Momiji Shabu Shabu @ Shaw Plaza (Balestier Road)

For hotpot lover, you will be delighted to know that Momiji Shabu Shabu at Shaw Plaza, Balestier Road has introduced a brand new a la carte menu on top of its hotpot buffet.

At the same time, it also launch 4 new soup bases. They are Healthy Veggie Soup ($12.80), Low Calorie Pork Soup ($15.80), Premium Beef Soup ($18.80) and Lamb Stew Soup ($18,80).

The Japanese themed restaurant offers a wide range of ingredients from seasonal vegetables, meats, seafood and specialty items. I noticed the Argentine Red Prawns was huge. Definitely will delight the seafood lovers. One of my favourite on the buffet line is the various Bamboo Pastes. You don't usually get this in hotpot buffet.

Momiji Shabu Shabu has also fine tuned some of its processe. At the meat section, now the pork and beef are only sliced upon order. This ensures its freshness.

Sushi 4/5

Many times, we do not have the patient to wait for the soup to boil and cooked the ingredients. Hence, why not help yourself to some sushi while waiting.

Waffle and Ice Cream 3/5

I was already too full to try the selection of dessert and cakes. However if you still have some space, you can have some food fun in making your own Waffle and paired it with some ice cream.

Fried Pork Ribs 2/5

The revamped menu also include some new side dishes such as the Fried Pork Ribs ($6), Minced Pork Rice ($3.50) and Coconut Chicken Soup ($9.90). Did not quite enjoy the fried pork ribs as they did not have a lot of meat and quite tough.

Minced Pork Rice 3/5

The minced pork rice is a comforting addition to the menu. The braised minced pork goes very well with the fluffy rice. My ony disappointment is that it was not served warm.

Coconut Chicken Soup 3/5

I was rather surprise that the Coconut Chicken Soup ($9,90) was brimming with ingredients. There are clams, chicken and some Chinese herbs in the coconut husk. The sweetness of coconut can be tasted in the hearty soup, light and clean in taste.

As I aged, buffet is not a thing for me anymore. I can't eat as much as I used to do. Hence it is great to know that Momiji has a Steamboat Set for 2 Pax at $28.50. That is $14.25 for each person.

The beauty of the Steamboat Set is that one can add on from the a la carte menu and order only what you want to eat. Not only cutting down on food wastage and also paying for what you eat.

The Steamboat Set for 2 Pax ($28.50) comes with a choice of soup base out of the six, a staple, a meat and drink. One can top up $3 for free flow hot or cold drinks. This is a reasonable value set for 2 person.

Pricing
Lunch
Mon-Fri: $20.80 Adult, $18.80 Senior Citizen, $13.80 Kid
Brunch
Sat-Sun PH Eve & PH: $25.80 Adult, $23.80 Senior Citizen, $15.80 Kid
Dinner
Mon-Thu: $25.80 Adult, $23.80 Senior Citizen, $15.80 Kid
Fri-Sun, PH Eve & PH: $29.80 Adult, $27.80 Senior Citizen, $15.80 Kid

(Senior Citizen 60 years old and above, Kid below 12 years old and 1.4m)

Momiji Shabu Shabu
Shaw Plaza
360 Balestier Road
#04-01
Singapore 329783
Tel: +65 62583398
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Toa Payoh (NS Line), Lavender (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm
Brunch
Sat-Sun PH Eve & PH: 1130am - 4pm
Dinner
Mon-Thu: 5pm - 930pm
Fri-Sun, PH Eve & PH: 5pm - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Toa Payoh MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Toa Payoh Bus Interchange (Stop ID 52009). Take bus number 145. Alight 5 stops later. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Lavender MRT station. (Stop ID 01311). Take bus number 145. Alight 9 stops later. Cross the street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 25 minutes. [Map]

999.99 - Five Nines @ Keong Saik Road - 999.99 Setting The Gold Standard

999.99 (Five Nines) is another new kids on the block that has joined the stretch of restaurants along Keong Saik Road in December 2015. Helmed by Chef Masanao Saito who has close to a decade of experience working around the world from Japan to Sweden and now in Singapore. Five Nines prides itself for being able to serve guests luxury ingredients at affordable prices, pairing it with fine wines incorporating seasonal flavours and techniques from around Europe and Japan.

Burrata & Tomato Salad 4/5

A classic dish of Burrata & Tomato Salad ($14) kick started our dinner at Five Nines. The creamy burrata is paired with three different types of tomatoes. Fresh tomatoes, sun dried tomatoes and the interesting tomato jelly. Completing the dish is the pesto sauce that brings everything together.

King Crab Croquettes 3.5/5

The crispy breaded crumb on the exterior of the King Crab Croquettes ($13) is the highlight of the dish. It is like having tonkatsu except that the interior is replaced with a mixture of potatoes and king crab meat. As a dish, it is very enjoyable and packed with textures and flavours. However I was trying very hard to detect the king crab, which should be the star of the dish, shouldn't it?

Oyster Ajillo 3.5/5

The aroma of butter and garlic with a tad of spicy kick, has my inner soul screaming for a bowl of rice. The Oyster Ajillo ($13) gives me the comfort feeling of Chinese cooking. I was joking with my dining partner that the dish is missing out some green vegetable. On a serious note, those we do not like raw oyster will appreciate this dish. As for me, I still prefer to have my oyster right off the shell.

Chilled Caviar Capellini 3/5

The Chilled Caviar Capellini ($20) did not quite meet my expectation. The cold pasta was quite soft in texture. I prefer the pasta to have a bit more bite to it. The whole execution is also missing a sense triggering factor or punch to it. It felt quite monotone.

Grilled Swordfish & Spring Onion 4/5

My first thought when I saw the menu is why the use of swordfish, it probably would not be my preferred fish to order and I think many will have the same view. However when the Grilled Swordfish & Spring Onion ($15) is served, I understand the whole concept behind the choice. The meaty swordfish is ideal to be grilled and served in a steak form. The meaty property and flavour of the swordfish, even in some instances resemble the like of pork in a blind taste.

Lobster Gratin 3.8/5

The concept at Five Nines is about small plates and sharing but the Lobster Gratin ($29) does not look anything small at all. The whole lobster is mixed with creamy bechamel sauce and covered with a melted cheese topping. While I can't fault the taste, I simply don't like the fact that the lobster is being chopped into pieces. Lobster fans do note that early birds get to purchase the dish at $19++, limited to 20 portions each day only. After that. it is back to original price.

Beef Tenderloin & Foie Gras 4.2/5

For me the highlight of the dinner is the Beef Tenderloin & Foie Gras ($29). The beef was not only tender but very flavourful. On my second bite, I paired it with a bit of the black truffle. I was quite taken back how the combination accentuated the whole flavour. For that moment, I was hoping that the piece of beef tenderloin can be bigger, for me to savour the beautiful flavour longer.

Pistachio & Chocolate Cake 3/5

Moving on to the dessert, we have the Pistachio & Chocolate Cake ($9). While the chocolate cake base was rich and intense, the pistachio was kind of a shadow to the whole combination. The pretty presentation, unfortunately did not translate to taste.

Tiramisu 4/5

Never judge a book by its cover. Compared to the plating of pistachio & chocolate cake, the Tiramisu ($8) may not look pretty in the plate but it tastes extremely good. I could not help going back for a more helping.

Lemon Granita & Mango Panna Cotta 4/5

I like sourish stuff so the Lemon Granita & Mango Panna Cotta ($8) suits my palate with its light and refreshing finish. The sweetness from the creamy mango panna cotta and the sour from the fresh mango and lemon granita jazzed up the night for a smoothing ending.

Five Nines have kept their pricing below $30 for all dishes for an affordable dining experience. The 5 course dinner menu at $59++ is another steal. The menu consists of Trio of Tomato & Burrata, Pan Fried Scallops & Caulflower, Fish Broth, Tenderloin Steak or Lamb & Eggplant and Mango & Lemon Granita. It also offers 2 and 4 course set lunch at $19++ and $29++ respectively.


999.99 - Five Nines
29 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089136
Tel: +65 6221 7098
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 12midnight
Sat-Sun; 6pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit H. Walk straight down New Bridge Road. Turn right onto Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right again onto Keong Saik Road. Walk down Keong Saik Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]