Sometimes all you need is simple comfort food – and that’s what Royal Host does very well. From omu rice to Japanese steaks to piping hot rice casseroles, Japan’s leading family restaurant serves up a familiar heartwarming menu at its first Asian outpost at Jewel Changi Airport.
There are no bells and whistles here at this pioneer of Japanese-Western food with over 200 stores in Japan and a legacy of 50 years. So don’t expect fancy creations made with exotic ingredients or complicated techniques.
In a welcoming 90-seater space segmented by wooden booths, rattan furniture and warm lighting, diners get a straightforward menu of appetisers, mains, desserts and mocktails, similar to what you’ll see in Japan except for several Singapore exclusive dishes. All are served with a generous dose of omotenashi, a philosophy of Japanese hospitality that prides heartfelt service and meticulous attention to detail.
Kick-start the meal with the “Royal” Onion Gratin Soup ($7.80++). This is a homemade consomme soup with caramelised onions and a slice of toasted baguette loaded with melty Gruyere cheese. A spoonful of this and we understood why it is one of the restaurant’s popular items. Bursting with savoury umami flavours with the right amount of sweetness from the onions, it is good till the last drop. No wonder Marilyn Monroe (yes, the Hollywood icon) sang praises for it during her honeymoon to Japan in 1954.
Another signature dish is the “Royal” Hamburg Steak ($29.80++) that’s served on a sizzling hot plate with a choice of three special sauces imported directly from Japan – brown butter, black pepper or wafu Japanese sauce. The Premium Beef “Royal” Sirloin Steak ($64.80++ for 250g) might be an expensive choice but the steak promises a balance of flavour, marbling and tenderness, boosted by soy sauce and a touch of wasabi.
Carb lovers will like the Omelette Rice (from $26.80++) with lashings of demi-glace sauce (or Hiroshima oyster and white cream sauce, if you prefer). Fresh eggs from Kyushi prefecture are used to make the creamiest omelettes topped on fluffy Japanese ketchup rice. Alternatively, try the Omurice Singapore Chilli Sauce, Snow Crab on Top which is a Singapore exclusive dish.
Another carb-heavy dish is Doria (from $24.80++), a gratin dish of butter rice, meat of choice, creamy sauce and cheese. The classic Cosmo Doria is topped off with two types of creamy sauces filled with chicken, shrimp, chestnuts and cheese, while the Seafood Doria features a thick layer of lobster and creamy mornay sauce filled with shrimp and scallops.
Dessert is kept uncomplicated with three categories: Parfait, Ice Cream and Cake. Whether you choose the Hot Fudge Sundae or Creme Brulee Parfait (from $16++), they are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Royal Host is at #03-219 Jewel Changi Airport, 78 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819666.
