Showing posts with label Udon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Udon. Show all posts

Sunday, June 28, 2026

Udon Shin @ Takashimaya - Debuts Its First Seasonal Special in Singapore: A Bright, Summer-Ready Arrabbiata Udon

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Since opening its doors in November 2025, Udon Shin Singapore has quickly garnered attention for its meticulous approach to handcrafted udon. As the brand’s first international outpost from Tokyo, expectations have been high, and with the unveiling of its very first seasonal special, the restaurant marks a meaningful milestone. Available from 16 June to 13 September 2026, the Singapore-exclusive Arrabbiata Udon celebrates both Japanese culinary sensibilities and the vibrancy of summer produce.

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Arrabbiata Udon 4.5/5

The Arrabbiata Udon ($30) is a thoughtful interplay of Japanese and Italian influences, anchored by kamaage-style udon served with a rich, house-made spicy tomato sauce. Inspired by the coastal Japanese tradition of enjoying peak-season tomatoes in the warmer months, the dish showcases the natural sweetness and acidity of ripe tomatoes, which are transformed into a robust yet balanced base.

Each component adds depth and nuance. Velvety confit tomatoes intensify the fruit’s sweetness, while grated parmesan cheese lends a savoury umami richness. A drizzle of bonito-infused oil introduces a subtle smokiness, tying the flavours back to Japanese culinary roots, while micro shiso contributes a delicate herbal lift. The gentle heat from the arrabbiata-style sauce is restrained, allowing the natural flavours to shine rather than overwhelm.

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Arrabbiata Udon 4.5/5

Complementing the noodles is an impressive assortment of tempura. The highlight is undoubtedly the Snow Crab Leg Tempura, two generous pieces, lightly battered to preserve the crab’s inherent sweetness and delicate texture. Alongside are four varieties of seasonal vegetable tempura, each crisp and airy, adding both contrast and variety to the dish. Altogether, the bowl delivers a vibrant harmony of tangy, savoury and subtly sweet notes, resulting in a dish that feels both refreshing and comforting, an apt reflection of the summer season it draws inspiration from.

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Butter Shoyu Tamago Udon 4.2/5

I also tried the Butter Shoyu Tamago Udon ($12). In contrast, the Butter Shoyu Tamago Udon offers a more understated, homely appeal. Despite being described as a hot udon, the dish leans more toward a warm or room-temperature preparation than a piping-hot, soup-based bowl. Simplicity is key here, but it is executed with finesse. A generous knob of butter melts gently into the warm noodles, mingling with a soft-boiled egg to create a luscious, creamy coating. The freshly cracked black pepper cuts through the richness with a gentle heat. Bright green spring onions add a refreshing bite, balancing the overall profile. When mixed thoroughly, the dish transforms into a silky, indulgent bowl that is deeply satisfying despite its minimal ingredients.

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With the launch of its first seasonal special, Udon Shin Singapore demonstrates its ability to innovate while staying grounded in its core philosophy of quality and seasonality. The Arrabbiata Udon stands out not just as a creative fusion dish, but as a carefully composed bowl that respects both Japanese traditions and the vibrancy of summer produce. Meanwhile, the Butter Shoyu Tamago Udon proves that simplicity, when done right, can be just as compelling. As the brand continues to establish itself in Singapore’s dining scene, this seasonal offering signals an exciting direction, one that embraces creativity without losing sight of craftsmanship.

Note: This is an invite tasting.


Udon Shin
Takashimaya Shopping Centre
#B2-32
391 Orchard Road
Singapore 238873
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm
(queue stops at 2pm and 8pm)

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight towards Ngee Ann City until you reach the destination. Journey about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B to Orchard Road. Head west or turn left onto Orchard Road against the flow of traffic. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]


Monday, April 6, 2026

Peh Gao Coffeeshop @ Serene Centre - Coffeeshop In The Day, Taproom In The Night

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Tucked within Serene Centre, Peh Gao presents a unique dual-concept space that seamlessly shifts from a nostalgic kopitiam by day to a lively craft beer destination by night. Operating from 8am to 3pm, the daytime menu pays homage to local breakfast staples alongside hearty mains, before transforming into Orh Gao in the evening, offering Asian-inspired bar bites paired with an eclectic craft beer selection.

The morning crowd can look forward to a concise menu before 10am, featuring traditional toast and open-top sandwiches. From 10am to 2pm, the offerings expand to include a range of noodle and rice dishes, complemented by satisfying sides.

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Traditional Kaya Butter Toast 5/5

Starting with the Traditional Kaya Butter Toast ($2.80), it’s easy to see why this has garnered a reputation as one of the best in town. The toast strikes an ideal balance — crisp on the outside yet thick enough to retain a soft, fluffy interior, offering a delightful textural contrast. Slathered with fragrant kaya rich in coconut and pandan notes, and layered with a generous slab of butter, each bite delivers a harmonious blend of sweetness and richness that lingers.

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Mapo Tofu Udon 4.2/5

Moving on to the Mapo Tofu Udon ($12), the dish brings together elements of different cuisines in a comforting fusion bowl. Featuring silky mapo tofu, minced pork, onsen egg, and fried beancurd skin, it evokes a sense of familiarity akin to bak chor mee or even a bolognese-style pasta, with udon replacing the usual noodles for a heartier bite.

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Nasi Lemak Beef Rendang 4.8/5

A standout on the menu is undoubtedly the Nasi Lemak Beef Rendang ($15). The coconut rice is aromatic and fluffy, forming the perfect base for the exceptionally tender beef cheek, which is braised until melt-in-the-mouth soft and deeply infused with rempah spices. Paired with classic accompaniments such as sambal, ikan bilis, peanuts and egg, this is a must-order dish that impresses on all fronts.

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Fried Spring Rolls 3/5

The Fried Spring Rolls ($5) offer a crisp exterior, deep-fried to a golden brown. However, the radish and carrot filling lacks depth of flavour, making it less memorable than the other dishes.

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Pho Ultimate 3.8/5

For something comforting, the Pho Ultimate ($19) features generous chunks of beef short rib alongside flat rice noodles, bean sprouts and fresh herbs in a spiced broth. The broth leans lighter in flavour, but the addition of condiments elevates the overall profile, resulting in a soothing bowl.

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Crunchy Chicken Cartilage 3.8/5

Come evening, the space transitions into Orh Gao, where the focus shifts to bar bites and craft brews. The Crunchy Chicken Cartilage ($12) makes for an ideal accompaniment to drinks, with its well-marinated, crispy bites delivering a satisfying crunch and chew, especially when paired with chilli sauce.

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Kra Pow Mee Tai Mak 4/5

Equally inventive is the Kra Pow Mee Tai Mak ($15), a creative fusion dish marrying Thai basil chicken with claypot mee tai mak. Each mouthful is packed with bold flavours — aromatic basil, a gentle heat, and the richness of the onsen egg tying everything together.

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Curry Mussels 4/5

The Curry Mussels ($21) round off the experience on a comforting note. The fresh mussels are bathed in a sambal butter curry that leans slightly sweet and creamy, accompanied by focaccia bread perfect for soaking up every bit of the sauce.

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Craft Beer

Of course, no visit to Orh Gao is complete without exploring its rotating selection of craft beers on tap. The diverse lineup ensures there’s something to suit every palate, making it an inviting spot to unwind.

With its thoughtful concept and well-executed menu spanning both traditional and modern flavours, Peh Gao successfully carves out its identity as both a dependable breakfast spot and a vibrant evening hangout.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Peh Gao / Orh Gao
Serene Centre
10 Jalan Serene
#01-06
Singapore 258748
Tel: +65 8749 2755
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Botanic Gardens ( CC, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Peh Gao
Tue-Sun: 8am - 3pm
Orh Gao
Tue-Thu, Sun: 4pm - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 4pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Botanic Gardens MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Bukit Timah Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Monday, March 16, 2026

Kaya @ The Standard - Weekend Brunch Showcasing Its Signature Japanese-Fusion Flair Every Saturday

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Every Saturday, Kaya at The Standard presents a Weekend Brunch that reflects the restaurant’s signature Japanese-fusion flair. The menu features an à la carte free-flow selection of hot and cold appetisers, small bites, mains, and desserts. The brunch experience includes a free flow of non-alcoholic beverages, with the option to upgrade to premium packages that include alcoholic drinks.

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The Standard Tray

To start, we were first served The Standard Tray, alongside our drink orders. This was perfect for tempering the usual morning hunger while waiting for the rest of the food to arrive. The tray comprises four items from the menu across the cold, hot bites, and sando categories, prepping our appetite with Chicken Karaage, Tamago Sando, Apple Sesame Salad, and Assorted Sashimi.

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Chicken Karaage 4.8/5

The hot morsels of Chicken Karaage were juicy and moreish with a golden crust. I appreciated the bite-sized portions, which worked better than the usual large and chunky pieces.

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Sashimi 4/5

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Apple Salad 4.5/5

Balancing the tray were the fresh chilled Sashimi and the refreshing Apple Sesame Salad.

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Daikon Slaw 5/5

From the cold selection, I was also delighted to find Daikon Slaw, one of my favourite items from their regular menu during my last visit.

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Tamago Sando 3/5

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Unagi Sando 3.5/5

As for the sando, while the tamago filling was delectable, softer white sandwich bread might have improved the overall texture and taste. There is also an Unagi Sando option, which delivers a much more savoury, meatier bite.

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Tacos 3.5/5

The tacos were visually exciting with their colourful presentation. Among the three options — Teriyaki Cured Salmon Taco, Spicy Beef Taco, and Salada Taco, the Spicy Beef Taco was the most satisfying, with hearty beef slices delivering a punch of flavour. The salmon taco, however, turned out a little bland, while the Salada Taco, though enjoyable with avocado, felt slightly underwhelming as a taco.

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Konabe Udon 4/5

For mains, the Konabe Udon was simple yet comforting.

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Kamo Katsu with Curry Hollandaise Don 3/5

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Pork Belly Char Siu Don 3/5

The Kamo Katsu with Curry Hollandaise Don featured a crispy duck cutlet, and the curry hollandaise was rich with umami, flavouring the dish beautifully. It was a pity that the duck itself was a tad dry. The same could be said for the Pork Belly Char Siu Don, where the char siu was not as unctuous as I had expected.

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Desserts 3.8/5

Desserts were delightful. The Sakura & Coconut Panna Cotta and Coffee Jelly Shooter were both pleasing, with the latter delivering a pleasant bittersweet note. The Matcha Lemon Tart impressed with its thin, buttery crust, which complemented the tart’s bright, lemony, and earthy matcha flavours.

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While there were hits and misses, the cosy ambience of Kaya at The Standard nonetheless makes the brunch format well-suited for a relaxed weekend catch-up with friends and loved ones. The Weekend Brunch is available only on Saturdays from 12 noon to 3pm, with options starting at $78 per person.

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.


Kaya
The Standard, Singapore
12 Orange Grove Rd
#02-00
Singapore 258353
Tel: 6040 1888
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 630am - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 630am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. EWheelocklock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down Orchard Road to the end. Turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 23 minutes. [Map]

Friday, November 28, 2025

UMAI Artisanal Udon Bar @ Guoco Midtown - Exploring Japan’s Udon Traditions In One Spot

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Umai Artisanal Udon Bar has been one of my go-to places for satisfying my udon cravings. The udon speciality restaurant offers four types of udon, each showcasing the unique textures and characteristics of various prefectures across Japan. The lineup includes Hoto, Sanuki, Himokawa, and Hippari, allowing diners to experience how dramatically udon can differ across regions.

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Himokawa Udon with Niku Shabu 4.5/5

I have long wanted to try the Himokawa Udon, known for its exceptionally wide, ribbon-like noodles that resemble long, fluttering sheets. We went for the Himokawa Udon with Niku Shabu, served cold with a rakkayaki peanut dipping sauce. Dipping the delicate, silky noodles into the creamy, nutty sauce accentuates the udon’s smooth texture, allowing it to absorb flavours beautifully. The accompanying tender shabu-shabu slices add a savoury depth, complementing each slurp. We ordered the set, which comes with assorted tempura coated in a thin, crisp batter. It is light yet satisfying.

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Smokey Kurobuta 4.2/5

For the Sanuki udon, we tried the Smokey Kurobuta, a dry-style preparation infused with the aroma of smoked Kurobuta pork. Sanuki Udon, the most famous style from Kagawa Prefecture, is known for its firm, bouncy chew and clean, square-cut strands, and it holds up well to the smokier, more robust flavours of this dish. The combination is simple yet enjoyable, highlighting the strength of quality noodles paired with premium pork.

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Spicy Carbonara 4.2/5

A more flavour-forward option is the Spicy Carbonara, which we paired with the Sanuki udon for maximum chewiness. Creamy with a fiery kick, this dish quickly becomes addictive. Adding to its indulgence is a whole slab of black pork samgyeopsal, making it a substantial and complete meal. Jeju black pork is prized for its richer flavour, firmer texture, and juicier fat compared to regular pork, all of which shine through in this hearty plate of noodles.

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Yakibuta Tonkatsu 4.2/5

For something more comforting and hearty, we had the Yakibuta Tonkatsu, paired with Hippari Udon, a style originating from Yamagata Prefecture. This bowl comes loaded with a slab of black pork samgyeopsal, stir-fried pork, vegetables, and noodles simmered in a savoury tori-buta soup. The result is a robust, homely bowl that leans into rich pork flavours with a comforting broth, making it an ideal choice for those who want something warm and filling.

With its diverse selection of udon styles and satisfying range of flavours, Umai Artisanal Udon Bar stands out as a spot where diners can explore Japan’s regional noodle traditions without leaving Singapore. Whether you enjoy something light and delicate or rich and indulgent, there is always an udon bowl here that hits the spot.


UMAI Artisanal Udon Bar
Guoco Midtown
128 Beach Road
#01-05
Singapore 189771
Tel: +65 87483750
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 2pm, 530pm - 830pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to Tan Quee Lan Street. Turn left and walk down Tan Quee Lan Street to Beach Road. At Beach Road, cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station Take Exit F. Walk straight down Beach Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, November 20, 2025

Udon Shin @ Takashimaya - Tokyo’s Udon Specialist Opens First Overseas Outpost in Singapore

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Fans of udon will be pleased to welcome Udon Shin, a renowned udon specialist from Tokyo boasting 14 years of experience. Its new outlet at Takashimaya marks the brand’s first international debut, bringing its beloved handmade noodles out of Japan for the very first time.

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Since 2011, Udon Shin has drawn long queues at its Shibuya store, thanks to its fresh, chewy udon made entirely in-house. The brand stands by its “Four Fresh” philosophy - freshly kneaded, freshly cut, freshly boiled, and freshly fried.

Every bowl features noodles crafted daily for that signature firm, stretchy bite, while all tempura items are fried to order.

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The Singapore menu offers a wide selection, from simple hot or cold udon to tempura sets, unique flavour combinations, and even customisable build-your-own bowls.

A few interesting creations that caught our attention include the Butter Shoyu Tamago Udon ($12), Tempura Cheese Butter Udon ($26) and Yuzu Wagyu Kake Udon ($42).

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The space is casual and cosy, complete with an open kitchen where diners can watch the entire udon-making process from dough to bowl.

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Carbonara Udon 4.2/5

The Carbonara Udon ($24) is Udon Shin’s viral signature, and though we were initially unsure about how the combination would turn out, it worked surprisingly well. The base is udon cooked in dashi, topped with a rich mix of parmesan cheese, butter, spring onions, pepper and a raw egg.

Once stirred together, each chewy strand becomes coated with a creamy, buttery sauce that stays savoury without being too heavy. The indulgent thick bacon tempura was another standout, being crisp and non-greasy.

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Premium Tempura Kake Udon 4.2/5

Next was the Premium Tempura Kake Udon ($34), featuring hot udon soup paired with an assortment of tempura: two shrimps, four types of vegetables, fish and squid.

The udon once again delivered the perfect chew, while the broth offered deep umami, though it may definitely lean more salty for some. Among the tempura pieces, the tender salmon and large juicy prawns were my favourites.

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Tempura Zaru Udon 4.2/5

Cold udon lovers should try the Tempura Zaru Udon ($28), which comes with two shrimps and four vegetable tempura pieces. Served on a bamboo tray with chilled dashi dipping sauce, the udon felt extra bouncy and refreshing when eaten cold. The tempura was fried just right once again.

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.


Udon Shin
Takashimaya Shopping Centre
#B2-32
391 Orchard Road
Singapore 238873
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight at Ngee Ann City until destination. Journey about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B to Orchard Road. Head west or turn left onto Orchard Road against the flow of traffic. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]