Gram Cafe & Pancakes @ Vivocity - Iconic Souffle Pancake From Osaka Set To Puff Up A Storm In Singapore

Highly raved for its insta-worthy, wobbly, and impossibly fluffy pancakes, the famed Gram Cafe & Pancakes, hailing from Osaka, Japan is official opened in Vivocity on 16 June 2019, 1pm!

Premium Pancakes 4.5/5

Treat yourself to the Premium Pancakes ($17.90). Soft, airy and oh-so-fluffy, it comes in a towering wobbly stack of three 4cm thick souffle pancakes, complete with butter, house-made whipped cream, and a drizzle of maple syrup. Made with the same recipe used in Japan and only on premium ingredients, the souffle pancakes are slow-cooked on low heat and whipped full of air, resulting in a fluffy texture befitting of a cloud or cotton candy. A pancake connoisseur’s dream come true as the pillowy, light-as-air discs are deliciously milky and has a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

However, you may want to gear yourself up for the wait as the Premium Pancakes are professionally prepared upon receipt of order, and sales are limited to 3 times a day with 30 servings each time at 11am, 3pm and 6pm due to Gram Japan’s strict quality control rule. Each customer is limited to one Premium Pancakes order per pax, and will be given a token to collect it.

Rich Tiramisu Pancakes 3.5/5

If you're not quick enough to be in time for the limited servings of Premium Pancakes at the assigned time slots, you can console yourself with tons of other noteworthy items at Gram Cafe as well such as the Rich Tiramisu Pancakes ($15.90). However, these are not souffle pancakes, but rather, classic thin pancakes with a less fluffy and more chewy texture, inspired by the traditional Japanese dorayaki pancake. Infused with espresso, layered with rich mascarpone tiramisu cream, and dusted with cocoa powder, the Tiramisu Pancakes has a nice coffee aroma, although taste-wise, it still fares lower than its hyped-up souffle sister.

Other sweets selection include the Mixed Fruits & Chocolate Pancakes ($15.90), Caramelized Banana Pancakes ($13.90), and Coconut Custard Pancakes ($13.90).

Chilli Beans Pancakes 3.8/5

If you're not a fan of sweets, go for their savoury options such as the Chilli Beans Pancakes ($18.90), which features the same classic thin pancakes, topped with generous amounts of chilli beans sauce atop minced beef and melted cheddar cheese, and served with a side of sausage, potato and luscious salad greens.

Other savoury options include the Turkey Bacon and Scrambled Egg Pancakes ($18.90), and the Salmon and Avocado Pancakes ($19.90).

French Toast of Chocolate Banana 4/5

Not a fan of pancakes? Cram Cafe also serves the French Toast of Chocolate Banana ($15.90). Spotting a soft and fluffy texture, and a golden-brown caramelized crust, the Danish French toast is topped with fresh bananas, creamy vanilla ice cream and rich chocolate sauce. Decent but nothing extraordinary, it is quite a safe option for the less adventurous.

Other french toast options include the BLT Sandwich ($14.90++), Gram French Toast ($12.90), and Mixed Berry French Toast ($15.90).

Set to launch at a later date, fans in Singapore will get first and exclusive dibs on a special Japanese Curry pancakes creation, designed to satisfy Singaporean palates. Other upcoming creations include their convenient takeout options, such as the Strawberry Crepe Pancakes ($8.90), Premium Parfait ($10.90), Premium Tiramisu ($9.90) in a cup, and Premium to Go takeout set for dessert on the go.

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.


Gram Café & Pancakes
Vivocity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#02-110
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 86666277
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Jimoto Dining @ Joo Chiat - Authentic And Great Value Omakase Experience In The Eastern Neighbourhood

Nestled in the quaint neighbourhood of Joo Chiat is an authentic Japanese omakase restaurant - Jimoto Dining with Tokyo-born head chef Takahiro Sato at its helm. Opening its doors to eager diners from March 2019 onwards, Jimoto Dining rolls out a well-curated menu which goes beyond the sushi counter to showcase a variety of traditional Japanese cooking styles. Diners can expect four great value Omakase options from as low as $55+ per person, as well as a daily rotating selection of a la carte dishes, which includes a limited serving of A4 Miyazaki Wagyu Ribeye (from $98+).

All Omakase courses will consist of an appetiser, sushi and dish of the day from the hot kitchen. While the affordable five-course Toki ($55+) offers a quick dinner fix for those seeking a light meal and is served only from 6 to 7pm, the other three options are available for seven-courses - the introductory Sanpuru ($68+), innovative Kakushin ($98+) and the premium Zeitaku ($128+). We got an opportunity to try the premium Zeitaku, which will include a sashimi course.

Century Egg Tofu 4/5

The appetiser - Century Egg Tofu comes in soft tofu served in a homemade sauce of sake, mirin and shoyu. The delicate serving is then topped with chopped up century egg, ebiko and spring onions for an added crunch. Pair the dish with the Saito Yuzu Hikari (7% ABV) - a sweet sparkling sake made from Koshihikari rice in Kyoto, with delicate citrus notes.

Sashimi course 4.5/5

The Sashimi course changes daily depending on the type of fish Chef Takahiro sources from the market. We got to try the Tai (Snapper), Shime Saba (marinated mackerel), and Yellow Tail (Hamachi) for the sashimi course. Pair the fresh sashimi with the Saito Super Premium Junmai Daiginjo (14.5% ABV), a premium sake made with Yamada-Nishiki rice in Kyoto, with rich flavours and an elegant fruity aroma.

Snow Crab in Dashi Broth 4/5

For the simmered dish course, we were served the Snow Crab in Dashi Broth. It is blanched and then soaked in cold water to retain the natural sweetness and texture. It is simmered shortly in a dashi stock that has been boiled way for 3-4 hours with white radish to bring out a subtle refreshing sweetness. The light touch of yuzu zest adds a tang to the dish. Pair it with the Saito Dry Sake (13.5% ABV) - a light bodied sake made from Koshihikari rice in Kyoto, with a clean, dry and moderate umami flavour.

Grilled Salmon 4.2/5

The butter shoyu, Mirin sauce and lemon add a salty, sweet and sour combination of taste to the nicely Grilled Salmon. The tender grilled salmon was particularly enjoyable with a melt-in-the-mouth-consistency. The dish is paired with enoki mushroom and cherry tomatoes. Pair it with the Gansanryu Kisaragi Daigingo (17.5% ABV) - made from Dewa-sansan varietal rice in Yamagata Prefecture, with fresh pear, melon and peach aroma.

Sushi course 4.2/5

The sushi course is served with different sushi, depending on what Chef Takahiro sources from the market daily as well. Apart from the freshly marinated and sliced seafood, the rice used is a highlight as well. Specially made with akazu (red vinegar), it brings a rich umami flavour to the edomae-style sushi. Pair the fresh sashimi with the Saito Super Premium Junmai Daiginjo (14.5% ABV), a premium sake made with Yamada-Nishiki rice in Kyoto, with rich flavours and an elegant fruity aroma.

Meticulously scored by Chef Takhiro before serving, the Sumi ika (squid) has a fresh, chewy texture. A shiso (perilla) leaf sits between the sumi ika and the sushi rice, which presents a creamy mouthfeel.

The Maguro (bluefin) is blanched on the side and served with a smear of shoyu and mustard for flavour.

The Aji (Horse Mackerel) is served with ginger mirin to bring out the delicate, sweet flavours of the fish.

The Hamachi (Yellowtail) is paired with yuzu kosho, made from fermented chilli, peppers, yuzu peel and salt, which complements the rich, buttery flavour of the Hamachi well.

Ikura, Uni and Tonburi Rice Bowl 4.2/5

Arriving in a mini Ikura, Uni and Tonburi Rice Bowl, the smooth, creamy uni is particularly enjoyable with a briny ocean taste. The globules of ikura and tonburi present a popping sensation like caviar and tang to the dish. Mix it all in with the pearly sushi rice for an umami bowl of freshness.

Blueberry Cheesecake 4/5

End the omakase experience on a sweet note with a light dessert - Blueberry Cheesecake, which goes well with a luscious sweet wine, Château de Fayolle Saussignac.

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.


Jimoto Dining
325 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427582
Tel: +65 62233397
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 6pm – 11pm
Sunday: 6pm – 10pm
(Closed on Mon)

Directions: 
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 16. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]