Shinkei Japanese Restaurant @ Toa Payoh Lorong 4

I was actually quite surprised when told that there is an All You Can Eat Ala Carte Japanese Buffet, near Toa Payoh library. I have passed by the place numerous time but I did not remembering seeing Shinkei Japanese Restaurant. Apparently it is newly opened sometime back in September 2013, probably that is why I have not noticed it. Singaporean loves buffet and I am sure they will welcome the new buffet restaurant in the hood. Shinkei Japanese Restaurant offers an extensive range of over 140 items in their menu ranging from sushi, sashimi, tempura, yakitori and many more.

Complimentary Dish

I thought it was not necessary for Shinkei to serve a complimentary dish since it is a buffet restaurant. Nevertheless I welcome the gesture. Ordering is pretty simple. Just indicate the item number and quantity in the ordering sheet and pass it to the waiter/waitress. Once the food is ready, they will be served to the table.

Sashimi 4/5

I started with some Sashimi. I ordered the Salmon, Yellow Tail, Swordfish, Snapper, Octopus, Cuttlefish and Roasted Salmon. I actually ordered Tuna too but was told that the tuna was not good so the chef decided to take it off the menu. I actually glad to hear that, showing that they have their customers at heart and there is quality control.

Chawanmushi 3/5

The Chawanmushi was a bit too plain looking for photo taking so I added some colours to it from other dishes. Although presentation was dull and lacking of ingredients in the chawanmushi, it still came across as a pretty flavourful steamed egg custard.

Soft Shell Crab Temaki 4/5

I am not a big fan of hand roll but my friend, Kimberley who tried the Soft Shell Crab Temaki said that it was quite yummy.

Sushi 3/5

Sushi 3/5

Moving on, Kimberley and I ordered some Sushi to try. We did not enjoy the sushi. The rice is not flavourful, lacking of vinegar. The ratio of the rice to the thinly sliced ingredients is too much. Can't help feeling that it is to stuff customers with plenty of rice so as to make them full faster. Anyway we ended up eating the ingredients and left the rice untouched.

Tempura Moriawase 4/5

The Tempura Moriawase with its thin batter gave the vegetables and prawn a nice crispy bite and yet still can appreciate the beautiful flavours of the ingredients.

Agedashi Tofu  3.5/5

Agedashi Tofu is one of my sure to order dish whether I dined in a Japanese restaurant. The hot and silky tofu topped with spring onions and dried bonito flakes in the hot tentsuyu broth was a delightful combination.

Ton Katsu 2.5/5

The pathetic looking Ton Katsu was lean and dry. To be frank the portion was so small as if it was a miniature.

Shishamo 3.5/5

Yakitori 3.5/5

The extensive menu at Shinkei also offers a selection of grilled items such as the Shishamo, Grilled Mushroom and Tori Teriyaki. There are many more items on the menu such as soba, ramen, udon, kare, maki and etc. Unfortunately I did not have the stomach to try all of them.

Overall I don't think the food is of the top quality but it is definitely value for money. With the huge selections of over 140 items, patrons will be spoilt for choices.

Lunch
Mon-Sun: Adult $32++, Child $22++ (Below 10 years old)

Dinner
Sun-Thur: Adult $35++, Child $24++ (Below 10 years old)
Fri-Sat & Eve of PH: Adult $38++, Child $28++ (Below 10 years old)


Shinket Japanese Restaurant
600 @ Toa Payoh
600 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh
#01-06/07/09/10
Singapore 319515
Tel: +65 62555598
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shinkei
Website: http://www.shinkei.com.sg
Nearest MRT: Toa Payoh (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Toa Payoh MRT station. Take either Exit A or C. Walk to Toa Payoh library direction. Proceed to block 181 adjacent to the library and walk over to the building beside it. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Jaan @ Swissotel The Stamford

I went to Jaan in late October 2013 to celebrate the girl's birthday. The restaurant surprising is not very big, probably around 40 seats not as per what I have imagined before my visit. We have a beautiful 3 hours artisan French cuisine dining experience at the top of Swissotel The Stamford on level 70 with a very scenic view. Time seemed to have slowed down during the culinary experience with each dish exquisitely executed, taking our time to appreciate each ingredient. I had the 5 courses Degustation Lunch Menu ($118) while my partner has the 5 courses Jardin Gourmand Lunch Menu ($118).

Cracker with Shaved Cheese 4/5

Cracker with Humus Dip 4.2/5

Chicken Samosa 4/5

Our lunch started with a trio of Amuse Bouche. There was the Crackers with Shaved Cheese, Crackers with Humus Dip and Chicken Samosa. When these were served, I can hear myself screaming inside how beautiful they were presented. It was like an art. The service staff will also take their time to introduce each dish which I really appreciated.

Cepes Mushroom Tea 4.2/5

Interestingly served in a tea presser at table side, the Cepes Mushroom Tea was comforting and filled with the earthy mushroom flavours.

Trumbetta Zucchini 4.2/5

My partner's lunch menu started with the Trumbetta Zucchini served with fromage blanc and vandouvan spices. A new subtle combination of flavours to kick start the lunch.

Ocean 4.8/5

My lunch menu began with the Ocean which is a seafood composition. I have to say this really taken me back with the culinary skills involved to present the different components on the plate. The ocean of seafood whetted up not only the appetite but the whole dining experience. I was already eagerly anticipating for the next master piece to be served.

Autumn Garden 4/5

Moving on to the second course, my partner has the Autumn Garden which s a platter of different vegetables and hazelnuts. The beautiful garden came with a thoughtful touch of different textures which is very delectable.

55min 60degC Rosemary Smoked Organic Egg

55min 60degC Rosemary Smoked Organic Egg 4.8/5

This is probably the most eagerly waited dish I was looking forward to try after seeing so many photos of it on social media. The 55min 60degC Rosemary Smoked Organic Egg definitely made a grand entry with its dry ice effect. It was then poured into another bowl of smoked rattes, chorizo iberico and buckwheat. The heavenly combination of textures and flavours plus the aromatic from the smoked rosemary underneath the bowl was an enjoyment of sight, taste and smell.

Carrots Saveur D'Orient 4/5

Third course for my partner is the Carrots Saveur D'Orient. This is a playful display of different carrots, couscous passion fruit and argan oil. The sweetness of the carrot and the citrus zest is a delectable combination.

Atlantic Brill Cochonaille 4/5

My third course is the Atlantic Brill Cochonaille. A perfectly cooked atlantic brill accompanied with le puy lentils and cevennes onion.

Pumpkin Musquee 4.2/5

The main for the 5 courses Jardin Gourmand Lunch Menu was Pumpkin Musquee that was made up of chestnut pasta, buffalo ricotta and black trumpets in a smooth pumpkin puree. Black trumpets is the black ingredients in the picture which is a form of edible mushroom.

Welsh Lamb Saveur D'Orient 4.2/5

My main is Welsh Lamb Saveur D'Orient where the lamb is cooked in 3 ways, sou vide, grilled and pan fried served with couscous, glazed carrots and argan oil. It was really an insight for my taste buds to experience the different techniques used in the same ingredients bringing out the different flavours and enjoyment.

Brie de Meaux Truffe 4.5/5

The Brie de Meaux Truffe is supplement at an additional cost of $25. I was glad that I decided to go for it. The toasted poilane with the artisan brie was an excellent pairing and I was blown off my chair by the truffle ice cream. My only disappointment was I could not have more of it. I meant without the need to pay for it.

Mango Sorbet and Meringue 4.5/5

Before moving on to our desserts, we were served a pre-dessert. The refreshing Mango Sorbet and Meringue was an excellent palate cleanser.

Last Sicilian Strawberries 4.2/5

Wrapping up the 5 courses Jardin Gourmand Lunch Menu is the Last Sicilian Strawberries. The cold and refreshing soupy dessert of rhubarb, basil, strawberry and lavender had a delish sourness flavour which I enjoyed a lot.

Choconuts 4.2/5

My 5 courses Degustation Lunch Menu is wrapped up with the Choconuts, a platter of different play of chocolate to appreciate the different taste and textures.

Petite Four 4.2/5

Petite Four 4.5/5

If you think that is the end for lunch, you are wrong. In fact you will notice we have more than 5 courses. I was delighted that my lunch did not end at dessert but instead with the Petite Four. It felt like going to a concert and having an encore at the end of the show. I just could not help feeling that the chef has saved the best for the last with the Jam biscuits, Lime and Ginger Ice Pop and Chocolate Lollipop.

I am glad that I have finally ticked off another restaurants in my list. It is definitely a worthy culinary experience that opened my eyes to the unlimited horizon in my food journey.


Jaan
Swissotel The Stamford
Equinox Complex
Level 70
2 Stamford Road
Singapore 178882
Website: http://www.jaan.com.sg
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 2pm, 7pm - 10pm
(Closed on Sun & PH)

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]