SAKEMARU Artisan Sake Hideout is an izakaya tucked along South Bridge Road, between Clarke Quay and Raffles Place MRT stations. Specialising in modern Kappo-style Japanese cuisine, the restaurant exudes a cosy ambience with options for counter seating or regular tables.
True to its name, SAKEMARU boasts an extensive selection of artisanal sakes, many of which are rare finds not typically available in other local establishments.
Chef Kudo’s Omakase 4/5
The highlight of the menu is the signature Chef Kudo’s Omakase ($150/pax), while a la carte options are also available.
Saikzuke
The omakase begins with Saikzuke, a curated appetiser platter. This includes monkfish liver delicately paired with ponzu sauce, a saucer of flavourful boiled spinach, sweet Annou potato tempura, dried horse mackerel, and a fresh cuttlefish sushi piece.
Wanmono
The Wanmono soup course features a light yet hearty turnip soup, enhanced with cod milt and garnished with green onions.
Sashimi
No omakase is complete without Sashimi, and we were treated to thick, fresh slices of tuna, sea bream, and mackerel.
Yakimono
For our Yakimono course, we were served with buttery grilled scallops, brussel sprouts, and a tender slice of fish topped with sea urchin.
Agemono
Next was the Agemono course, which consisted of three tempuras: smelt, lotus root, and tilefish. While the ingredients were fresh, we found the batter slightly bland.
Sunomono
The Sunomono course showcased snow crab, grouper, and radish pickled in sweet vinegar, further dressed in Tosazu vinegar. While refreshing, it was a little too sweet for our liking.
Gohan
The main course was Gohan, featuring grilled yellowtail served with saikyo miso claypot rice, paired with a cup of miso soup. The rice is lightly savoury, complementing the grilled fish. I particularly liked the clear miso soup that had depth.
If you are not able to finish your portion of rice, the staff can shape it into small onigiri for takeaway, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Kanmi
The meal concluded with the Kanmi course. While I wished there was slightly more azuki filling, this traditional Japanese sweet treat of strawberry daifuku came with a juicy, sweet strawberry encased in soft mochi skin.
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.
SAKEMARU Artisan Sake Hideout
55 South Bridge Road
Singapore 058686
Tel: +65 65132789
Website
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line), Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)
Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat:1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)
Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Cross the road and walk to Carpenter Street. Walk down Carpenter Street to South Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]
2) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Chulia Street to North Canal Road. Walk to the junction of North Canal Road and South Bridge Road. Turn right onto South Bridge Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]
