Japonais

Most ramen places serve tonkotsu (pork bone) or shio (salt-based) broth, but Marutama makes magic happen with chicken broth of a gorgeously milky consistency. A lighter and less oily option compared to the usual tonkotsu broth. Get the signature Marutama Ramen - springy Hakata-style noodles, a slice of tender chashu, and an amazingly molten soft-boiled egg. Add a few slices of fried garlic to the soup, and order a side of Yaki Char Siu - grilled roast pork that you will regret not trying.

This humble little coffeeshop in Tiong Bahru has only ever sold mee pok, kopi and toast for the past 70 years. By night, this neighborhood favorite transforms into a brand new yakitori and steamboat bar, Bincho. Go for either the $50 or $80 yakitori omakase menus, and enjoy a cocktail or two. If a unique setting and experience is what you're looking for, this might just be it.

Nestled in the lovely Greenwood neighborhood, Shin Yuu is a great place for a relaxing Japanese buffet on a Saturday afternoon at $39.90 per pax. Must-try dishes on the menu include the special chawanmushi with salmon roe, the spare ribs teriyaki, dory fish topped with cheese, and the special prawns with miso and mayo. Photo by Shin Yuu.

Live The Good Life® with your Standard Chartered Card: 1 dines free with every 3 paying adults for Shin Yuu A La Carte Buffet Lunch. Valid till 26 January 2015.

Tatsuya has been around for eternity, and they are renowned for serving excellent sushi. It is evident that the sashimi is super fresh, with the delicate, well-cut slices of sashimi simply melting in your mouth. They do omakase stunningly well, but that comes with a pretty hefty price tag. If you'd still like to enjoy sushi without breaking the bank, go for their bento sets. Your stomach and wallet will thank you.

The Sushi Bar is known for two things: long queues and salmon aburi rolls. Their aburi rolls are topped with salmon and mentaiko mayo, and lightly seared with a blowtorch. To-die-for! Be sure to order the Chirashi Don, it doesn't get more value-for-money at $24, with such decadently thick cuts of sashimi! Be sure to make reservations.

Aoki is arguably most famous for their Mazechirashi, which is perfectly executed. You get a good ratio of sashimi to rice, good texture, and flavours that meld together amazingly. The nigiri sushi is top-notch as well. Go for their lunch sets; they're very affordable considering the incredible quality. Always make reservations as they have limited capacity.