Cover Photo: Jyu Gae/Facebook
Photo: Jyu Gae/Facebook
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Kick off the month by exploring some of the newest additions to the island’s food scene
We have entered 2023 and if one of your new year’s resolutions is exploring more of the island’s food scene, we have got you covered. This month, we welcome a range of new restaurants that are sure to satisfy any cravings.
Those with a penchant for Japanese fare are in for a treat, as the new month sees the opening of two new Japanese restaurants—Yuta and Kurohanabi. The former is an omakase restaurant while the latter puts the spotlight on Hokkaido’s speciality dish, motsu nabe (innards hotpot). If you can’t decide between Japanese and Italian, have both at latest Japanese-Italian restaurant, La D’Oro.
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1. Aniba
Above TLV Tostada
TLV Tostada
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Chef Meir Adoni is sharing his Israeli heritage with us at Aniba. Here, delight in Middle Eastern cuisine prepared with European cooking techniques. Look forward to classics that brim with vibrant and hearty flavours, like the katayef. Adoni’s interpretation of the traditional Lebanese stuffed pancake is elevated with the addition of grouper chraime stew (spicy fish stew made with tomatoes), cilantro, Thai-style vinaigrette and seasonal vegetables. Another standout is the pani puri (deep fried crisp flatbread stuffed with filling) served with a yogurt-yuzu foam, Hamachi tartare, tomato confit and lime kefir. These dishes go perfectly with its cocktail selection—go for the basilikos, a refreshing concoction of cognac, fresh basil, balsamic reduction, citrus and lemon oil.
Aniba, 6 Battery Road, Bonham Street, 05-03 Private lift from Riverfront Entrance, S(049909), +65 9668 8036
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2. La D’Oro
Above Cold capellini pasta
Cold capellini pasta
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If you’re a fan of fusion fare, take a trip to La D’Oro and indulge in Italian classics paired with seasonal Japanese produce. The kitchen is helmed by chef Yohhei Sasaki who serves up a plethora of dishes, among which are the spaghetti ai ricci di mare, a creamy pasta dish that comes crowned with creamy sea urchin. Rich flavours are balanced with the addition of zesty yuzu juice. Beef lovers will not want to miss out on the ossobuco alla Milanese, Hokkaido snow beef A5 shank slow braised until fork tender.
La D'Oro, 333A Orchard Road, Mandarin Gallery, 01-16/17, S(239987), +65 8382 6200
3. Yuta
Treat yourself to a meal at this newly opened Japanese omakase restaurant this month. Tucked away in Orchard Plaza, Yuta’s menu is simple, comprising a 10-course omakase set that features seasonal appetisers, grilled meat, assorted tempura and nigiri. While its menu changes depending on seasonality, expect dishes like the uni rice bowl crowned with creamy uni and briny ikura; umami-filled miso crab roe; and beautifully grilled A4 Miyazaki sirloin.
Yuta, 150 Orchard Road, 02-12 Orchard Plaza, S(238841), +65 8858 0012
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4. Jyu Gae
Above Claypot Taiwanese san bei chicken rice set
Claypot Taiwanese san bei chicken rice set
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Miss Taiwan? Instead of booking a flight, have a taste of Taiwan in Singapore at Jyu Gae. At this bistro, savour a range of comforting Taiwanese fare such as the juicy wantons bathed in black vinegar and chilli oil; and Taiwanese braised beef noodle soup. One of the country’s most iconic dishes, the Taiwanese braised beef noodle soup features tenderly braised sliced beef and chewy noodles in a rich and aromatic broth. End the meal on a sweet note with the Taiwanese ice cream popiah, an indulgent treat of ice cream, peanuts and coriander leaf wrapped in a thin popiah skin.
Jyu Gae, 51 Bras Basah Road, 01-08 Lazada One, S(189554), +65 8889 8990
5. Kurohanabi
If you’re a fan of innards, take a trip to Kurohanabi for hearty Wagyu motsu nabe (innards hotpot). A Hokkaido speciality, this dish sees juicy innards simmering in a sesame miso broth. Here, rich and meaty flavours are balanced with the addition of sweet cabbage. Apart from its signature hotpot, get to indulge in other classic Japanese dishes too. The motsu okonomiyaki (Japanese savoury pancake), for one, is packed with cabbage and juicy Wagyu innards. It’s finished with a generous drizzle of okonomiyaki sauce, Japanese mayo and katsuobushi (bonito flakes).
Kurohanabi, 3 Temasek Boulevard, Tower 1, 03-316 Suntec City, S(038983), +65 6250 1561
Amanda Goh was the former senior writer for Tatler Singapore.
