Akari Japanese Dining Bar @ Marina Bay Financial Centre

The last time I dined at Akari Japanese Dining Bar was almost 3 years back. I am back again at Akari to try the new Kaiseki Set Courses after the restaurant revamped its dinner menu with the addition of Chef Hirotaka Murata. Available only during dinner is 2 kaiseki sets that comes with 10 courses priced at $100++ and $150++ respectively.

Chawanmushi 4.5/5

Our 10 course dinner started with the Chawanmushi. The steamed egg is smooth and intense in flavour topped with sea urchin. Be surprised by the huge Hiroshima oyster hidden beneath the steamed egg.

Appetizer 4.2/5

Next is a platter of amuse bouche which is plated like the sakura blossom season. This delicate plate show cases the different cooking technique of Japanese cuisine. On the plate we have the Anago Sushi, Baby Turban Shell with Basil Miso, Smelt Fish with Wasabu Vinegar, Grilled Vegetables with Miso, Grilled Belt Fish with Yuzu Flavour and Roasted Duck with Spice Egg Yolk.

Soup 4.2/5

The clear soup was a delight entry to cleanse the palate for the next course. What caught my attention is the ball shaped thing in the bowl. It is actually sliced snapper fish flesh wrapped into a ball shape with minced snapper stuffed inside. It is a very interested execution which I have not come across before.

Sashimi 4.2/5

Sashimi is next with a displayed of fresh seafood on the plate. On the plate there was Blue Fin Tuna Toro, 2 different kinds of white meat fish (depend on season and availability) and Spot Prawn. For me the spot prawn stood tall among the other seafood, just like the glass tower on the plate with its sweetness.

Grilled Wagyu Beef 4.2/5

From the grilled session, we had the Grilled Wagyu Beef. Most restaurant uses A5 grade wagyu beef but the chef chooses to use A4 grade which comes with less fat and more bites to it. I actually agreed with the chef's choice. I would recommend to have the sauce on the side instead of over the beef as it is already so good on its own.

Steamed Simmered Snapper Egg 3.8/5

Moving on is the homely and comforting Steamed Simmered Snapper Egg. The snapper egg is actually not very noticeable among the different components in the bowl. Instead the star was the turnip that has absorbed all the essence of the dish.

Deep Fried Minced Prawn 3.5/5

Probably the weakness link of the 10 dishes. The Deep Fried Minced Prawn comes across a bit pedestrian just because the bar has been set too high.

Salmon and Baby Squid 3.5/5

A very colourful plate of pink and yellow. The Salmon and Baby Squid was nice but it is overshadowed by the unique pink coloured vinegar and strawberry sauce.

Hokkaido Scallop Rice and Red Miso Soup 3.5/5

For something more substantial, there is the Hokkaido Scallop Rice and Red Miso Soup near the closing of the 10 courses set. The scallop rice was quite aromatic and enjoyable as we approach the end of the wonderful kaiseki journey.

Homemade Milk Pudding with Black Sesame Mochi 4/5

Wrapping up the dinner is the Homemade Milk Pudding with Black Sesame Mochi. I prefer the mochi more of its extremely soft texture.

Overall i have enjoyed the new kaiseki set. Chef Hirotaka Murata has brought finesse into the menu while the pricing is still kept within affordable. Akari Japanese Dining Bar will also organize a private kaiseki dinner on every 1st and 4th saturday of the month. This is strictly on reservation basis where diners can indulge in exclusive fine kaiseki dining experience with seasonal premium Japanese ingredients. The private kaiseki dinner is priced at $200++ per person (without sake pairing) and $250++ per person (with sake pairing).


Akari Japanese Dining Bar
Marina Bay Financial Centre
Ground Plaza
8A Marina Boulevard
#01-02
Singapore 018984
Tel: +65 66340100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Akari.MarinaBoulevard
Website: http://www.akaridiningbar.com/
Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line), Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Downtown MRT station. Take Exit C. Turn left, crossed the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Raffles MRT station. Take Exit J. Follow the walkway to Marina Bay Financial Centre. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Lee's Taiwanese @ JEM

Celebrating its 3rd anniversary, Lee's Taiwanese has refreshed its menu with the returning of old favourites and new delights. On top of that it has also introduced an a la carte buffet with a selection of over 20 dishes. The a la carte buffet is available on weekday only with free dessert and drinks. Do note that the buffet is available at JEM outlet ($16.90) from 1130am to 5pm while Star Vista outlet ($19.90) is from 3pm to 10pm.

Pig Intestines & Meat Ball Mee Sua 4/5

Probably the very first dish that I am introduce to Taiwanese cuisine is the Pig Intestines & Meat Ball Mee Sua ($10). The version at Lee's Taiwanese is as close as the one I had in Taiwan topped with garlic, chilli and vinegar. The rice vermicelli which comes with a nice silky bite is imported from Taiwan.

Sweet Potato Fries 3.5/5

Instead of buying an air ticket to fly to Taiwan, Lee's Taiwanese has brought the popular Taiwan street food dishes to their menu. I tried some of the street snacks such as Sweet Potato Fries ($6.90), Salt & Pepper Chicken ($6.90), Pig Intestines with Scallion ($7.50) and Crispy Chicken Chop ($7.80).

The Sweet Potato Fries has a nice thin batter coated around it, giving it a nice crispy bite. The sweet potato itself thickly cut, allowing one to appreciate its sweetness to the fullest.

Salt & Pepper Chicken 4/5

A very enjoyable snack delight is the Salt & Pepper Chicken ($6.90). These crispy and juicy chunks of chicken meat are popping goodness that is perfect with a a glass of beer.

Pig Intestines with Scallion 3.5/5

The Pig Intestines with Scallion ($7.50) was fried to a nice crunchy bite. The scallion stuffed into the pig intestines is a clever idea to mask the gamey taste of the innard.

Crispy Chicken Chop 3/5

Another popular Taiwan street food dish is the Crispy Chicken Chop ($7.80). This is really a huge piece of offering on the plate. While the meat still retained the juiciness, I thought the batter was a pale shadow compare to the other Taiwanese restaurants or stalls.

Crispy Bean Curd Rolls 3/5

Golden Tofu with Taiwan Kimchi 3/5

Some other dishes I tried on the menu are the Crispy Bean Curd Rolls ($4.80) and Golden Tofu with Taiwan Kimchi ($4.80). Nothing much to shout about but a nice complement to the meal at Lee's Taiwanese.

Century Egg Tofu 3/5

I am a big fan for Century Egg Tofu ($4.80) but this at Lee's Taiwanese did not manage to excite me. The whole execution felt very individual. I still miss the authentic century egg cold tofu I had in Taiwan years back.

Signature Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup 4/5

Not to miss is the Signature Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup ($13.80) which comes with a hint of spiciness in the soup base. Severed with tender beef, salted vegetables and handmade noodles, this is a good slurping bowl of springy noodles dish.

Braised Minced Pork Rice 4/5

Shredded Chicken Rice 3/5

For those that needs their daily intake of rice, there are the Braised Minced Pork Rice ($9.80) and Shredded Chicken Rice ($7.80). The braised minced pork rice is really flavoured which I don't mind polishing it off. The shredded chicken rice which is so called the Taiwanese version of hainanese chicken rice will find it hard to win the palate of the local who are already used to their own authentic version in locally. However I must applauded the shallot oil that perfumed the bowl of plain looking rice which surprisingly is very fragrant and aromatic.

Mala Spicy Stir Fry 4.2/5

It seems like Mala Guo is the latest trend and craze in Singapore. Despite the fiery spiciness of the dish, Singaporean seems to enjoy it. With that, Lee's Taiwanese has also come up with its own Taiwanese style Mala Spicy Fry (from $12.80). It also has a Mala Guo Set ($28) with appetizers and drinks that is good for 2 pax. With three different spicy levels to choose from, this is one of the most memorable new dishes that I tried.

Signature Red Bean Ice with Yam Balls 3/5

Last but not least, the Signature Red Bean Ice with Yam Balls ($5.80) to cool off that fiery tongue after the Mala Spicy Fry. The portion is quite huge. It is perfect for sharing.

Lee's Taiwanese is one of the few Taiwan restaurant I would go to if I am looking for some authentic Taiwanese food. The quality has been pretty consistent. The new dishes look promising and the a la carte buffet is very value for money.


Lee's Taiwanese
JEM
50 Jurong Gateway Road
#03-05/06
Singapore 608549
Tel: +65 66941588
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Leestaiwanese
Website: http://www.leestaiwanese.com/
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Drirection:
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]