8ASH is a new kid on the block at Ann Siang Hill. It is a multi-concept modern casual diner with a retro-outfitted 40-seater restaurant that houses three different brands under one roof. Mirai Burgers is the American-Japanese burger concept, while Love Handle Burgers is the other burger concept that is entirely vegan. Apart from burgers, Hoshi Hill brings to the table casual-luxe Japanese set meals.
Chilled Hokkaido Scallop Somen 4.2/5
Our lunch at 8ASH started with the Chilled Hokkaido Scallop Somen ($25) from Hoshi Hill. The chilled somen is topped with sweet and plump Hokkaido scallops and ikura. The somen is enlivened by the shio kombu dressing, sakura ebi powder and ponzu jelly. It seems like there are many flavours at work, but they gel together in harmony.
Sparkling Sake 4.5/5
You may want to pair your meal with a bottle of chilled Sparkling Sake. Sweet, light and refreshing!
Baller Beef Bowl (Japanese A4 Wagyu) 4.5/5
You will be in for a treat with the Baller Beef Bowl ($45). It is a feast fit for the king. On the plate, there are luxurious ingredients such as Hokkaido A4 Wagyu, Hokkaido scallops, Japanese rice, pickles, spicy tare, shio kombu, uni, Kairos caviar.
Hoshi Wagyu Steak 4/5
For sides at Hoshi Hill, we had the Hoshi Wagyu Steak ($18) which uses Australia Wagyu Picanha (MBS8-9) paired with seasonal salad. The diner has options of 4 sauce choices - shiso pesto, mustard cream, beef jus and spring onion bearnaise. Compared to the Hokkaido A4 Wagyu in the Baller Beef Bowl, this has a firmer bite.
Katsu Okonomiyaki Burger 3/5
From the Mirai Burgers brand that offers American-Japanese burger concept, we had their burgers that use classic Japanese flavours and cooking techniques. A good showcase of the concept is the Katsu Okonomiyaki Burger ($16) that comes with pork katsu, bonito flakes, bulldog sauce, kewpie and lettuce sandwiched in between two soft and fluffy buns. Unfortunately, I find it tough to bite through the pork katsu. I wish it can be more tender and juicy.
Shaun San Burger 4.2/5
The Shaun San Burger ($20) fares much better than the Katsu Okonomiyaki Burger with its juicy wagyu short rib patty that is exclusively mixed in house. The addition of bacon, mature cheddar, provolone, onions and special housemade sauce brightens up the whole enjoyment. There is also a slight difference in the bun used. It is airier compared to the katsu okonomiyaki burger.
Mushroom Cheese Burger 3.5/5
For the vegan diners, you will fall in love with the Love Handle Burgers concept that uses the Impossible meat patty. Even meat-eaters will also enjoy the plant-based burger such as the Mushroom Cheese Burger ($17) whereby the Impossible patty is topped with melty vegan cheese, and a stack of trumpet mushrooms smothered in shroom sauce and finished with creamy garlic aioli.
Fillet-O-Fishless
There is even a vegan fish burger, Fillet-O-Fishless ($16.50). It comes in a tangy, herby tartare sauce with a whole cheddar-style slice on top of a generous stack of flakey, crumbed fishless sticks. I thought the fish fingers would taste like the real thing, but it tasted more soybean-based, unlike the Impossible beef which tasted closer to the real thing.
PBJ Cake
Besides burgers, there are also vegan dessert options from Love Hand Burgers. We tried both PBJ Cake and Lemon Crumble. Of the two, I prefer the PBJ Cake ($4.50) which comes in a generous portion of Peanut Butter and Date Cake topped with a housemade strawberry compote.
Lemon Crumble
Of the three concepts, I like Hoshi Hill more than the rest. I was won over by the chilled hokkaido somen and baller beef bowl, whereby you get to enjoy fine and quality Japanese seafood and beef. However, it does feel kind of weird to be enjoying fine Japanese food in a casual American burger joint setting.
Noted: This is an invited tasting.
8ASH
8 Ann Siang Hill
Singapore 069788
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Maxwell (TE Line), Chinatown (NE Line, DT Line)
Opening Hours:
Mon-Wed: 11am - 10pm
Thu-Sat: 11am - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)
Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Continue to the end of Amoy Street. Climb the stairs beside Siang Cho Keong Temple, up Ann Siang Hill. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]
2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down South Bridge Road towards Ann Siang Road. Turn right onto Ann Siang Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 4 minutes.[Map]
3) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Pagoda Street to South Bridge Road. Cross the road and turn right. Walk down South Bridge Road. Turn left onto Ann Siang Hill. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]
