was such a unique touch which complemented well. Served on the side was pickled ginger flower, which served to clean your palette.

Takiawase (Seasonal Simmered Dish): Homemade Egg Tofu with Sea Eel 4/5

Next, we were served with the Homemade Egg Tofu with Sea Eel. This dish features in-season Anago topped on smooth egg tofu and a thickened dashi sauce made of kombu bonito. The additional touch of yuzu zest kept the savoury sauce more appealing.

Baby Abalone with Vinegar Jelly 4.2/5

While my dining companions had their beef course: Hay Smoked Charcoal A5 Wagyu Beef with Sesame Ponzu Sauce, Chef Brandon kindly helped replace mine with the Baby Abalone with Vinegar Jelly. The tender slices of baby abalone resulted from stewing for 6 hours. I enjoyed the gentle sourness in the vinegar jelly, combined with fresh yuzu zest and sweet micro tomatoes, which made this a refreshing palate cleanser before the donabe course.

Signature Donabe: Umami Cherry Blossom Shrimp Collagen Claypot Rice 4.5/5

The impressive Signature Donabe was one of my favourite courses. The claypot rice has Niigata rice cooked in a fish collagen dashi stock made from simmering fish bones for almost four hours. It was then plated with a spoonful of truffle caviar and a luxurious touch of 24K gold. Accompanying it was burnt miso soup and homemade pickles.

Mizugashi: Seasonal Fruits

Desserts were the classic Japanese Seasonal Fruits - Shizuoka Crown Melon, Kyoho Grape and Muscat Grape.

Matcha Pudding, Hojicha Tea

We also had a bittersweet Matcha Pudding and hot Hojicha Tea to complement the sweet fruits.

Matcha

I especially appreciated how we ended our meal with a hot cup of Matcha freshly whisked right before us.

Donabe Onigiri

Chef Brandon also carefully shaped the leftover claypot rice into Onigiri for my fellow diners and me to bring home. It was wrapped in bamboo leaves, and we were taught how to best reheat them to enjoy the next day. It was such a lovely thought!

I found their omakase's price tag steeper, but IKKOTEN is one to consider if you are looking for a traditional omakase with modern elements incorporated.

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.


IKKOTEN
86 Telok Ayer
Singapore 048469
Tel: +65 8666 9924
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer MRT (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 7pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the street and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

G Izakaya @ Golden Mile Tower - Offering Both Izakaya And Omakase For Lunch And Dinner

G Izakaya at Golden Mile Tower is an izakaya and an omakase restaurant, offering an extensive menu of Japanese dishes for lunch and dinner.

3 Kind Sashimi 3/5

We started with 3 Kind Sashimi that was served thick cut. The portion was generous, suitable for 2 or even 3 pax.

Uni Sakura 3/5

Next was a dainty bite I reckoned more befitting as an omakase course - Uni Sakura. Sandwiched between 2 thin wafers are pieces of tamago, pickled radish, and uni. While I didn't find it a cohesive dish, I appreciate its creativity.

Tsukune 2.5/5

Butabara Yuzu Miso 3.5/5

Expect the quintessential skewers. We had Tsukune (chicken meatballs) and Butabara Yuzu Miso. I didn't enjoy the taste of the Tsukune somehow, but the latter fared much better with well-charred pork-belly fats flavoured with tangy and savoury yuzu miso.

Soft Shell Crab Tempura 4/5

The Soft Shell Crab Tempura was pleasing with airy batter. There was a light crunch in every bite, and the best bits were those that gave way to the sweet meat inside.

G Dragon Maki 4/5

One of the recommended dishes at the restaurant is the G Dragon Maki, scrumptious with fried King Prawn, salmon, and a spicy housemade sauce. The fiery savoury sauce brought out the sweetness of the prawns, and I enjoyed the overall mouth-filling texture.

Unagi Don 3.8/5

If you are here for lunch, there are also simple yet pleasing Dons such as Unagi Don at affordable prices. The Unagi was served glazed with tare sauce and slightly charred, adding a delicious smokey flavour layer. The meat was unctuous too. Hence the humble pickled shallots and radish slices were the perfect accompaniments to punctuate the dish with their acidity.

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.


G Izakaya
Golden Mile Tower
6001 Beach Road
#01-52A/B
Singapore 199589
Tel: +65 91835393
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Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 130pm, 530pm - 930pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge to Beach Road. Turn right onto Beach Road and walk down Beach Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Tajimaya Yakiniku @ Vivocity - Unveils A Fresh New Concept With A Revamped Menu

Tajimaya Yakiniku has recently unveiled its newly revamped outlet at Vivocity, housing three different concepts within an elegantly designed space - Tajimaya Yakiniku, Suki-Ya KIN and MASH Whisky Bar. Tajimaya establishes itself as the purveyor of authentic Japanese Yakiniku meats. With the new a la carte and set menu, more premium and exclusive Yakiniku meats are now available. The restaurant is also completed with a Japanese high-performance "smokeless" grill exhaust system, allowing you to savour what's sizzling in front of you in great comfort.

The menu offers prime Waygu beef from Kagoshima and Miyazaki and Japanese Kurobuta pork in both set and a la carte options. We tried the Tajimaya A5 Kagoshima Karubi Set ($238.80 for 2pax). The Set Menu comes with House Salad, San Chu, Sashimi (Daily Selection)/Tempura, Chawanmushi, Miso Soup, and Garlic Fried Rice.

The platter includes A5 Kagoshima Nami Karubi Boneless Short Ribs, A5 Kagoshima Sankaku Bara Chuck Short Ribs, A5 Kagoshima Sasabara Flank, A5 Kagoshima Kainomi Flap, and A5 Kagoshima Nakaochi Karubi Ribs Finger.

All the cuts were tantalising, with beautiful marbled meats. My favourite cut is the Nami Karubi Boneless Short Ribs being the most well-balanced cut of fats and meat. They were scrumptious on their own, with or without the dipping sauces. The accompanying three sauces have different taste profiles to complement the meats - savory shoyu, garlicky miso and tare.

Cut into cubes, Nakaochi Karubi Ribs Finger gave an enjoyable bite, and I love it with the morish aromatic garlic fried rice that comes with an equally delectable chewy texture.

Another favourite is the Kainomi Flap, a small but extremely flavoursome part of the rib area.

If you wish to try a mix of Beef and Pork, there's the Yakiniku Platter Set for ($228.80 for 2 pax). The assortment of meats is served in traditional Japanese ware, featuring A5 Miyazaki Striploin, A5 Kagoshima Sasabara Flank, A5 Miyazaki Rib Rosu Shin Ribeye, A5 Miyazaki Nami Karubi Boneless Short Ribs, A5 Kagoshima Nakaochi Karubi Ribs Finger, A5 Kagoshima Misuji Top Blade, A5 Kagoshima Chuck Flap Zabuton, Japanese Kurobuta Pork Belly and Japanese Kurobuta Pork Collar.

Each set comes with a sake pairing recommendation to complete your experience. Seafood and other Japanese dishes are also available to complement your dining experience. This outlet also offers two private rooms for cosier dining experiences or special occasions.

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.


Tajimaya Yakiniku
Vivocity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-102/103
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 63770070
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Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun, Eve of PH and PH: 1130am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Wagatomo @ Guoco Tower - Chef Tomoyuki Welcomes The Arrival Of Spring With A Refreshed Omakase Menu

Wagatomo at Guoco Tower is considered Chef Tomoyuki Kiga's new home following the opening of his butchery and sando shop - Gyu San. It is where Chef Tomoyuki pushes boundaries to create his version of modern Japanese cuisine, drawing inspiration from his past experiences with food and culture gathered over the years. Experience the arrival of spring with a refreshed omakase menu here at Wagatomo with the new line-up of seven courses that features Spring ingredients, which are all about lighter flavours and fresher profiles.

Maguro & Green Pea Tartlets 3.5/5

The Spring Menu starts with Maguro & Green Pea Tartlets, with the tartlet base inspired by Kuey Pie Tie. Serving up two very contrasting profiles to tease your taste buds. One is a topping of spicy tuna sashimi spiced with togarashi aioli that brought a tinge of fiery kick. The other is a Japanese interpretation of the French Petit Pois, topped with sweet and crunchy green peas nested in a mashed green pea base.

Tomato 3 Ways 4.5/5

The 2nd course celebrates the humble tomato - Tomato 3 Ways, made with Tomato Houjicha Consommé, Tomato Jelly, and Marinated Tomatoes. A mix of French tomatoes marinated in tangy amazu and cubed tomato jelly made from tomato water was served chilled with a tomato consommé. The tomato jelly didn't provide much flavour, but I liked the contrasting texture they gave to the dish. Sweet, savoury and tangy, it was a stellar example of a dish celebrating the beauty of a single ingredient.

Maguro Tataki 3/5

The next course Maguro Tataki follows a similar flavour profile - Tataki in a sauce of vinegar, soy and sugar, garnished with Pickled Ginger Flower, Negi and garlic chips. While the flavours were pleasing, I would prefer a creamier dressing for the lean maguro.

Haru Kakiage 4.8/5

Next is Haru Kakiage, which is served with a tentsuyu sauce and a yummy batter of Bamboo shoots, Asparagus, Onion, Burdock and Prawn Tempura. Concocted with dashi, mirin and soy, the sauce delivered an umami punch to the light batter. I love the chewy texture and crunch lent by the various ingredients.

Saba Shio Yaki 4.5/5

Following is an individual portion of Saba Shio Yaki. Such tasty fish needs no seasoning, only some sea salt to bring out its sweetness. The grilled Japanese saba mackerel from Fukuoka is served with grated daikon with yuzu zest to cut the fatty flavour of the fish. The crisp skin that had been slightly seasoned with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt was delicious, with the flesh being firm and rich in taste.

Beef & Negi 4.5/5

The Main showcases Wagatomo's signature beef Kamichiku 4% Miracle Gyu - Beef & Negi. The Kamichiku 4% Miracle Gyu chuck roll is grilled using an open grill fired by binchotan charcoal and oakwood, with the right doneness to render the marbled fat. The sweetness of the caramelised negi in brown butter and the savoury potato puree complement the robust meat well, with all flavours welded together harmoniously.

Baked Ringo 4/5

The omakase ends with a divine Baked Ringo - Chef Tomoyuki reimagines an apple pie. Here we get an apple pie chutney encased in a baked apple, topped with refreshing green apple sorbet, alongside a cap of dehydrated apple with apple gel dollops.

The Spring 2023 Omakase menu will be available from 6 March 2023 onwards and is priced at $96 per person, with a minimum of two pax to share required.

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.


Wagatomo
Guoco Tower
5 Wallich Street
#01-12
Singapore 078883
Tel: +65 83136622
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130 am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to Guoco Tower. Walk to the open air square. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]