Cover The main dining room at Koma Singapore
The main dining room at Koma Singapore
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For a taste of Japan without leaving Singapore, we often find ourselves at Koma Singapore, where contemporary Japanese fare is served in a stylish setting that evokes the timeless charm of the Asian country
When it comes to top holiday destinations, Japan always ranks high on our must-visit list for many reasons, among which are its stunning natural landscape, rich cultural heritage, and exceptional food and drinks that will turn any one into a true Japanophile. For a taste of Japan in Singapore, you can always count on Koma Singapore, Marina Bay Sands’ contemporary restaurant that brings the essence of the country to our shores with its stunning interiors and exquisite culinary offerings.
The immersive experience begins as soon as you walk through the striking 20-metre arched entryway that recalls the Fushimi Inari shrine in Kyoto with its dim lighting and vermilion-hued torii gates. This leads you to a cavernous space with a seven-metre ceiling decorated with acoustic panels shaped like lily pads and decked out with a 2.5 metre high Japanese ball and a tranquil pond.
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Above Koma Bar
Koma Bar
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Park yourself first at Koma Bar for pre-dinner drinks. Rooted in the harmony of flavours, the refreshed cocktail menu captures the essence of Japan’s rich culture and treasured ingredients in every glass. Take for instance the Torii Gate—a refreshing and fruity concoction of Aperol, yubari melon and basil and dry sparkling sake—and the Heavenly Match-a, a reimagination of Japan’s ubiquitous green tea that blends the namesake ingredient with Michter’s bourbon, Oloroso sherry and strawberry. But if you prefer to start the meal with the sake, there are more than 30 varieties to choose from at Koma Bar.
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Above Torii Gate
Above Heavenly Match-a
Torii Gate
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As tempting as it is to linger at the bar the whole evening, especially with the equally enticing snacks menu, the 230-seater main dining room is where the lavish feast takes place. Under the guidance of Koma Singapore’s executive chef Shintaro Hozumi, the culinary team crafted an extensive menu comprising usual favourites of nigiri and sashimi, robatayaki dishes and elevated versions of Japanese classics.
The 15-seat sushi bar is where the day’s seasonal offerings are on full display—maguro (tuna), otoro (fatty tuna), botan ebi (sweet shrimp) and hirame (flounder) that are air-flown from Japan at least twice a week. These fresh ingredients also star in the signature maki dishes, from the classic california roll decked with king crab, avocado and cucumber, crispy soft shell chilli crab enhanced with sansho chilli sauce, to the truffle-flavoured unagi paired with sweet soy, cucumber and avocado.
From the robata grill station, the feast continues with the likes of succulent Wagyu beef skewer best dipped in tamarind chill sauce, and grilled chicken thigh accompanied by Tokyo negi (Japanese long onions). Elsewhere at the tempura station, ingredients such as assorted mushrooms, shrimps and lobster are coated in a secret batter and deep-fried until they are juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
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Above Koma Singapore's private dining room that can fit up to 26 diners
Koma Singapore's private dining room that can fit up to 26 diners
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These make for mouth-watering starters in the lead up to the main courses, where you have an array of delicious options to choose from. High on our must-try list are the decadent carbonara, its sauce made with smoked butter and topped with fresh uni, as well as the flavour-packed fried rice tossed with chicken, scallops, mushrooms and shrimps. Last but not least is the Koma US prime sirloin steak, cooked to your desired doneness and served with black garlic peppercorn sauce, green salad and potato pave.
If you are coming to Koma with friends, the à la carte option is the best way to go so you can try more dishes on the menu. But if you want to leave it up to the chef and be surprised, the omakase menu comprises six delectable courses that are updated according to the seasons.
Soak in the buzzy atmosphere of the main dining room, or opt for a more intimate experience in the private dining area, which overlooks the space and can accommodate up to 26 guests. Whether you’re seated at the bar, the sushi counter, or in the main dining room, one thing is certain: Koma Singapore brings diners a taste of Japan—no passports required.
To experience the art of Japanese dining at Koma, make a reservation here.
Credits
Images: Koma Singapore
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Dudi Aureus is the senior dining and travel editor at Tatler Singapore, covering the city’s most exciting restaurants, global travel trends, and the personalities shaping the culinary and lifestyle scenes. She also serves as co-jury chair for the Tatler Best awards in Singapore, celebrating the very best in hospitality. When she’s off duty, she can often be found at a favourite hole-in-the-wall Thai spot, savouring a perfectly balanced pad thai.
