Uoharu (魚治) @ IOI Central Boulevard Towers - Renown Tokyo Kaizen Izakaya Opens Doors to Second Overseas Outpost in Singapore

A renowned izakaya from Tokyo has just arrived on our shores. Founded by Chef Masahiro Uchiyama, Uoharu has garnered acclaim for its delectable dishes created using fresh ingredients sourced from Toyosu Market and its commitment to reducing food waste using cosmetically imperfect ingredients. Uoharu Singapore is the second international outpost for the brand, following Uoharu Hong Kong, which is so popular that reservations are required a month in advance.

The izakaya is located on Level 1 of the IOI Central Boulevard Towers. The signage is quite discreet, so look out for the Toast Box beside it to find the place. Step inside, and the ambience and vibes will make you feel as if you've been whisked away to Japan. Expect a lively, bustling atmosphere, some traditional Japanese elements in the décor, and an overall cosy and inviting vibe.

Baguette Toast with Cream Cheese and Maple Syrup 4.2/5

The Baguette Toast with Cream Cheese and Maple Syrup ($7.80) was delicious. The toast itself was very crispy and provided a satisfying crunch with every bite. The smooth and light cream cheese had a luscious texture that complemented the toast beautifully, whilst the maple syrup added just the right amount of sweetness without being overwhelming.

Bagna Cauda 4/5

We also enjoyed Bagna Cauda ($3/pax), a classic Italian dip known for its rich, savoury profile featuring anchovies and garlic. This dish was served as a warm, indulgent dipping sauce, perfect for pairing with a colourful assortment of fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and sweet potato. The vegetables are served on a bed of ice to keep them cold and crisp before dipping.

Potato Salad with Smoked Mackerel and Egg 3.5/5

There was also a serving of Potato Salad with Smoked Mackerel and Egg ($7.80). It's a fairly standard and yummy version of a popular comfort food dish, with the mackerel adding some smoky flavours.

Akita Smoked Radish with Cream Cheese 2.8/5

We tried a popular drinking snack that is apparently quite popular at Uoharu Hong Kong: the Akita Smoked Radish with Cream Cheese ($10.80). It's quite an acquired taste in terms of flavour and texture. The radish is chewy and very salty, perhaps not for me.

Seared Miso Sashimi Tartare 4.2/5

The other drinking snack we sampled was much more to my liking. The Seared Miso Sashimi Tartare ($14.80) is prepared tableside. It features a seared portion of sashimi served with a raw egg yolk and seaweed. This interactive dish adds an element of fun, as diners are encouraged to scoop some of the sashimi tartare, wrap it in the seaweed, and then dip it into the egg yolk to create their own flavour bomb.

Japanese-style Thick Fried Tofu 3.5/5

The Japanese-style Thick Fried Tofu ($6.80) was served piping hot and crispy on the outside, while the tofu was soft and creamy inside. It is quite nice, but I would have loved it to have some dipping sauce.

Manzoku Tuna and Sea Urchin Sushi Roll 4.2/5

The Manzoku Tuna and Sea Urchin Sushi Roll ($28.80) is visually stunning, with treasures of the sea heaped on it. Each bite offers a rich, umami-packed experience, topped with Ikura and crab and combining the buttery, briny notes of sea urchin with the freshness of the tuna.

Mentaiko in Olive Oil with French Baguette 4.2/5

I also enjoyed the Mentaiko in Olive Oil with French Baguette ($12.80), where the mentaiko comes in a hot pan of olive oil with julienned potato strips. The rich mentaiko is meant to be generously spread onto the crispy baguette toast for a pretty unique but tasty bite.

U.S. Beef Short Rib with bone 3.5/5

The U.S. Beef Short Rib with Bone ($32.80) is a promising dish with a juicy and flavourful bite. However, on this particular occasion, the dish was too heavy-handed with the salt, which detracted from the full enjoyment of the dish. More measured seasoning would improve the dish so that diners can fully savour the taste of the beef itself.

Grilled Squid served with Squid Liver Sauce 4/5

There is also a Grilled Squid served with Squid Liver Sauce ($16.80), prepared to showcase its tender yet slightly chewy texture. The liver sauce is the special feature of the dish, with a deep, concentrated and briny flavour with a smooth, creamy texture.

Homemade Snow Crab Croquette Rice 4.5/5

My favourite dish of the evening is Homemade Snow Crab Croquettes Rice ($29.80). The homemade snow crab croquette is a standout element, offering a creamy and rich filling encased in a crispy, golden-brown crust. The dish is further elevated by adding ikura, which adds a delightful briny pop with each bite, and succulent crab meat. All these are combined in a claypot and mixed for a very delicious rice dish, where each spoonful is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Soba with Karasumi 3/5

There's also the interesting Soba with Karasumi ($20.80), also known as cured mullet roe. Karasumi is known for its rich, salty, and umami-packed flavour profile. The roe is air-dried and cured, then shaved over the top of the soba. The roe has a nice crumbly texture that goes well with the soba. However, after a few bites I found it a tad dry eaten on its own.

Matcha Baguette Ice Cream Sandwich 3/5

For a simple dessert, you can opt for a Matcha Baguette Ice Cream Sandwich ($6.80) which is exactly what its name suggests –nice matcha ice cream served in a baguette sandwich. Points given for the baguette which is served hot and crispy to contrast with the cold ice cream.

Homemade Japanese Pumpkin Crème Brulee 4/5

For something more interesting, opt for the Homemade Japanese Pumpkin Crème Brulee ($8.80), which is creamy, nutty and sweet. The pumpkin is pureed and incorporated into the custard base, giving the dessert a distinctive taste and a vibrant, golden-orange hue.

Whilst there were hits and misses, it was overall an enjoyable meal, complemented by a very pleasant and convivial atmosphere and friendly staff. It is an excellent place to hang out with friends for drinks, and they have more than 100 kinds of Japanese sake, beer, highball, lemon sour, cocktails, shochu, wines, and other beverages, all directly imported from Japan. Uoharu is also one of the few places to offer Draft Sake, a speciality brew made with no preservatives. Non-alcoholic drinkers can also enjoy some nice yuzu and Aomori apple sodas and a variety of Japanese teas.

Last but not least, don't miss the nightly Katsuo Warayaki Show, a fiery spectacle of traditional straw-roasting and grilling after which diners are offered a complimentary tasting of grilled bonito fish!

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Uoharu (魚治)
IOI Central Boulevard Towers
2 Central Boulevard
#01-16
Singapore 018916
Tel: +65 6931 2733
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Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line), Shenton Way (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11am - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Downtown MRT station. Take Exit E or F. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Shenton Way MRT station. Take Exit 4. Cut across Asia Square Tower to Commerce Street. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.[Map]

Viet Nam Pho @ Clementi West Street 2 - New Hole in the Wall Eatery Servicing Authentic Vietnameses Food at Affordable Price

A new eatery has quietly opened in my neighbourhood, bringing the flavours of Vietnam to the West Coast area. Viet Nam Pho has taken over the space that previously housed a Sarawak Kolo Mee stall, nestled opposite the West Coast Community Club and facing the basketball court. As a fan of Vietnamese cuisine, I was eager to give this small, unassuming spot a try, and I’m glad I did.

Beef Noodle Soup 4.2/5

We kicked off our meal with the Beef Noodle Soup ($7), and the generous portion size immediately struck me for such an affordable price. The bowl came brimming with a variety of beef cuts, which, while not the highest quality, were more than ample in quantity. The rice noodles were silky smooth, and the broth had a well-balanced, comforting, and satisfying sweetness. If you prefer a little heat, I'd recommend adding a spoonful of chopped chillies to give the soup an extra kick.

Salad 4.2/5

The Salad ($5.50) was a pleasant surprise. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it turned out to be a refreshing and satisfying dish. The fresh, crunchy greens were tossed in a delightful sweet and savoury sauce, with the added crunch of fragrant peanuts. The salad was also studded with tender prawns and slices of pork, making it a substantial and delicious starter.

Vietnamese Chee Cheong Fun 3.5/5

One of the more interesting items on the menu was the Vietnamese Chee Cheong Fun ($4.50), something I had never tried before. The dish arrived with plain Chee Cheong Fun topped with crispy fried shallots and accompanied by two types of Vietnamese ham. To enjoy it, you dip the rice rolls into a fish sauce-based dipping sauce that is both sweet and savoury, reminiscent of the sauce served with Vietnamese spring rolls. The flavours were simple yet satisfying, making it a nice change of pace from the more familiar dishes.

Banh Mi 3.8/5

Next up was the Banh Mi ($5.50), a staple of Vietnamese street food. The staff gave the baguette a quick toast before stuffing it with various ingredients. The result was a crispy, delightful sandwich that burst with flavours in every bite. However, my only gripe was that the filling was a bit lacking. While I understand the need to keep costs down, I think the sandwich could benefit from a bit more stuffing—perhaps extra shredded carrot and radish to make it more visually appealing and satisfying. Additionally, offering more variety in the fillings, such as meatballs, grilled chicken, or beef, could give customers more choices.

Rice Vermicelli with Chicken and Rolls 3.5/5

Our final dish was the Rice Vermicelli with Chicken and Rolls ($6). This dry noodle dish is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, and to fully enjoy it, you need to pour the accompanying sweet and savoury sauce over the noodles and give it a good toss. The dish came with grilled chicken pieces and crispy fried spring rolls. While it was tasty, the flavours didn't quite reach the heights of the other dishes we tried, but it was still a decent, comforting option.

Viet Nam Pho is a welcome addition to the West Coast neighbourhood, offering authentic Vietnamese dishes at wallet-friendly prices. While there are a few areas where the eatery could improve, particularly in terms of variety and customer service, the flavours are on point, and the value for money is hard to beat. Whether you're a fan of Vietnamese cuisine or simply looking to try something new, Viet Nam Pho is worth a visit. I'm looking forward to returning and trying more of their offerings in the future.


Viet Nam Pho
Blk 721 Clementi West Street 2
#01-120
Singapore 120721
Tel: +65 92247998
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 8pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station (Stop ID 17179). Take bus number 201. Alight 2 stops later. Cross the road. Turn left and cut through the food centre to block 721. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]