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]

Usher In A Prosperous Year Of The Rabbit With Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant CNY 2023

Usher in a prosperous year of the Rabbit with Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant at Holiday Inn Atrium Singapore with perennial favourites for takeaways and lavish set menus.

Japanese Unagi Yu Sheng with Roselle Sauce 4/5

Instead of the usual salmon or abalone, Xin Cuisine introduces the new Japanese Unagi Yu Sheng with Roselle Sauce ($98/$138), starring mouth-watering and nutritious grilled Japanese unagi slices paired with chef's concoction of roselle sauce to give it a balance of sweetness with a hint of fresh flower.

Double-boiled Sea Whelk Soup with Dried Velvet Mushrooms 4/5

The Double-boiled Sea Whelk Soup with Dried Velvet Mushrooms is a hearty and nourishing bowl of goodness.

Baked Lobster in Superior Stock 4/5

Perfectly cooked to a delightful firm and bouncy texture is the Baked Lobster in Superior Stock.

Eight Treasure Duck 4/5

Besides the usual Pen Cai, the Eight Treasure Duck is a delicious alternative. The fork-tender duck is well flavoured by the braising sauce, accompanied by crunchy green broccoli.

Sliced Foie Gras with Roasted Chicken & Mango Sauce

The Sliced Foie Gras with Roasted Chicken & Mango Sauce is a delectable combination comprising creamy foie gras and tender roasted chicken gel together by the fruity sweetness from the mango sauce.

Braised Rice Vermicelli in Hong Kong Style 4.2/5

We had the Braised Rice Vermicelli in Hong Kong Style for our carb. The vermicelli has an interesting texture giving it a nice textural bite.

Chilled White Fungus with Kumquat and Peach Resin 3.5/5

Wrapping up the meal, we had the light and refreshing Chilled White Fungus with Kumquat and Peach Resin. A fitting dessert to wash down the richly flavoured Chinese New Year dishes and double up as a palate cleanser.

Xin Cuisine’s Chinese New Year Takeaways are available for order from 1 December 2022 till 2 February 2023 through its e-shop, for collection/delivery from 21 December 2022 to 5 February 2023. Order before 31 December 2022 to enjoy an early bird discount of 20% (key in promo code CNY20 to avail the offer).

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant
Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium
Level 4
317 Outram Road
Singapore 169075
Contact: +65 31382531
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Nearest MRT: Havelock Road (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Havelock MRT station. Take Exit 5. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Boyutei @ Ann Siang - All-day Dining Japanese High Tea Set

Boyutei, located on Ann Siang Road, is a contemporary French-Japanese cafe concept by Whitegrass and Hvala. It recently launched its first high tea comprising sweet and savoury Otsumami, conceived by Head Chef Takuya Yamashita of one Michelin-starred Whitegrass. Ranging from sweet to savoury, the dainty otsumami are served in the classic Japanese jubako (tiered boxes), reminiscent of Japanese Osechi Ryori (new year) festivities as an ode to tradition.

Somen with Sakura Ebi

Unagi Toast

I appreciate that the savoury range is not overloaded with carbs but a very well-considered serving of small bites. You may first wish to tuck into a small but hearty bowl of Somen with Sakura Ebi, followed by the mouth-filling Unagi Toast, layered with shredded egg omelette.

Ebi Katsu, Narazuke Cream Cheese in Monaka, Olive Financier

The 2nd tier of savoury items is filled with little surprises. In particular, Narazuke Cream Cheese in Monaka features a delicious sweet-meets-saltish combination of whipped cream cheese and crunchy narazuke, and the Olive Financier proves to be even more addictive than its original sweet counterpart.

Bocconcini with Moromi Miso

I enjoyed the Bocconcini with Moromi Miso a lot too. The intense miso flavour teases out the subtle milky flavour of the cheese, but more miso is definitely needed.

Goma Nama Chocolate, Matcha Warabi Mochi, Hojicha Financier, Sticky dates

Tiramisu

For the sweets, the Goma Nama Chocolate is much raved about for its aromatic black sesame exterior and its rich and velvety chocolate. The same goes for the chewy Matcha Warabi Mochi. My favourite is the Tiramisu. The sponge cake was adequately soaked with dark rum, and the cheese carried only a touch of sweetness. The matcha dust lent a kiss of bitterness which worked with the alcohol-soaked sponge cake. It has been a while since I last had an excellent non-traditional tiramisu!

The high tea set is priced at $69 per set for 2 persons, comes with two hot brews and is available for all-day dining.

On all weekdays of September, elevate your high tea experience a notch with free-flow natural sparkling wine from 3 – 5pm at a top-up of $30(u.p. $38) per person. Alternatively, opt for Masumi Junmai Ginjo Shiro sake at $15 (u.p. $18) per glass or $70++ (u.p. $88) per bottle.

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.


[CLOSED]
Boyutei
28 Ann Siang Road
#01-02
Singapore 069708
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Continue to the end of Amoy Street. Climb the stairs beside Siang Cho Keong Temple, up Ann Siang Hill. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk to Erskine Road. Turn right and walk down Erskine Road. Turn left onto Ann Siang Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 4 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Pagoda Street to South Bridge Road. Cross the road and turn right. Walk down South Bridge Road. Turn left onto Ann Siang Hill. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Guriru @ Alumni Association Medical Centre (SGH) - A Hidden Charcoal Grill Seafood Concept By Teppei Inspired By Japanese Hamayaki

Hidden inside Alumni Association Medical Centre at Singapore General Hospital is Guriru, a charcoal grill seafood concept by Chef Teppei Yamashita and Anagram Food Lab. Inspired by Japanese Hamayaki, the menu features a wide range of seafood, meltique beef and kurobuta pork, accompanied by homemade sauces to ensure the best quality and taste.

The al fresco seating at Guriru surrounds the Alumni Association medical Centre's pool. It is ideal for gathering with friends and families, chilling at the pool over drinks and barbeque food.

Hyogo Oysters 4/5

We kickstarted our meals with the Hyogo Oyster ($10 for 3pc | $19 for 6pc). Customers can have it raw with homemade ponzu sauce or grilled with butter or original shoyu sauce.

Whole Squid 4/5

Grilled to perfection is the Whole Squid ($16). It is succulent and tender, with a delightful bouncy texture. Give a squeeze of the lemon to perk up the flavour.

Black Tiger Prawn 4/5

Grilled over charcoal, it imparts a beautiful smokiness to the Black Tiger Prawn ($6.5/pc | $25 for 5pc) on top of the aromatic garlic butter.

Half Shell Scallop 3.8/5

For the Half Shell Scallop ($10 for 3pc | $19 for 6pc), customers can have a choice of ponzu or butter grill. I went for the ponzu tartness to complement the shellfish.

Unagi 3.8/5

The Unagi ($22) is something uncommon for the grill paired with spring onion and wasabi.

Popcorn Chicken 4/5

One of our favourites is the Popcorn Chicken ($12) under the bar snack menu which is perfect for a couple of drinks. The chicken is crispy and succulent, drizzled with homemade mayo.

Chicken Thigh 4/5

Kurobuta Pork Belly 4/5

For the meat lovers, we have the tender and juicy Chicken Thigh ($12) in yakitori sauce, followed by the Kurobuta Pork Belly ($12) that has been slow-cooked for 4 hours, finished with yakitori sauce.

Guriru Oyster Rice 3.5/5

For something more filling and substantial, go for the Guriru Oyster Rice ($18). The Japanese rice is slow-cooked in a special housemade sauce, topped with hyogo oysters.

Nestled in an intimate and cosy setting, the restaurant has a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere with a pool view, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a long day with friends and loved ones. In addition to delicious seafood, there are bar bites and an eclectic drinks menu.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Guriru
Alumni Association Medical Centre
Singapore General Hospital (SGH)
2 College Road
Singapore 169850
Tel: +65 90107020
Website
Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 12am
Hamayaki Menu from 4pm
Lunch Menu from 12pm to 4pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT. Take Exit 1. Cross the road. Turn right and walk down Outram Road towards the flyover. At the junction of Outram Road and Chin Swee Road, turn left and walk to College Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Xi Man @ Penang Road - A New Unagi Speciality Restaurant Helmed by Chef Ryosuke Deguchi

At Penang Road, Xi Man is a new unagi speciality restaurant that uses fresh eels imported from Miyazaki. In addition, Xi Man uses artisanal all-natural Marunaka Shoyu as the base of the accompanying sauces and superior quality rice from Niigata prefecture to complement these premium eels.

Grilled Eel and Rice 4/5

Instead of the usual kanto method, the eels are cooked using kansai method. The method involves first grilling the unagi on its own before brushing on the tare and grilling it again for a crispier finish. Kanto involves a steaming step, which results in a more unctuous texture. I enjoyed the slightly crisp exterior for sure, especially the charred bits with well-caramelised tare sauce.

Tare

Your Grilled Eel and Rice (half $40/whole $78) will be served with three tares: Original, Sweet, and Spicy, which use Marunaka Shoyu as the base. This shoyu maker has a rich history of two centuries, and to date, each batch is still handcrafted and takes three years to produce. Its clean taste and subtle flavours are apt for both the unagi and the pearly Niigata rice. A drizzle of the tare over the unagi and rice bring both elements together in harmony.

Obanzai 4.8/5

Opt for the 3-Course Set Menu ($58/$95) for a complete experience. You will get an additional platter of 3 seasonal obanzai and eel liver soup. We had a radish with yuzu miso served warm, simmered pumpkin and pickled lotus roots. The obanzai was treated with finesse to bring out most of their flavours. I appreciate how each obanzai carried a different flavour profile - savoury, sweet and spicy.

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.


Xi Man
9 Penang Rd
#01-02
2 Singapore 238459
Tel:+65 88282280
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Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut (CC Line, NE Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am – 2pm, 6pm – 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk straight to Penang Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Oishii Ristorante @ Frasers Tower - New Japanese-Italian Restaurant Offering Omakase Dinner As Cheap As $53/pax

Opened in June this year at Frasers Tower is Oishii Ristorante offering Italian pizza and pasta with a touch of Japanese ingenuity, alongside donburi and an array of classic Japanese dishes. The Japanese-Italian restaurant also has a splendid selection of Japanese sake, whisky, fine wines, champagne and beer to complement the dishes.

Truffle & Kombu Edamame 3.5/5

We started with Truffle & Kombu Edamame ($10), an ideal snack to munch on before the rest of the food is served.

Oishii Salad $12

Our salad of the day is an Heirloom of Tomatoes. I enjoyed the tomatoes' sweetness a lot, brightened by the ponzu-like sauce.

Truffle Mushroom & Seaweed Rigatoni 3.8/5

Pasta lovers will adore the Truffle Mushroom & Seaweed Rigatoni ($20) that has been perfectly cooked to a delightful al dente texture. Accompanying the beautiful dish are sauteed mushrooms in a miso truffle cream sauce, topped with nori seaweed.

Unagi & Corn Pizza 4/5

From the paste, we move to another Italian staple - pizza. We picked the Unagi & Corn Pizza ($22). The eight-inch white sauce pizza is topped with unagi, corn, tobiko and nori. The fusion combination works for me, giving the traditional pizza topping a new take.

Yuzu Miso Salmon & Ikura Don 4/5

From Italy, we moved to the Japanese's Donburi. We had the Yuzu Miso Salmon & Ikura Don ($28) brimming with fresh Atlantic salmon, ikura, onsen egg, tobiko, olives, pickled mustard greens and cucumbers. I appreciate the yuzu miso marination for the salmon and ikura. It enlivens the enjoyment of the rice bowl.

Salmon Tartare 4.2/5

It seems like the chef likes to use yuzu in his cooking. Yuzu is also used in the Salmon Tartare ($20), brightening the seasoned fresh diced salmon and served with tamago, tobiko and Pistachio nuts.

Ribeye & Pesto 4/5

Another beautiful dish on the menu is the Ribeye & Pesto ($18, 120g). On top of the char on the exterior of the binchotan grilled ribeye, I can taste a hint of sweetness to the medium-rare beef. It seems like it has been marinated in some sweet marinade, giving it the sweetness, paired with house-made pesto.

Yuzu Choc Tart 4.2/5

Wrapping up our dinner is Yuzu Choc Tart ($16). Another item on the menu shows the chef loves to work with yuzu. Usually, I have chocolate with orange, but yuzu is the first for me. I enjoy the yuzu curd and chocolate ganache combination more. The flavours are more prominent.

For those looking for a unique experience at Oishii Ristorante, you can go for the Japanese-Italian fusion omakase at an attractive price of $80/pax during lunch and dinner at $53/pax for 7 courses and $76/pax for 9 courses. It is not a typo error! The dinner omakase is cheaper than the lunch omakase!

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Oishii Ristorante
Frasers Tower
182 Cecil Street
#01-05
Singapore 069547
Tel: +65 62327890
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 113am - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to destination. Journey time about 4 minutes. [Map]