Kogane Yama @ Bugis Junction - The Golden Mountain Is Lacking The Glisten

From the good folk behind Chir Chir Fusion Factory and Massizzim, the group has launch another new concept called Kogane Yama (Golden Mountain) at Bugis Junction offering tendon bowls. It got its name for the lavish heap of golden brown pieces of tempura, just like the scenic valleys and mountains in Japan.

Kogane Yama offers 4 types of bowl. Diners have a choice of Mixed Bowl ($15.80), Prawn Bowl ($13.80), Chicken Bowl ($13.80) and Vegetable Bowl ($11.80). Instead of rice, diners can also replace it with either Udon or Soba for an additional dollar. In addition, diners can also select their sauces - non spicy or spicy (level 1 to 3). Lastly, you can complete your meal with add-ons such as Chawanmushi at ($2) and Miso Soup ($1.50).

Mixed Bowl with Soba 3/5

I tried the Mixed Bowl with Soba ($16.80) which comes tempura prawns, chicken fillet, long beans, carrot, shiitake and enoki mushrooms, sweet potato, green bell pepper, seaweed, shiso leaf and a dollop of ebiko. For those prefer a bite in their noodle may not enjoy the softness of the soba which has been steeped in a clear and fragrant dashi broth.

Mixed Tendon Rice Bowl 3/5

If you opted by the Mixed Tendon Rice Bowl ($15.80), then you will get a mountain of tempura stacked to the brim. It is understand that the tempura is fried to golden brown using a fish seasoned batter and sesame oil. While the batter is crispy I felt it still missing that Japanese element in the bowl. I was telling my dining friends that I felt like eating a bowl of Chinese fried food instead of Japanese tempura.

I actually like the concept of Kogane Yama where the choices are given to the diner unlike the current tendon establishments. However the food is still a far way comparable to these well known tendon establishments. I personally felt that the restaurant needs to improve on the batter and maybe even the oil used.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kogane Yama
Bugis Junction
200 Victoria Street
#02-50
Singapore 188021
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 11am -10pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT Station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Men-ichi Sapporo Ramen @ Great World City - The Original Taste of Miso Ramen

Shokutsu Ten Japanese Food Street has moved into the city with the opening of its third outlet at Great World City. The Japanese food enclaves at its third venue presents 5 food, beverage and retail brands under one roof. Joining Ichiban Boshi and Kuriya Japanese Market in the expanded area at the basement of Great World City is Men-ichi Sapporo Ramen, offering the original and rich taste of the famed Sapporo ramen.

Sapporo Spicy Miso Ramen 4/5

The ramen at Men-ichi Sapporo Ramen is made using the traditional Sapporo method, bean sprouts, minced pork and leek, stir fried together with a collagen rich miso infused tonkotsu broth. Accompanying the rich broth is the thick, curly Nishiyama noodles specially imported from Hokkaido.

The Sapporo Spicy Miso Ramen ($17.90) comes with 3 pieces of char siew in a special spicy sauce. While I enjoyed the miso-based tonkotsu broth, I felt that the spicy sauce did not quite have the punch to it. The char siew is also not those melted in the mouth type but thick and meaty.

Tokusen Sapporo Miso Ramen 4.2/5/

I preferred the Tokusen Sapporo Miso Ramen ($19.50) for its rich and intense miso flavours in the pork bone broth, not distracted by the chilli sauce. My bowl of noodle comes with 2 pieces charsiew, potato wedges, minced meat, onion, egg, bamboo shoots, leek, bean sprouts, corns and seaweed. While I enjoyed the bowl of slurping goodness, I just don't understand the purposes of potato wedges. I doubt this is part of the original in Sapporo.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Men-ichi Sapporo Ramen
Great World City
Shokutsu Ten Japanese Food Street
#B1-01/02/03/04
1 Kim Seng Promenade
Singapore 237994
Tel: +65 68359109
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Outram Park (EW Line, NE Line), Tiong Bahru (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) 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]

2) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Outram MRT station. (Stop ID B06011). Take bus number 75 or 970. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to Great World City. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

3) 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]