Started out in June 2017 with a tendon specialist concept offering customisable tendon bowls, Kogane Yama @ Bugis Junction launched an expanded selection of 9 enticing new donburi showcasing an even wider array of choices to cater to diners' different preferences. Following its revamped menu in Oct, the restaurant has also made price adjustments to its items to keep the tab affordable for customers without compromising on quality - with everything below $15!
The donburi start from only $9.90 each, while the ever-popular tendon bowls see a 15% reduction in price; the Vegetable Bowl now costs $9.80, and the Mixed Bowl with prawns and chicken costs $13.80. If you're wondering anything changed, rest assured that the quality and portion of ingredients in each bowl still remain the same.
Unagi Avocado Don 3.8/5
The all-time favourite Japanese eel makes its first appearance on the menu in the form of a Unagi Avocado Don ($14.90). Tender slices of grilled unagi in sweet-savoury sauce paired with buttery soft avocado which sits atop a mound of sushi rice. Mix in the onsen egg to release its molten yolk, and this sets a well-primed contender for the best-selling position.
Gyu Don 4/5
One of the best-selling bowls from the previous menu is the Gyu Don ($13.90). It features tender, perfectly seasoned wagyu beef slices, garlic chips and onsen egg. A foolproof combination with the runny egg to moisten the rice and meat to further enhance its richness.
Bara Chirashi Don 4.2/5
One of the must-have donburi here is the Bara Chirashi Don ($14.90). A classic bowl of assorted diced raw salmon, tuna, swordfish, surf clam, steamed prawn, ikura (salmon roe), tobiko (flying fish roe), cucumber and tamago (Japanese omelette) on a bed of sushi rice. Add on $1 for a whiff of fragrant truffle oil as you dig into the heap of fresh seafood goodness.
Aburi Salmon Mentai Don 4/5
Another highlight is the Aburi Salmon Mentai Don ($11.90) which features generous cubes of half-grilled salmon, cucumber and tamago blanketed in torched mentaiko (cod roe) mayonnaise sauce which adds an flavour oomph to the dish without being overwhelming. The bowl is garnished with tobiko and tempura crumbs for added texture.
Chawanmushi 3.8/5
If you're still feeling hungry, there are a variety of side dishes to choose from. This umami-packed Chawanmushi ($2) boasts a silky smooth texture for the steamed egg custard, with ingredients such as prawns, kamaboko steamed fish cake and shiitake mushrooms.
Other donburi options include the Salmon Ikura Don ($13.90), Salmon Teriyaki Don ($11.90), Unagi Tugi Don ($13.90), Katsu Don with Chicken ($9.90) or Pork ($10.90), Pork Belly Shogayaki Don ($10.90), Tori Karaage Don ($9.90). The tendon bowls remain as its signature attraction with its customisable bowls concept, where diners can choose the meat, base and tentsuyu sauce to their liking. With hearty, delicious Japanese bowls, that deliver on both quality and affordability with a wide variety of options to choose from, this homegrown restaurant brand is bound to be a hit among diners.
Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.
Kogane Yama
Bugis Junction
200 Victoria Street
#02-50
Singapore 188021
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]
