Yuba Hut (Northpoint City)

Champion Floss Maki $9.90

Yuba Hut is a fast causal Japanese restaurant. Interestingly, the restaurant has expanded quickly since its inception, opening its third outlet at Northpoint City, Yishun. The first two outlets are located at Heartland Mall and Hillion Mall.

Menu

Yuba Hut serves modern Japanese fusion cuisine such as Aburi-style Makis, Don and Sashimi.

Champion Floss Maki $9.90

This is its signature Aburi-style Maki; Champion Floss Maki $9.90. This Maki is full of ingredients. The sushi rolls are wrapped with aburi-styled (torched) salmon slices and topped with mayonnaise sauce, chicken floss and fish roe. With the ingredients, they provided different dimensions in taste and texture. You get to taste the crunchy roes followed creamy sauce and the soft salmon slices and sushi roll in one mouthful. Oishi!

Beef Steak Don $15.90

The Beef Steak Don $15.90 consists of beef steak slices with onsen egg on top of rice. The steak was surprisingly soft and tender although it was well done. The addition of the onsen egg enhanced the creaminess and flavour of the don.

Salmon Aburi Don $14.90

The Salmon Aburi Don $14.90 is another signature dish at Yuba Hut. It is essentially aburi-styled salmon slices with fish roe on top of the rice. Light sauce was also added into the rice bowl and also used as decoration along the sides of the bowl. I was not blown away by this don. In fact, I was disappointed that it was so salty. Even though I was cautious not to mix all the light sauce with the rice, the don was just too salty for my liking. The Beef Steak Don $15.90 definitely tasted way better.

Yuba Hut is worth a try. If you are someone like me who dislike salty dishes, I would advise you to either avoid ordering the Salmon Aburi Don or make a request for them not to add light soy sauce. 

Yuba Hut (Northpoint City)

#B1-186 Northpoint City South Wing

930 Yishun Avenue 2

Singapore 769098

Opening Hours: Daily 10am to 10pm

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Ramen Keisuke Tori King (100 AM)

Ramen Keisuke Tori King is an eatery that serves authentic Japanese ramen opened by Mr Keisuke Takeda who has won several ramen competitions. Mr Keisuke Takeda has opened several ramen eateries in Singapore such as the Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu King (Orchid Hotel and Bugis) and Gyoza King (Orchid Hotel). 

As we were at the 100AM shopping mall (Tanjong Pagar), we decided to give this a try. We were there at 630pm and there was no queue. But by the time we left at close to 8pm, there was a short queue. 

Menu

The menu.

There would be a bottle of cold marinated bean sprouts and basket of boiled eggs on every table. There would also be slip of paper for each individual to fill in their orders along with a small bowl and a wooden stick for grinding the sesame seeds (just like Saboten). Pepper and bonito flakes are available at each table too. 

Hard Boiled eggs

Free flow of hard boiled eggs. 

Bean Sprout

Free flow of cold marinated bean sprouts. Do not under estimate this dish dish. It was very addictive. So tasty and so crunchy. We kept on opening the bottle to take more out! 

Tori King Ramen Special (All Toppings) $15.90

The partner ordered Tori King Ramen Special (All Toppings) $15.90. It included all the toppings such as seaweed, flavoured egg and pork.  

Black Spicy Tori King Ramen Special (All Toppings) $16.90

I ordered the Black Spicy Tori King Ramen Special (All Toppings) $16.90. The main different was that this was the spicy version. To be frank, both of us did not like these two bowls of ramen. The stock was too thick and the saltiness just overwhelmed the other flavours in the stock. The only positive aspect was the drumstick which was meaty and tender. Other than that the other ingredients were average.

Ironically, we preferred the marinated bean sprouts more than the main dish. Service wise, the staff were very attentive! 

Ramen Keisuke Tori King (100 AM)

100 AM (next to Amara Hotel)

100 Tras St #03-15

Singapore 079027 

Tel: 6604 6861

Opening Hours: 1130am to 10pm

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Nana's Green Tea (Plaza Singapura)

Nana's Green Tea first started off as the Japanese version of Starbucks in Jiyugaoka, Japan. It all began when the owner (a Japanese man) was worried that the culture of drinking tea would be overtaken by coffee. Hence, he started Nana's Green Tea and concentrated on Japanese green tea and Japanese Food. Nana's Green Tea has many outlets in Japan. Besides Japan, they have also expanded to China, Hong Kong and even Singapore. 

Nana's Green Tea opened its first outlet in Singapore at Plaza Singapura (directly above Dhoby Ghaut MRTStation).

The design of the restaurant was unique. Each table was be 'surrounded' by either wooden or metal mesh rectangle frames providing customers with their own private yet cozy dining area. 

Week Day Set Lunch

Nana's Green Tea current has a Week Day Set Lunch promotion from 11am to 230pm on weekdays. With the promotion, customers can order any main course and a beverage below $8.00 for only $13.90! In my opinion, this lunch promotion is a real steal considering the prices of the main courses and beverages. Hence, I have went back more on more than four occasions during weekday lunch. 

The photos below are a summary of what I ate over several occasions. For reference, I will show the ala carte prices. 

Matcha Soft Cream Latte (cold) $8

Judging from the name (i.e. Nana's Green Tea), I knew that I had to try their Green Tea (Matcha). I ordered the Matcha Soft Cream Latte (cold) $8 which was topped with soft serve vanilla ice cream. It was initially very bitter at first. The magic starts when the ice cream melted resulting in a perfect harmony with the green tea. More creamy, sweeter and yet retained the distinctive green tea fragrance and bitterness.

Thin Matcha Green Tea Float (cold) $8

The Thin Matcha Green Tea Float (cold) $8 was topped with green tea ice cream was served without milk and sugar. Instead, sugar syrup was given. Personally, I preferred the Matcha Soft Cream Latte.

Hoji Kuromitsu Latte (cold) $8

Hoji Kuromitsu Latte $8 could be served hot or cold. I ordered the cold version. This drink is a type of Japanese green tea. The difference is that it is roasted in a porcelain pot over charcoal resulting in its colour and a caramelised taste. As I had not tried this before, I decided to try this. I did not like the taste of it. I will stick to the green tea instead. 

Azuki Latte (hot) $7

Azuki Latte $7 could be served hot or cold. The Azuki (red beans) was boiled with sugar and then blended with milk. Despite its dull appearance, it was quite addictive. The hot one was a tad too sweet. I preferred the cold version better as the ice helped lessen the sweetness level. 

Unagi Mabushi Don $16.80

The Unagi Mabushi Don $16.80 consisting of grilled soy marinated eel served with Japanese rice and topped with sesame, nori (seaweed) and spring onion was the most expensive main course. It was served with a bowl of miso soup. Their miso soup was quite good! 

Unagi Mabushi Don $16.80

Unagi Mabushi Don was easily one of the best main course in Nana's Green Tea. The grilled eel was so delectable and soft that it provided a melt in the mouth sensation. With the juices from the soy marinated eel drizzled over the rice along with the toppings, the rice was so savoury and addictive. 

Salmon and Maguro Don $15.80

The Salmon and Maguro Don $15.80 was also served with a bowl of miso soup and special sesame oil. It comprised of soy marinated tuna and salmon served over Japanese rice topped with sesame, nori, pickled ginger, spring onion, daikon sprout and mayonnaise sauce. 

Salmon and Maguro Don $15.80

Drizzle the special sesame oil over this dish to enhance the taste further. Although there was a generous serving of salmon and maguro (tuna), it was a pity that they were not fresh.

Sukiyaki Udon $14.80

Sukiyaki Udon $14.80 was served with sliced beef, toufu, mushroom, leek, poached egg and udon. The poached egg was decently executed and the egg yolk was still runny. Overall, it was a decent bowl of udon, but more ingredients could have been given. 

Sukiyaki Don $14.80

Sukiyaki Don $14.80 was similar to the Sukiyaki Udon, instead of Udon, it was served with Don (rice). 

Sukiyaki Don $14.80

We preferred the Sukiyaki Udon as the beef slices in the Sukiyaki Don was harder and saltier. 

Gyu Shabu Goma Dare Udon $15.80

The Gyu Shabu Goma Dare Udon $15.80 was beautifully presented. It consisted of beef slices, tomato, corn, cucumber, lettuce, spring onion, daikon sprout with cold udon. The difference ingredients provided different textures (crunchy, hard, soft) and flavours to this dish. It was exciting going through this dish at the initial stage. However, towards the end, I got jelak (tired) of eating this dish. 

Locomoko Don $15.80

Locomoko Don $15.80 comprised of beef patty, tomato, broccoli, lettuce, poached egg and Japanese rice. The tomato sauce which was added over the beef patty was just too spicy for our liking. It overwhelmed the other flavours. What a pity. 

Although there was hits and misses, the Week Day Set Lunch promotion made it so much more affordable having a meal at Nana's Green Tea! 

Nana's Green Tea (Plaza Singapura)
#03-80/82 The Atrium@Orchard
Plaza Singapura 
68 Orchard Road  
Singapore 238839
Tel: 6684 4312 
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm

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Ichi Tei Japanese Bento & Udon (Sunshine Plaza) 2nd Post

Whenever Sunshine Plaza is mentioned, I am sure that most of you would be thinking of Victor's Kitchen or Parklane Zha Yun Tun (Wanton) Mee House. Well, if you have missed my earlier post in 2011, there's another hidden gem in Sunshine Plaza and it is Ichi Tei Japanese Bento & Udon aka Ichi Tei!

Oh, since I am on this, I visited Victor's Kitchen 2 months ago. Standard has dropped, and their selection of dim sum and drinks has been decreased (which means several items on the menu are not available). It was a disappointing meal.

Back to Ichi Tei..

Ichi Tei located next to the Parklane Wanton Mee is a small eatery specialising in Japanese cuisine such as Bento and Udon set.  It is a small shop unit with limited seating capacity and can sit up to a maximum of 22 customers at any one time. Sounds alright? Well, there are just 5 tables with 14 seats inside the shop unit while there are 2 tables with 8 seats outside the shop unit. I would not advise you to visit if you are coming with more than 4 persons.

Although Ichi Tei was just a small shop unit, it had a cozy and homely ambience. However, the chairs were not exactly comfortable.

The kitchen located at the back was just a small narrow kitchen.

Ichi Tei is managed by two persons; a husband and wife team. The husband takes charge of the back end; the kitchen and cook the food while the wife runs the front end operation and serves the customers (takes the order, serve, collect payment and clear the tables). 

Disposable chopsticks and spoons are place on every table together with chilli powder. Two years back, I remember that the food used to be served on disposable bento plates for dine-in. I am glad that they have switched to something more environmental friendly.

The post shows a consolidation of food consumed over several occasions.

Beef Teriyaki Don $10

The Beef Teriyaki Don served with potato salad and a bowl of miso soup was listed on the menu as a 'Must Try!'. Personally, I thought it was just average with nothing much to shout about. The beef did not strike me as particularly outstanding. In addition, this was one of the most expensive Don set on the menu. Their other Don sets fared better.

Beef Teriyaki Don $10 - Potato Salad

The Potato Salad served in the Don sets was delish and left a deeper impression on me compared to the beef. It was essentially mashed potato.

Beef Teriyaki Don $10 - Miso Soup

Miso Soup was decent.

Chicken Teriyaki Don $7

On another occasion, I ordered the Chicken Teriyaki Don which was still as good as before. As with all Don set, it was served with potato salad and a bowl of miso soup

Chicken Teriyaki Don $7

Chicken Teriyaki Don $7

The Chicken Teriyaki was grilled in a Japanese styled oven where the heating element comes from the top. The chef had to adjusting the height of the pan to ensure that the chicken teriyaki was cooked. The Chicken Teriyaki was to die for - it was well executed and delish. The top layer where the skin was, was grilled till it was sightly charred resulting in an incredibly crisp texture. Beneath, the meat was tasty and succulent. With each bite, the flavours and juiciness are bound to satisfy your palate.

Shishamo Udon $7.50

On a third occasion, I ordered the Shishamo Udon which was not too bad. If you are a Shishamo fan, then this would be fore you.

Shishamo Udon $7.50

The Udon was not bad and the soup-base was light and tasty.

Shishamo Udon $7.50

The Shishamo were served separately with shredded Japanese cabbage and mayonnaise. The Shishamo were fresh and grilled till the ends were crisp. (Shishamo is capeline or what we commonly know as pregnant fish)

Overall, I would say that their food are not too bad. Ichi Tei would be a place worth checking out. The must try would be the Chicken Teriyaki Don. The Saba Don is also another item to try (based on my past visit 2 years ago). The service at Ichi Tei was prompt as it was just a small unit which can cater to limited number of customers. For such a small operation, you would be surprise that they offer quite an extensive variety of food. Although they have increased the price slightly compared to my visit in 2011, I am still of the opinion that is value for money. I noticed that during lunch time, a significant percentage of their customers prefer to takeaway the food as proper disposable bento plates were provided.

Do note, it can get quite warm if you are choose the table nearest to the kitchen. 

Ichi Tei Japanese Bento & Udon (Sunshine Plaza)

91 Bencoolen Street

#01-52 Sunshine Plaza

Tel: 91391746 

Opening Hours: Daily 11am – 8.30pm (Closed on Sun)

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Saboten (Parco Marina Bay) 2nd Post

Saboten is a Japanese restaurant chain well known for their Tonkatsu (fried breaded pork loin cutlet). Saboten was first started out in Shinjuku, Tokyo in 1966. Today, it is one of the biggest Tonkatsu chain in Japan with over 500 outlets. It has also expanded overseas to South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore.

In Singapore, Saboten has two outlets. One located  right in the middle of the city at Parco Marina Bay, next to Suntec City while the second is located at Changi Airport Terminal 1.

As we were in Suntec City, we decided to pop by Saboten at Millenia Walk for dinner during the weekend. 

Thus far, we had enjoyed our dining experience (food, ambience, service) at Saboten. Hence, the repeat visits. Another reason why we are back is because of their tonkatsu!

Their tonkatsu (Pork Tenderloin and Pork Loin) are so delicious because only a certain breed of pork is used. In addition, these pigs are grained fed. Barley is added into the feed to make the meat sweeter and tenderer.  Saboten uses only mature pigs of more than 180 days of age as they would have higher fat ratio. 

I like the environment and ambience at Saboten. It is quiet, clean, spacious and bright. With its Japanese wooden furnishing, it gave a cozy yet classy feel to the restaurant. Although the restaurant was full, we were quite lucky as we did not need to queue and got a table immediately. 

As Saboten was having the Oyster Fest, I could not resist the chance of savouring freshly imported oyster from Japan! Hence, I ordered the Oyster and Loin Set $23. The partner on the other hand ordered the Saboten Special Set $25.

Both sets came with free refill of Rice, Miso Soup and Cabbage. 

The 'tools' for grinding the sesame seeds - bowl and wooden stick. After the you are done with the grinding, scoop the tonkatsu sauce from the earthen urn into the bowl with grated sesame seeds. Mix well and dipping sauce for your Pork Loin and Pork Tenderloin is ready!

Left to Right: Yuzu (Citrus) Vinegar, Creamy Sesame 

Shredded Cabbage

While waiting for your mains to be served. Start off with the cabbage. The fresh cabbage are served cold. Choose either the Yuzu (Citrus) Vinegar or Creamy Sesame or both sauces and mix it with your shredded cabbage. Its very addictive. We easily polished the cabbage off and requested for three refills! Personally, I prefer the Creamy Sesame!

Oyster & Loin Set $23

The Oyster and Loin Set consisted of Pickled Vegetable, Rice, Miso Soup, 2 Oysters and Loin Cutlet.

Oyster & Loin Set $23

The 2 oysters were coated with bread crumbs and fried. They were big (fat), juicy and more importantly - fresh. 

The loin (fried breaded pork loin cutlet) is one of Saboten's signature item. It did not disappoint. The pork loin cutlet coated with crisp golden bread crumbs was tender, soft and slightly moist. The fat to lean meat ratio gave it a melt to mouth sensation. It was a joy savoring it, sinfully delicious. Best eaten when it is warm. 

Saboten Special Set $25

As for the Saboten Special Set, consisted of Pickled Vegetable, Rice, Miso Soup, Breaded Shrimp, Mini Pork Tenderloin, Half-size Pork Loin and Crab Cream Croquette. If you want to try a little of everything, this would be the set to order. 

Saboten Special Set $25

The Pork Tenderloin was darker in colour (slightly pinkish) compared to the Pork Loin. Although it had lesser fat, it was surprisingly soft. The long Breaded Shrimp was fresh. Its meat was firm and succulent.  

 Matcha Ice Cream

As usual, the norm here is to ended of the meal with a scoop of Matcha (green tea) Ice Cream. Milky with a mild sweet yet bitter green tea taste. 

Another great meal at Saboten! Although the items were deep fried, the chef perfected the heat and timing. Each piece was deep fried perfectly and were not oily. Service was good too. I has been since I encountered such good service. The staff promptly refilled our hot green tea (without us requesting) and also cabbage. I will certainly be back for more! 

Saboten (Parco Marina Bay) 2nd Post

9 Raffles Boulevard

#P3-01 Parco Marina Bay, Millenia Walk

Tel: 6333 3432

Opening Hours: Daily 1130am to 10pm

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Location

Other outlets:

Saboten (Changi Airport T1)

80 Airport Boulevard

#031-004 Changi Airport Terminal 1

Tel: 6214 9504

Opening Hours: 8am to 1030pm

Saboten (Changi Airport T1)
2 Jurong East Street 21
#01-19 IMM Building
Singapore 609601

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