It seems like Singapore can’t get enough of ramen, soba and sashimi. Here are four brand spanking new arrivals.
Gyoza-Ya
No prizes for guessing what this eatery specializes in. Located at the basement of Robinsons in Orchard, you can choose to have the pan fried or boiled pork gyoza, or opt for the vegetarian-friendly version ($4.80 for five pieces). There’s just one type of ramen on offer, and that’s the jyajya men, which comes with minced pork and special miso ($6.50). More side dishes are available, such as chicken karaage ($3.80) and nikujyaga a.k.a. beef stew with vegetables ($4.80). On a side note: for a casual dining spot, service is pretty impressive.
Hanare Japanese Cafe
Brought to you by the same folks behind the insanely popular omakase restaurant Teppei (if you don’t know by now, it has a four month waiting list), Hanare is a fuss-free, self-service buffet dining concept just around the corner from its sister outlet on Tanjong Pagar Road, so, if you just cannot wait to taste what Teppei has to offer (or if you really, really love buffets), pay this spot a visit. For just $19.90, you can help yourself to an endless supply of over 20 Japanese favorites and daily specials like chicken karaage and hamburger steak. You can also go for Teppei’s signature bara chirashi set ($17.60), where you can enjoy freeflow miso soup and up to four kinds of sides.
Kiku
This kappo-style restaurant’s on the slightly upscale side so it’s perfect if you’re looking to unwind after a long day, away from rowdy crowds in the Duxton area. Chef-owner Calvin Yeung mainly puts out prettily plated sashimi ($15-$58) and sushi ($10-$45), alongside other options like maki rolls (the most interesting one on the list is undoubtedly the yellowtail with truffle oil and salmon roe, $18); appetizers such as seafood natto ($18); and other less-common items like grilled duck tongue ($14) and pig’s ears (from $10). Their drinks menu is pretty extensive, with a variety of sake (from $18 per glass, $98 per bottle) from breweries like Dassai, but right now it seems like shochu’s a hotseller ($12 per glass, $98 per bottle).
Sanpoutei Ramen
These days, restaurant openings are far and few in the Holland Village area so here’s one reason why it’s time you revisit the place. Already a hit with Japanese foodies (by 8pm it was already full house on opening day last month), this eatery hails from Niigata in Japan and offers a fish-base shoyu ramen ($14) that’s a refreshing change from the usual tonkotsu ramen you’re used to having elsewhere. Of course, tonkotsu ramen is also available ($16), and so are other choices, such as a spicy miso ramen ($17).
For even more great Japanese dining options (and another 25 categories!) check out our awesome (and free) dining guide, I-S Eats.
