Pleasures of Punggol, Sengkang

Popped by Tsujiri’s newest outlet at Sengkang Grand Mall over the weekend. As part of the store’s opening promo, there was 1-for-1 drinks (until 16 April only).

Loved the beautiful 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗷𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗮 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗸 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗮𝘁 ($7.90) with 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗮-𝗦𝗮𝗸𝘂𝗿𝗮 𝗦𝗼𝗳𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲. The robust Houjicha contrasted nicely with the floral Sakura flavour.

We also liked the 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗮 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗸 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗮𝘁 ($7.90, not pictured) with 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗷𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗮-𝗩𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮 𝗦𝗼𝗳𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲. Somehow this drink was prepared way ahead of the Houjicha Milk Float, so the ice-cream had partially melted.

Tsujiri is one of my top picks to get my Matcha and Houjicha fix!

We finished the meal with a 𝗞𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻 ($11) and a 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 ($12), which left us feeling supremely satisfied.

We were highly impressed with the 𝗦𝗺𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝘂𝗰𝗸 𝗚𝗼𝗺𝗮 𝗦𝗼𝗯𝗮 ($15). The nutty sesame sauce coated every strand of soba, imparting a nutty aroma to them. The succulent slices of duck complemented the noodles perfectly, and this was an all round magnificent dish.

We loved the fleshy and gloriously glazed eel in the 𝗨𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗶 𝗗𝗼𝗻 ($21).

We also found the super crispy 𝗧𝗼𝗿𝗶 𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗮𝗴𝗲 ($8) and silky-smooth 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗻𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗶 ($6) impeccable.

Another item that delighted us was the 𝗔𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗴𝘂𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶 ($3.30). Crunchy asparagus wrapped in unctuous and umami pork belly was a match made in heaven.

We were awed by the 𝗜𝗸𝗮 𝗬𝗮𝗸𝗶 ($18). The whole squid, emitting a smokey fragrance and seasoned with a house-made teriyaki sauce, was exquisite.

Being an izakaya, we had to try the grilled items. The 𝗬𝗮𝗸𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 ($14.50) — five skewers of different cuts of chicken — were delicious.

Set in the idyllic surroundings of Punggol Golf Range, Tend Bistro offers the holy trinity of good food, affordable prices and great scenery.

I also tried the 𝗞𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗻 𝗗𝗼𝗻 ($15) and the 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗺𝗼𝗻 & 𝗔𝗰𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗼 𝗗𝗼𝗻 ($10), and both were magnificent as well. Its a big loss to Punggol that Otoko Ten Ten will be closing, and I can’t wait for its new location!

We also loved the 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗸𝘂𝗿𝗮 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗹 ($6), which came with generous amounts of mentaiko sauce.

All the sashimi plates consist of six thick slices and you can’t go wrong with any of them. The 𝗛𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶 (yellowtail, $10) was impeccable.