Uni Gallery by OosterBay @ Beach Road - Celebrates 1st Anniversary With Uni, Milt & Roe Collection

One year into its opening, Uni Gallery is owning its spot at the basement of The Plaza. A brick-and-mortar expansion by OosterBay, Uni Gallery offers possibly the largest variety of fine quality uni, alongside with sashimi and other fresh seafood. And it is not just about sourcing the finest across different continents and putting onto your table as it is, much thought and consideration are given to the pairing of uni with other ingredients that are equally conspicuous on a plate. And by that, I refer to their latest Uni, Milt & Roe collection - featuring Polanco Caviar, Cod Milt and Monkfish Liver, a special menu to celebrate its first anniversary.

Le Tetsuya 4/5

Other than sourcing from continents like Japan, Los Angeles’ Santa Barbara and the cold waters of British Columbia in Canada, Uni Gallery is also working closely with Australian suppliers for high quality uni. Apparently Australia uni is not commonly served in Singapore yet but their firm texture, appealing color coupled with pleasing flavours might change that in time to come.

Le Tetsuya 4/5

Pairing Australian Uni with Hokkaido crabmeat, Le Tetsuya ($38) has everything to love within the glass. The flavour profile of the Australian Uni is similar to Bafun but it is firmer, which makes it even more comparable with the exceptionally sweet crabmeat. The occasional pop of savouriness by the caviar heightens the flavours of the dish.

Uni & Caviar on Shirako (fish milt) 3/5

Resting elegantly on what looked like a piece of coral, the aesthetic of Uni & Caviar on Shirako ($40) captivated me. The thought of eating milt is pretty daunting but this specimen made the experience a lot less so. Slightly torched, the charred edges gave the milt more texture and bite, to the otherwise rather creamy mouthfill. As the Bafun uni shares similar texture profile, I might enjoy it more should the milt be seared more, akin to fish roe. The addition of the Polanco Caviar is not just about topping the premium factor but its bursts of flavour provides the seasoning for this dish.

Uni & Caviar on Foie Gras 3.5/5

Uni & Caviar on Foie Gras ($38), I reckon will be quite a hit among those who adore foie gras. Given the rich texture of the foie gras, the firmness of the Australian Uni works to its advantage in this dish. The combination of these three ingredients might come across quite assertive but the red wine sauce, which draped so subtly over them, lent a sharp, tart sweetness bringing the components together in harmony.

2-Type Premium Uni Chirashi 4/5

If all above are too exotic for you, there is always the 2-Type Premium Uni Chirashi ($59 dinner/ $49 lunch) for your occasional indulgence. The crunchy fried Japanese anchovies is a brilliant touch for its umami flavour that it releases on every bite.

Uni Tokusen Sashimi 2 pax

As a premium online seafood grocer, the sashimi here is undoubtedly fresh. Other than Uni, we were quite lucky to sample some of them in Uni Tokusen Sashimi 2 pax ($74), showcasing Chef's choice of 7 types sashimi including 1 Uni sashimi, Salmon, Mekajiki, Hotate, Shima Aji, Magura, Tai & Shiro Uni. Shiro Uni is relatively paler than Bafun and some customers also prefer its milder flavour.

Wagyu Don 3.5/5

To balance your Uni feast, the Wagyu Don ($20) is a good option to warm your belly. The fattiness and flavours of the meat, accentuated by its sauce was indeed quite welcoming after all the 'cold' food.

The Uni, Milt & Roe collection was quite an eye-opener for me. I applauded the Chef for the delicate treatment on the Uni. To combine multiple peculiar and premium ingredients and give each of them an equal amount of space to shine through, is a tricky task. Uni-centric Omakase dinner sets are available too, and you will be taken to their new private rooms for a more exclusive dining experience. Expect elements of surprise and twists, with choice of Sashimi Omakase ($118), Uni Omakase ($148) and Chef’s Omakase ($188). The private rooms are also available during lunch time with the purchase of the Executive Bento Sets available from $38 per pax.

Photos and words 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.


UNI Gallery by OosterBay
The Plaza
7500A Beach Road
#B1-310
Singapore 199591
Tel: +65 98388209
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Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Follow the overhead walkway all the way to The Concourse building. Take the exit down to Nicoll Highway and walk towards Parkroyal Serviced Residences. Cut through towards The Plaza at Parkroyal Hotel. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

House of Happiness @ Simpang Bedok - The Heart Attack Pork Lard With Bacon, Furikake And Onsen Egg Claypot Rice Is To Die For

House of Happiness located at Simpang Bedok is a modernized claypot rice concept by the folks behind Mr Lor Bak. Realising that the number of claypot rice stalls were dwindling and customers are not willing to wait for more than 30 minutes for the rice to be cooked from scratch, House of Happiness has developed an unique method to shorten the cooking process as well as doing a part in preserving Singapore's heritage through their interpretation of  claypot rice dishes.

Lor Bak with Onsen Egg 4/5

It's inevitable that the signature Lor Bak has to be featured in their claypot rice. This is what made them famous. The Lor Bak with Onsen Egg ($7) is served in an individual claypot which is good for one pax consumption. Having tried their lor bak back at the Ubi outlet, I am glad to say the consistency is still there. For those that have not tried Mr Lor Bak's lor bak before, the braising sauce has a stronger herbal taste with a slight bitterness.

Assorted Mushrooms with Baby Bok Choy 4/5

The thoughtful eatery even offers a vegetarian claypot rice in the Assorted Mushrooms with Baby Bok Choy ($7). The natural sweetness from the oyster and shimeji mushrooms, together with the dark sauce made from red bean, shaoxing wine and garlic pairs excellently together with the cooked rice.

16 Hour Slow Cooked Teriyaki Pork Jowl 4.2/5

A crowd favourite is the 16 Hour Slow Cooked Teriyaki Pork Jowl ($7) which comes with pork cheek slices that have been sous vide for 16 hours, marinated in teriyaki sauce and pan seared. What I enjoyed is the tender pork jowl that comes with a delightful crunchy bite.

Pork Lard with Bacon, Furikake and Onsen Egg 4.5/5

My favourite is the Pork Lard with Bacon, Furikake and Onsen Egg Claypot Rice ($7). The sight of pork lard crowning the claypot rice already made me drool. Every mouthful of this has many beautiful flavours and textures at play which is irresistible not to go back for more.

Onsen Egg with Ikura and Toriko 3.8/5

Influenced by the Japanese cuisine is the Onsen Egg with Ikura and Toriko ($11). Besides the vibrant colour and its popping surprises with each mouthful of rice, I find the seafood flavours of the ikura and toriko kind of distorted the balance in flavours. The hipster diners may like it but this is my less favourite.

12 Hour Braised Pork Trotter 4.2/5

Besides the claypot rice, you may want to order some extra dishes to go along with it. I tried the 12 Hour Braised Pork Trotter ($8) which was both fatty and tender, absorbing the delicious braising sauce. The braising sauce is lighter and sweeter compare to the lor bak.

I like the claypot rice concept by House of Happiness. I think they have injected something new to a heritage dish, giving it a new lease of life to capture the appetite of the new generation as well as giving the old generation something new to try but not forgetting the fundamental of a good pot of rice.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


House of Happiness
Simpang Bedok
294 Bedok Road
Singapore 469450
Tel: +65 62412648
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Nearest MRT: Tanah Merah (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun: 12pm - 10pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanah Merah MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Tanah Merah MRT station (Stop ID). Take bus number 2, 9 or 48. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]