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

Sen Ryo

I have passed by Sen-ryo numerous times while at Suntec City, and I couldn’t help but notice its beautifully designed exterior. With its sleek, elegant look, it gives off the impression of an upscale, fine-dining Japanese restaurant, the kind that immediately draws your attention and invites curiosity.

Sen Ryo's Menu

Stepping inside, the atmosphere did not disappoint. The clean, modern interior, paired with a warmly lit sushi counter and neatly arranged bar seating, reinforces the feeling of refined sophistication.

The menu at Sen-ryo is extensive, offering a wide variety of Japanese dishes, from delicate sushi and fresh sashimi to crispy tempura, smoky yakitori, and more. Known for its commitment to quality, Sen-ryo sources its seafood directly from various regions across Japan, ensuring freshness in every bite.

Environment

Upon being seated, we were warmly welcomed with refillable green tea, a thoughtful touch that set the tone for the meal.

We began with a comforting chawanmushi, a delicate, steamed egg custard with a silky, wobbly texture. Topped with a succulent prawn and thinly sliced mushrooms, it was light yet flavorful, the perfect appetizer to ease us into the sushi courses that followed.

Chawanmushi - $5.50

This eye-catching roll is generously coated in roasted sesame seeds, giving it a nutty crunch with every bite. Inside, it’s packed with crisp lettuce, creamy avocado, and grilled eel, all brought together by a rich, savory sauce. A vibrant topping of orange egg roe adds a burst of flavor and color, making this maki as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

Dragon Maki - $4.80

Sen-ryo’s Deluxe Sushi Platter is a masterfully curated selection of Japan’s finest cuts. This elegant assortment features sweet aka ebi (red shrimp), buttery hotate (scallop), rich and indulgent chutoro (medium fatty tuna), lean akami (tuna loin), silky salmon, and tender tako (octopus). Each slice is served at its peak freshness, highlighting the natural flavors and textures of premium sashimi.

Sen Ryo Deluxe Sushi Platter - $68

We ended the meal on a sweet and satisfying note with a beautifully plated Black Sesame Ice Cream in Mochi Crisp. The ice cream was rich and nutty, with the deep, earthy flavor of roasted black sesame shining through. It was served atop a delicate mochi crisp shell, paired with chewy shiratama dango (rice flour dumplings) and a generous spoonful of sweet red bean paste. A well-balanced dessert,  not overly sweet, but indulgent in its own subtle way. A lovely finale to a well-executed Japanese meal.

Black Sesame Ice Cream in Mochi Crisp - $5.80

We also enjoyed the Matcha Mochi Ice Cream, a delightful treat where the soft, chewy mochi acts as a delicate blanket, wrapping around a smooth scoop of earthy matcha ice cream. The contrast between the pillowy mochi and the creamy, slightly bitter green tea center created a harmonious balance of texture and flavor, a simple yet elegant dessert that matcha lovers will surely appreciate.

Matcha Mochi Ice-Cream - $5.80

Overall, it was a pleasant dining experience at Sen-ryo. From the refined ambiance to the well-executed dishes, everything felt thoughtfully curated. Judging from the positive reviews, their weekday lunch menu seems like a great value too. If I get the chance, I would love to return and give that a try next time.

Sen Ryo
Location: Suntec City, 3 Temasek Boulevard #01-434 Singapore 038983