Showing posts with label Unagi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Unagi. Show all posts

Thursday, October 22, 2026

Tampopo @ Takashimaya - Tampopo x Unazen: #01 Tempura Selection, First Tampopo Collection Featuring Thematic Collaborations

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Tampopo, a longstanding Japanese cuisine brand in Singapore, recently launched its first-ever Tampopo Collection, an exclusive collaboration space within Tampopo Takashimaya. The new extension will feature a rotating series of thematic collaborations, each offering diners a different experience of Japanese cuisine. Kicking off the series is Tampopo x Unazen: #01 Tempura Selection, available for lunch and dinner from 1 September to 31 October 2026.

Priced from $15.80, each Tempura Selection set comes with an assortment of freshly fried tempura, a mini bowl of unagi rice, umami-rich miso soup, and a choice of hot or iced green tea. You can choose from four options: The Little One ($15.80) with a four-piece selection, The Easy One ($21.80) with six pieces, The Perfect One ($25.80++) with eight pieces, and The Big One ($28.80), which we had the pleasure of trying.

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The Big One

The Big One ($28.80) features two Anago (sea eel), two prawns, four seasonal vegetables, tempura egg, Wakasagi tempura and sashimi.

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Mini Unagi Don

The Mini Unagi Don was ever so moreish, with the sweet-savoury unagi pairing well with the rice to make a comforting accompaniment to the tempura assortment. One highlight of the tempura platter for me was the Anago, plump and tender, with a lovely contrast between the soft flesh and its crisp, golden batter.

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Tempura Egg

The Tempura Egg was the most surprising element! It might look like an ordinary piece of egg tempura, but cutting into it revealed a luscious, golden yolk that oozed out like lava. It paired particularly well with the umami-rich unagi rice, making each mouthful even more satisfying.

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Among the seasonal vegetable tempura, we especially enjoyed the juicy whole mushroom and pumpkin slices, with an intense natural sweetness beneath their crispy coating.

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Sashimi

Except for The Little One Set, the other sets include a portion of sashimi, making them a more complete meal.

What sets this tempura selection apart is the thoughtful pairing of crispy tempura with a mini unagi don, plus anago and the delightful surprise of oozy egg tempura. These touches make the offering more than just another tempura set, giving diners something a little different to look forward to.

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.


Tampopo
Takashimaya
Tower B
391 Orchard Road
#B2-33
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 6235 2318
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 845pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight to Ngee Ann City. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, June 11, 2026

Satori @ Amoy Street - Vibey Yakitori Spot Serving Over 50 Skewers at Wallet-Friendly Prices

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Satori at Amoy Street fires up the grill with a lively, no-frills yakitori concept that strikes a compelling balance between omakase-level precision and the spirited energy of a modern Japanese tavern. Helmed by Chef Wilson, a protégé of yakitori master Chef Shyong from sister restaurant Sapōto, the concept brings serious grilling credentials into a more accessible, vibey setting.

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With over 50 skewers on the menu priced from just $3.80, Satori is designed for both casual diners looking for a quick bite and enthusiasts eager to explore a wide spectrum of yakitori cuts.

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Nori Salad 3.5/5

We began with the Nori Salad ($9.80), a refreshing starter that goes beyond the usual greens. Crisp lettuce and nori form the base, but what sets it apart is the addition of crispy whitebait scattered throughout. These tiny fish lend a delightful crunch and an umami punch, elevating the dish with both texture and depth. It’s a simple yet thoughtful composition that whets the appetite nicely.

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Truffle Chawanmushi 4/5

The Truffle Chawanmushi ($9.80) is a crowd-pleasing classic done right. Silky smooth and delicately steamed, the custard melts effortlessly on the palate. The truffle oil is unmistakable, perfuming each spoonful with an earthy richness that feels indulgent without overwhelming the dish’s inherent lightness. It’s a comforting prelude to the heavier grilled items.

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Tsukune (Minced Chicken)

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Seseri Neck

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Cherry Tomato

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Bonjiri (Tail)

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Sunagimo (Gizzard)

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Shishito (Green Pepper)

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Tebasaki (Mid Wing) / Chef’s Yakitori Set 4/5

To get a proper sense of Satori’s yakitori prowess, the Chef’s Selection Yakitori Set ($29.80) is an excellent starting point. Comprising seven skewers — including four chicken cuts, one organ, and two vegetables — it offers a well-rounded introduction to the menu. Each skewer is grilled over binchotan charcoal, imparting a deep, smoky aroma while preserving the ingredients’ natural juiciness.

The tsukune (minced chicken) is tender and well-seasoned, with a slight bounce and savoury glaze that lingers. Seseri (neck) delivers a satisfying chew with rich chicken flavour, while bonjiri (tail) stands out for its fatty, melt-in-the-mouth decadence. The sunagimo (gizzard) offers a firmer bite, adding textural contrast to the lineup. On the vegetable front, the shishito pepper provides a mild, smoky sweetness, and the cherry tomato bursts with juicy brightness, acting as a refreshing counterpoint. The tebasaki (mid-wing) rounds out the set with juicy meat beneath lightly crisped skin.

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Mini Unagi Don 4/5

For something more substantial, the Mini Unagi Don ($16.80) makes for a satisfying companion. The grilled eel is glazed with a luscious sweet-savoury sauce that seeps into the fluffy Japanese rice beneath. A glossy egg yolk adds creaminess, balancing the sweetness, while slices of cucumber inject a welcome crunch and freshness. Despite its “mini” label, it feels hearty enough to anchor the meal.

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Chicken Heart 4/5

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Pork Belly with Lettuce 4.2/5

We also explored a few additional skewers. The Chicken Heart ($3.80) impresses with its clean, rich flavour and springy texture, free from any metallic aftertaste that sometimes plagues organ meats. The Pork Belly with Lettuce ($6.80) is particularly enjoyable — the pork belly renders beautifully over the grill, achieving a smoky, slightly crisp exterior. At the same time, the lettuce inside remains lightly wilted yet refreshing. It’s a clever combination, with the lettuce acting as a natural palate cleanser against the richness of the pork.

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Beef Tongue 4.2/5

The Beef Tongue ($13.80) is grilled quickly over high heat, resulting in a caramelised char on the edges while retaining a tender bite. Its inherent fattiness and deep beefy flavour are enhanced by the smokiness from the binchotan, making it one of the more indulgent skewers on the menu.

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Overall, Satori succeeds in delivering quality yakitori without the stiffness of a traditional omakase setting. The skewers are thoughtfully executed, the menu is extensive yet approachable, and the atmosphere encourages lingering over drinks and multiple rounds of skewers. It’s the kind of place where you can drop by for a casual bite or settle in for a full-on yakitori feast with friends — all without breaking the bank.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Satori
89 Amoy Street
Singapore 069908
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 3pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is 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 the destination. Journey time is about 8 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
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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]

Saturday, March 14, 2026

Lime Restaurant @ PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering - "Hokkaido Treasures of the Sea" Buffet celebrates Rich Seafood Heritage of Hokkaido.

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Lime Restaurant launches its first-ever "Hokkaido Treasures of the Sea" buffet theme, celebrating Hokkaido's rich seafood heritage. Available from 13 March to 26 April 2026 for dinner only, the luxurious buffet spread showcases prized Hokkaido ingredients through a range of creations, spanning both local and international favourites inspired by the region's specialities.

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Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio

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Hokkaido Ramen Salad

To start, there are cold appetisers such as the exquisite Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio, alongside the light and refreshing Hokkaido Ramen Salad.

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Hokkaido Scallop Gratin

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Miso Butter Salmon

Hot small bites include Hokkaido Scallop Gratin, Mini Lobster Sliders and Miso Butter Salmon skewers, offering comforting flavours with a touch of indulgence.

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Stir-fried Baby Octopus

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Crispy Hokkaido Pork Schnitzel

One of the highlights is definitely the selection of hot specialities. Local interpretations such as Assam Saba Fish and Stir-fried Baby Octopus incorporate familiar Southeast Asian flavours. Alternatively, the Crispy Hokkaido Pork Schnitzel offers a heartier European touch, with its golden, crisp breaded exterior encasing succulent pork.

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King Crab Parmesan Wheel Risotto

On Friday and Saturday evenings, the feast gets even grander with the King Crab Parmesan Wheel Risotto, which was one of my favourite dishes of the evening. The warm, melted, sharp Parmesan enhanced the natural sweetness of the crab meat while adding an indulgent richness to every bite.

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Unagi Claypot Rice

Another must-try is the Unagi Claypot Rice, which exuded a delightful hint of wok hei as I scooped into the fragrant rice.

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Elevating the entire Hokkaido seafood experience is the Live Maguro Tuna Cutting. You can witness an up-close look at the skills behind preparing premium tuna, which then makes its way onto the table as freshly prepared sushi such as Negi Maguro, Uni, and Ikura.

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Hokkaido Cheesecake

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Japan Melon Panna Cotta

Desserts were equally sublime, featuring a spread of Japanese-inspired creations that were elegantly presented and pleasantly light on the palate. Notable highlights include the fluffy, spongy Hokkaido Cheesecake and the light, creamy Japan Melon Panna Cotta.

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To further enhance the dining experience, guests may also opt for pairings from a curated à la carte sake menu. To mark the launch, diners can also enjoy 20% savings on bookings made for the first seven days of dining, from 13 to 19 March 2026.

HOKKAIDO TREASURES OF THE SEA
13 March to 26 April 2026
Dinner Buffet, Daily from 6pm to 930pm

Buffet options include unlimited servings of speciality hot coffee and tea.

Sunday to Thursday: SGD 108 per adult, SGD 54 per child
Friday and Saturday: SGD 138 per adult, SGD 69 per child

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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.


Lime Restaurant
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering
3 Upper Pickering Street
Singapore 058289
Tel: +65 6809 8889
Facebook
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Website
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line), Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Breakfast (Daily): 7am - 1030am
Lunch Buffet (Mon-Fri): 12pm - 230pm
Lunch Buffet (Sat-Sun): 1130am - 230pm
Cheers O'Clock (Sat-Sun): 3pm - 5pm
Dinner Buffet (Daily): 6pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to the junction of Upper Pickering Street and New Bridge Road. Turn right and walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight to the junction of Upper Pickering Street and New Bridge Road. Cross the road. Turn left and walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]