Tetsu Japanese Restaurant

This post is based on an invited tasting session. Initially, I was hesitant to accept the invitation, as I’d have preferred to go uninvited and unannounced. But in the end, I’m glad I did. If I’d have gone on my own, I would just order my familiar favorites and missed out on the unique offerings on Tetsu’s new menu.

Morokoshi (corn) tofu, S$10.00

Opened since early 2008, Tetsu specializes in tempura and tonkatsu, but lately, they’ve expanded their menu to include more items, as well as a new appetizer selection. The appetizers are an ideal accompaniment to sake or shochu. Some appetizers are available from a special price of $4.80 (Mondays – Thursdays, 6pm – 10pm).

Read Full Post »

Takoyaki from Tsukiji Gindaco

Takoyaki (fried octopus balls), 6 for S$4.80

On the same night we had dinner at Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin, I joined the queue for the much-hyped takoyaki from Tsukiji Gindaco at ION Orchard’s B4 food hall.

Verdict: Miles better than Takopachi over at Takashimaya! There’s a nice-sized chunk of octopus in each ball, and the beni shoga (red pickled ginger), tenkasu (crunchy flour bits), leeks, and katsuobushi (fish shavings) are of much better quality.

The best part was the crispy, browned exterior. They achieved this by pouring a final round of oil onto the hot iron pans to further brown and crisp up the cooked flour balls. Sweet…!

Read Full Post »

Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin

Rick and I finally checked out ION Orchard last week, nearly two months after its soft opening. Yeah, we intentionally went on a weeknight to avoid jostling with the crazy weekend crowds. What to do? Old already, no energy to out-squeeze the youngsters…

Rosu katsu (pork loin) set, S$13.50

So many exciting new F&B players, but only one tummy. Ginza Bairin seemed like a good dinner choice, mainly because it was quite empty (read: immediate seats + short wait for food).

Established since 1927, Ginza Bairin is an offshoot of the original Ginza, Tokyo-based restaurant that specializes in tonkatsu. We ordered the pork loin and pork fillet teishoku (set meal).

Read Full Post »

Zento Singapore – Contemporary Japanese Cuisine

Are you ready for the future of Japanese cuisine? Zento – which is Japanese for “the future”, or 前途 qian2 tu2 – is the newest player in a concentrated field of Japanese restaurants on our tiny island state.

But to dismiss this as just another Japanese restaurant would be a mistake. Owner-chef Gunawan Wisibono began his culinary career in Philadelphia, USA, and brought his skills to a new level during a year-long stint with famed Iron Chef Morimoto. It’s no wonder Zento’s menu is a masterful fusion of Japanese and multi-cultural influences – a reflection of America’s ethnic diversity.

Tuna pizza, S$22.

In short, expect the unexpected. What matters is Zento’s creations are a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Case in point: Tuna pizza (picture above). Emerald-green hiyashi wakame (seasoned seaweed), ruby-red cherry tomato, fresh tuna, creamy, spicy mayo, and toasted sesame seeds on a crisp tortilla. This starter is an explosion of zingy flavors and delightful textures. It’s a classic in the making.

Actually, this reminds me of the delightful Ahi Taki Skinny Pizza at Barracks.

Read Full Post »

Ohsho

Been wanting to check out Ohsho for some time, but during lunchtime, this little corner eatery is always packed! Last Monday, I finished my errands in time for an early lunch. The place was still relatively empty, yay!

Shio ramen.

For S$11.00 nett, I had the ramen and gyoza set. The ramen was exceptionally springy. I was expecting the broth to be milky rich, as is typical of Japanese ramen stock. Surprisingly, it was clear and light, and less salty than others I’ve tried.

Read Full Post »

Lunch bentos at Tatsuya

Howdy! Sorry for the lack of updates! Was busy catching the Olympic action. I was also occupied with a freelance assignment, writing food reviews! Isn’t that cool, getting paid to eat and write? 🙂

Ladies lunch bento, S$26.80.

But before actually seeing any moolah coming in, I think I’ve already blown much of it away on Tatsuya’s lunch bentos. Yes, they are pricier than mid-range Japanese restaurant bentos, but compared to the a la carte menu prices, the bentos are a steal! Tatsuya is one of the top Japanese restaurants in Singapore; be prepared to shell out S$180++ per head for omakase!

There are about 8 bento sets to choose from. The Ladies Lunch Bento sounded intriguing, so that’s what I had!

Read Full Post »

Ramen Santouka

Tokusen toroniku, S$8.00.

Yes, these are the famous pork cheeks of which there are only 60 portions served each day. Six slices of sinfulness, so incredibly soft they literally melt in your mouth. Divine.

I didn’t have all six slices to myself. Good things are meant to be shared! Saturday’s lunch was with Keropokman and Momo; Camemberu was supposed to join us, but something cropped up at the last minute.

Read Full Post »