Sensu @ Keong Saik Road - A Bold Fusion of Japanese and European Flavours

Sensu, a fresh addition to Keong Saik Road, redefines Japanese dining by infusing it with the bold, robust notes of European cuisine. The result is a concept that feels both familiar and refreshingly unique, creating an elevated dining experience that appeals to adventurous foodies and purists alike.

Uni & Sakura Ebi Capellini 4.2/5

We began with the Uni & Sakura Ebi Capellini ($32), a dish that embodies slurping indulgence. The silky capellini is adorned with sakura ebi and nori, topped with creamy uni, and brought together by a zesty lemon confit. The balance of umami and brightness made this dish an absolute delight.

Black Truffle Chicken Wings 4.2/5

A standout from the menu, the Black Truffle Chicken Wings ($18 for 2 pcs), offers a luxurious twist on a classic favourite. Deboned chicken wings are stuffed with fragrant summer black truffle and sticky rice, all encased in a golden, crispy skin. Each bite was an explosion of textures and earthy flavours.

Sakura Ebi Fritter 4.5/5

The Sakura Ebi Fritter ($15) is visually stunning, fried to a perfect golden brown with a delightful crunch. The sakura ebi and hanaho add a touch of elegance, while the accompanying garlic aioli provides a rich and flavourful punch, enhancing the dish’s crispy goodness.

Hokkaido Scallop 4.8/5

The Hokkaido Scallop, with its dim sum-like presentation, reminded me of a dish straight out of Culinary Class Wars on Netflix. The scallop was plump, sweet, and encased in a crispy outer layer. This dish perfectly blended sophistication and comfort, paired with a luscious crustacean sauce elevated by vin jaune.

Seafood Paella 4.5/5

The Seafood Paella ($58 for 2 pax / $115 for 4 pax) is the epitome of Sensu's Japanese-European fusion philosophy. The dish harmonises the savoury notes of land and sea, featuring carabinero prawns, crispy baby squid, chorizo, and cherry tomatoes. Instead of traditional Spanish rice, premium Koshihikari rice is used, adding a delicate Japanese twist. The dish is further elevated with a crispy socarrat layer at the base, which provides a satisfying texture contrast.

Lamb Rack 4/5

The Lamb Rack was grilled to perfection, showcasing a tender, medium-rare interior with a beautifully charred exterior. Served with black garlic, artichoke purée, garlic shoots, morels, and lamb jus, the dish offered a robust, earthy flavour profile that lingered pleasantly on the palate.

Myriad of Citrus 4/5

We ended with the Myriad of Citrus ($12), a dessert as playful as it is refreshing. Resembling a piece of salmon sashimi, it is composed of lime granita, lemon, orange, and grapefruit. This dessert strikes a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, leaving a clean and invigorating finish to an extraordinary meal.

Sensu’s innovative fusion of Japanese and European cuisines sets it apart in the competitive dining scene of Keong Saik Road. With a menu that seamlessly marries bold, robust flavours with delicate Japanese nuances, Sensu delivers an unforgettable dining experience that food enthusiasts won’t want to miss.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Sensu
27 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089134
Tel: +65 9017 7631
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Outram Park (DT, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 12pm - 23pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun, Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight towards Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right onto Keong Siak Road. Walk down Keong Siak Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk straight down Neil Road to Teck Lim Road. Turn right onto Teck Lim Road. Walk down Teck Lim Road to Keong Saik Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 mintues. [Map]

Numb @ Marina One - Authentic Sichuan Restaurant with a Modern Touch

Nestled within the stunning Marine One, Numb offers a vibrant dining experience inspired by the bold, aromatic flavours of Sichuan cuisine. Known for its unapologetic embrace of spice and creativity, this eatery blends traditional techniques with modern flair. Be impressed with the diverse menu packed with dishes that delighted the palate and intrigued the senses.

Selection of Cold and Hot Teas

We began our meal with a delightful tea selection. The Phoenix Dancong Yashixiang Lemon Tea ($7.80) stood out as a refreshing cold option, while the Brown Sugar Ginger Tea ($15.80/pot) offered a comforting warmth. The latter was delicately balanced, with the gentle fragrance of brown sugar complementing the subtle ginger notes.

Mashed Pepper with Century Egg and Eggplants 3.8/5

This trending dish has been a favourite to explore across different restaurants. Numb’s rendition of Mashed Pepper with Century Egg and Eggplants ($16.80) features a visually striking presentation, separating the mashed century egg with pepper and eggplant. The dish offers two distinct flavours, one leaning towards a ‘mala’ profile while both making for an excellent starter.

Shanghai-Style Smoked Crispy Fish 3/5

The Shanghai-Style Smoked Crispy Fish ($20.80) delighted with its fragrant and crispy texture. The salt-forward flavour profile makes it an ideal pairing with drinks, though it might not stand out as a standalone dish.

Beijing-Style Duck Cubes with Cornmeal Steamed Buns 3/5

The Beijing-Style Duck Cubes with Cornmeal Steamed Buns ($33.80) is a complete meal featuring roasted duck cubes, garlic sprouts, and sweet peppers served with 5 steamed cornmeal buns. While the concept intrigued us, the overall dryness of the dish left it slightly underwhelming compared to others on the menu.

Garlic Shrimp on Vermicelli Noodles with Thai Chili Sauce 4.2/5

The standout dish of our meal was the Garlic Shrimp on Vermicelli Noodles with Thai Chili Sauce ($36.80). Served tableside with an irresistible drizzle of Thai chilli sauce, the charred vermicelli soaked up every bit of its flavourful essence. The plump, fresh shrimp made this dish an absolute must-try.

Signature Chongqing Chicken Pot 4.2/5

Another highlight was the Signature Chongqing Chicken Pot ($32.80). Tender boneless chicken pieces paired with fork-tender potatoes, beancurd skin and green chilli in a mildly spiced sauce. Its spice level is mild-friendly, even for those who avoid overly spicy food. We enjoyed dipping the cornmeal steamed buns into the savoury sauce for an extra treat!

Poached Chinese Lettuce in Soy Sauce 3/5

To round out the meal, we chose the Poached Chinese Lettuce in Soy Sauce ($16.80). While not particularly memorable, it provided a simple and clean counterbalance to the richness of the other dishes.

Numb's contemporary ambience defies the expectations of a traditional Chinese restaurant. There is a private room and outdoor seating at the Marina One location, which caters to both casual and formal gatherings. Non-spicy options are available for those less inclined to spice. A new outlet at One Raffles Quay has also recently opened, extending this unique dining experience to more guests.

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


Numb Restaurant
Marina One West Tower
#01-12
9 Straits View
Singapore 018935
Tel: +65 94601960
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line), Shenton Way (TE Line), Marina Bay (CC, NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Shenton Way MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Downtown MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Straits View. Turn right onto Straits View. Walk down Straits View. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Marina Bay MRT station. Take Exit 1. Turn left onto Commerce Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]