Tamashii @ North Canal Road - A New Concept Offering More Intimate Dining Experience Based On Kappo Cuisine

After 6 weeks of renovation, Tamashii at North Canal Road has reopened with a new look and concept. Gone is the robataya concept with fresh ingredients lining along the counter seats. The new restaurant features a more intimate counter dining experience based on Kappo cuisine.

We have the Chef Tasting Menu ($128 for 6 Course / $168 for 8 Course). First is a trio of small bites. We have Tuna coated Yuzu Sesame, Lady Finger with Wasabi Vinaigrette and King Crab with Honey Miso served in a cone.

Fresh Oyster 4/5

Next is Fresh Oyster from Japan Okayama that is topped with housemade balsamic vinegar pearl and sea grape. The bright taste from toppings help to balance the plump and creamy oyster.

Sashimi 4.2/5

Following that, we have a flight of sashimi. On the plate, we had Tuna Belly, Flounder, Saba and Sea Water Uni. I like the fact that the restaurant takes the effort to marinated the flounder with kombu and salt, while the saba with salted and vinegar to further elevate the flavours for a fuller enjoyment.

Foie Gras 3.8/5

The Foie Gras comes sandwiched in a biscuity shell, that is paired with pickled white radish and 15 years aged balsamic vinegar. The sour tang from the pickles and balsamic vinegar helps to provide the balance for the creamy foie gras.

Fish Cake 3.8/5

The Fish Cake is housemade using a mixture of white fish paste, prawn and squid. It has a delightful bouncy texture, which is very enjoyable. It even comes with seasonal clam, giving the fish cake more textures and flavours.

Beef Tongue 4/5

While the Beef Tongue may sound acquire for some diners, I enjoyed it for its crunchy texture. The beef tongue has been sous vide and then charcoal grilled for a nice hint of smokiness.

Carabinero Prawn 4/5

The Carabinero Prawn are coated with bread crumb and deep-fried, giving it a beautiful crispy exterior. To eat this, first, peel off the head and pour the prawn roe inside the shell onto the flesh for an umami appreciation of the crunchy prawn.

Abalone Rice 3.5/5

The last savoury dish for our tasting menu is the Abalone Rice with its liver sauce. The rice is cooked in a hot pot, which gives it a layer of crispy rice at the bottom, similar to the Chinese claypot rice. However, the crispy bits tended to stick to my teeth, which is quite uncomfortable. Putting that aside, this is one luxe pot of rice crowned with shaved truffle and abalone.

Melon 3.5/5

Wrapping up the tasting menu is a simple slice of Melon that is super sweet.

Tuna Collar 4/5

If you have a group of more than 4 pax, I would recommend trying the Blue Fin Tuna Char Kama Bincho-Grilled ($138). The huge slab of tuna collar is rarely served in restaurants, and this needs to be pre-order. This is my first time having this particular part of the blue fin, and I really enjoy the fattiness of the moist meat.

Oyako Don 4.2/5

Tamashii offers lunch set on their menu too. One of the new items is the Oyako Don. It comes with chunky pieces of tender chicken on top of the bowl rice that has been cooked with chicken stock. It even comes with an egg. I would recommend breaking it and mix it well, giving the rice and chicken a smooth coating.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tamashii
12 North Canal Road
#02-01
Singapore 048825
Tel: +65 62220316
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line), Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards the junction of North Canal Road and South Bridge Road. Cross the junction and continue on North Canal Road. Walk along the shophouses along North Canal Road. Look out for an alley and turn left into it. Look for the entrance to the building and take the lift to level 2. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk towards North Canal Road. Continue on North Canal Road. Walk along the shophouses along North Canal Road. Look out for an alley and turn right into it. Look for the entrance to the building and take the lift to level 2. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Seizan Uni Ramen @ Picnic Food Park Wisma Atria - Uni Ramen by Two Michelin Starred Seizan In Tokyo

Seizan in Tokyo is a Two-Michelin starred kaiseki restaurant. Its proprietary dashi lays the foundation for most dishes served at the restaurant, and this highly prized ingredient is also the backbone of the latest modern ramen concept - Seizan Uni Ramen. Brought to you by Picnic Food Park and Seizan Tokyo, Seizan Uni Ramen marries Singaporeans' love for uni and ramen. And is it a perfect marriage?

Uni Ramen 4.8/5

I would say yes. Not because this Uni Ramen ($21) is extravagant with uni, but because Head Chef Uchida of Nabe Seizan Singapore managed to balance the flavours of the milky uni broth so well, it would leave you wanting for more. Mixing premium Japanese bafun uni with cream, milk and Seizan’s signature dashi, the bowl of ramen is stunning in a bright, pumpkin colour. The uni broth was light in my opinion, even towards the last sip, though some said it gets cloying if you have too much. The addition of Sake into the broth, I reckon, is what makes it so delicious. The sake not only sharpens the broth, but it also adds sweetness and depth to the buttery emulsion. The profound flavours of Uni are not lost but enhanced and neutralised into an emulsion that one can actually drink to his heart's content.

Imported from Tokyo, the ramen noodles are customised for Seizan Uni Ramen. Relatively curlier and hardier than regular ramen, they can hold more broth. Made with a specific egg-to-flour ratio, the creamy broth can permeate and flavour the noodles with ease.

Dashi Somen 4/5

If you like to have a taste of Seizan’s signature dashi, Dashi Somen ($18) shall guide your palate through by serving Japanese white somen in the dashi, with a touch of Japanese soy sauce, mirin and sake.

Kumamoto Wagyu Ramen 4/5

Kumamoto Wagyu Ramen ($20) combines Seizan’s signature dashi with a stock made with Kumamoto wagyu beef tendon and vegetables. Beef bones and tendon are boiled for over eight hours with vegetables such as leek and garlic, which add sweetness. The beef pulled apart with a slight tug, but it still had that gelatinous bite. The soup was almost like a consomme and had a clean, beefy flavour. I was told as with most Japanese dishes, it is not about the stronger the flavours, the better it is, but what's more important is attaining the balance. So don't expect it to be as strong and intense as your regular beef noodles.

Written 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.


Seizan Uni Ramen
Picnic Wisma Atria
435 Orchard Road
#03-15-49
Singapore 238877
Tel: +65 67348352
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am to 10pm

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