Friday, July 8, 2022

OUMI @ CapitaSpring - New Contemporary Japanese Kappo Cuisine At The Top Of Level 51

Oumi48

Located on level 51 of CapitaSpring is Oumi, the newest Japanese restaurant serving contemporary Japanese Kappo cuisine. It shares the same space with Kaarla, a contemporary Australian restaurant and bar.

Oumi6
Momotaro Cheese 4.5/5

We started our dinner with the Momotaro Cheese ($20) whereby miso cheeses are sandwiched between slices of Momotaro tomatoes. The sweet and savoury combination worked harmoniously on the palate, while the nori rice puff topping provided the extra textural enjoyment.

Oumi8
Kabocha Uni Tofu 4.8/5

A beautiful dish that is both pleasing to the palate and sight is the Kabocha Uni Tofu ($30). The housemade silky smooth pumpkin tofu is accentuated by sea urchin's topping, dressed in lovely shiitake tsuyu

Oumi13
Nasu Dengaku 4.2/5

I felt that the Nasu Dengaku ($20) may not be everyone's cup of tea due to the egg plant's slimy texture that has been grilled over binchotan with nori white miso and chopped into chunks and garnished with deep-fried golden buckwheat, deep-fried sakura ebi, hojiso (shiso) flowers and cat whiskers from the 1-Arden Food Forest. However, I enjoyed the dish for its complex play of textures and flavours coupled with smokiness from the grilling.

Oumi21
Gyutan Yaki 4.8/5

The thinly sliced Gyutan Yaki ($35), seasoned lightly with salt and pepper is grilled over binchotan for a delightful crunchy finish. The serving of shio negi complemented and freshen up the appreciation of the tender beef tongue.

Oumi22
Foie Gras Monaka 4.5/5

The dishes at Oumi are very beautifully presented. Take for example the Foie Gras Monaka ($15/pc) which is not only appetising in sight, but bright in taste profile too. The delicious foie gras ganache is piped into the light and crispy wafer, topped with Japanese salmon roe, Japanese flying fish roe, chrysanthemum petals, kombu-pickled daikon, wasabi, edible flowers and leaves from the 1-Arden Food Forest.

Oumi28
Tempura Crepe 5/5

Another beautiful dish on the menu is the Tempura Crepe ($25 for 2pc). I personally felt it can be one of their signature must try items. The cheesy crepe is topped with Australian scampi roe, Japanese flying fish roe, avocado slices, Ao-togarashi yoghurt, deep-fried sakura ebi, balsamic-teriyaki sauce, hojiso flowers and chrysanthemum petals. It is another multi-sensational dish with a delightful play of flavours and textures.

Oumi33
Kohitsuji Yaki 4.8/5

The Kohitsuji Yaki ($70) is another item on the menu that I enjoyed a lot. The juicy and tender Australian lamb chop is coated with finely chopped lemon myrite and lemon balm, served with Japanese sweet potato puree, fresh calamansi and garnished with edible flowers from the 1-Arden Food Forest.

Oumi37
Buta Kakuni 4.5/5

The Buta Kakuni ($60) reminds me of Okinawa cuisine which has Chinese influence. The wobbly and melted in the mouth braised pork belly has a hint of tang from the orange peel, served with grilled eringii mushrooms, fame flower, fresh egg yolk, mountain caviar, wasabi, edible flowers and leaves.

Oumi43
Awabi 4/5

The exquisite Awabi ($50), fresh live Australia abalone is salt-baked on the teppan. Once cooked, it is sliced and served on its shell, together with the innards topping and chipped wasabrina.

Oumi51
Wagyu 4.5/5

The Wagyu ($30 per serving) with fill you up at Oumi with the luxurious Kagashma A5 wagyu sirloin on top of Akita Komachi sushi rice, topped with an onsen egg yolk, Ao-Togarashi Yoghurt, Japanese leeks, lemon balm and served with freshly grated wasabi.

Oumi55
Kyoho Sorbet 4/5

To wrap up our dinner, we had the Kyoho Sorbet ($20) paired with warabi mochi and black sesame praline. A light and delicious dessert to end the dinner on a sweet note.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Oumi
CapitaSpring
88 Market Street
#51-01
Singapore 048948
Tel: +65 83383251
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Malacca Street. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, July 7, 2022

Sinpopo Brand @ Joo Chiat Road - Revamped Menu Of Local Food With A Fusion Twist

Sinpopo 1

Sinpopo Brand at Joo Chiat has been around for 9 years and is most known for its focus on local food with a fusion twist and cakes inspired by local flavours, such as pulut hitam and putu piring.

Sinpopo 2

Staying true to their brand story, they have recently launched a refreshed menu featuring return favourites and new innovative creations.

Sinpopo 3
Sotong Hitam with Handmade Crab Tortellini 3.8/5

The Sotong Hitam with Handmade Crab Tortellini ($20) showcases Sinpopo's unique take on tortellini. Instead of the usual pasta skin, the crab meat filling is wrapped with dumpling-like skin. Together with slices of squid, they are then done in a fragrant squid ink rempah that carries quite a kick of spice.

Sinpopo 4
Crab Bee Hoon 3/5

The Crab Bee Hoon ($19) is a popular return from the previous menu. It has vermicelli in a savoury seafood broth, topped with crab meat and roe.

Sinpopo 5
Baked Miso Cod Hor Fun 3.5/5

The perfectly baked miso atlantic cod was the highlight of the Baked Miso Cod Hor Fun ($23). The cod was buttery and creamy and paired nicely with the lightly crisped-up pieces of fish maw. At this price tag, however, we wished there was a stronger wok hei and a bigger portion of hor fun.

Sinpopo 6
Braised Cabbage in Superior Stock 3.5/5

A new interesting section on the refreshed menu is the Smoke-kissed Veggies to Share. There are 4 veggies to choose from, the Jambu Jack Salad, Butter Grilled Maitake, Nai Bai with Parmesan, and what we had, the Braised Cabbage in Superior Stock ($14). The savoy cabbage is braised till soft, grilled and served in a thick sauce. The overall smokiness was pleasant but could be much less salty.

Sinpopo 7
Durian Pengat Crème Brûlée 3.8/5

If you have a sweet tooth, the rich Durian Pengat Crème Brûlée ($14) is one to consider. It has mao shan wang durian flesh cooked down with pandan and gula melaka, layered under custard and a caramelised top. On the side, there is coconut cream and biscuits to go along. It can get quite sweet and heavy, so it would be good to have this as a sharing dessert.

Sinpopo 8
Sng Muay Pop

I enjoyed the fizzy Sng Muay Pop ($7)! It was scorching on the day of our visit, and this combination of 7-Up, lime and sour plum was refreshing. It's not too sweet, and they thoughtfully added preserved plum ice cubes. This drink helped to balance out the heavier-tasting dishes.

Sinpopo 9
Sinpopo Teh Tarik

The Sinpopo Teh Tarik ($5) was a recommendation by the staff. Each cup is served with a pair of in-house cookies - we got the black sesame flavour. The teh tarik was smooth and sweet.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Sinpopo Brand @ Katong
458 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427671
Tel: +63455034
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Dakota MRT (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
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. Cross the road and turn left. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take exit A. Walk to bus stop at Blk 99 Old Airport Road (Stop ID 81181). Take Bus 10 or 32. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to Joo Chiat Road. Turn left and walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]