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

Yappari Steak Singapore (VivoCity)

I finally joined the queue at Yappari Steak, a place I’ve been eager to try since its opening. Each time I passed by, the long line had always put me off, but this time the crowd was manageable. With about eight groups ahead of me, I decided it was the perfect opportunity to see what the buzz was all about.

Yappari Steak

The interior features simple, no-frills furnishings with wooden tables and chairs neatly arranged in rows. 

Interior

Warm lighting and orange accents give the space a cosy, casual feel. It was already buzzing with diners when I arrived, no surprise given the mealtime rush, which added to the lively, canteen-style atmosphere.

Logo

We placed our orders quickly and, almost as soon as we were seated, were served with refillable salad, soup and rice. Along one side of the table sat a wide variety of seasonings you could help yourself to and pour onto the small sauce plate provided. The basics are classic salt and pepper, but if you are after something more refreshing, do give the onion sauce a try. It’s worth experimenting to find your favourite combination.

Japanese Green Tea - $1.30 (Refillable)

Yappari Steak is known for its quality and diligent preparation. Originating from Japan, the restaurant has built a reputation for serving thick yet tender cuts of steak, presented plump and juicy on a sizzling lava stone plate. Each piece arrives rare, exceptionally juicy inside, and you get the added pleasure of grilling the steak yourself to your preferred doneness right at the table.

Yappari Steak Top Blade (150g) with additional Foie Gras - $19.80 + $8 

While the steak is wonderfully juicy, the sizzling hot plate can cause splatters. It’s a good idea to put on the disposable apron provided to protect your clothes and keep your hands at a safe distance from the hot stone while cooking.

Nakaochi Karubi Rib Finger with Foie Gras - $27.80  (200g)

We also topped up our meal with the medium-sized foie gras, and absolutely loved its creamy, melt-in-the-mouth texture. Rich yet delicate, it paired beautifully with the steak and made the whole experience feel extra indulgent.

Foie Gras

Overall, I truly enjoyed the food at Yappari Steak from the quality cuts of meat to the thoughtful sides and seasonings. The experience felt hearty yet fuss-free, and I’ll definitely be back to try more on their menu.

Yappari Steak Singapore (VivoCity)
Location: 1 HarbourFront Walk, #02-110 VivoCity, Singapore 098585
Website

Next Shikaku

 Located at the basement of Westgate Mall, Next Shikaku is taking Singapore’s ramen scene to the next level.

Hailing from Osaka, their unique concept revolves around oysters, the soul of their broth. The clear soup is made from 100% pure oyster broth, carrying a natural richness with a subtle, pleasant bitterness.

To complete the experience, the noodles are hand-kneaded with a 45% hydration ratio, giving each strand a perfect, satisfying bite.

Menu

The eatery greets diners with a futuristic illuminated screen right at the entrance, a bold contrast from the usual Japanese ramen shop vibe. The restaurant itself is long and narrow, with limited seating, making the experience feel a little more exclusive.

Dining

Their broiled meat sushi strikes a perfect balance, searing just enough to unlock the umami of raw meat, making it comparable to speciality sushi houses.

Meat Sushi - $4.90

Plump, large oysters are freshly fried to golden perfection and served simply with lemon and salt for a clean, briny indulgence.

Fried Oysters - $11.90

The Oyster Tsukemen “Asobu” is another standout on the menu, crafted in collaboration with the renowned Kyoto noodle maker Teigaku. Instead of the usual slender strands, this version features wider, rectangular flat noodles that deliver a more satisfying, chewy bite, almost reminiscent of mee hoon kueh.

Oyster Tsukemen (Asobu) - $22.90

These noodles are designed to soak up the full-bodied dipping broth, which is made from a blend of shrimp kombu water and oysters. The result is a rich, ocean-sweet umami that clings to every strand, making each dip an indulgent, slurp-worthy experience.

Hand Kneaded Flat Noodles

The Oyster Broth “Koeru”, a creation that redefines the ramen experience. Unlike conventional bases, Koeru is built on the pure essence of oysters, blended seamlessly with pork and chicken to achieve a broth that is both bold and refined.

Slow-cooked Oyster Broth (Koeru) - $20.90

The result is a soup with natural oceanic richness, layered with savory depth and a gentle, lingering umami. Paired with hand-kneaded, low-hydration noodles, every mouthful balances silky broth and perfect bite.

The chashu comes as a generous thick-cut slice, thoughtfully balanced with both lean and fatty sections. The lean part is juicy and firm, while the fatty portion ranges from a delicate, jelly-like texture to fully melt-in-your-mouth richness. Lightly seasoned, it allows the natural pork flavor to shine, making each bite deeply satisfying without overpowering the ramen.

Chashu

Next Shikaku
Location: Westgate, 3 Gateway Dr, #B1-28 Singapore 608532

Hitoyoshi Yakiniku

After passing by this place countless times, I finally made my way to Hitoyoshi Yakiniku, and it was totally worth the wait. The curated selection of high-quality meats, expertly grilled over the stove, was an absolute treat. Each bite of tender, flavorful meat was perfectly complemented by fresh accompaniments that elevated the entire experience. Definitely a place worth revisiting for anyone who appreciates top-notch yakiniku!

Hitoyoshi Yakiniku

For beverages, complement your meal with a refreshing drink from their menu, whether it’s the Calpis Selection, a smooth highball, or a chilled beer.

Strawberry Calpis

We had the Premium Beef Set ($188), ideal for 3–4 pax, featuring:

• A5 Wagyu Tartare
• A5 Wagyu Karubi (160g)
• Australian Wagyu Karubi (180g)
• Beef Rib (180g)
• Beef Plate (180g)
• Beef Tongue (170g)
• Seafood Kimchi Soup or Clear Beef Soup
• Nira Tama
• Free flow lettuce & side vegetables

The premium cuts and fresh ingredients made it a delightful feast!

Nira Tama

The A5 Wagyu Tartare was a delight, rich, tender, and perfectly complemented by the crisp chips. 

A5 Wagyu Tartare

Every bite was a burst of flavor and texture!

So yummy

So Good

The beef tongue was thinly sliced, beautifully marbled, and soaked in a flavorful marinade. Each bite was tender with a rich, buttery taste!

Beef Tounge (170g)

It was a fun and interactive grilling experience with my pals! The staff poured a bucket of ice into the BBQ pit and kept it running. We enjoyed the authentic self-service yakiniku, grilling over the stove while chatting with friends.

The platter of meat was a feast for the eyes — just look at that marbling! Each cut looked so enticing:

🥩 A5 Wagyu Karubi (160g)

🥩 Australian Wagyu Karubi (180g)

🥩 Beef Rib (180g)

🥩 Beef Plate (180g)

Grilling these beauties was pure satisfaction!

Plate

We preferred the Clear Beef Soup over the Seafood Kimchi Soup. It had a homely, comforting taste, light yet flavorful, perfect for warming the stomach.

Clear Beef Soup

We enjoyed the free-flow Banchan that comes with every Yakiniku set! Don’t miss their signature sides Tofu in Goma sauce, quail egg, crackers, veggies, potato salad, cabbage with goma, lotus root, beansprouts, and kimchi.

Free Flow Lettuce & Side Vegetables

They offers a memorable dining experience with its delectable selection of BBQ meats cooked right over the stove. 

Stove with smoke

The smoky aroma fills the air as each piece of tender meat is carefully placed on the grill, allowing you to savor its rich, charred flavor.

I Cant Wait Any Longer

The meat is beautifully marbled, ensuring every bite is a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth delight. 

Sauce

Whether it's the well-seasoned cuts of beef, succulent pork, or flavorful chicken, each variety is expertly cooked, giving it that perfect balance of smoky and savory goodness. 

Delicious

The stove-top grilling adds a personal touch to the meal, letting you control the level of doneness, making it a fun, interactive experience.

Grilling

Perfectly complemented with dipping sauces and accompanied by a variety of sides, the BBQ meats at Hitoyoshi Yakiniku are an irresistible treat that promises a satisfying, flavorful meal every time.

Good 

 It’s an ideal place for a cozy meal with friends or family, where the food is as delightful as the atmosphere.

Meat 

The croquette was wonderfully creamy on the inside and fried to a perfect golden crisp.

Croquette

We ended our meal on a sweet note with their popular ice cream selection. You can pick from Matcha, Black Sesame, or Vanilla from Japan. The Black Sesame was velvety, with just the right touch of sweetness.

Sesame Ice Cream

Hitoyoshi Yakiniku
Location: The Rail Mall, 382 Upper Bukit Timah Road Singapore 678040