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

Saturday, March 14, 2026

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

IMG_2018

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.

IMG_2001
Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio

IMG_1984
Hokkaido Ramen Salad

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

IMG_1978
Hokkaido Scallop Gratin

IMG_2046
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.

IMG_1993
Stir-fried Baby Octopus

IMG_2022
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.

IMG_2014
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.

IMG_1991
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.

IMG_2087

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.

IMG_2011
Hokkaido Cheesecake

IMG_2040
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.

IMG_2056

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

IMG_2028

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
Instagram
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]

Saturday, September 13, 2025

Neon Pigeon @ Carpenter Street - New Menu with $10 Dishes and Cocktails

NeonPigeon28

Neon Pigeon, a well-loved name in the local dining scene and a 50 Best Discovery Bar, celebrates its 10th Anniversary with a refreshed culinary direction under Head Chef Sean Mell, formerly of Nobu Hawaii and Hong Kong. To mark the milestone, the restaurant is rolling out a brand-new menu alongside its celebratory “Perfect 10” lineup of $10 dishes and cocktails.

NeonPigeon1

NeonPigeon4
Tokyo Hummus 4/5

We started with the Tokyo Hummus ($12), a playful twist on the classic. Smooth, creamy edamame hummus is paired with curry chips as the perfect vessel for scooping. Light yet addictive, this is an excellent snack to kickstart the meal.

NeonPigeon6
Toro Tataki 3.5/5

The Toro Tataki ($18/ $29) comes lightly torched, imparting a smoky aroma and a hint of caramelisation. Dressed in waku dressing with onion and wakame, the seaweed provides extra crunch for textural contrast. While enjoyable, the flavours felt a little restrained compared to the rest of the dishes.

NeonPigeon13
Snapper 3.8/5

Served sashimi-style, the Snapper ($11/ $18) is clean and fresh, complemented by yuzu kosho, cucumber and pickled radish. The citrusy finish from the yuzu brightens the palate, giving the delicate fish a vibrant lift.

NeonPigeon14

NeonPigeon19
Shrimp Tempura Maki 3.8/5

The Shrimp Tempura Maki ($18) offers a delightful interplay of textures from sticky sushi rice, crispy shrimp tempura and refreshing cucumber crunch. A dollop of spicy mentaiko adds creamy heat, tying everything together nicely.

NeonPigeon23

NeonPigeon25
Kushiyaki Moriawase 4/5

Perfect for sharing over drinks, the Kushiyaki Moriawase ($29/ $48) features skewers of Pork Belly with Curry Salt, Corn with Miso Butter & Nori Powder, and Shiso Chicken Thigh with Yuzu Zest. Each is well-seasoned, smoky and flavourful, making this a standout pairing with cocktails.

NeonPigeon43
Salt Baked Hamachi Collar 4.2/5

My personal favourite of the night, the Salt Baked Hamachi Collar ($25), showcases expert technique that keeps the fish moist with a perfect balance of firmness and flakiness. The buttery, sweet flesh is lifted by ponzu, daikon and lemon. It is a must-try dish.

NeonPigeon47
A5 Wagyu Ribeye 4/5

The A5 Wagyu Ribeye ($54/100g) is grilled to perfection, served with tare sauce, yuzu kosho, ponzu and pickles. Tender and juicy, it delivers the richness one expects from premium wagyu.

NeonPigeon57
Unagi Foie Gras Donabe 3.5/5

The Unagi Foie Gras Donabe ($22) combines smoky eel with buttery foie gras over rice, dusted with sansho and kinome. Comforting, hearty and indulgent, this dish is a clever East-meets-West pairing.

NeonPigeon62
Chocolate Trifle 3.5/5

To end, the Chocolate Trifle ($12) brings layered decadence – chocolate ganache, cake, whipped cream, miso almond brittle and dulce de leche. A sweet finish that balances richness with a touch of crunch.

Overall, Neon Pigeon’s refreshed menu under Chef Sean Mell impresses with its creative flair and well-executed flavours, making it a strong new chapter as the bar celebrates its milestone 10th year.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Neon Pigeon
36 Carpenter Street
#01-01
Singapore 059915
Tel: +65 3129 7551
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 530pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Clark Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Cross the road using the overhead bridge. Turn left and walk down New Bridge Road. Turn left onto Hong Kong Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Shin Katsu @ Tanjong Pagar Road - Tonkatsu Speciality Shop By Former Head Chef of Ma Maison

IMG_5397

Shin Katsu is a newly opened tonkatsu speciality shop in Tanjong Pagar, bringing fresh excitement to Singapore's Japanese dining scene. Helmed by Chef Matsubayashi Masato, a tonkatsu specialist and former Head Chef of Ma Maison, who brings over 15 years of experience from Japan, Spain, and Singapore. At Shin Katsu, Chef Masato brings his long-held culinary vision to life, focusing on premium pork cuts and a perfected breading technique to deliver tonkatsu that's crisp on the outside and juicy within.

IMG_5444
Mangalica Rosu Katsu

The menu centres on premium, globally sourced pork cuts curated by Chef Masato, coated in a tried-and-tested panko breading technique that delivers a satisfying crunch while preserving the meat's succulence. The signature here is the Hungarian Mangalica pork ($42.80/160g), often dubbed the "Kobe beef of pork" for its rich marbling and buttery mouthfeel. Served in limited quantities daily, the Mangalica pork loin cutlet comes with a specially paired salt, refillable miso soup, charcoal-grilled rice, shredded cabbage, and housemade pickles.

IMG_5416
Tonkatsu Sauce

The housemade Tonkastu Sauce was umami and sweet, with a fruity acidity that complement the richness of the cutlet well.

IMG_5457
Mangalica Rosu Katsu Set 4.8/5

All tonkatsu dishes come with the set mentioned. I appreciate how every element on the plate was thoughtfully executed. The miso soup was sweet and savoury, with tender slices of daikon. The charcoal-grilled rice was plump, glossy, and subtly smoky. The cabbage was fine-cut and refreshingly crisp, while the radish pickles struck the right balance of acidity without being overly sharp. For those seeking variety, leaner yet flavourful options like the U.S. Kurobuta Rosu (pork loin) and Hire (pork tenderloin) are also available.

IMG_5440
Katsu Curry 4/5

The menu is also rounded out with familiar comforts such as Ebi Fry and Chicken Katsu sets, along with Katsu Curry featuring a housemade sauce that truly deserves a try. Their curry sauce, made with charcoal powder and squid ink, is available à la carte as well. It's well-balanced, savoury without being overly sweet, and far more nuanced than the standard Japanese curry fare.

IMG_5412
Chicken Thigh Skewer 4.5/5, Asparagus Skewer 4.5/5

To complement the mains, Shin Katsu also offers deep-fried skewers and small plates. I tried the Chicken Thigh Skewer ($3.80) and the Asparagus Skewer ($2.80). The skewers use a different type of panko, resulting in a distinct texture and flavour profile that delivers a unique experience compared to the tonkatsu.

IMG_5466
Unagi 4.5/5, Kaki Fry 4.5/5

Among the appetisers, two seafood items stood out: the Unagi ($8.80) and Kaki Fry (oyster) ($4.30). Both were beautifully crisp outside, while the interiors, unctuous unagi and briny oyster, paired incredibly well with a tangy, rich tartare sauce, making each bite indulgent and addictive.

IMG_5403
Boneless Chicken Wings 4.5/5

A likely crowd-pleaser is the sweet and savoury Boneless Chicken Wings ($8.80) glazed in a sweet tare and finished with a sprinkle of peppery-salty seasoning.

IMG_5418

It's been a while since a dedicated tonkatsu concept came into the scene, and Shin Katsu impresses with its attention to detail, from the precise frying technique to the side dishes and thoughtful accompaniments.

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.


Shin Katsu
84/86 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088505
Tel: +65 88258311
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Turn left onto Duxton Hill towards Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn right onto Tanjong Pagar Road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, July 10, 2025

Tempura Makino @ Great World City - New Seasonal Summer Menu Showcasing Unagi

Restaurant 1

Summer in Japan means soaring heat, lively festivals, and an appetite for food that nourishes and cools the body, which is pretty much what we experience all year round in Singapore. Tempura Makino's new seasonal summer menu (available from 17 June 2025) brings the spirit of Japanese summer here, with a spotlight on unagi, which is believed to revitalise the body and build stamina during the sweltering season.

Chuhai 1
Umeshu Chuhai & Yuzu Lemon Chuhai 3.5/5

To beat the heat, we cooled down with Chuhai highballs ($10 each). The Umeshu Chuhai was pleasantly fruity and light, while the Yuzu Lemon Chuhai felt like summer in a glass - zesty, fizzy and refreshing without being too sweet. Both use iichiko shochu, known for its purity and quality.

Mozuku Uzaka with Shikuwasa Jelly 1
Mozuku Uzaka with Shikuwasa Jelly 3.8/5

For our lunch, we started with the Mozuku Uzaka with Shikuwasa Jelly ($9). It came chilled, tangy and refreshing. The grilled unagi was smoky and soft within, balanced with crunchy cucumber, slippery Okinawan mozuku seaweed and jelly made from shikuwasa (a tart citrus fruit sometimes referred to as the "longevity fruit"). It's a great start to whet the palate.

Unagi Isobe Age 1
Unagi Isobe Age 4/5

Then came the Unagi Isobe Age ($10). Think crispy, lightly battered eel speckled with aonori seaweed flakes that deliver a burst of oceanic umami. The accompanying sansho pepper salt added a gentle numbing tingle and citrus note.

Unagi Tempura Hitsumabushi 2

Unagi Tempura Hitsumabushi 3

Unagi Tempura Hitsumabushi 7
Unagi Tempura Hitsumabushi 4/5

The highlight for me was the Unagi Tempura Hitsumabushi ($28). Traditionally grilled, the unagi here is given a crunchy tempura twist, served atop fluffy rice with the signature hitsumabushi experience: try it plain, try it with condiments, add a pour of warm dashi to transform it into a comforting ochazuke (tea rice), and finish however you like best. Personally, the ochazuke hit all the right notes - savoury, soothing and deeply satisfying. It also comes with a small appetiser and miso soup, rounding out the meal.

Mikan Mochi with Yuzu Sherbet 1

Mikan Mochi with Yuzu Sherbet 2
Mikan Mochi with Yuzu Sherbet 3.8/5

We ended on a bright note with the Mikan Mochi with Yuzu Sherbet ($7.50, or $6 with the Hitsumabushi). The tempura-coated mochi had a warm, chewy texture with a sweet burst of mandarin orange inside, paired with a tart and icy yuzu sherbet. It’s fried but not a heavy dessert, which I appreciated after a deep-fried main course.

Restaurant 2

Tempura Makino's seasonal menu does a fine job showcasing unagi in unexpected forms - grilled, tempura-battered or chilled with citrus. I appreciated the thoughtful pairings and attention to texture and balance. The hitsumabushi was the standout dish, and I'd gladly return for that alone. Whether you're a longtime unagi lover or just looking for a refreshing Japanese meal with a summer twist, this seasonal lineup is worth checking out. These limited-time-only dishes are available while they last.

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


Tempura Makino
Great World City
1 Kim Seng Promenade
#B1-112/113
Singapore 237994
Tel: +65 6257 8733
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Great World (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Great World MRT station. Take Exit 6. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Monday, May 5, 2025

Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa @ Shaw Centre - Bringing Over 90 Years of Unagi Mastery to Singapore

UnagiYondaimeKikukawaShaw4

Straight from Nagoya, the Michelin Selected Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa brings over 90 years of unagi mastery to Singapore with its first overseas outpost at Shaw Centre. Tracing its roots back to Nakasho Shoten, a revered unagi wholesaler established in 1932. This fourth-generation unagi specialist is now helmed by Chef Kikukawa Yuhei, who began his culinary training in eel preparation from a young age. Known for their precise charcoal grilling technique and an irreplaceable tare sauce passed down through generations, Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa delivers a truly authentic and elevated unagi experience.

UnagiYondaimeKikukawa-3

Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa sets itself apart with its meticulous binchotan charcoal grilling method. The eel is seared skin-side first, achieving a smoky, crisp exterior while maintaining its lusciously tender and juicy flesh. This intense heat cooking process is completed within minutes but requires years of skill to perfect. The grilled eel is then dipped in their legendary tare sauce, a family recipe that has been refined over decades, imbuing it with a perfect balance of sweet, savoury, and umami notes that complement the richness of the eel without overpowering it.

UnagiYondaimeKikukawaShaw11

UnagiYondaimeKikukawaShaw9
Ippon Hitsumabushi Set 4.8/5

The Ippon Hitsumabushi Set ($50++) offers more than just a meal, it delivers a beautifully layered culinary ritual rooted in Nagoya tradition. A whole eel, expertly grilled over binchotan and sliced for easy enjoyment, arrives on a bed of fluffy Japanese rice, accompanied by an assortment of garnishes and a pot of hot dashi broth. The experience begins with tasting the unagi on its own, allowing diners to fully appreciate the natural fattiness of the eel, enhanced by the smokiness of the grill and the rich caramelisation of the tare sauce. From there, the meal evolves with the addition of freshly grated wasabi, spring onions, and strips of nori, adding brightness, texture, and a punch of umami to each bite. Finally, the dish transforms into a comforting ochazuke when hot dashi is poured over the remaining eel and rice, melding all the flavours into a soothing, savoury finale. This seamless progression of taste and texture captures the elegance and thoughtfulness behind every dish served at Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa.

UnagiYondaimeKikukawaShaw17

UnagiYondaimeKikukawaShaw16
Kabayaki Ippon Jyu Set 4.8/5

For those who prefer the classic presentation, the Kabayaki Ippon Jyu Set ($48++) is an ode to traditional unagi dining. Featuring a whole fillet of premium thick-cut eel, this set is simple yet luxurious. The eel is grilled to smoky perfection and glazed in the signature tare, served over perfectly seasoned rice. The succulent texture of the eel and its buttery richness is counterbalanced by the umami-laced sauce, resulting in a deeply satisfying bite with every spoonful. The generous cut of eel showcases the brand’s commitment to quality, and each element of the dish, from the grain of rice to the char on the skin, speaks of precision and tradition.

UnagiYondaimeKikukawa-1

Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa isn’t just about serving eel, it’s about honouring a culinary legacy. Every dish is rooted in craftsmanship, and every bite reflects the depth of knowledge, tradition, and skill passed down through generations. Whether you’re a seasoned unagi aficionado or a first-timer, the offerings here promise a memorable journey through one of Japan’s most treasured dishes. This is unagi done the right way which is smoky, succulent, steeped in heritage, and served with reverence.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa
Shaw Centre
1 Scotts Road
#01-12
Singapore 228208
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Take the underpass to Shaw House. Walk to ground level. Walk to Shaw Centre next door. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]