Beef Sukiyaki Don Keisuke

My colleague loves to say "Beef Bowl," and I've always wondered what that is. Finally, I got to try it!

I won't lie; the waiting time can be quite long, especially during lunch hours when it's all counter seating as you watch them cook your 'beef bowl'.

What I love about this place is that they offer three sets to choose from: beef, pork, and upgraded beef sukiyaki don. All at a steal price of $14.90++ per person, which includes 1 half-boiled egg, 1 chawanmushi, and 1 miso soup.

I chose medium for my beef, and it was incredibly tender. I practically wrapped my rice and the complimentary pickles inside the thinly sliced beef.

And if you love how Japanese enjoy their rice, then be sure to mix the half-boiled egg into your rice and give it a good mix.

🤤 : 4.5/5
💰 : $14.90++/pax
📍: Beef Sukiyaki Don Keisuke

Finally beat the crowd and tried this popular 12-seater restaurant serving hearty Japanese dons with complimentary chawanmushi, onsen egg, and miso soup.

The chefs cook the thinly cut US prime beef right in front of you, to one’s preferred doneness. Medium rare was perfectly pink, tender, and chewy, and the slices were coated in a flavourful beef stock. Topped on soft tofu, fluffy pearl rice, and mixed with sweet caramelized onions, earthy mushrooms, and fresh chives.

The bowl is hearty and value-for-money. While it highlights the natural flavours of the beef, we personally wished for richer flavours or a dash of salt/seasoning to the meat. Did enjoy the pairing with their provided chili pepper/ yuzu seasoning.

📍Beef Sukiyaki Don Keisuke, 01-01, Onze @ Tanjong Pagar, Singapore

It’s always a good sign when a shop really specialises in something. Had the beef sukiyaki Don ($14.90) and it was very good - the beef was tender and cooked to the done-ness I wanted, the portion sizes are big, and the sides were tasty.

This place is a small, so everyone in your group needs to be here to be seated, something to note if you have friends who might be late.

$14.90

I was excited for this place and waited before 5pm and was the first in line before more people came. They only let us in at 5.15pm and order their US beef and pork sukiyaki which come with chawanmushi and soft boil egg. Do note only sukiyaki comes with that and not Pork Tamago.

At first I thought that they will cook like teppanyaki style. However I am disappointed that it was cook in a metal pot and cook in low heat and not charred. Meat was lukewarm and taste wise was acceptable. Proportion made up for it.

I saw review people wait up to 2hrs which I don't think is worth it.

Conveniently located beside Tanjong Pagar Plaza, this little bar top restaurant serves only 12 pax at each time. On a Monday evening at 8pm, we queued around 30 minutes to get in, but there were stools for the waiting line outside. They also serve in batches; different groups of people enter at the same time, so don't be too disheartened if the queue appears super long. The air does get quite still outside in the sheltered walkway, so prepare a fan if you wish.

The restaurant was quiet and cosy, and there is a stove placed in front of each station of 2 seats, where they prepare the Sukiyaki meat in front of you. Menu is small with 4 options (Wagyu Sukiyaki Don ($29.90), US Beef Sukiyaki Don ($14.90), Pork Sukiyaki Don ($12.90) and Pork Tamago Don($12.90)), and each don set is served together with a small Chuwanmushi, miso soup, and an onsen egg that you are supposed to beat and drizzle over the meat when your main course is served. Additional meat can also be ordered at a top-up, with options of 110g of Pork ($8), US Prime Beef ($11) or Wagyu ($25).

We ordered the Kiwami Wagyu Sukiyaki Don ($29.90) and had it medium rare — the beef was beautifully marbled and tender, the sweet sukiyaki making it flavorful. The don had some glass noodles, a slice tofu and some vegetables generously dressed with sukiyaki, which made for a nutritious meal. Overall, it was a satisfying meal we would rate 8/10. We enjoyed it and it was a good dinner, but could be better. I also wish the beef was sliced a bit thinner.

I will definitely come back again to try the other dishes on their menu!