Restaurants

[TELOK AYER, SINGAPORE] From the dishes I've had, I can tell that @katanashi_an are using really solid ingredients to create new renditions, but they have so much potential to do more by sticking to the classics.

I think ochazuke as a dish is familiar to many and they do offer quite a few variations. The Wagyu Truffle 🍖 ($26.18) was quite well executed, with it being not too salty, comforting and the truffle not too overpowering. The beef slices were really soft too. The Premium Hokkaido 🐟 ($25.18) boasts a variety of fresh sashimi slices that were just too precious to eat with the hot tea. In fact, I ate the bowl just like a kaisendon and it was pretty darn delicious even without vinegared rice. I tried to find kaisendon in their menu and there was none 🤯 really really wished they have it!

As for their hotpot options, the Bear Nabe 🍲 ($18) was presented really cutely, and all ingredients were well seasoned in the light collagen broth. The soup itself was really comforting and tasty, pork slices were of high quality, really tender and vegetables were fresh. Cotton Candy Sukiyaki 🍲 ($24) was an interesting one, because it would have done very very well without the cotton candy, but unfortunately it was way too sweet with it. It was quite a pity because once again the ingredients used were good! Especially the Wagyu slices which were rich and tender.

One of the popular ramen flavour was their Spicy Tonkutsu Ramen 🍜 which indeed packed a HUGE amount of spice. This is definitely for the spicy lovers!

I really think they can do so much better if some of the dishes can be done the classic way. We still find the dishes delicious in the end, but really loads of potential to do much more!

[MANY OUTLETS, SINGAPORE] Finally tried our very own rendition of mala stir-fry or soup, but I might be saying an unpopular opinion here 🙃

As much as the ingredients were fresh, noodles were done right and the sauce was flavourful and spicy, it's really quite expensive 😲 especially if you were to get the potato and lotus root to fry. The freshly fried lotus root and potato chips were indeed addictive, especially with the special spice powder, but the weight of the whole potato or lotus root was equivalent to about $7-10 each 🤯 I cannot imagine paying so much just for lotus root or potato chips 😂 my bowl was like $30 hahaha how do students afford them??

Still, I'm glad to have supported local businesses and tried it, but will I go again? Maybe not, there are other much cheaper mala stalls that are still as good. The lotus root or potato chips might be unique, but it's not enough to entice me.

What do you all think?

[TANJONG PAGAR, SINGAPORE] Thank you @sippin_n_munchin for discovering this place because it's such a gem. It's this kind of hidden finds that truly excites me 😍

This relatively new ramen shop is located with PSA Tanjong Pagar Complex, an old run down building filled with coffeeshops that are mostly closed at night. It can be abit of a journey to get to from Tanjong Pagar MRT, but it's worthwhile 😍

Their Grilled Fish Ramen 🍜 ($9.90) hits you hard with their intense fish broth, that was made through simmering fish bones, various meat part and vegetables over 24 hours. The umami flavour is insane, though it might be overly flavourful for some.

The grilled fish itself was very meaty, with a light yuzu marinade that made it really refreshing to eat with the soup. Noodles were al dente too!

Their Gyoza 🥟 ($3 for 2) is also worth mentioning, due to its large size. Please eat this carefully, as it was so juicy I scaled my tongue from the hot liquid bursting out 😂

With no service nor GST charge, the value you are getting out of their ramen tops most places. Can't wait to be back!

[SOMESET, SINGAPORE] Morinaga Ramen has a clear style, with the old decor, squeezy seating and random shouting of Japanese greetings to complete the Japanese vibes. As much as it transported me back to Japan in tight bar alleys, food quality was just average and we felt like we won't queue for this.

Their food items are quite consistent, as they tasted homely & aren't very salty. We started off with their Stir Fried Shrimp, Egg and Wood Ear Mushroom 🦐 ($14 for full portion), which is exactly what you expect. It isn't very flavourful and neither was it bland. Their Karaage or Deep Fried 🐔 ($11 for 4 pieces) was just alright. Meat was relatively tender but the crust wasn't really crispy.

Their ramen should be the star of the show, but that wasn't as good as expected as well. The Kotteri Collagen Ramen 🍜 ($13.80) had a meaty broth, but it tasted quite one-dimensional. Tsukemen 🍜 ($13.80) broth was probably made from sardines and as much as it was promising due to its rich umami flavour, the noodles were abit too overcooked for me.

The food was okay, the kind of fuss free meal you want to have on a regular basis. The queuing time for weekday nights seems to be already an hour, which we really won't go for. Note that dining time is limited to 1 hour and it is mandatory for every diner to get a drink. Looks like I will continue my hunt for authentic Japanese ramen in SG! 😆

[ROCHOR, SINGAPORE] A humble ramen restaurant has recently opened in the heart of Sim Lim Square, where many have come to this mall for simple hearty meals. @menya_saku.sg is equally as hearty but it is one heavy flavour packed meal.

One look at the 2 ramen renditions we ordered here and you know the soup is going to be thick. In fact, it was so thick I wouldn't call it soup but rather broth. The Special Miso Tonkotsu Ramen 🍜 ($15) had an incredible depth of flavour, which isn't one dimensional at all. The umami flavour is off the charts and really not for the faint hearted. There is a spicy kick towards the end, making me think they probably use spicy miso. The broth of the Special Black Garlic Tonkotsu Ramen 🍜 ($14) was equally as flavourful, with the garlic and meaty flavours working well together.

For the toppings, both charred char siu and chicken were given. While they were not the most tender, it was really fragrant due to its marination and smoky flavours. The marinated egg was perfectly done. Noodles were standard and al dente.

As much as I enjoyed the entire bowl (almost drank up all the soup), the oil and sodium levels are quite high, so if you like hyper flavoured ramen renditions like Yokohama style or Jiro style then this will be for you!

[Media Invite]

[CITY HALL, SINGAPORE, 🌟 PROMO BELOW] Guys, if you look your chicken soup thick, look no further as the samgyetang from @bomulsamgyetang is really as rich as it can get. You get to choose among 10 different types of samgyetang & dining here just felt like it was such an elevated experience!

Between the Collagen ($29) & Rejuvenation ($36) soup type, I preferred the first one more, as it wasn't too thick and yet packed with an all rounded flavour that isn't too surfeiting. The ginseng flavour is prominent but not overpowering; the umami chicken flavour still shined brightly 😍 speaking of which, the chicken itself was tender and perfect with salt & pepper given at the side. Opening the chicken will reveal the glutinous rice within, which was flavoured well with garlic.

They do their side dishes well too, as the Seafood Pancake ($25) was such a delight. It was really crispy and well seasoned, definitely sharing quantity among 2-3 people. If you are craving porridge, the Maesaengi Abalone ($29) was really comforting 😌 the seaweed is of a premium kind, which had a seafood umami yet nutty taste. Do note that it's naturally slimy, so may not be for everyone!

All of their side dishes are homemade, and it is really hard to find seasoned garlic which had an extra oomph ~ They have dessert gelato as well and we loved the goma flavour! They have ginseng flavour as well if you are up for it hehe

🌟 GUYS they are having a 1-for-1 samgyetang promotion from 27 Nov - 6 Dec 2025, so please check them out!! They will have a virtual queue so you don't need to worry about standing around 😌

[Media invite]

[ROCHOR, SINGAPORE] I would say first that the Slice Beef Soup 🍲 ($16.90) here is not for everyone, due to its initial seemingly bland flavour. Salt and pepper is provided for you to add to taste, and that further brings out the beef flavour in the soup 😁

Most might think that it's not flavourful enough, but I feel like it's purposely made this way to contrast the savoury kimchi provided to pair with rice. The kimchi is made in-house and very different from any other Korean restaurants. Their cabbage is somehow crispier, and the marinade used had a very deep savoury and garlicky flavour. Pair that with rice and chase them with a mouthful of the light comforting soup and you get a satisfying meal!

If you want a deeper flavour, I believe the Half Chicken Soup 🍲 ($15.90) may appeal to you better. The chicken broth flavour is more prominent after adding some salt, and the chicken itself is so tender and succulent.

Come here for comforting soup & amazing kimchi 😋

[RAFFLES PLACE, SINGAPORE] If you are looking for another ramen spot in CBD, @ramen_matsuri is another place to consider. I tried both their soup and dry ramen and I must say, I very much prefer their dry version.

The Original Taiwan Mazesoba 🍜 ($14.80) boasts quite a variety of ingredients with thick cut noodles underneath. For me I feel like the noodles and seasoning sauce are very important in a mazesoba, and their rendition was superb. It had the right amount of savoury and meaty flavour that isn't too cloying, and can be further enhanced with a dash of vinegar they give at the side. With the acidity and chewy noodles, this was very addictive. Definitely one of the best mazesoba I've had. Extra noodles is FREE too!!

I also tried their Yokohama Tonkotsu Ramen 🍜 ($16.80) and I must warn you that it's REALLY thick and meaty. The broth itself can be quite salty and incredibly meaty, which may not be for everyone. They use the same thick noodles that are very al dente. I must say, as much as I like such ramen broth, it really got quite cloying as the taste is quite one-dimensional. It's still decent ramen, but definitely not one of the best I've had!

Please get their Karaage 🐔 ($5.50 for 2) as well, as these were chunky, meaty, juicy and yet so flavourful. Garlic Gyoza 🥟 ($8 for 6) was decent but nothing much to shout out about.

Will come back whenever I crave for mazesoba 😋

[OFFER BELOW - PAYA LEBAR, SINGAPORE] I've had @chensmapotofu quite a few times at their Buona Vista outlet, and I'm glad they are now closer to home in the east at PLQ mall! Love their quality chuka dishes at reasonable prices 😍

One of the dishes we liked best was their Yurinchi Chicken 🐔 ($10.90), as it was not only huge and meaty, but really well flavoured with sweet and savoury notes 😍 the chicken was well marinated as the flavours definitely penetrated the meat deep. The crust was crispy and you can taste something like a yuzu honey and shoyu mix. Quite addictive and I recommend getting this to share!

You also need to get their Mushroom Fries 🍄 ($5.90)! It's so addictive omg with its light crispy batter and slightly juicy interior. You can taste the umami coming from the mushroom as well. The added spice from the chilli and peppercorns made it even more addictive!

How can you come Chen and not order their Mapo Don 🍚 ($12.90)? It was comforting, with rich savoury flavours coming from the sauce. It was meaty, spicy and yet numbing. If you love your spice, you can get them at 3 different levels with this dish.

🚨 Now for the offer, from 28th to 30th Oct 2025, you can get their Mapo Don at just $3 by following them on FB, IG or Tiktok! This is limited to 1 per person only, not valid with other discounts or promotions.

Thank you @chensmapotofu for the food and @untoldsg for the invite!

[BEAUTY WORLD, SINGAPORE] Having tried @tsukijikaisendon, I had to try @zushishou knowing that they are from the same owners. Undoubtedly, their sashimi quality is similar though I find myself liking the seasoned sushi rice from Tsukiji more.

Their Kaisen Don 🐟 ($20.90) is really a sight to behold. Incredibly thick sashimi slices of hamachi, salmon and scallops is really the dream of every sashimi lover. Their hamachi is probably my favourite, due to its sweet, clean and fatty flavour. I don't think I need to say much given the visuals of the bowl 🤣 really worth it considering how much sashimi you're getting!

If you like variety, their Irodori Chirashi Don 🐟 ($19.90) might be your go-to. The sashimi here is chunky, and you get tuna, mackerel and a tiny bit of uni in addition to the ones mentioned above. The uni is my favourite, as it was like a shot of seafood flavour that was intense but clean.

Somehow the rice here seems under seasoned as compared to that of Tsukiji, but still good! My only other gripe is that their using some kind of wasabi paste, not the freshly grated one but I guess it's difficult to achieve that given the affordable price point.

Definitely coming back for more!

[TELOK AYER, SINGAPORE] @theflyingsquirrelsg may not sound like a place that sells Japanese food, but I can tell you they do whip up a good dishes. Finally tried their lunch sets and although it isn't cheap, it was a satisfying meal nonetheless.

Their Summer Chirashi Set 🐟 ($26) comes with a pretty sizable bowl with an appetizer, salad and miso soup. The chirashi bowl had quite an assortment of sashimi chunks, including one of my favourites: the Hamachi. All sashimi chunks were really fresh and they were already seasoned with shoyu. These were really enjoyable with their rice, as their rice was perfectly seasoned with vinegar. The touch of freshly grated wasabi was crucial, as it provided a fresh aromatic dimension without giving much heat. Sides and all were good but nothing mindblowing.

We had Yuzu Seafood Ceviche Japanese Tacos 🌮 ($18 for a pair) and it was good though I wished it was bigger.

The vibes were quite interesting, as it was literally a hole-in-the-wall at a corner of a street. It would say it was good but definitely not mindblowing. Do go if you don't mind spending on some quality Japanese food!

[FARRER PARK, SINGAPORE] I am soooo glad my friend introduced me to this Mexican restaurant @fuegomesa, as their food quality was a complete pleasant surprise. This may be my top spot for Mexican food yet 🏆.

We started off with some Loaded Nachos 🧀 ($19.90) and this was hella satisfying. The toppings were so generous I couldn't see the layer of chips underneath 😁 from incredibly soft Chipotle chicken to fresh tomatoes and guacamole, the flavours are rich yet somehow balanced.

The Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas 🐔 ($17.90) came next, and this was so well executed. The chipotle chicken here was chunkier and somehow smokier, and it was so rich with cheese flavours. The skin is surprisingly still crispy in some parts. This really warmed my heart 🤣

Lastly, the Birria Beef Tacos 🐮 ($16 for 2) was yet another hit. This can get overly salty in most places but not here! The beefy flavours are strong yet not too surfeiting. Beef was so soft I almost couldn't feel it when I bit through.

As this was located in the heartlands, you can use CDC vouchers which is a bonus. Great vibes, great food, this is great for any occasion 😍 can't wait to be back!