Japanese

Perfectly grilled to have a crisp top without being too charred, with succulent meat. Hitsumabushi involves 3 methods of eating - 1. eel on its own, 2. add nori, wasabi and green onion, 3. pour in clear dashi. The second method was our personal preference, with the condiments balancing out the sweetness from the caramelization and sauce. Both the dashi and accompanying miso soup were on the lighter side.

Hidden gem in a hawker centre selling affordable chirashi dons and Japanese fare. The non air-conditioned space was comfortable enough, with powerful overhead fans keeping us cool.

Granted you get what you pay for, with the cuts of sashimi average at best - not bad but not the freshest. Among the sashimi, swordfish (yellow tail) and mekajiki (swordfish) were our favourite. The tuna and salmon were a tad stringy, and the octopus slice was tough (although the tentacles in the bara were chewy and enjoyable). We preferred the bara for the greater variety of sashimi and balance with soft tamago and crunchy cucumber, while the inclusion of avocado topped with Mayo in the chirashi seemed to stick out.

The fluffy Japanese rice paired well with the sashimi with its light seasoning of vinegar and mirin. While not the fresh type, enjoyed the wasabi with its strong and good kick.

At nett prices, the generously sized bowls and assortment of sashimi is certainly value-for-money. Worth checking out if in the area!

📍Otoko Ten Ten, Food Village 饮食村, 660A Edgedale Plains, Singapore

Insta: cafehoppingkids

Newly opened Japanese restaurant in Fortune Centre. Enjoyed the variety of fresh and high quality sashimi cuts. Served atop flavourful Japanese rice seasoned with tobiko, truffle, and Sakura-ebi.

We had three variations - gyosen sashimi rice bowl ($25.90), sashimi rice bowl ($18.90), and bara chirashi ($15.90). We found the higher value bowls more worth it for the slightly larger portion of sashimi and higher quality cuts, creamy uni (in gyosen), and fresh wasabi (unlike the mild ‘fake’ one in the bara).

Overall decent bowls worth trying at the current opening promo price (be quick - they mentioned the prices will go up in ~2 weeks time)! While we loved the flavour of the rice, it was a tad mushy and clumpy. The portion of sashimi is on the smaller side so might not be filling enough for larger eaters.

📍@gyosensg, 03-16, 190 Middle Rd, Singapore

Decided to check Mitsu out given the great promo value of 50% off all alacarte items on @eatigo_sg. The food was of high quality but of tiny portions and even after the discount, we found it hard to justify the prices, let alone paying full price.

Went with two chirashi dons - 𝐊𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐨𝐧 ($38) and 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐤𝐮 𝐃𝐨𝐧 ($58). The former had perfectly creamy uni, juicy ikura, and average fatty tuna belly. The latter featured stingy thin cuts of four sashimi, fresh raw prawn, and a tiny scoop of uni. The rice itself was enjoyably firm but personally found it a tad too heavy in vinegar seasoning. Decent but expected more for the price point.

Back by popular demand, limited-edition Cheese Menchi Katsu ($12.80)/ Curry ($10.80) is available until 30 June. Suitable for lovers of cheese with an oozy cheddar filling paired with tender minced pork.

Insta: cafehoppingkids

Heard about this newly opened joint by ex House of Chirashi chef @kevin_wee_sg and swiftly headed down for their $12.80 lunch opening promo! We were served with an exquisitely plated bowl piled with a colourful array of ingredients - fresh sashimi chunks, micro greens, furikake, kamaboko, sakura ebi, ikura, tobiko, edamame, cucumber, and sweet tamago. The ingredients were anchored by a unique base of kinoko mushroom gobu burdock rice, which we particularly enjoyed for its herbal undertones and light earthy flavour.

At this price point, this bowl was of immense value! All along, we’ve been fans of the for value chirashi bowls at House of Chirashi, but deterred by the original East location (and also heard their bowls have shrunk in size + increased in price 😅). Glad that Chef has opened this more conveniently located chirashi spot to go to 😋.

⚠️ Promo is available for weekday lunch until end April! Reservations are possible via link in their bio.

📍@chirashisora, 01-25, The Venue Shoppes, 2 Tai Thong Cres, Singapore 347836

Newfound go to for decently-priced chirashi bowls in the West. Serving up fresh and juicy thick cuts of sashimi of satisfying portions, along with juicy ikura and sweet fluffy tamago atop sushi rice. If nitpicking, did find that the sushi rice could be more seasoned. Each Don also comes with a small salad and miso soup to complete the meal.

The mini chirashi don ($11.90) was just right for a small eater with a good variety of salmon, tuna, swordfish, and scallop. The aburi chirashi don ($16.90) added an addictive distinct but not overpowering smokiness. Kaisen don ($20.90) came with generously juicy pieces which while highly satisfying, can get a tad rich.

📍@zushishou, B1-55A, Bukit Timah Plaza,
1 Jalan Anak Bukit, Singapore

Final order of the night for a hit of carbs was their 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐛 “𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐨 𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐨” that looked deceptively straightforward but was executed perfectly - loved the use of fried garlic and cherry tomatoes which infused the pasta with a tinge of smokiness and sweetness.

Our favourite of the night was the 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐝𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 in a beurre blanc sauce ($18). The dumplings were particularly juicy and the butter sauce was divine.

We tried all three 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐬 ($10) - potato & beef, crab meat & cream, menchi katsu. Our favourite was the latter - a juicy patty of marinated pork drizzled with a slightly sweet sauce. The crab and cream was reminiscent of childhood takoyaki balls (in the best way possible) whilst we might not recommend the beef one as there was too much potato and not enough beef.

Sweet or savory pancake? How about both! This oven-baked pancake checked both boxes with its sweet honey, savory prosciutto, creamy burrata, and fresh garden cress. The pancake itself was thin and fluffy, with crisp and lightly caramelised edges. A sweet and eggy mix that complemented the other ingredients. For the generous dollop of Burrata, would say that it’s pretty decently priced.

📍@parkbenchdeli, 179 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore

Among the better ones around. Thin skin, perfectly crisp, filled with savory meat and fresh chives.