Robata Hikari @ Duo Galleria

Robata Hikari, opened July 2025 at DUO Galleria Bugis, is the new sister concept to the well-regarded Izakaya Hikari. It brings to life the centuries-old Japanese tradition of robatayaki, grilling over open binchotan charcoal flame.

Robata Hikari

What stands out is the open-grill counter: diners get a front-row view of the cooking, while fresh seafood and meats are displayed on ice. The signature theatrical “paddle service” where the chef presents the grilled dishes directly to your table on a long wooden paddle, adding flair and a sense of ceremony to every meal.

Open-grill Counter 

Elegant, interactive, and rooted in tradition, Robata Hikari offers more than just food; it delivers a full Japanese grilling experience.

Man At Work

We kicked off the meal with refreshing ume and yuzu drinks while waiting for the rest of the dishes to arrive. 

Yuzu Soda

The light sweetness and citrusy tang were the perfect way to awaken our taste buds and set the tone for the feast ahead.

Ume Drink

Appetizer 前菜

Kicking off with the appetizers, we tried their Mochi Tofu, a cream cheese tofu that was delightfully wobbly, with a subtle mochi-like texture that made each bite both silky and gently chewy. Drizzled with a light sweet sauce, it was simple yet surprisingly addictive, setting a comforting tone for the rest of the meal.

Mochi Tofu もち豆腐 - $7.90

We also had the Honey Yuzu Tomato, another addictive appetiser. The skinless tomato was coated in a sweet yuzu-infused honey glaze, delivering a refreshing balance of tangy citrus and gentle sweetness that really awakened our taste buds.

Honey Yuzu Tomato はちみつ柚子トマ - $5.90

To start on a refreshing note, we had the Cucumber with Sesame Sauce. Thinly sliced and delightfully crisp, the cooling crunch paired beautifully with the nutty sesame dressing, a light and invigorating opener to the meal.

Goma Kyuri (Cucumber with Sesame Sauce) ごまきゅうり - $5.90

Sashimi 刺身

We had the Sashimi Moriawase, featuring seven varieties delicately arranged on an ice bed. Each slice was fresh and beautifully presented: Salmon, Hotate (scallop), Mekajiki (Swordfish), Tsubugai (Sea Whelk), Ama Ebi (Sweet Shrimp), Maguro (Tuna) and hamachi (Yellowtail) offering a clean, sweet and ocean-fresh bite with every piece.

Sashimi Moriwase 盛り合わせ (7 Kinds) - $55

Agemono 揚げ物

Fish Cracker with Salmon Roe was a delight,  the crisp, crackling bite paired beautifully with the popping bursts of briny salmon roe.

Ikura Cracker イクラのせクラッカー - $8.90

We also had the French Fries with Mentaiko Sauce, an indulgent treat, generously coated in creamy, umami-rich mentaiko that made every bite irresistible.

Mentaiko French Fries 明太子フライドポテト - $10.90

Kushiyaki 串焼き

Next up, we tried two popular picks from the kushiyaki section, Buta Bara (pork belly) and Tebasaki (chicken wings), both grilled to smoky, caramelised perfection.

Buta Bara 豚バラ (Pork Belly) & Tebasaki 手羽先 (Chicken Wings) - $3.90 Each

Robatayaki 炉端焼き

We also had the Shishito (Japanese green pepper) from the robatayaki menu, glazed with a sweet sauce and topped with fluttering bonito flakes.

Shishito (Japanese Green Pepper) 獅子唐 - $7.90

The sweet corn arrived glossy and lightly charred, releasing a buttery fragrance with every bite.

Sweet Corn スイートコーン - $6.90

The sweet potato was soft and lightly caramelised, topped with creamy mayonnaise for a rich, comforting bite.

Sweet Potato

The Grilled Tiger Prawn was perfectly charred over the open flame, bringing out a beautiful smoky aroma. Each bite was firm, plump and juicy, with its natural sweetness shining through. Lightly seasoned, it allowed the freshness of the prawn to take centre stage, making it a simple yet satisfying standout from the grill section.

Grilled Tiger Prawn 大海老 - $6.90 Each

It was my first time trying the Hamachi Collar, and to my surprise, there was a generous amount of meat to enjoy. Grilled to perfection, the flesh was tender, juicy and naturally rich in flavour, especially around the collar where it’s at its most succulent. The slightly charred skin added a smoky edge, making this an unexpectedly satisfying dish that I would happily order again.

Hamichi Kama (Yellowtail Collar) ハマチカマ - $18.90

Cooked Food 調理食品

Even just hearing the word natto made me feel a little uncomfortable, but we decided to give this ingredient another try. Surprisingly, the flavour wasn’t as overpowering or pungent as expected. However, the sticky, stringy texture, especially when mixed with the udon, still wasn’t quite to my liking.

Nato Udon (Dry) 納豆うどん - $10.90

We tried the Hiyashi Chuka, a chilled Chinese-style noodle dish served dry. It came with a colourful mix of egg, ham, cucumber, crab meat and cherry tomatoes, and tasted best when paired with a hint of mustard sauce for a light, tangy kick.

Hiyashi Chuka (Chinese Chilled Noodle) 冷やし中華 (Dry) - $12.90

Dining at Robata Hikari was a delightful experience, made especially memorable by the traditional paddle service presented right before our eyes at the counter.

Robata Hikari @ Duo Galleria
Location: 7 Fraser St, #01-48/49/50 Duo Galleria, Singapore 189356
Website

kozen Sushi

 It’s quite interesting to discover that within walking distance from City Square at Farrer Park, there’s a row of shophouses where Kozen Sushi is tucked away in a quiet little corner of Singapore, serving authentic Japanese cuisine.

Kozen is all about the experience. They have created a welcoming space for celebrations and everyday meals alike, and even for first-time sushi explorers, turning simple moments into unforgettable ones. From omakase and comforting donburi bowls to their delightful surprise sushi cakes, there’s always something special to look forward to.

Kozen Sushi Bar & Restaurant

As I stepped into Kozen, the vibe instantly shifted. The restaurant was immersed in Japanese culture, with traditional-style paintings lining both sides of the space and a sleek bar counter at the end, backed by shelves neatly filled with bottles of sake.

Kozen's Interior

What truly captured my attention, however, was the ceiling, covered in overlapping, paper-thin wooden umbrellas in dreamy shades of red, pink and cream, creating a striking and almost whimsical canopy above the dining area.

Umbrella

We were served their Chawanmushi of the day, and it came as a pleasant surprise. If you enjoy little unexpected delights, this would definitely be one for you.

Chawanmushi

There is no doubt that their chawanmushi is soft, wobbly and delicious. The experience was taken to another level with the addition of rich, creamy uni aka sea urchin and fragrant sakura ebi, adding both depth of flavour and a touch of indulgence to every spoonful.

Uni & Sakura Ebi

Guess what, the next chawanmushi came topped with sweet crab meat and striking orange roe.

Guess what is this

Personally, I preferred this combination over the uni and sakura ebi. It was lighter in seafood aroma and paired beautifully with the silky, custard-like texture of the chawanmushi, making it even more enjoyable.

Oiishi Ne

A luxurious don showcasing tuna, salmon, scallops, crispy tempura unagi and foie gras, transformed into a comforting porridge halfway through.

Kozen Don

For an izakaya-style dining experience, yakitori is not to be missed. We were served five assorted skewers, including Buta Asparagus, Tori Momo, Shiitake, and Bara Pork, each one lightly charred and packed with savoury goodness.

5 Kinds Yakitori 5 种烤串 - $20

The Hamburg Don was pure eggy-licious indulgence. Fluffy rice was blanketed under silky, runny eggs, topped with a juicy, perfectly seared patty, finished with a luscious egg yolk and delicate saffron threads.

Hamburg Don 汉堡排丼 - $23.90

It was an assorted selection of aged sushi made with premium seafood. The unique ageing technique enhanced the depth of flavour in each piece, making it a truly gourmet and memorable experience.

Tokujou Nigiri

Kozen Sushi delivers a refined Japanese dining experience with beautifully curated dishes, fresh premium ingredients and attentive service. From the aged sushi selection to comforting donburi and yakitori, every bite shows care and craftsmanship. With its cosy ambience and consistently good service, it’s a place I’d gladly return to and confidently recommend to friends and family.

Our Orders

kozen Sushi
Location: 22 Flanders Square, Singapore 209306
Nearest Station: Farrer Park (NE8)
Website

GyoGyo Japanese Grilled Fish & Sukiyaki - Plaza Singapura

Looking for Halal Japanese comfort food? Head to GyoGyo for grilled fish, hearty Japanese curry, and wholesome meals that warm both heart and soul.

GyoGyo Japanese Grilled Fish & Sukiyaki at Plaza Singapura

We visited their Plaza Singapura outlet, conveniently located on the 6th floor, for a comforting Japanese meal that truly satisfied our cravings.

Enviroment 

Along with the Japanese food, we had their handcrafted drinks, refreshing and well-balanced, perfect to wash down the hearty and flavourful meal.

Ice Yakult Cucumber Mix & Ice Lychee Mixed Berries

The Chicken Karaage Curry Udon was a satisfying bowl of comfort, generously portioned and packed with flavour. The thick, rich Japanese curry clung beautifully to the chewy udon noodles, while the golden-fried karaage pieces were crispy on the outside and juicy within.

Chicken Karaage Curry Udon

Each bite offered a hearty balance of textures, making it a fulfilling and warming dish that truly hit the spot.

Beef Sukiyaki (Free Flow Rice)

Chicken Karaage

The Beef Hamburg Curry Rice was hearty and satisfying, a comforting dish where melted cheese crowned the juicy beef patty, while a soft egg blanketed the rice beneath. Surrounded by rich, flavourful Japanese curry, every bite was savoury and indulgent, making it a wholesome meal worth savouring.

Beef Hamburg Curry Rice

The Unagi Roll was beautifully presented, topped with green onions and a sprinkle of roasted sesame seeds for an appetizing finish.

Unagi Roll

A long slice of tender unagi draped elegantly over the neatly cut rolls, each encasing egg, crab stick, and refreshing cucumber. 

Yummy

Such a combination offers a perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and flavour in every bite.

Cross-Section of the Unagi ROll

Simply loved the style and execution of the Tempura Moriawase, a delightful mix of prawns, lady’s finger, mushroom, brinjal, and sweet potato, all lightly battered and deep-fried to golden perfection. The tempura wasn’t greasy at all, and the clear dipping sauce complemented each crisp bite beautifully.

Tempura Moriawase

The Kakiage with Truffle Kabayaki Sauce was a delightful surprise, a tower of mixed vegetable tempura, light and crisp, drizzled generously with aromatic truffle kabayaki sauce. The sauce added a rich umami depth that perfectly complemented the crunchy texture, making it both indulgent and satisfying.

Kakiage with Truffle Kabayaki Sauce

Gyo Gyo is a great spot for gatherings, especially when cravings for comforting Halal Japanese food strike. With hearty dishes like curry udon, grilled fish, and sushi rolls, it’s perfect for sharing a satisfying meal with friends and family in a cosy setting.

Our Meal

GyoGyo Japanese Grilled Fish & Sukiyaki - Plaza Singapura
Location: Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Rd, #06-08/09/10, Singapore 238839

Mugiwara Tonkatsu Ramen

Spotted a ramen stall at Pasir Panjang Food Centre and thought I got lucky, there wasn’t a single person in line! I quickly placed my order, only to realise moments later that everyone around me was already holding onto their buzzers. Turns out, the real queue was invisible.

Mugiwara Tonkotsu Ramen

There was only one Tonkotsu Ramen on the menu, leaving diners with no choice but to go with that. It made me wonder,  perhaps they are focusing on perfecting this single dish, or maybe it’s due to limited manpower. Either way, I decided to give it a shot. My buzzer finally went off just as my colleagues were finishing up their meals.

Tonkotsu Ramen - $6.5

The bowl of Tonkotsu Ramen arrived steaming hot, with smooth and springy noodles soaking in a milky white broth. The broth might taste a little mild for some, but I found it comforting and well-balanced. Toppings included slices of grilled meat, fish cake, and half a soft-boiled ajitama egg, finished with a sprinkle of chopped spring onions. For $6.50, it’s a simple yet satisfying bowl, not one to complain about.

Noodle

Overall, the price of the ramen was attractive, especially for what you get in return. However, having it during the busy lunch hour can be a little tricky; the waiting time might stretch longer than expected, especially when the buzzers start piling up. Still, for a $6.50 bowl of Tonkotsu Ramen at a hawker centre, it’s hard to fault the experience.

Mugiwara Tonkatsu Ramen
Location: Pasir Panjang Food Centre, 121 Pasir Panjang Rd, #01-35, Singapore 118543

Sake+ Orchard Somerset

Visited Sake+ at 313@Somerset, known for its vibrant Japanese-fusion fare and extensive sake selection. We headed up to the second level, greeted by a contemporary space with warm, sentimental lighting.

Interior

Craving swordfish sashimi, I ended up with their beautifully arranged assorted sashimi platter instead. Perfect for sharing, it featured glistening slices of tuna, salmon, scallop, swordfish, seabream and yellowtail, each fresh and tender, accompanied by wasabi and soy sauce for that classic dip.

Sashimi Moriawase - $20

The Yuzu Squash was a delightful blend of soda and yuzu, refreshingly cool and citrusy with every sip.

Yuzu Squash - $6

Wow! The chawanmushi’s steamed egg was silky-smooth, topped with generous slices of mushrooms that made every spoonful more satisfying.

Chawanmushi - $8

We tried the whole grilled squid, beautifully charred and tender, served with a punchy spicy-coriander sauce. 

Grilled Squid with Spicy Sauce ピリ辛イカ焼き - $14

A rare but delightful twist you don’t often find in Japanese cuisine.

Dipping into Spicy Sauce

Stir-fried thick noodles with pork belly, cabbage, carrots, and green capsicum, coated in a savoury-sweet yakisoba sauce. Finished with bonito flakes, seaweed powder, and a touch of red pickled ginger for that classic Japanese street-food flavour.

Yakisoba 焼きそば - $16

Among the three okonomiyaki options on the menu, we played it safe with the classic ‘sauce’ okonomiyaki. 

Sauce Okonomiyaki - $17

This savoury Japanese pancake came loaded with cabbage and pork, generously drizzled with okonomiyaki sauce, simple, comforting and full of umami.

Okonomiyaki

We also had the crispy deep-fried oysters wrapped in smoky bacon, a decadent bite served alongside fresh mixed salad and drizzled with tangy Lemosco, a zesty lemon-infused hot sauce that cut through the richness perfectly.

Fried Oyster Wrapped with Bacon 牡蠣ベーコンフライ - $16

The breaded pork cutlet, marinated in shio koji, is deep-fried to a crisp golden brown and paired with tangy tonkatsu sauce and a fresh side salad, simple yet irresistible.

Pork Tonkatsu 豚カツ - $15

This bowl of oden was warm and stomach-comforting, featuring tender turnip, assorted fishcakes and a hard-boiled egg. The broth was subtly sweet, though I found it lacked the deeper punch of bonito flakes I was hoping for.

Oden - $14

Creamy pasta laced with bacon and sliced onions, crowned with a soft-boiled onsen egg and parsley. While the flavours were comforting, the pasta was unfortunately overcooked and not quite to my liking.

White Cream Pasta ホワイトクリームパスタ - $16

A generous serving of Salmon Seafood Rolls sits on a rustic grey plate, each bite-sized piece coated with a luscious layer of creamy orange sauce. The drizzle glistens under the light, hinting at a tangy, spicy kick. In the background, a small mound of wasabi and a curl of pickled ginger wait to cleanse the palate between bites. This inviting presentation makes it perfect for sharing at the table.

Salmon Seafood Roll - $15

A single Salmon Seafood Roll held between chopsticks, showing off its fresh salmon and crisp cucumber filling wrapped in soft sushi rice. A touch of creamy orange sauce clings to the outside, adding a hint of spice and richness to the bite.

Close Up Bite of the Salmon Seafood Roll

We went with much anticipation, but the food turned out to be just average. While the Salmon Seafood Roll looked appetising, the overall taste didn’t quite live up to our expectations.

Sake+ Orchard Somerset
Location:  313@Somerset, 313 Orchard Rd, #01 - 27, Singapore 238895