Kuro Kin Japanese Dining @ The Grandstand

A month has flown by and its Makansutra dinner for the month of July 2013. This time the dinner was at The Grandstand and its my first Japanese makansutra dinner. I am glad that besides the regulars, we have Karen, Philip and Serene joining us this time.

Pitan Tofu 4.2/5

As usual dinner started quite late at 8pm. We started the 10 course meal with Pitan Tofu. It reminded me of the same dish I had many years ago which brought back many memories. Enhanced by the century egg, the combination was a delightful enjoyment of texture and flavour.

Nama Kaki Ponzu 4.2/5

The Fin De Claire Oyster with Ponzu Sauce was fresh and bursting with the delightful flavours of the sea.

Fugu Mirin Boshi 4/5

When the Fugu Mirin Boshi was served, everyone at the table was trying to guess what it is? The taste and texture which resembles the Bak Kwa is actually dried puffer fish seasoned with sweet sake. It is a tradtional snack eaten while drinking sake. I have tried the dried puffer fish before in my previous experience at Seki Japanese Restaurant which unfortunately has closed its door.

Sashimi Moriawase 4/5

The Sashimi Moriawase was served with 6 kinds of fresh sashimi. Among the assorted sashimi, I thought the squid with stuffed roe was interesting with a nice crunchy bite that came with popping surprises.

Tenderloin Teppanyaki 4.5/5

The Tenderloin Teppanyaki was probably the highlight of the night. The Australian beef with homemade apple sauce was pan fried to perfection. The beef was tender and juicy bursting with flavours.

Makimono Moriawase 3/5

The Makimono Moriawase was a welcome trio of carbohydrates to satisfy the hungry stomach.

Ebi Kawari Mayonnaise Ae 4.2/5

The Ebi Kawari Maonnaise Ae was another lovely dish. The marinated prawn fritters was crunchy and coated in a delectable garlic sauce.

Toro no Foie Gras Miso Yaki 3.5/5

This is the dish that everyone was looking forward to but the Toro no Foie Gras Miso Yaki was a bit of a disappointment. The flavours were excellent individually. However the fatty tuna was overpowered by the strong flavours of the duck meat, duck liver and miso sauce when eaten together.

Truffle Inaniwa Udon 2.8/5

The Truffle Inaniwa Udon was an interesting concept but the signature Japanese wheat noodle was totally drown by the black pepper. It was so much that I could not even taste the truffle flavour. The texture of the wheat noodle was lumpy and chewy that was not enjoyable.

Homemade Japanese Tofu Cheesecake 3/5

A homemade Japanese Tofu Cheesecake dessert wrapped up the night with a light and smooth cheesecake.


Kuro Kin Japanese Dining
The Grandstand
200 Turf Club Road
#01-27
Singapore 287994
Tel: +65 64621213
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kuro-Kin-Japanese-Dining/368771853188625
Nearest MRT: Sixth Avenue (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 245pm, 6pm - 1045pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Sixth Avenue MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to exit B. Walk to Turf Club Road. Continue on Turf Club Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Sixth Avenue MRT station. Take Exit A. Use the overhead bridge to exit B. Walk down Dunearn Road towards Turf Club Road, to bus stop opposite Sixth Avenue Centre (Stop ID 42019). Wait for The Grandstand Shuttle Bus. 15 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Sixth Avenue MRT  station. Take Exit A. Walk down Bukit Timah Road. Walk to bus stop at Sixth Avenue Centre (Stop ID 42011). Wait for The Grandstand Shuttle Bus. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

IndoChili @ Zion Road

I got to know about IndoChili after reading the good review at Maureen's blog. I finally got my chance to make my way down to Zion Road to check out the restaurant that was opened last year serving authentic Indonesian cuisine at Zion Road. The restaurant is just located at the stretch of shop houses opposite Great World City or beside Zion Riverside Food Centre.

Stepping into the restaurant, it felt like I have been transported to Java with its woodcraft decor and traditional music playing in the background. The restaurant is owned by the Java Kitchen Group which has 13 casual eateries in Jakarta and 5 nasi padang stalls in foodcourts.

Jus Alpukat 4/5

Lunch was served with a complimentary plate of keropok. I like that they have a varieties of it however inside me was screaming for a chilli dip to go with it. Paired with a glass of creamy and refreshing Jus Alpukat ($6.80), fresh avocado juice, I look forward to the rest of the lunch.

Tahu Telor 4.2/5

Initially, I wasn't impressed with the presentation of the Tahu Telor ($8.80) when it was served. I was looking forward to a beancurd tower instead of pieces of beancurd drenched with the peanut sauce. What hit me is the unique savoury sweet peanut sauce that comes with a hint of spiciness. This is probably the best Tahu Telor sauce I ever had. I also spotted an interesting white ingredient garnished on top of the beancurd omelette that has a raw garlic taste. I realised it was baby bean sprout head which they painstakingly peeled after checking with the staff.

Redang Sapi 4.2/5

The Redang Sapi ($9.80) is a traditional from Minangkabau, West Sumatra. The fork tender beef redang was slow cooked for at least 4 hours packed with richness of the spices.

Ayam Kari Padang 4.2/5

The Padang style curry chicken, Ayam Kari Padang ($8.8) may not be as rich or spicy compared to the Indian version. The curry is more watered down with a strong ginger taste, I am actually surprised that coconut milk was added in it. Nevertheless the chicken was cooked perfectly, tender and moist. For diners that can't take too spicy, the kari ayam will be easy for your palate.

Sop Buntut 4.5/5

A must order at IndoChili is the Sop Buntut ($14.80). The thick and yet clear broth was comforting and hearty. No wonder it is known for serving one of the best oxtail soups in Indonesia. I have learnt from my Indonesian friend that you can squeeze a bit of lime, add a few drops of sweet soy sauce and mix a bit of sambal to enhance the flavours of the soup, giving it a different punch.

Es Cendol 4.2/5 and Es Teler 4.2/5

Wrapping up lunch on a sweet note with Es Cendol ($5.80) and Es Teler ($6.80). The Es Cendol was really good with the mixture of pandan jelly coconut milk and palm sugar. Once again, my Indonesian introduced me to Es Teler during one of my Jakarta trip. I am glad that the assorted fruits of coconut, avocado and jackfruit in a milky ice mixture was as good as the one I had in Jakarta.


IndoChili
54 Zion Road
Singapore 247779
Tel: +65 64451766
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndoChili
Website: http://www.indochili.com/
Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW Line, NE Line), Tiong Bahru (EW Line), Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun: 1130am -10pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT Station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Outram MRT station (Stop ID 06011). Take bus number 75 or 970. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Tiong Bahru MRT station (Stop ID 10169). Take bus number 5, 16 or 195. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop opposite Orchard MRT station (Stop ID B09022). Take bus number 16 or 175. Alight 4 bus stops later. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]