Sushi Kou @ Orchid Hotel

Mentioned Omakase and Orchid Hotel, probably the first to come to mind is Teppei. One of the hottest Japanese restaurants in Singapore offering affordable omakase sets that has a reservation list up to at least 4 months. However not known to many just a door away is Sushi Kou which also offers affordable Omakase sets ranging from as cheap as $50 which is available for both lunch and dinner.

Homemade Pickles 4.2/5

Sushi Kou has a more spacious and cosy ambience compared to Teppei. The 50 seater restaurant is managed by Chef-Owner Koda Naokatsu who has over 15 years of culinary experience. Setting themselves apart is the complimentary jars of Homemade Pickles. Besides the pickled tomatoes and cucumbers, I also got to tried the pickled seaweed.

Appertiser 3/5

We have the $80, 7-course Omakase Set starting with the appertiser. The two appertiser items were
Tako Suinomo (fresh octopus) and Tamago Tofu with Tobiko (steamed egg with flying fish roe). A light entry to the 7 course dinner while leaving you anticipating what is upcoming.

Sashimi 4/5

Next up is the fresh Sashimi that is flown in twice a week from Japan. From the oceanic catch during my visit, I had the Otoro, Hamachi Hirame, Yukowa Maguro, Mutsu, and Matako. Kindly note this is a sharing portion for 4 pax, the chef simply served them together.

Yaki (Grill) 4.5/5

From the grill, I had the Kimiro Gindara and Manaji (cod fish and organic Kyoto chillies with shrimps). The gindara was glazed with a layer of egg which accentuated the whole flavour of the cod fish.

Age (Fry) 3.5/5

I do have a liking for food presented in a different twist. The Unagi Nasu Tempura (tempura of unagi rolled in eggplant) is one such dish I enjoyed. The batter, eggplant and unagi forms the three different layers of texture enjoyments while not throwing the dish out of balance.

Nimono (Braise) 4.2/5

The light and refreshing bowl of Gai Inaniwa Udon is served with scallop, shrimps and pumpkin. The udon was smooth and silky which was slurping good. In a way, I like the timing of this dish. It sort of helps to cleanse the palate after the fried tempura.

Sushi 4/5

Next up is the finale where an assorted of Sushi is served.  The platter consisted of Otoro, Shimaji, Shime Saba, Anago, Egawa, Tori Gai and Ikura. My favourite is the otoro which simply melted in the mouth. Least favourite is the tori gai which was a bit tough and chewy.

Sea Salt Ice Cream 4.5/5

Wrapping up the wonderful 7 course omakase dinner is the Ice Cream Dessert. There is a choice of yuzu, green tea, sesame, sea salt flavours as well as chocolate bar. I had the sea salt ice cream which comes with a lovely sweet and salty combination to finish the dinner on a high note.

Personally having visited both Teppei and Sushi Kou for their affordable omakase sets, the difference is really down to the ambience. Do you prefer cramping into a tiny sushi bar with 21 counter seats capacity rubbing shoulder to shoulder with your diners or a cosy and spacious 50 seats restaurant. I have to say the experience is totally different. One should experience both.


Sushi Kou 
Orchid Hotel
1 Tras Link
#01-16
Singapore 078867
Tel: +65 64448433
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sushi-kou/410548335720089
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

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

Taiwan Railway Bento (台湾铁路便当) @ CT Hub (Kallang)

Railway bento was brought into Taiwan by the Japanese in the first half of 20th century when it is under Japan colony. Since then it has remains popular until present day, commonly sold in railway stations and inside train cabins. I have always been fascinated by all these bento with all the different ingredients that they have packed into the box. Having travelled on the railways in Taiwan and eaten a couple of them which all turned out to be very delicious, I was quite excited when I heard that Taiwan Railway Bento (台湾铁路便当) at Kallang has brought in these type of Taiwanese railway bento into Singapore.

Currently they have 2 outlets, the other outlet is at International Plaza. The one at International Plaza is more of a takeaway or express outlet while the one at Kallang has proper sitting area to enjoy your meal. It even comes with complimentary soup which is refillable.

Stew Pork Belly Bento 4/5

The Stewed Pork Belly Bento ($6.80) is served in a wooden bento box accompanied with a piece of tau pok, a slice of Taiwan sausage, half a braised hard boiled egg, cooked and preserved vegetables. I like the used of wooden bento box giving it the exact authentic railway bento feel. It was explained that the wooden bento box helps to absorb the moisture preventing the rice from getting soggy so fast. There is also health and environmental benefit of it over styrofoam box. The pork belly was pretty flavourful and tender. What stood out for me in this lovely rice box is the used of pearl rice and preserved vegetables imported from Taiwan.

Fried Intestine 4/5

Besides the bento, Taiwan Railway Bento also serves other side dishes such as the Fried Intestine ($3.50), Century Beancurd ($3.50) and Railway Chicken Wings ($3.50). Among the three side dishes I tried, my favourite is the fried intestine. You don't commonly get this in Singapore because of the labour intense in preparing the intestine so that they don't have a smell. Fried to a nice crisp and seasoned with salt and pepper, this is quite a delightful bite.

Century Beancurd 3/5

One of my favourite Taiwanese side dishes is the Beancurd with Century Egg. When I saw this on the menu, my first instinct was to order it. Unfortunately the version here is given a spicy twist which is not to my liking. The beancurd was not as chilled as per what I have like too.

Railway Chicken Wings 4/5

The Railway Chicken Wings is marinated with Nam Yee or red fermented beancurd. It can be an acquired taste for some but I adored it. Big and juicy, this is definitely a winner for me.

Fried Chicken Cutlet Bento 3.8/5

The sight of the huge fried chicken cutlet will bring a smile to everyone. The fried chicken cutlet is bigger than the bento box itself. While the Fried Chicken Cutlet Bento ($6.80) is value for money with its huge servicing, compared to Hot Star Large Fried Chicken and Shilin Taiwan Street Snack, I think it is still shy of its competitors. I felt that the batter is a hint too thick.

Chicken Rice Bento 4.2/5

You probably can find this only at Taiwan Railway Bento offering Hainanese Chicken Rice Bento ($4.80/$6.80). One of their popoular bento box, this shows that they have hit the right business model catering for the local palate. The cooking technique used for the poached chicken is commendable retaining the tenderness of the chicken with jelly like skin. The rice was also fragrant and fluffy.

Taiwan Railway Bento is still focus mainly on its takeaway and catering business hence seating area is quite limited especially at their express outlet at International Plaza. Even dine it, it is served in the bento box itself without the lid. If you want to dine in a more comfort environment, my advice is to visit the Kallang outlet. Taiwan Railway Bento also has a delivery service. You can find out more from the website.


[CLOSED]
Taiwan Railway Bento (台湾铁路便当) 
CT Hub
2 Kallang Avenue
#02-16
Singapore 339407
Tel: +65 65380019
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/railwaybento
Website: http://www.railwaybento.com
Nearest MRT: Lavender (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 8pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Lavender MRT station (Stop ID 01311). Take bus number 133 or 145. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to traffic junction. Cross the road to Kallang Bahru. Walk along Kallang Bahru to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to V Hotel Lavender. Turn left onto Horne Road. Continue down Horne Road. Turn right onto Hamilton Road. Walk to the end of Hamilton Road. Cross the road onto Kallang Bahru. Walk along Kallang Bahru to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]