Japanese food lovers are incredibly privileged it seems, with multiple Japan-based food brands setting up overseas outposts in our country. Not that I’m complaining!
Opened in 2006 by Chef Atsushi, Konjiki Hototogisu has grown tremendously, from a humble eight-seater stall in Shibuya, to a One Michelin Starred brand in 2019 and 2020 after attaining the Tokyo Michelin Bib Gourmand title four years in a row.
The Bar Kakure, which was soft-launched a month ago, has a couple of great things going for it. For one, it is helmed by a seasoned Japanese bartender, Kazuhiro Chii of Waku Ghin fame. For another, it is currently offering an exquisite 5-Course Omakase Dinner at an irresistible $95++.
Occupying the upper level of 29 Scotts Road, above omakase fine dining restaurant Ki-Sho, The Bar Kakure is an intimate 15-seater bar that boasts bespoke cocktails and limited edition sakes and brews from Japan. The decor is a flawless blend of East and West.
Update 19 Jan 2025: Softhaus has closed.
A nice ice cream parlour is in town! Janice Wong, chef and owner of the eponymous Janice Wong Singapore brand of sweets and desserts, just launched a new ice cream brand, Softhaus in Great World’s basement.
Taking over the space once occupied by the now-defunct Plentyfull, Softhaus brands itself as a place where “the wild and whimsical worlds of ice cream and art collide”. Here, ice cream lovers and fans of Janice Wong’s legendary 2am: dessertbar alike will find themselves spoilt for choice, with a dizzying array of 16 flavours and 22 toppings.
With the rare, but welcome spate of sweater weather these days, comfort food has become the main order of the day. And a bowl of piping hot laksa is at the top of that list.
Mention the words “Singapore” and “laksa”, and the legendary stalls of Katong instantly spring to mind. But if you are seeking something closer towards Singapore’s central district, a humble stall by the name of Sungei Road Laksa is where you can get your fix for a low, low price of $3.
Dining in may be on hold for now, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still meet online! For our recent virtual team lunch, we settled on some meaty grub from Meating Place, a casual meat joint known for its affordable wagyu-based offerings.
Mention the word “katsu”, and the first thing that comes to mind are the delectable, deep-fried pork and beef cutlets slapped between two slabs of bread, sold in trios at Japanese convenience stores and takeaway counters.
Little do most non-Japanese know, that “katsu” is also the Japanese word for “victorious”. A fitting name for Esora’s mission, as it navigates these trying times of no dine-in with a limited-time menu of Japanese-style sandwiches!
Update January 2023: Cafe Coco has closed.
Cafe Coco, the creator of the lavender-themed brunch at Gardens by the Bay, has launched a new Choux Box ($27) on its menu. Inspired by its best-selling bottled cold brews, the assorted puffs are already proving a hit among dessert lovers!
Choux Box of 6 ($27)
Chue On It 