Bentoss Hokkaido (Millenia Walk)

Heard about Meidi-Ya’s new outlet at Millenia Walk — the supermarket also houses a food hall within its premises with both indoor and outdoor seating which is located at where now-defunct Fumee was at within the mall; the food hall being occupied with familiar brands such as Gokoku Japanese Bakery, Chef Yamashita, The Japanese Curry Shop (yes, the same one that was previously at Liang Court), Nakajima Suisan, Sapporo Nishiyama Ramen and Bentoss Hokkaido — some of the tenants being already located in Meidi-Ya’s Great World City location.

Went with the Special Gozen from Bentoss Hokkaido — the set featuring items such as Kanimeshi, Salmon Roe, Unagi, Tempura and Zangi (i.e. Sapporo Fried Chicken); it also comes with a variety of Japanese pickles, Miso Soup and a complimentary cup of green tea — the usuals that are served with every set at Bentoss Hokkaido even previously at the now-defunct Liang Court space. Really liked how the rice comes with a good amount of crab meat — the sweetness of the crustacean made the pearly Japanese short-grain rice really good on its own, with that occasional burst of umami-ness coming from the Ikura which provides a popping sensation fora contrast in texture. Of the elements that came with it, it was that stew of Konjac noodles, carrot and potato that really got me; being immensely sweet from the caramelised onions, the root vegetables were soft to the bite and would go very well with the usual white Japanese short-grain rice that comes served with the other sets here. Otherwise, the set was almost like a treasure box of goodies — the salmon was a little less flaky and moist than I had expected, but still decent, while the Unagi was not particularly scaly; came with enough sauce for a sweet-savoury note with the flesh being surprisingly soft and easy to have. The Ebi Tempura is decent; considerably fresh and crisp on the exterior without being greasy while the batter remains light, though is needless to say that my favourite was the Zangi; chunky chicken that is juicy and succulent — came with a slight vinegary note that cuts through the heaviness of the crunchy batter.

Considering how packed the supermarket and the food hall is, finding a seat in the food hall is pretty much of a challenge at peak hours — then, there is also a 20 to 25min waiting time for food from Bentoss Hokkaido. Still, I would say this is pretty much worth the splurge if you one is looking to try out the various dishes available at the stall — not exactly one that features everything that they serve, but at least most of the items that they do. Have always been a fan of their Sapporo Zangi for a while now; glad that this option is now located at a very convenient spot for me now!