Ippin Cafe Bar @ Mohamed Sultan Road

Nestled in a corner on Mohamed Sultan Road, the relatively young Ippin Cafe Bar has ambition to be a homely restaurant and bar. Serving up classic Japanese home-style dishes, carrying an incredulous selection of sakes and beers and tons of products imported from Japan, patrons are seriously in for a treat here!

Yoruton Ramen @ Chabuton

Amidst the numerous ramen chains that have expanded to our shores, Chabuton Ramen has prided itself in offering specialty ramen, exploring the endless possibilities that the simple Japanese noodle dish can take on

Chabuton has launched its latest Yoruton Ramen congruent to the opening of their fourth outlet at Millenia Walk. The first-ever ramen chef to earn a Michelin star, Chef Yasuji Morizumi has created this particular ramen with five levels of spiciness to cater to the Singaporean taste bud. At $12.90, the ramen is priced lower than most of the ramen in the market

FUKU Fine Fugu Kaiseki Restaurant @ Mohamed Sultan Road

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Fugu (pufferfish) is known for its ability to poison and kill, should it be ingested without being cleaned properly and thoroughly. Many have stayed away from fugu as a result. I am one of them, having heard a story from an acquaintance about his near death experience with fugu. I kinda made a promise to myself to never try it. But when the fugu is completely treated in Japan before being flown over, passing the stringent import regulations of the AVA and being prepared by the only licensed fugu chef out of Japan in Asia, there's really no reason good enough to stop me from trying fugu.

There are more than 120 fugu species in the world but only about 20 are fit for consumption. The Torafugu, which is the most premium pufferfish of all, is served right here at FUKU. 100% safe and only the best. Fugu is available at FUKU all year round and every edible part of the prized fugu is employed in the preparation of various dishes

Gyu-Kaku @ CHIJMES

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When life presents you with such intensely marbled Kuroge Wagyu from Kagoshima, what do you do? Well, I took a few moments to admire its beauty and thank the Gods before entrusting the experts to cook this to perfection. Then, I prepared myself for the fireworks that were about to go off in my mouth. I've had alot of barbecued beef, having been in Korea for a month. And even the best one that we had, which was really damn good, didn't come close to this.

Ippudo @ Shaw Centre

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A name that always pops into minds when ramen comes into question is Ippudo. Ippudo is a global chain that has achieved remarkable success in many countries. The fifth and newest Ippudo outlet, in Singapore, has opened in the heart of Orchard. Located in Shaw Centre, do note that the easiest way to get here is to take the elevators in the office tower, opposite Pacific Plaza, to level 4.

Tomo Izakaya

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Same festive season, same communal dining concept, but different cuisine. How does a Japanese-inspired reunion dinner sound? The three festive menus available cater to groups of 4 to 10 pax and they feature at least eight authentic Japanese dishes including this creative yusheng tower that comes with amaebi, tobiko, kanpachi and salmon. We tried the $666 menu catered for 6-8 people. Read on to find out what to expect!

The Kurobuta @ Chabuton

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The Kurobuta Tonkotsu Ramen is the first exclusive ramen dish to be created by the world's first Michelin-starred ramen chef. And guess what? It's now available at all three Chabuton outlets in Singapore until 31st March!

Tenkaichi

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Long story short, and in three words : Wagyu Beef Buffet

(CLOSED)Restaurant Hoshigaoka @ SAFRA Toa Payoh

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Restaurant Hoshigaoka has recently launched a redesigned ala carte menu and a new kids menu which are available at all four of their outlets. Featured here is the Hoshigaoka Zen ($32) which has been around for more than 30 years! A signature and definitely one of the most popular items here!

Teppei Japanese Restaurant

I have wanted to dine here since a year ago but I always missed the reservation date. So when 3rd August came, I finally remembered and called in at 10.30am and I actually managed to get through by 10.37. Only seven minutes. I felt like I was the luckiest person on earth especially when I realised how some have called for hours and not get through. I made a reservation for 4 and I had been counting down to this day ever since!

Saboten @ 313

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Attention tonkatsu fans! The world's largest tonkatsu chain, Saboten, has relocated from Parco to 313! Touted as the best tonkatsu restaurant in Singapore by HGW, Saboten is now more conveniently located and has also introduced two exclusive items, the Iberico Loin Katsu and Fried Jumbo Prawn, to their menu at the outlet at 313. All the more reason to visit!

Tonkatsu by Ma Maison

Widely acclaimed as the best tonkatsu in Singapore, it has indeed taken me long enough to finally pop by for dinner. They don’t take reservations on weekends and so, I went early to tell the staff that I require a table for 9 at 7pm. Even though they don’t accept reservations, the server at the door tried his best to make the arrangement for us!

Shinkei Japanese Restaurant

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Located near the Toa Payoh library and a short distance away from the MRT is Shinkei, a Japanese buffet restaurant. I’ve never heard of Shinkei but judging from the number of people present at the restaurant, I’m guessing that it must be quite popular!

Sumiya

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Sumiya, which means Charcoal House, is a lively restaurant and bar that sits on the rooftop of Orchard Central. The charcoal grill and izakaya restaurant boasts a great view and delectable Japanese tapas

Tenryu Dining & Tea House

Tenryu Dining & Tea House has been around for about one and a half years now. Located in the huge Dairy Farm Estate, Tenryu sits along a quiet corridor near the pool.

Machicon

Invited Food Tasting

X and I were really honoured to be invited to the first ever Machicon event held in Singapore! Machicon is a large scale dating event where participants can meet new people, and possibly their future partners! It has been really popular in Japan since 2011. It has finally reached the shores of our little island and brought along with it much hype and anticipation!





It was drizzling when X and I got to Katanashi which is located at Boat Quay. Katanashi is the first stop for all participants of Machicon. There are 9 other participating Japanese restaurants within the vicinity where the participants of Machicon can choose to go to after Katanashi. Every restaurant features a different menu and free flow drinks






The original plan for the bloggers was changed and we were given these tickets and wrist tags and we went about as "participants"


A small platter for four to share


Tuna and avocado tartar
The pepper taste was overwhelming and the tuna was unfortunately, masked by it.


King of Cream Cheese


Tebasaki(Chicken wings)
The wings were crispy and tasty. Much effort must have been put into marinating it!


Simesaba(Mackerel)
The mackerel was torched right in front of us and everyone was really impressed haha.


Soft and slightly crispy mackerel which was very savory and palatable! My favourite of the lot!


Kakuni (Japanese Braised Pork)
This seemed to be everyone's favourite dish! It wasn't difficult understanding why when every bite of the soft and juicy meat melted in our mouths. I probably was the only one who liked the mackerel more haha


Participants getting to know each other


We moved on to Orihara Shoten at Robertson Quay after hearing that the sake and shochu there is very good. It was quite a distance away so we took a cab!

Oden
A satisfying and comforting dish which features a clear and light soup and simple ingredients. Great for a cold night!


Amaebi
We were taught by our new found Japanese friends that we were supposed to eat these with our hands and to just put the whole thing into our mouths, including the head! Haha I was like eating it super slowly because I was afraid of the feelers and all piercing into my lips or tongue HAHA. There's a slight sweetness and saltiness when you bite into the middle of the prawns. A great dish to accompany your sake and shochu!


Inaniwa Udon
I liked the udon! The noodles were springy and smooth and even in all its simplicity, it was refreshing and yummy


Kawahagi
Pieces of Filefish fried till crisp and hard and served with a dollop of Japanese mayo. Salty, sweet and a little sour. A great dish to have alongside your alcohol!


Our new found Japanese friends and Qingyang(act Japanese HAHA)

It was really fun getting to know them! They were really humorous and it was nice learning more about Japan and their experiences in Singapore!


Our third and last stop : En Grill & Bar



Calamansi Sour
This was basically, lime juice



California Maki


Avocado and soft shell crab roll

Skewers
Bacon-wrapped enokitake, bacon wrapped oysters, meatballs etc

The food at En Grill & Bar was decent and the alfresco area was pretty chill.

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Despite initial confusion, the night improved as it went along and we made new friends. Being a part of Machicon was definitely a unique experience and we are really thankful that we had this opportunity to taste authentic and traditional Japanese dishes!

We'll like to thank Jerome and the people behind Machicon for inviting us! [:


Katanashi
77 Boat Quay
Mon - Sun: 12:00 - 11:30

Orihara Shoten

11 Unity Street

#01-02 Robertson Walk

Mon - Wed: 19:00 - 00:00
Thu - Sat: 19:00 - 01:30
Closed on every Monday of the month

En Grill & Bar

207 River Valley Road

#01-59/60 UE Square

Daily: 19:00 - 03:00

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Love, K