Tamashii Robataya @ North Canal Road - Showcasing The Hidden Gem of Kansai

For a limited period from 11 March to 30 April 2017, Tamashii Robabtaya is working together with Miumi Japan Food to promote the premium and seasonal ingredients of Kansai region. To showcases the food and ingredients from Kansai, both Chef Yukari Tsuchitda and Chef Patrick Tan have come together to create a 8 course omakase menu at $188.

Zensai (Assorted Appetisers) 3.8/5

We started with a trio of appetisers which consists of Mizu Nasu (eggplant), Anago Kyur Otsumami (conger eel) and Hotarui Ika, Soramame (firefly squid). It is my first time having eggplant raw which is lighted marinated with sesame oil and salt. Apparently this species of eggplant can be eaten raw, crunchy and juicy. Another rare ingredient is the firefly squid which is in season. It goes very well with the vinegar miso sauce.

Sashimi Mori 4.2/5

The second course features the fresh seafood of Kansai region. The Sashimi Mori comes in a platter of assorted Kansai raw fish serve with soya foam. On the plate, there are otoro, sea bream and even geoduck.

Takenoko Taki 4.2/5

A rather interesting dish is the Takenoko Take which the bamboo shoot is grilled and served with pepper leaves miso. It is my first time having the bamboo shoot cooked in this way. I really enjoyed the texture of the bamboo shoot and how it has absorbed the sweetness of the marination.

Uni Bowl 3/5

Presented like a sea urchin, the Uni Bowl comes with fish paste wrapped with sea urchin and fried with wheat noodle. I like how the fried wheat noodle gives the dish a crispy texture. It is a good dish but I thought the sea urchin was lost in the flavourful fish paste.

Omi Gyu A4 Donburi 4.5/5

A highlight at Tamashii Robataya is their beef donburi. For the hidden gem of Kansai promotion, Chef Patrick has included the Omi Gyu A4 Donburi in the omakase menu, using omi beef striploin on rice serve with onsen egg and truffle.

Aye Hiyashi Somen 4.5/5

After all the richness, the Aye Hiyashi Somen is a welcoming change. The smooth and silky somen comes in a refreshing cold soup with conger eel and yam. It not only freshened up the palate but also gave a smoothing approach to the end of the dining experience.

Terrine of Matcha 4/5

Anno Imo Candy 4/5

Wrapping up the 8 course omakase meal is the Terrine of Matcha and Anno Imo Candy. The green tea flavoured cake is soft and moist. What is more interesting is the sweet potato wrapped in candy, striking a harmonious balance which is not overpowering sweet.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tamashii Robataya
12 North Canal Road
#02-01
Singapore 048825
Tel: +65 62220316
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line), Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards the junction of North Canal Road and South Bridge Road. Cross the junction and continue on North Canal Road. Walk along the shophouses along North Canal Road. Look out for an alley and turn left into it. Look for the entrance to the building and take lift to level 2. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk towards North Canal Road. Continue on North Canal Road. Walk along the shophouses along North Canal Road. Look out for an alley and turn right into it. Look for the entrance to the building and take lift to level 2. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Min Jiang @ One North - The Magic Of Black Garlic

Known for its unique flavour and health benefit, the black garlic took the stage from 15 March to 14 April 2017 at Min Jiang, One-North. For a limited period, Master Chef Goh Chee Kong has created six dishes highlighting the special ingredient - Japanese Black Garlic. Unlike the normal garlic, black garlic is actually sweet due to the ageing process.

Black Garlic Duo Platter 3.5/5

We started with the Black Garlic Duo Platter ($12/pax) which comprises of Pan Fried Scallop with Black Garlic and Sliced Pork with Shredded Pickled Papaya and Black Garlic. The scallop is stuffed with a minced prawn-black garlic-water chestnut paste and lightly seared. While the scallop is plump and flavourful, the sweetness of the black garlic was hardly noticeable. I preferred the sliced pork which I actually could taste the subtle sweetness of the black garlic

Double Boiled Black Chicken Soup with Black Garlic 4.5/5

One of my favourite dishes on the menu is the Double Boiled Black Chicken Soup with Black Garlic, Dried Scallops and Top Shell ($22/pax). The flavourful and nourishing soup is brewed for a good 4 hours, extracting the essences of the black chicken and seafood. A glove of black garlic is added at the end and steamed for another 20 minutes, giving the soup an extra sweet note from the black garlic.

Steamed Lobster with Winter Melon and Black Garlic 4/5

The Steamed Lobster with Winter Melon and Black Garlic ($30/order) is topped with a mixture of minced black and white garlic which complemented the bouncy and juicy lobster meat. The use of winter melon gives the dish a refreshing touch.

Stewed Organic Green Tea Noodles with Black Garlic and Minced Pork 4.2/5

Not to be missed is the Stewed Organic Green Tea Noodles with Black Garlic and Minced Pork ($10/pax). The dish has the elements of Zha Jiang Mian and the restaurant's popular braised mee pok dish. It is tossed in dried shrimp chilli pasta and jazzed up with black garlic.

Pandan Jelly with Lime Sorbet 4/5

Wrapping up the dinner, we had the Pandan Jelly with Lime Sorbet ($10/pax). A refreshing and sweet finish to round off the dinner.

The Black Garlic promotion is available only for a limited period from 15 March to 14 April 2017. Besides the dishes I tried, there are other creation from Chef Goh such as the Sauteed Beef Cubes with Two Kinds of Garlic and Pan Fried Sea Perch with Black Garlic and Seasonal Vegetables.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Min Jiang at One North
No. 5 Rochester Park
Singapore 139216
Tel: +65 67740122
Website
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to Star Vista. At Rochester Drive turn left. Continue on Rochester Drive to the end of the road. Cross the road and continue on Rochester Park. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]