Ganko Sushi @ Penang Road (Dhoby Ghaut) - Enjoy 1-for-1 Promotion on New Japanese Robatayaki Menu Till 31 July 2023

Ganko Sushi debuted in Singapore in late 2021, marking its first outpost in Southeast Asia, after successful operations of its 99 restaurants in Japan and 100th in Hong Kong. The restaurant takes pride in its attention to detail and the seafood ingredients' quality. Specially selected fresh catch is flown directly from Japan up to thrice a week to ensure optimum freshness.

Under the guidance of new Head Chef Koichi Matsuda, Ganko Sushi's menu sees a smoky twist with its new robatayaki offerings. The chef brings along with him rich experience from various stints in Michelin-starred restaurants in Japan.

Robatayaki translates to 'fireside cooking', with dishes done grilled. From now till the end of the month, diners can experience the new robatayaki menu with a 1-for-1 promotion on the equivalent value of dishes. Each table is limited to only one redemption per bill while stocks last.

Deluxe Sashimi Platter 4/5

We tried several of the restaurant's signature dishes before the robatayaki menu. While the Deluxe Sashimi Platter ($77) featured very fresh and thick slices, the price tag was considerably steep.

Shrimp & Vegetable Tempura 3.8/5

The crunchy Shrimp & Vegetable Tempura ($15) consisted of three prawns, lotus root, shiitake mushroom, seaweed and more. My dining companion and I found this a little oilier and more underseasoned than we would like.

Supreme Sushi Platter, 12 Types 4.2/5

We also had the Supreme Sushi Platter ($77) featuring 12 types of sushi, with selections such as negitoro, chutoro, ebi, uni and tamago. The ingredients were fresh, with a good rice-to-topping ratio. Note that wasabi is included by default, but you can inform the staff if you prefer without. They also offer platters of smaller sizes.

Large Asparagus 4/5

Moving on to dishes from the Robatayaki menu! Though the Large Asparagus ($10) from Nagano looked unassuming, the toasted almond slices and creamy mayo-based sauce hidden underneath paired nicely with its crunch. The portion leans small.

Shiitake Mushroom 4/5

The Shiitake Mushroom ($5) uses mushrooms from Gifu. These were minimally seasoned and grilled to a lovely juiciness.

Corn 4.2/5

One of my favourites was the Corn ($15) from Hokkaido which boasted a crisp texture and a delicate sweetness. The smokiness here was light.

Big Clam 4/5

I believe the Big Clam ($20) from Aichi was lightly seasoned, as it retained that natural 'ocean' saltiness and sweetness.

Potato with Butter 4.2/5

The simple yet satisfying Potato with Butter ($5) was a pleasant surprise. The slices of grilled potatoes from Hokkaido had thin, crisp skin, and they were fragrant from the smokiness and a good amount of butter. The addition of kombu bits elevated it with an umami touch.

Warabi Mochi 4/5

Dessert was a traditional Japanese dessert, the Warabi Mochi ($8).

It was served with nutty soybean powder and sweet brown sugar that you can add based on your preference on the sweetness level.

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.


Ganko Sushi
9 Penang Road
#01-01
Singapore 238459
Tel: +65 8828 2280
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Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut MRT (CC, NE, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130a, - 230pm, 6pm to 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to Penang Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Shang Palace @ Shangri-La Singapore - The Epicure Shangri-La at Shang Palace 6-Course Menu

Shang Palace at Shangri-La Singapore is joining the global campaign "Find Your Shangri-La" with their special 6-course menu, "The Epicure Shangri-La at Shang Palace". Priced at $188++ per person, this exclusive menu is available until 13 August 2023, promising a memorable dining experience.

Suckling Pig, Chilled Abalone, Sauteed Sliced Sea Conch, Baked Kagoshima Wagyu Beef Pastry

We were presented with a quartet of appetizers to kick off the meal. The beautifully plated dishes showcased a variety of cooking methods, including the succulent Suckling Pig topped with Black Caviar, the refreshing Chilled Abalone, the flavourful Sauteed Sliced Sea Conch, and the indulgent Baked Kagoshima Wagyu Beef Pastry. Each appetizer was a delightful combination of textures and flavours, offering a glimpse into the culinary craftsmanship of Shang Palace.

Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Fish Maw, Wolfberry and Chinese Yam

The Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Fish Maw, Wolfberry, and Chinese Yam followed. It is a comforting bowl of broth that has been simmered for hours. Packed with depth and richness, the soup was a testament to the skilful art of double-boiling, resulting in a clear yet flavorful concoction that warmed both the heart and soul.

Poached Spotted Garoupa Fillet with Crispy Bean Crumb and Black Truffle Slices

Next, we were presented with the Poached Spotted Garoupa Fillet with Crispy Bean Crumb and Black Truffle Slices. The fish was perfectly steamed, resulting in a tender and flaky texture. Topped with crispy bean crumbs, shaved black truffle, and spring onion, each bite offered a harmonious blend of flavours and textures that left us wanting more.

Braised Spanish Kurobuta Pork Belly with Plum Sauce accompanied with Japanese Plum Wine

The Braised Spanish Kurobuta Pork Belly with Plum Sauce, accompanied by a glass of Japanese Plum Wine, was a true highlight. The Kurobuta pork belly, known for its tenderness and juiciness, was perfectly braised in a savoury plum sauce. The rich flavours of the pork were beautifully complemented by the tangy sweetness of the plum wine, creating a memorable combination that delighted the taste buds.

Stewed Red Leg Prawn with Lemongrass and Garlic served in Claypot

The Stewed Red Leg Prawn with Lemongrass and Garlic served in a Claypot was a true delight for seafood lovers. The prawns were expertly cooked, with a firm and succulent texture. The fragrant lemongrass and garlic sauce added a burst of flavour, while the claypot presentation ensured that the dish stayed piping hot throughout the meal.

Chilled Mango Cream Pudding, Baked Peanut Pastry, Chilled Osmanthus Wolfberry Jelly

To conclude the exquisite 6-course experience, we savoured a trio of desserts. The Chilled Mango Cream Pudding with Pomelo, Baked Peanut Pastry, and Chilled Osmanthus Wolfberry Jelly offered a sweet and refreshing finale. The highlight was undoubtedly the baked peanut pastry, which left a lasting impression and had us eagerly anticipating its potential appearance during the upcoming Chinese New Year festivities.

Overall, "The Epicure Shangri-La at Shang Palace" 6-course menu at Shang Palace was a testament to the culinary expertise and attention to detail that has made this establishment a true gem in the Singapore dining scene. From the impeccable flavours to the elegant presentation, each dish showcased the artistry and dedication of the talented team at Shang Palace. This dining experience is not to be missed for those seeking a gastronomic journey embodying Shangri-La's essence.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Shang Palace
Shangri-La Hotel
22 Orange Grove Road
Lobby Level
Singapore 258350
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Nearest MRT: Orchard Road (NS Line, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1000pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 1000pm

Direction:
Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Continue onwards to Forum Shopping Mall. Walk further down to Orchard Parade Hotel. At Orchard Parade Hotel traffic junction, cross the road. Walk towards Orchard Hotel. Continue walking on Orange Grove Road until destination. Journey time about 30 minutes. [Map]