Tsuruhashi Fugetsu @ Eat At Seven (Suntec City Mall) - Osaka's Number One And Largest Okonomiyaki Restaurant

With 75 outlets in Japan, 3 in Korea, 1 in Taiwan and even in America, Tsuruhashi Fugetsu, Osaka's number one and largest Okonomiyaki restaurant has finally arrived at our shore. Eat At Seven at Suntec City Mall is where it resides. Tsuruhashi Fegetsu offers Okonomiyaki on the menu, a well loved Japanese dish originating from Osaka which is also fondly known as the "Japanese style pizza". You may have come across some stalls in our local pasar malams naming theirs the same but this is the real deal. I love vegetables which inevitably makes this one of my favourite Japanese dish. I have tried Tsuruhashi Fugetsu in Osaka hence I was really excited to see how this local joint will fare.

Tonpei-Yaki 2.5/5

Fried Buta Kimchi 2.8/5

As okonomiyaki is made mainly out of cabbage, you may want to beef up your meal with Tonpei-Yaki ($9.80) and Fried Buta Kimchi ($9.80). With the mayonnaise and ketchup on the fluffy hot omelette, the Osaka style pork omelette would have been a really appetising side dish but ours disappoint with a strong porky smell. At the same time, I find the meat too tough despite all the good fats sandwiching the meat. The hot plate kimchi pork fares much better. The pork was more tender and fats more seared, and the piquant kimchi helps to cut the greasiness of the meat.

Omelet-Yakisoba 3/5

The signature pancakes, Omelet-Yakisoba ($13.80) here are made with yakisoba, the fried egg noodles. Not to be mistaken as our yellow noodles, these egg noodles are produced accordingly to the brand's traditional recipe by a local supplier. Indeed, they do not carry that distinctive alkaline taste, along with a much chewier texture.

Cheetama-Buta Tama 4/5

My favourite is still the Cheetama-Buta Tama ($14.80), a much more indulgent version with a layer of cheese. Cut cabbages and yams bind together tightly with wheat flour mixture, the grilled side of the cabbage pancake was charred with smoky sweetness, while the inside remains fluffy and crunchy. Its character as a 'pizza' shines as the gooey cheese oozed upon being sliced. The brilliant combination of Worcesterhire sauce and mayonnaise atop the pancake is the key to complete the taste.

The overall experience is quite authentic and enjoyable, other than the porky meat which I feel should really be changed. Same as back in Osaka, dishes are served on individual teppanyaki plates which keep the food hot throughout. What's different is that the DIY grilling of the pancake myself is not an option here, perhaps to keep the food consistent.

Words and photos by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tsuruhashi Fugetsu
Suntec City Mall
Eat At Seven
3 Temasek Boulevard
#03-316
Singapore 038983
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 5pm - 1030pm

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

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Mr LorBak @ Ubi - A Comforting Bowl of Lu Rou Fan At $3.50

The constant breakdowns of the MRT train services have inconvenienced many commuters but we cannot deny that it has also provided accessibility to many places which is hard to reach. A good example is the opening of the Downtime Line 3, it brings us into Ubi neighbourhood. I would never image myself traveling all the way from the West to Ubi without the new MRT line.

The opening of the new Downtime Line 3 means I can explore new places for food. One of such new places is Mr LorBak near Ubi MRT station. The stall is opened by a younger hawker, Mr William which used to would as a GM in a restaurant group before venturing on his own selling Lu Rou Fan adopting a recipe from his grandmother.

Lu Rou Fan 4/5

Unlike the Taiwanese style, the Lu Rou Fan ($3.50) here comes with chunky pieces of braised pork belly. Do not expect melted in the mouth type but a pieces of fatty belly that is well braised, infused with the different herbs and spices, and yet still have a fork tender bite to it. The braised pork belly comes across with a stronger herbal taste, which may be a bit hard for some to accept due to the hint of aftertaste bitterness.

Besides the chunky braised pork belly pieces, the bowl of Lu Rou Ran is comes with a whole braised egg and crunch black fungus. For the price, it is quite generous and value for money.

Mixed Platter 4/5

To complete the meal, you can also add on additional braised item such as tau pok, peanuts, mushroom and preserved mustard greens. I have one of each which costs me an additional $2.

Overall this is comforting rice bowl to satisfy a meal. If you do not like those strong herbal taste then you may not like the braised pork belly rice here. Do expect long queues during lunch time.


Mr LorBak
Blk 350 Ubi Ave 1
#01-947
Singapore 400350
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Nearest MRT: Ubi (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun: 11am - 8pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Ubi MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Ubi Road 3. Turn left onto Ubi Road 3 and walk to Ubi Ave 1. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]