Sora Boru @ 313 Somerset - New Japanese Fast-Casual Restaurant Offering One-Bowl Meals

Newly opened at the basement of 313 Somerset is Sora Boru, a new Japanese fast casual restaurant that offers a variety of delectable one-bowl meals. These one-bowl meals come in the form of DonBoru, CurryBoru, ChirashiBoru and Noodles, offering diners a quick, tasty and wholesome meal that is wallet friendly.

Crispy Salmon Skin with Egg Mayo Dip 3/5

Start the meal with some delectable snack bite such as the Crispy Salmon Skin with Egg Mayo Dip ($8.50). Other sides available on the menu includes Salmon Sashimi, Chicken Gyoza and Yasai Corn Tempura with Tartar Sauce.

Volcano Beef Don 4/5

The highlight here has to be their Volcano Beef Don ($7.50/$11.90) and Snow Beef Don ($7.50/$11.90). The rice bowls come with a base of steamed rice and a choice of either stewed cabbage or seasoned beansprouts, followed by a pile of flame-grilled beef slices.

Snow Beef Don 3.8/5

The Volcano Beef Don looks like a active volcano in eruption with lava (red spicy sauce) flowing down on its side. On the whole hand, the Snow Beef Don looks like a snow-capped mountain covered with grated parmesan and a sweet-savoury sauce made from whipping cream. The thinly sliced beefs were tender with hint of smokiness. What I like is the bed of vegetables that helps to cut those richness.

Chirashiboru 3.8/5

The ChirashiBoru ($6.50/$11.90/$16.90) here comes in 3 sizes (mini, regular, large) and diners have a choice of either sushi rice or mixed greens for their base. We went for the greens instead. Next you get to choose the one sashimi for your bowl out of the five (salmon, scallop, tuna, octopus, swordfish). You can have extra sashimi for an additional $3.50 per serving. Then you pick your toppings at $1 per extra serving. A total of eleven different toppings are available such as shrimp, corns, hanjuku egg, chicken ham, sliced tamagoyakia and more. Last but not least, you pick your dressing (shoyu, sesame, spicy) and garnish your bowl with tempura crumbs, spring onion and roasted sesame seeds to complete you DIY bowl.

Cha Soba Soup 4/5

Cha Soba Chilled 4/5

For Cha Soba lover, you will be glad to know that you can have it served either chilled or in a bowl of hot soup. Make it a complete meal with accompaniments such as Ebi Vegetable Tempura ($7.50/$12.90), Chicken Karaage ($6.50/$10.90) or Vegetable Tempura ($6.50/$10.90)

Chicken Katsu 4/5

If you want something more filling, you can go for the CurryBoru which can be paired with a choice of deep-fried meat or seafood, such as Chicken Katsu ($6.50/$10.90), Breaded Ebi ($6.50/$10.90). Those that have a big appetite, there is also two combo options such as Breaded Ebi with Shabu Beef ($12.90) and Breaded Salmon with Shabu Beef ($11.90).

Breaded Ebi with Shabu Beef 4/5

What won me for the CurryBoru is their homemade Japanese curry which is mildly spicy that carries a hint of fruity acidity. It is rich, robust but not cloying.

Overall the food here is pretty good and friendly to the wallet. Hardly one can find a hearty one-bowl meat that is less than $12 along Orchard road.

Note: This is invited tasting.


Sora Boru
313 Somerset
313 Orchard Road
#B3-19/20
Singapore 238895
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Indian Express @ Race Course Road - Home-style Northern Indian Cuisine Along With Indian-Chinese Favourites

Northern Indian cuisine is prevalent in our island but Indian-Chinese dishes are definitely less so. Here at Indian Express, take the chance to explore their characters that are unfamiliar to us, while tucking into your favourite Northern Indian dishes. Nestled in one of the shophouses on Racecourse Road, Indian Express has recently renovated and reopened with a fresh look. You may not have known, this casual dining concept is established by the same management behind The Song of India, currently helmed by executive chef Umed Singh, alumnus of The Song of India and protégé of Michelin-starred chef Manjunath Mural.

Tandoori Mix Grill Platter 3.8/5

As a starter or even a simple meal for two, the signature Punjabi-style Tandoori Mix Grill Platter ($19) that comes in a sizzling plate of lamb chop, fish, chicken tikka and kebab that have been grilled in the Tandoor, will have you deeply satisfied. I love the fish which was well marinated with spices and yogurt, and that layer of marination also kept it moist and tender during the grilling process.

Kashmiri Lamb Rack Wazwan 4.2/5

Each platter comes with a lamb chop as well and we had the chance to view them in full glory in the Kashmiri Lamb Rack Wazwan ($14) that made a rather dramatic entrance with the lamb racks smoking in its own juice and marination. It is something that you would not want to share, for all you want is to slowly lift the tender meat off its bone and savour it slowly.

Grilled Vegetarian Platter 3/5

The Grilled Vegetarian Platter ($14) was wholesome with Seekh Kebab, Paneer Tikka and Cauliflower. The Paneer Tikka could be a lot more pleasing if the bell pepper was more cooked down to release its fruity and smokey flavour.

Papdi Chaat 2.8/5

Pani Poori 3/5

One of my favourite small bites are Papdi Chaat and Pani Poori. What we had $7 each were decent but I would like them to be more tangy with yogurt and chutney.

Chilli Chicken 3/5

Indian Express also offers a comprehensive menu of Indian-Chinese dishes. Indian-Chinese cuisine has its roots back in Kolkata in the 1700s, the period when the Chinese migrated there and settled in. They adapted their own recipes with well-loved Indian spices and ingredients and that boost of flavours into dishes which please the local palate became a hit across India 90 years ago. We only managed to try one, Chili Chicken ($14). The flavours were quite homely actually, reminiscent of my mum's black soy stir-fried chicken but laced with chilli.

Butter Chicken 4/5

After all the dishes, we were ready for a lineup of well-loved Northern Indian classics. Among all, the highlight for me was the Butter Chicken ($14). The chicken was being barbecued beforehand, hence it exuded a strong hint of smokiness as I bite into it. Cooked in tomato sauce, the curry was bright with a well rounded tangy sweetness. That mingled perfectly with the smoky flavour of the meat.

Prawn Masaledar 4/5

Prawn Masaledar ($18) is slightly similar to butter chicken which has a tomato based curry but given a dose coconut milk. Again, I like that level of piquancy in the curry, though it was mellower.

Lamb Shank 3.8/5

Muglai Fish Curry 3/5

You can look forward to a good quality Lamb Shank ($16) which comes from one of the finest meat suppliers in Singapore. You may find the Muglai Fish Curry ($12) interesting, which probably reminds you of Thai Green Curry but I prefer a curry that is more robust.

Palak Paneer 4/5

Their Palak Paneer ($10) is also one of the better ones that I have tried. It has a pureed consistency, unlike those creamier ones with cottage cheese cubes swimming inside. Blend with minced garlic, there is an additional layer of flavour built into it that makes it far more delectable than the rest.

Bhindi Masala 3.8/5

Bhindi Masala ($9) is ladyfingers, an ingredient that you either love or hate. It's tricky to cook it well to a right doneness while keeping it green and crunchy. If you like it with samba belacan, this will not disappoint.

Royal Chicken Dum Biryani 3/5

To go with all the curries and dishes, you can go for their Royal Chicken Dum Biryani ($12) but I would suggest skipping that for their moriesh Assorted Naan (Plain Naan $2.50 / Whole wheat $3 / Garlic Naan $3 / Butter Naan $3). Nothing is more engaging than sopping them with curries and savouring them with hands!

Carrot Halwa 3.5/5

For dessert, we had a traditional winter time Carrot Halwa ($4.50) pudding that originated from North India. In North India, the seasonal carrot has a lot more water content but they managed to create the same using ghee, milk and sugar.

When there are so many restaurants in Little India that leave you clueless of where to dine in, simply head down to Indian Express for an authentic experience.

Words and photos by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Indian Express
38 Race Course Road
Singapore 218555
Tel: +65 63417429
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Website
Nearest MRT: Little India (DT Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours
Daily: 12pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Little India MRT station.Take Exit E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]