Matsukiya by Sushi Tei @ Paragon

Lady M wanted something Japanese during our babymoon earlier this October, and I thought, where could I find a nice place to feed her and the little one? And that's when we chanced upon the more atas branch-off from our all-time favourite Sushi Tei - Matsukiya. Now we are all pretty familiar with the budget friendly options from Sushi Tei, and its student weekday buffet (oh the memories), but Matsukiya is different. Its slightly higher price point also meant.. 

An experience like no Sushi Tei

Located at the atas Paragon (how fitting), Matsukiya is hidden beside its sister, Sushi Tei. Now, I used hidden, because we missed it the first time. In fact, we might have walked past it without realising that it's Matsukiya. Stepped inside, you will see limited seating with a central counter where chefs performed their skewers-grilling skills over Japanese bincho-tan, that is, white charcoal. Its dim lighting and dark floors make it looks like you're at a fine dining place. But you know what's the good thing? Its ventilation. So you don't walk out feeling you need to empty a Febreeze on you (cough, Seoul Garden).

Recipe: The Most Fluffy Cheesecake Ever

Don't you just adore cheesecakes that wiggle and jiggle like a pair of uh, Jigglypuffs! Okay, I am not talking about New York style cheesecakes, which are much denser and cheesier than their Japanese counterpart. My mother loves cheesecake, but she dislikes cheese - oh, the irony. After experimenting with several recipes, I finally found one that delivers the fluffiest and moist cheesecake. Now you can enjoy homemade cheesecake (and the fun) at a fraction of the price you pay in bakeries!

Recipe: Japanese Souffle Cheesecake

Previously I actually made the ang-moh (:western) version of cheesecake. Although youngsters like limbeh (and probably you) would dig it, the cream-cheese was too strong, and the texture too heavy for my mother. So I thought, for mother's day, why not make the Japanese version of it? Unlike the western version, the Japanese rendition is lighter, fluffier and way milder. This recipe is an adaption of Cooking with Dog's souffle cheesecake. They have brilliant recipes (especially Japanese cuisine, and the dog is real cute too).

Buta God @ Bugis+, Singapore

Ramen Champion first opened its doors at Bugis+ in 2011, and has since garnered the attention of many ramen lovers as well as ramen chefs, who competing for the annual title of "Iron Chef". Amongst the six stalls which are currently helmed by professional chefs from different regions of Japan, is Buta God, or in English terms - God of Pork. Hence, it is not surprising that tonkotsu (pork bone broth) ramen is their speciality and comes in all types of variants, such as their Tonkotsu Truffle Ramen, Fuwa-Fuwa (Cloud) Ramen, and even, Tom Yum Cheese Ramen (I wonder how this would taste). Here's my virgin experience at Buta God. ITADAKIMASUUUUUUUUU.

Food Tasting: IPPIN Cafe bar @ Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore

Nestled along the stretch of Mohamed Sultan Road, IPPIN cafe bar serves unpretentious home-cooked Japanese meals along with imported teas and alcoholic drinks. The interior is cozy and home-styled with a touch of industrial design and simplicity, and even house a beautiful sake bar and kitchen. Besides meals, IPPIN is also a small, atas Japanese mama-shop, which you can get your Japanese essentials at one place. 

This cafe bar was first introduced to Singapore by Ayumi Fujishiro with the intentions of helping her father set up IPPIN in October 2014. We had a short chat with the lady herself, and was astonished to find that she actually speaks Singlish despite the short exposure. Uh uh siol, not bad sia.

Tonkatsu Bistro by Ma Maison @ Westgate, Singapore

Wassup bruh. Recently we visited Tonkatsu - a new venture from Ma Maison, which specialises in Japanese pork cutlet (duh). As we were ushered to our seats, the staff, like most authentic Japanese restaurants, echoed our arrival. The interior, which feature both outdoor and indoor seating, was beautifully decorated with wooden furniture and Japanese paintings. Simplicity at its best. 

Sushi Tei @ West Coast Plaza, Singapore

Sushi Tei has been around in Singapore since 1994, serving authentic Japanese cuisine with much affordable prices compared to many other restaurants. Why do people love it? First, there's the great value. Second, there's the quality. If you still have doubts, simply head down to any of their outlets during meal hours and see for yourself.

Their dishes never fail to impress me. A mix of innovation and creativity is probably how I would described their offerings. Take Rainbow Roll (S$13.80) for example, a classic presentation of colours in one single dish, topped with roes and drizzled with Japanese mayonnaise. Not to even mention the mouth-gasm that goes along each and every piece of sushi. Another sushi dish I highly recommend would be their Dragon Roll (S$14, S$9 for mini) - a beautiful combination of avocado slices and deep fried prawn. The thing is, I don't usually take avocado, but the complement of flavours was a true surprise for everyone on the table.

Hamanoya @ Marina Square, Singapore

The newly-revamped "Dining Edition" wing in Marina Square features more than a dozen international offerings, including Hamanoya - a casual and affordable Japanese restaurant which specialises in robata, a slow charcoal-grilling method originating from the Northern Japan. At Hamanoya, expect a wide range of these grilled delicacies, alongside with fresh seafood and sashimi cuts that are imported from Japan itself to ensure freshness and quality.

Featuring a chic, modern design and open-concept kitchen, diners can feast their eyes while the chefs prepare and grill their skewers to perfection. As expected of any other Japanese eateries, the staff would echo signifying your arrival. In short, their value-added service is superb and holds a high level of hospitality.

Osaka Ohsho @ Westgate, Singapore

Boasting their fried dumpling speciality since 1969, Osaka Ohsho (which translates to "King of Gyoza in Osaka") is a destination for diners from all ways of life to savour their casual ambience and irresistible dumplings. Currently with more than 300 outlets worldwide, it has opened two right here locally at Raffles City and Westgate.

Most of their "Chipanese" (if there is a word for Japanese-Chinese fusion) dishes include, ramen, terriyaki and tempura set meals, complemented by their famous pan-fried dumplings. Do not be surprised if you found out that you are reading Mandarin off the menu, because most dishes are Chinese-inspired. As expected of the hi-tech Japanese, electronic menus are utilised to send orders to the kitchen directly, saving both manpower and time.

Hoshino Coffee @ Plaza Singapura, Singapore

Following Plaza Singapura's expansion, Hoshino Coffee has been boasting snaking long queues during meal-times, serving authentic Japanese cuisine, which includes their signature hand-dripped coffee and pancake souffles. Having recently been to Miam Miam, I would have to admit that there was an uncanny resemblance between the two, in terms of their offerings etc. I haven't had the former's main courses, so I shouldn't judge as much.

Nevertheless, if you had a chance to pass by Hoshino Coffee, I wouldn't be surprised if you got seduced by their eye-captivating artificial food display. Pancake Souffles, like I said, are one of their best-sellers - boasting a light, fluffy texture that it's sure to get any dessert-lover hooked on first bite. Prices are S$9.80 for one, and S$12.00 for the double (and, of course.. if you're in the right mind, you should get the latter for sharing). The pancake souffles are served with a dollop of cream and maple syrup. Preparation time takes 20 minutes, but as they always say.. Good things are worth the wait.

Compared to Miam Miam's rendition, Hoshino won hands-down.

Nadaman @ Shangri-la Hotel, Singapore

With a history since 1830s, the Nadaman group of restaurants has gained renowned reputation on their exceptional culinary arts, transforming the blessings of nature into food. It was a Sunday afternoon when we figured out that we really need to unwind from our busy schedules and what we needed was nothing less than to indulge in a good Japanese meal amidst the serenity. Well, it's high-time to pamper Mum also, so why not.

At Nadaman, signature dishes are meticulously crafted by their Japan-trained chef and like any other Japanese cuisine, presentation are of the highest regards. For value, have a go at their lunch set menus (S$45-75), which includes choices like tempura, wafu steak, unajyu and sashimi. For myself, the wafu steak set lunch (S$55) proved to be extremely satisfying, completed by a good combination of seasonal appetiser, steamed egg custard, salad, pickles, rice and miso soup.

Miam Miam @ Bugis Junction, Singapore

Nestled outside the second floor of BHG in Bugis Junction, Miam Miam is the newest addition of cafes locally. Bringing a combination of French artisanal cuisine and Japanese-inspired culinary arts, this casual restaurant promises the fresh flavours and the charms of the best of both worlds. Well, as a guy, shopping can be a tiring and sleepy chore, hence I always find comfort in desserts, and as a method to pick myself up via a sugar rush.

Alongside with a dose of their Matcha latte (S$6.80) - a soothing mixture of premium matcha and steamed milk, we had their highly acclaimed French Toast (S$9.80). Originally known as "pain perdu", their rendition of this French classic was fluffy, yet robust with a hint of sweetness. It comes with a scoop of home-made whipped cream (which I thought was vanilla ice cream initially) and maple syrup as well, and it is only sane to indulge a good piece of toast with those amazing pairings. As they say, good things are worth waiting, most of their desserts, including toasts and soufflés have a waiting time of 20 minutes (while they do their magic in the open-concept kitchen).

Food Tasting at Arashi Yakiniku Charcoal Grill @ Boat Quay, Singapore

Before I begin: As the first post of the new year, I hereby wish everyone a blessed and bountiful year ahead!

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Hosted by the good people of Openrice and Arashi Yakiniku, a group of foodies gathered once again to savour delicacies of sin and arteries-clogging indulgence. Well, just tell yourself: It's only once in a while.. I'll exercise tomorrow.. YOLO (you only live once).. And you will be pretty much ready to embark on one of the seven deadly sins - GLUTTONY.

Arashi Yakiniku Charcoal Grill is a Japanese BBQ restaurant located along the scenic river-front of Boat Quay. Diners can choose to either dine in their 3-storey high shop-house, or opt for al-fresco dining amidst the beautiful scenery and cool night breeze. They are pretty much the "new kid in the block" and aims to bring authentic Japanese barbecue experience to people from all walks of life. Arashi is also equipped with four private rooms that can accommodate up to 6-14 people.

  

Tamako Meal @ Casuarina Road, Singapore

The everlasting hunt for food during our long breaks brought us to a homely Japanese restaurant down Casuarina Road at Upper Thomson. Whilst the cosy interior was decorated with traditional wooden furniture, Tamako Meal offers diners a quiet getaway from their bustling lifestyles. Passed down from generations since 1994, the restaurant serves hearty and authentic, yet affordable Hokkaido fare with impeccable hospitality and humble services.

Menu items include assorted appetisers, like chawanmushi (S$3.80) and potato salad (S$3.20), and an extensive selection of bento, udon and sushi sets. With reasonably priced delicacies, it is not difficult to understand why someone might want to order more than he could finish. Take for example, an unagi bento set or ten don cost less than S$10, and the quality, less the portion does not lose out to any other Japanese restaurants.

Skip the over-rated Casuarina Curry, opt for Tamako Meal instead. The exceptional quality for low pricing is not to be missed.

*James Cook University (JCU) students get a 10% off total bill.




Tamako Meal

Tel: 6553 4128

Opening Hours
Daily: 11:30 - 15:00
Daily: 18:00 - 22:00
Closed on the first Mon of every month.

128 Casuarina Road

Sembawang Hills Estate

Ichiban Sushi @ Clementi Mall

With highly accessible outlets throughout Singapore, I wouldn't be at the least surprised if Ichiban Sushi comes straight to your mind when someone mentions Japanese cuisine. At Ichiban Sushi, one might opt for a wide range of conveyor belt sushi and sashimi, a la carte, as well as various promotional platters, udon and rice sets.

It was quite some time I visited Ichiban, and I thought why not have a good dinner before my wisdom teeth surgery? And so I did. I am sure that those who had their's plucked out would understand the agony of not being to savour any kinds of food. Before the dishes and hot ocha had even arrived, the waiter(esse)s had already scored high, impressing us with their amiable and pleasant services.

Yayoiken @ Liang Court, Singapore

Liang court is best known for its Eastern-influenced culture and mall tenants, such as giant bookstore Kinokuniya, Meidi-Ya supermart and a dozen of authentic Japanese eateries. Unlike my Japanese-obsessed friends (okay, I'm being a little stereotypical here), Liang court is one place that I would put last on my "to-go list". First, prices are jacked sky-high there, because everyone claimed their goods are air-flown all the way from Japan. Second, the mall is out of my vicinity. Third, I could probably count the number of shops with my fingers (and toes). It is just not worth the trip, and the travel fare as well.

Well, not until recently when I visited their restaurants, such as Ryoshi Sushi Ikeikemaru, Tampopo and Yayoiken. Talking about Yayoiken, my bestfriend is forever raving about this latest addition at Liang Court. I am not going into the history, just that a whopping 125 years of history since their first humble outlet in Kayabacho, Tokyo was just incredible.

For their oh-so-beautiful menu, expect to find hamburger steaks, fried cutlets and fillets alongside with "more typical Japanese cuisine", such as tempura, sashimi and bento sets. My friend had Hire Katsu Set (S$16.90) the last time and was so tempted to order it again. I did the honour of savouring the pork cutlets, well.. in his place. Deep-fried to mere perfection, what's hidden beneath the crispy golden-brown skin is a combination of soft and juicy tenderloin cut, accompanied by the little traces of lard. I tell you what's better, pair it with the sweet sauce. Foodgasm. Oh, it is deep-fried, so don't expect it to be healthy, but do yourself a huge favour by eating the veggies.

Ajisen Gourmet Town - Botejyu @ Serangoon Nex, Singapore

Recently, I found out through their corporate website that "Botejyu" is not an actual Japanese word. Like the "clinks and clanks" that pots and pans made, or the stereotypical "ching chong chang" of Chinese, the word "Botejyu" is veritably derived from the rhythmic sound of okonomiyaki cooking. "Bote" being the flipping sound of the okonomiyaki using a metal spatula, and the late part - "jyu" comes from the sizzling sound on the teppan grill. It is amazing (with slight amusement) how the Japanese linked the sounds together.

 

Talking about okonomiyaki - the oh-so-good savoury pancake packed with a variety of ingredients, there is no place other than Botejyu if you are looking for good, yet affordable "onokoyamiki" (oh damn, it's so difficult to pronounce.) Established in 1946 in the gourmet city of Tamade, Osaka, Botejyu promises to deliver their dishes, in particular, their okonomiyaki with such care and passion.

 

Most of their set meals consist of a okonomiyaki, along with side dishes and a bowl of Japanese rice. The decorated okonomiyaki - pancake version of takoyaki (in my opinoion) is with no doubt of a certain standard, but ingredients-wise, I thought that they could be more generous. My prefered okonomiyaki comes with fragrant bonito flakes and a sunny side-up.

 

Side dishes were nothing spectacular, but I would definitely recommend Yaki Soba instead of clams, as they weren't that fresh. The total came about approximately S$48 for 3 set meals, with different side dishes. In a nutshell, Botejyu is good to try out, especially the must-try okonomiyaki, other than it's up to one's palate whether they liked it or not.

Ajisen Gourmet Town - Botejyu

Tel: 66347628

Opening Hours
Daily: 11:30 - 22:00

23 Serangoon Central

#03-06/07

Nex

Suki-Ya @ Marina Square, Singapore

With the restaurant motto of 'Eat all you can Sukiyaki and Shabu Shabu', Suki-Ya (which translates into "House of Hot Pot") aims to offer a heart-warming dining experience at affordable prices. We happened to be at Marina Square on Christmas night, and thought that a hot pot dinner was an ideallic option for a cold season like this. (Okay, not exactly cold - Singapore has no seasons other than summer.)

 

The Eat-All-You-Can/buffet prices are as such:

Mondays-Thursdays
Lunch @ $16.90++ // Dinner @ $20.90++

Fridays-Sundays, Eve of and Public Holidays
Add $2 to usual price

Children (4-9 Years Old)
Minus 25% off Adult Price

Diners get to enjoy unlimited, quality paper-thin beef and pork slices, as well as chicken, on top of the buffet bar where a wide variety of vegetables and meatballs are served. There are a total of four options for the broth - Shabu shabu, kimchi, sukiyaki and spicy miso, which is only available on weekends, eve of and public holidays. For buffet option, you get to enjoy free flow of green tea too.

 

Besides the buffet items included, you can order a la carte items, such as edamame, gyoza, ebi tempura and my personal favourite - unagi kebayaki. Alcoholic and other drink options are available as well.

 

Please do note that food wastage is heavily charged at 20% of total bill.

 

 

Prior to this, I've done some online research on Suki-Ya and found quite a handful of bloggers/diners complaining about their unsatisfactory services. However, I find no problems with the service staff (or is it because of the merry festive?), but they could definitely improve on their food variety, perhaps by including some of the a la carte items into the buffet.

 

For more information and menu, do visit their main website at:

http://www.suki-ya.com.sg/

 

 

 

 

Suki-Ya

 

Tel: 6337 9969

 

Opening Hours

Mon - Fri: 11:30 - 22:30

Sat - Sun: 11:30 - 23:00

 

6 Raffles Boulevard

#02-13F/G

Marina Square

Koh Grill & Sushi Bar @ Wisma Atria, Singapore

Most diners would think twice about good Japanese food being served in a Food Republic restaurant. Girlfriend and yours truly felt pretty skeptical as well, but were eased by the snaking queue forming outside Koh Grill & Sushi Bar. As Singaporeans, our kiasu mindset immediately made an assumption that this sushi bar is definitely a glutton's favourite hunt and thus allow our love for food consume us as we joined the queue.

If there is only one food item you could have, it must be their signature Shiok Maki (S$16.80) and it is called "SHIOK" for a reason - grilled unagi (eel) and soft avocado strips wrapped in a lightly roasted salmon maki, topped with melted cheese, mayonaise and an abundance of flying fish roes. The sinful burst of flavours were incredibly amazing and has since, found a spot in my favourite maki list.

The lightly-salted Salmon Skin (S$4.00) has a delectable crisp to every single bite, which make this dish a good side kick. Come to think of it, salmon skin is a pretty awesome beer snack.

I felt cheated when the Asparagus Buta Maki (S$3.00) arrived on my table, as it was puny in comparison to the usual. However, this delightful wrap of slightly crisped bacon and juicy asparagus was a surprise to the palate.

Gindara Yaki (S$16.00, additional S$2 for rice and miso soup) - cod fillet baked with cheese and flying fish roes, completed with fresh cabbage salad and garlic miso sauce. It was a tad salty for my liking but the sinful, yet addictive combination was too alluring to resist.

If you are looking for good, and yet affordable Japanese cuisine, do look no furthur than Koh Grill and Sushi Bar.

Koh Grill & Sushi Bar

Tel: 6836 0609

Opening Hours
Daily: 11:30 - 22:30

435 Orchard Road
#04-21
Wisma Atria

Ryoshi Sushi Ikeikemaru @ Liang Court, Singapore

I love eating food. Food that is not only appetizing for the stomach, but for the eyes too. The Japanese, I did say, hold great pride in the preparation and presentation of their cuisine. Take a piece of salmon sushi for example, although seemingly simple, what's hidden behind it is years and years of practice and experience, resulting in a show of delicate knife skills and worksmanship turning the simplest ingredients to delectable, yet beautiful dishes.

 

And Ryoshi Sushi Ikeikemaru is an example of that. Located at the basement of Liang Court, this newly-opened Japanese restaurant is recommended by one of the friends and sure, why not go for it?

 

Their sushi are categorized into different range of prices from S$1.80 to S$6.80. Ingredients are imported from Japan at a regular basis to ensure only the freshest and most authentic is served to customers.

 

Aburi Cheese Ebi (S$2.80) is one of my favourites among the many. The fresh shimps topped with seared mozarella cheese is real irresistible.

 

Top seller - Ebi Avocado (S$2.80) tasted amazing as well. Soft avocado flesh with succulent shrimps, drizzled with mayonaise and topped with roes is probably one of the best creations the Japanese came out with.

 

Chutoro (S$5.80 for 1 pc) - Fatty Tuna sushi is incredibly soft, unlike salmon sashimi, tuna doesn't melts that much in contact with the tongue. However, this piece of prized cut has just the right density of meat and fats. I wouldn't recommend dipping this beauty in condiments, but just savour the fresh, original taste itself.

Big Salmon (S$2.80 for 2pc) - what can I say other than beautifully rendered salmon slices that melts one's heart. I had never had salmon sushi with such a big slab of fresh sashimi, this was my first and it was good, real good in fact.

We also had Peiyi's favourite Tamago (S$1.80), Tuna Corn (S$1.80), Namagaki (S$4.80) - raw oyster sashimi, and Aburi Salmon (S$2.80). For the salmon, it was a tad too raw, I prefer Genki Sushi's rendition better.

 

Quite the staple when we are eating Japanese cuisine, we ordered their steamed egg custard, Chawanmushi (S$3.80) as well. Their version is very much softer than the usual and breaks upon the slightest contact, try imagining traditional tau huey (soy beancurd). Tasteful and delicious - I recommend this.

Assorted Tempura (S$10.60) done right. Delectable, crunchy shrimps and vegetables deep fried nicely. For some reasons, I don't eat the tempura with the sauce given, well.. Maybe I love the crunch more.

Takokara (S$6.80) - Deep fried octopus was quite a disappointment. It was too hard and chewy.

Dorayaki Ice Cream (S$4.80) - Soft Japanese sponge cake with crispy fillings topped with Vanilla Ice cream is a must-try. It comes in a nice warm temperature which goes just well with the cold counterpart.

 

I managed to get some Warabi Mochi (S$5.80) - Green Tea Rice Cake from Peiyi's sister, Eliza. Their version was just nice and not heavily flavoured, somehow I wished there could be some green tea ice cream in the mochi itself. But, take my word for it when I tell you it goes super well with the ice cream and red bean paste.

 



Ryoshi Sushi Ikeikemaru gave me a pretty positive experience, as it promises a wide range of fresh, delectable sushi and other assortments to be served daily. Besides that, it has definitely set a certain standard for Japanese restaurants that I will be visiting in the future.

 

 



 

 

Ryoshi Sushi Ikeikemaru

 

Tel:  6337 1022

 

Operating Hours:

Daily 11am to 9.50pm

 

117 River Valley Road

#B1-48

Liang Court