JAPANESE CUISINE & GROCERIES

Singaporeans really do love all things Japanese, especially the food! Let’s delve into the world of Japanese cuisine, from savouries to sweets and everyday needs! Here are some places that’ll have you saying “Itadakimasu”!

Savouries -

For well-executed Japanese fare with quality ingredients: Hitoyoshi Yoshi Sushi
Sushi is an iconic Japanese food that represents the deep reverence its culture has for simplicity and freshness. Vinegared short-grain rice is accompanied by ingredients such as raw or cooked fish, seafood, or vegetables, and presented in various styles - rolled, wrapped, pressed, or scattered like in Chirashizushi (scattered sushi), aka chirashi don.

And where better to enjoy this Edo-style dish than at Hitoyoshi Yoshi Sushi, where they’ve got a giant version, bejewelled with cubes of sashimi-grade salmon, tuna, swordfish, and scallops plus diced cucumbers and tamagoyaki (Japanese layered omelette). Made to be enjoyed by 3-4 people, it’s time to gather up your sushi-loving friends and visit Hitoyoshi Yoshi Sushi at Clarke Quay Central #01-68.

For a hearty unagi-focused meal: Man Man Japanese Unagi Restaurant
Man Man Unagi is a specialty restaurant featuring Nagoya-style charcoal-grilled Japanese unagi that was popularised when it introduced the tank-to-table concept, where live freshwater eels from Mikawa Isshiki are prepared on the spot and grilled over binchotan (charcoal). The cooked-to-order process resulted in smokey and tender unagi fillets with light crisp skin, glossed over with a sweet and savoury tare sauce that enhances the fish's delicate flavour.

There are 3 suggestions offered on how to enjoy this dish best and they are: (1) as it is, (2) with the addition of the fresh wasabi, spring onions, and seaweed provided and (3) adding the dashi broth to make it a zosui (Japanese rice soup). Visit MAN MAN JAPANESE UNAGI RESTAURANT at Clarke Quay Central #B1-52.

For a pocket-friendly yakiniku experience: Yakiniku Shokudo
With their newest outlet in Orchard Central opened just in February, Yakiniku Shokudo remains the top casual yakiniku (grilled meats) eatery in Singapore.

Their concept has been successful at making Japanese barbecue more approachable, and pocket-friendly with sets starting at only $9.90++ while serving premium quality meats. With a variety of wagyu beef and chicken, it is also one of the few halal-certified Japanese barbecues, so it is not surprising how popular it is! With cosy and spacious booths, it is a great spot for a family dinner out. Visit YAKINIKU SHOKUDO at Orchard Central #07-10 or Square 2 #02-92.

For an unforgettable omakase experience: Miraku
Just a stone’s throw away from Tanjong Pagar MRT, in a mall where the hallways are flanked by columns of red-bricked pillars sits Miraku, a cosy omakase restaurant with only 18 counter seats. Literally meaning “I’ll leave it up to you”, omakase experiences are the best way to appreciate a chef’s cooking philosophy and skill set as he presents the freshest ingredients of the Japanese seasons.

Offering a 12-course omakase and a lunch-only 8-course sushi menu, Miraku is an intimately-set restaurant perfect for small birthday celebrations, entertaining, or simply enjoying a meal with family and friends. Visit MIRAKU at Icon Village #01-01.

Sweets -

For a health & energy boost in a cup: Tsujiri
Tea selections, soft serves, parfaits, and shaved ice treats - these are just a few of the offerings one can get at the Japanese-tea-focused concept, Tsujiri. With alfresco seats overlooking the Singapore River, it is a relaxing spot to people-watch, while enjoying a cup of matcha, sourced from the Uji region of Japan.

Studies have shown that a cup a day can reduce stress and even support weight loss due to the nutrients from the entire tea leaf, which packs a greater amount of caffeine and antioxidants. For a cup that is as good for the mind as it is for the body, visit TSUJIRI at Clarke Quay Central #01-74.

For a glimpse of Kyoto: Maccha House
No prizes for guessing what MACCHA HOUSE does best. Using high-quality green tea leaves, they have crafted namesake desserts, such as their parfaits and tiramisu - the latter served in the cutest wooden box. With their smooth and creamy textures, it's as much a delight to your taste buds as it is a healthy energy boost due to the unique nutrient profile of Matcha. 

Be sure to check out their hot mains too, with options such as ramen, donburi, udon dishes, and even wafu-style pastas. It is a great place for meal dates with fellow matcha lovers! Visit MACCHA HOUSE at Orchard Central #B1-44.

For pillow-like pancake stacks: Belle-ville
Originating from Osaka, Belle-ville is a pancake house that has gained popularity for their soft and fluffy, made-to-order meringue-based pancakes. These millefeuille (french for thousand layers) pancakes, as they are called, are presented in a tower of 4 or 8 layers, with some selections sandwiching cream or fruits.

They are perfect for breakfast, as they are for a mid-day treat or post-dinner dessert. But beware, once you go fluff, you might never get “enuff”. Visit BELLE-VILLE at Square 2 #01-154.

For creamy Hokkaido milk gelato: Azabu Sabo Hokkaido Ice-cream Shop
Situated outside of Clarke Quay Central, Azabu Sabo’s gelato is churned using only Hokkaido’s farm-fresh quality milk and a unique technique that includes no chemical additives. Hokkaido milk is known across Japan, and even the world, for its creamy mouthfeel and mild vanilla flavour. While standard full cream milks contain only 3.25% milkfat, Hokkaido milk contains 3.6%! Its high quality is believed to be a result of the cow’s ideal farming conditions and stress-free living environment. 

Needless to say, their Japanese flavours such as matcha and black sesame, which boast delicious umami and intense bittersweet notes are their top hits, although they do have other flavours as well. Visit AZABU SABO HOKKAIDO ICE-CREAM SHOP at Clarke Quay Central #01-46.

Bakeries -

For Japanese-inspired breads: Mugiya
We Asians really love our breads soft and fluffy and for many, that and a caffeinated beverage are all we need to start our day. Mugiya is one such place that bakes up the most childhood-memory-inducing breads with Japanese and local flavours. Along with a nostalgic heartland-ish vibe and price points of no more than $3, it is a well-loved choice by all from 1-99 years old. Popular choices include their Hokkaido milk buns that are stuffed with Hokkaido milk custard and their cranberry cream cheese bread (our favourite!) Visit MUGIYA at Hougang 1 #01-06.

For beautiful Japan-imported pastries: Chateraise
Since its arrival in Singapore in 2015, Japanese confectionary chain Chateraise from the Yamanashi Prefecture, known for their too-perfect-to-eat cakes, cream puffs, and selection of ice creams and jellies, has quickly gained popularity amongst Singaporeans.

Their best seller is the “Special Strawberry Whole Cake”, a simple yet delectable strawberry shortcake made with light-as-air whipped fresh cream and sweet strawberries. A special shout out to those with allergies to dairy, eggs, and wheat as Chateraise makes an equally delicious allergen-free strawberry shortcake. Visit CHATERAISE at Square 2 #01-41.

Everyday Needs -

For a one-stop shop for all your Japanese household needs: DON DON DONKI
*cue DON DON DONKI jingle* - the ultimate earworm!
DON DON DONKI is wildly popular amongst Singaporeans for their range of exclusively imported fresh produce, personal care products, and common household goods. We love going there to stock up on Japanese instant noodles and snacks as well as buy ingredients for the perfect shabu shabu or yakiniku night at home. 

They also have a range of ready-to-eat foods for one to grab and go, or enjoy in their in-store dining spaces. Have you watched one too many episodes of Netflix’s Midnight Diner and are feeling inspired to cook up some Japanese fare? Well then, you definitely need to visit DON DON DONKI at Clarke Quay Central #B1-11, Orchard Central #B2-01 or Square 2 #B1-01. 

For sushi and sashimi lovers: Fish Mart Sakuraya
Located at the basement of West Coast Plaza, Fish Mart Sakuraya is a 2-in-1 concept where they have a supermarket, and adjacent to that, a restaurant where chefs will slice your pick of fresh air-flown fish from their supermarket section, on the spot!

The supermarket also carries a varied selection of frozen foods, beers, and sakes, fresh produce, and Japanese confections, making this a great post-enrichment-class spot to hit up with the family as their restaurant menu features typical Japanese fare such as sushi, grilled fish, as well as rice and noodle dishes, set in a casual dining space. Visit FISH MART SAKURAYA at West Coast Plaza #B1-52.

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