Mentaiyaki Salmon Kaisendon Fortune Centre had always been a really interesting spot to visit once in a while given how there is always a new and interesting dining establishment that would find itself opening in the mall. Given how the building has already seen a myriad of Japanese dining establishments that are operating in its various levels, we wouldn’t have expected ourselves to find yet another one that had opened there in recent times. Kiiro-San is one of the newest F&B establishments to have moved into the building; these folks can be found situated around the same area on the second floor where other notable F&B establishments such as Pasta & Co. and Koryori Hayashi can be found. Occupying a small shop space, Kiiro-San can be described as an establishment that is simply designed but also tastefully so; the use of simple wooden stools with metallic accents as well as wooden table tops does provide for a decent dining ambience with a contrast of colours that makes for a cheery and bright appearance — the dine-in area being situated on the left of the space, while the counter and food preparation area is towards the right side of the entrance itself. Much like the set-up itself, the menu at Kiiro-San is also kept pretty fuss-free; the menu is segmented into sections comprising of Curry, Kaisendon, and Donburi — those whom are looking for something to add-on a side can also opt for the various items listed in the Add-On Sides section of the menu. Beverages available at Kiiro-San will include a selection of canned drinks.
Skimming through the menu, we were already pretty interested to give one of the items off their Kaisendon section of the menu a go; the Mentaiyaki Salmon Kaisendon was the item that seem to have stood out to us the most. The menu describes the Mentaiyaki Salmon Kaisendon to come with elements such as salmon cubes, Mentai, Ikura, Cucumber, Pickles, Sushi Ginger, Wasabi and Sushi Rice — it is also noted that the Mentaiyaki Salmon Kaisendon has been flame-torched using the blowtorch to achieve that “Aburi” effect. Digging into the Mentaiyaki Salmon Kaisendon, we quite liked how the salmon cubes seemed to be pretty fresh here; all that whilst also being marinated for a slightly deeper and savoury note that wasn’t too heavy — drizzled with Mentai mayo, the mayonnaise was blowtorched for a creamy, smoky and umami flavour which we found to be pretty appetising. Mixed with the Aburi-ed salmon cubes would be the cubes of cucumbers and pickles; both providing an element of crunch to the entire bowl, with the latter adding a tanginess that cuts through all the rice and fish. The sushi rice beneath does come slightly sticky and with a rather subtle hint of sweetness.
Meanwhile, the inclusion of sushi ginger also gives a similar effect to the pickles; all that with an inherent spiciness that slowly grows at the back of the tongue — the knob of wasabi adding a numbing sensation that gives an additional oomph to the entire bowl.
We also had given the Chicken Katsudon a go; the menu at Kiiro-San describes the Chicken Katsudon to come with elements such as Chicken Katsu, Eggs and Sliced Onions. Served in a way similar to the Oyakodon, the main difference between the Chicken Katsudon and the usual Oyakodon would be the use of the fried chicken cutlet rather than the use of simmered chicken — we did feel that the Chicken Katsu comes crisp with a light batter; all that without being particularly greasy while the meat was juicy and tender within. The fried chicken cutlet sits atop simmered eggs that was fluffy and sufficiently moist, whilst having absorbed the flavours of the dashi broth and the caramelised onions which gives it a sweet note; all that also having been absorbed by the bed of short-grain rice sitting in the bowl.
Overall, we did find Kiiro-San’s offerings to be pretty satisfactory — the Chicken Katsudon actually stood out to us especially considering how flavoursome their rendition was; definitely something that set itself apart from the typical rendition of the dish that we would usually have in coffeeshops, hawker centres and food courts which we found to justify its price. The Mentaiyaki Salmon Kaisendon also definitely satisfied our cravings for an Aburi Mentaiko-style dish as well with ample Mentai to go around the entire bowl, whilst being well-executed for the price with pretty fresh salmon to boast. The prices of the Donburi at Kiiro-San ranges from $7.30 for the Oyakodon to $14.80 for the Mentaiyaki Salmon Kaisendon; a pretty reasonable price for an individually-run establishment delivering Japanese fare at such quality considering the rising cost of living these days. That being said, its location within Fortune Centre might be one that can be a little tricky for them — the building does see some very notable Japanese establishments that offer both high-quality, upscale Japanese dining experiences as well as value-for-money eateries under the same roof; we would say that Kiiro-San is probably one of those establishments that we would definitely appreciate having as a reasonably-priced dining option especially if we are working in the ‘hood.