Sunday, October 6, 2024

Hanare by Takayama @ Takashimaya - Indulge in the Limited-Time Miyazaki A4 Gyukatsu Set for 2 at $158

HanareSep24-29

Hanare by Takayama at Takashimaya has launched a limited-time seasonal Miyazaki A4 Gyukatsu Set for 2 diners at $158, and it's a luxurious feast not to be missed. This exclusive set menu includes a selection of dishes from appetisers to dessert, offering a fine balance of flavours and premium ingredients. Available to just 10 diners per session for lunch and dinner daily, the exclusivity of this meal makes it an enticing option for those looking to indulge in something special.

HanareSep24-3
Aburi Scallop Salad 3/5

To begin, diners can choose from three salads: White Bait Salad with Plum Dressing, Aburi Scallop Salad (+$18), and Aburi Wagyu Beef Salad (+$22). We opted for the Aburi Scallop Salad. The scallops were plump, fresh, and slightly torched, which enhanced their sweetness. Paired with wakame seaweed and greens, the sancho dressing added a refreshing zest to the dish. While the scallops were delightful, the salad felt somewhat predictable and lacked the wow factor to warrant the additional price.

HanareSep24-12
3 Kinds of Seasonal Sashimi 4.2/5

Following the salad was the Seasonal Sashimi, featuring three types of fresh fish. Thickly cut and beautifully presented, the sashimi was a highlight, offering that perfect melt-in-your-mouth sensation. The freshness of the fish was unmistakable, and each bite was a testament to the quality and care taken in sourcing ingredients. It is a substantial and satisfying dish for sashimi lovers.

HanareSep24-25
Snow Crab Chawanmushi 5/5

The Snow Crab Chawanmushi was another highlight of the meal. The steamed egg custard was silky smooth, with each spoonful bursting with the sweetness of the snow crab. The addition of ikura (salmon roe) added a delightful salty pop, complementing the creamy texture of the chawanmushi. This luxurious version of a classic dish elevated the dining experience with its rich and delicate flavours.

HanareSep24-17
Signature Kamameshi 5/5

A signature at Hanare, the Kamameshi (traditional Japanese rice dish) is a must-try, and luckily, it’s included in this set. Diners can choose from four varieties: Fried Garlic Kamameshi, Salmon and Ikura Kamameshi (+$12), Hokkaido Seiko Kani and Ikura Kamameshi (+$18), and Wagyu Kamameshi (+$24).

We went for the Hokkaido Seiko Kani and Ikura Kamameshi. The fragrant rice, cooked in a specially brewed dashi stock in a traditional iron pot, was topped with female snow crab, ikura, mushrooms, and edamame. The umami-packed rice was served with miso soup and pickles on the side, and every bite was satisfying, with the crab's sweetness enhancing the overall depth of flavour.

HanareSep24-14

HanareSep24-26
Miyazaki A4 Gyukatsu 4.5/5

The star of the show is undoubtedly the Miyazaki A4 Gyukatsu, where 200g of premium, breaded beef fillet is served golden and crispy on the outside while retaining a juicy, tender core. The real fun starts when diners get to grill the gyukatsu to their preferred doneness on a hot plate. The beef's rich marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture made it the highlight of the meal and a true indulgence for meat lovers.

HanareSep24-33
Frozen Yuzu & Mango Prafit with Candied Yuzu Peel 3/5

The meal ended on a refreshing note with the Frozen Yuzu & Mango Parfait with Candied Yuzu Peel. The tartness of the yuzu paired with the sweetness of the mango created a well-balanced dessert, light and palate-cleansing after a rich meal. The candied yuzu peel added an extra touch of elegance and texture to the dessert.

The Miyazaki A4 Gyukatsu Set is a delightful experience for those looking to indulge in a curated menu of premium ingredients. While the Aburi Scallop Salad didn't quite justify its additional cost, the freshness of the sashimi, the luxuriousness of the chawanmushi, and the flavourful kamameshi and gyukatsu more than made up for it. The meal ended on a sweet and satisfying note with the Frozen Yuzu & Mango Parfait.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Hanare by Takayama
Takashimaya Shopping Centre
391 Orchard Road
#03-07
Ngee Ann City
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 82989369
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight at Ngee Ann City until destination. Journey about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B to Orchard Road. Head west or turn left onto Orchard Road against the flow of traffic. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, October 5, 2024

Soup Restaurant Celebrates 33rd Anniversary with New Dishes and Promotions

Samsui Ginger Chicken 1

A beloved staple in Singapore’s dining scene, Soup Restaurant has been serving comforting, home-cooked food for 33 years, and their iconic Samsui Ginger Chicken remains a fan favourite. To commemorate this milestone, Soup Restaurant rolled out four exciting new dishes alongside enticing anniversary promotions.

Tiger Prawn with Bee Hoon Soup 1
Tiger Prawn with Bee Hoon Soup 4/5

The hearty Tiger Prawn with Bee Hoon ($18.90) boasts a rich prawn broth, simmered for over four hours to achieve deep umami flavours, lightly enhanced with ginger. While the prawns could be larger, the overall experience is satisfying and perfect for a comforting meal.

Choy Sum with Minced Pork and Sweet Turnip 1
Choy Sum with Minced Pork and Sweet Turnip 3/5

A simple yet wholesome Choy Sum with Minced Pork and Sweet Turnip ($15.90) featuring fresh, crunchy choy sum paired with savoury minced pork. However, the flavour of the sweet turnip was barely noticeable, leaving us wanting more from this otherwise homey dish.

Other new additions include Honey Glazed Ginger Chicken ($17.90) and Steamed Fish Slices with Samsui Ginger Sauce ($18.90), the latter showcasing the restaurant's famed ginger sauce.

Samsui Ginger Chicken 2
Samsui Ginger Chicken 4/5

No visit to Soup Restaurant is complete without their signature Samsui Ginger Chicken. The tender poached chicken, perfectly paired with their fragrant ginger sauce, is a must-have that never disappoints.

Soup 1
Soup of the Day 3.5/5

The Shark Fin Melon Soup we tried was a light and refreshing option. The melon was cooked just right, soft yet intact, adding a nice texture to the otherwise simple broth.

Claypot Tofu 1
Claypot Tofu 3/5

The Claypot Tofu features tender tofu in a savoury gravy, ideal for pairing with a bowl of rice. While it's a comforting dish, it lacks a standout element that elevates it beyond the ordinary.

Dessert 1
Dessert of the day 2.8/5

We concluded with the White Fungus with Gingko Nuts, but unfortunately, the texture of the white fungus fell short, lacking the desired softness, and the overall flavour profile was underwhelming.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Soup Restaurant
NEX
23 Serangoon Central 
#02-15/16
Singapore 556083
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Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit E, G, H. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]