Each time I travel to Japan, I make it a point to check off a few more items off my foodie list, as well as bring back my favourite snacks to last me till my next trip.
Thanks to globalisation, though, here are some foods, desserts and snacks we can now enjoy without having to fly out from Singapore (or rely on the goodwill of friends and family to buy for us)!
BAKE Cheese Tart ベイク チーズタルト
Once host to snaking queues in the basement of ION Orchard, the popular cheese tart from Hokkaido is known for its crumbly crust and fluffy cheese. The cheese is said to be made from a combination of 3 types of cheese – Hakodate cheese, Betsukai cheese, and French cheese.
Address: ION Orchard B4-33
Nearest MRT: Orchard
Contact: 6509 9233
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm daily
Pablo パブロ
One of the “die die must buy back” souvenirs from Japan, PABLO recently made its way to Singapore – specifically, level one of Wisma Atria. Deriving its name from Pablo Picasso (not Kanye West’s album), the Japanese franchise offers an array of cheese based desserts and snacks, from mini tarts to soft serve to cheese smoothies.
Address: Wisma Atria Shopping Centre 01-02/38
Nearest MRT: Orchard
Contact: 6835 9269
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm daily
Omotesando 表参道 Koffee
The newest addition on this list, Omotesando Koffee is known for its minimalist interior. The Singapore outlet is a take away concept, tucked next to a co-working space in the CBD. Perfect for the working crowd to get their caffeine fix before morning meetings.
Address: Downtown Gallery, Shenton Way Level 04-01
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar
Opening hours: 8am – 6pm (Monday to Friday)
Tamoya Udon たも屋うどん
Having set up shop in Liang Court in 2013, Tamoya Udon has since branched out to include ramen and sukiyaki. While the tempura leaves a lot to be desired, the rich, slurpy udon noodles and free flow of condiments (including tempura flakes), definitely earns plus points for me.
Address: Liang Court 01-32
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay
Contact: 6337 0301
Opening hours: 11am – 9.30pm daily
Pastry Snaffle スナッフルス
Another entry from Hokkdiao, Pastry Snaffle’s Catchcake is proof that the best desserts come bite sized. Besides mini cheesecakes, you can also indulge in nama chocolate and snowball cookies.
Address: Various outlets
Tsuta Ramen 蔦
The world’s first and only Michelin-starred ramen eatery, Tsuta Ramen surprised fans when it announced not one, but two overseas outlets in Singapore. The second outlet, located at 18 Tai Seng, boasts an exclusive Miso Soba.
Address: Pacific Plaza 01-01
Nearest MRT: Orchard
Contact: 6734 4886
Opening hours: 11am – 10pm daily (last order 9.30pm)
Address: 18 Tai Seng Street 01-01
Nearest MRT: Tai Seng
Opening hours: 11am – 9pm daily (last order 8.30pm)
Cafe and Meal MUJI 無印良品
MUJI lovers now have another reason to visit their favourite furniture store – a cafe serving Japanese style hot and cold deli dishes. You might want to add a cake or pudding to your order, though; portions are known to be a tad small for local appetites. Chicken Nanban Donburi, Soy-Sansho French Fries, Matcha and Yuzu Rolls are sold exclusively at the Raffles City outlet (hmm, what’s with the trend of selling exclusive items at the newer outlets?).
Address: Orchard Paragon
Nearest MRT: Orchard
Contact: 6735 0123
Opening hours: 10am – 9.30pm daily
Address: Raffles City 02-20/22
Nearest MRT: City Hall
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm daily
And now… a couple more chains I personally would like to see in Singapore:
SILKREAM
The first time I bit into that smooth, rich cream was on a sweltering summer day in Tokyo. What makes Silkream stand out, though, is the biscuit based cone that adds a much needed crunch to this delightfully rich treat.
Ichiran Ramen 一蘭
While some may consider Ichiran overrated, you can’t deny the appeal of enjoying your ramen in utter seclusion, with little to distract you from your meal.
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