Photo by Flickr user auhres
True blue Japanese foodies would probably be familiar with Wasabi Tei, but for newbies to the oishii world of Japanese cuisine, it’s highly unlikely. Tucked away in a quiet area of Far East Plaza’s fifth floor, Wasabi Tei is known for the quality of its sashimi (expect super thick slices) and sushi (try the Assorted Sushi with Udon Set, $18, pictured above), amongst other things, e.g. Chawanmushi ($5) generously filled with premium ingredients like chicken and prawn.
Aside from the fact that service is spotty, you also need to know that Wasabi Tei isn’t one of those places where you’d feel comfortable hanging around long after you’re done with your meal. This 16-seater eatery lacks space and is more than a little crammed so hurry with your meal and leave as soon as you’re done.
2. Abe’s Diner
42 Eng Hoon Street, Singapore 169785
Photo by Abe's Diner
Take a walk down Eng Hoon Street in one of Singapore’s hottest dining precincts, Tiong Bahru, and you just might miss Abe’s Diner. Behind the non-descript exterior of this restaurant lies an unassuming hideaway with a menu full of home-cooked Japanese dishes – and you wouldn’t believe how affordable most are. For example: for just $38, you can enjoy the Chef's Omakase Course (pictured above) which includes appetisers, one side dish, a main, rice, miso soup and a dessert.
Abe’s Diner also whips up European creations with a Japanese touch so if you’re interested in trying their fusion fare, consider choices like the Carbonara Udon ($14).
3. Izakaya Nijumaru Restaurant
Cuppage Plaza, 5 Koek Road #02-10, Singapore 228796
Photo by My Food Sirens II
Without trying the food, one way to tell if you’re in a good Japanese restaurant is to take a look at the crowd. See plenty of Japanese natives? Then you’re at the right place.
Cuppage Plaza’s (aka “Little Japan”) Izakaya Nikumaru is filled with Japanese folks who probably flock here because it’s the closest thing to home. Everything from the interior to the ambiance and the food is pretty authentic! Noteworthy dishes include the flavourful Oden ($8, pictured above) and the unique Ochazuke (cooked rice with green tea, $5). The yakitori offerings are also fabulous, but note that since the selection changes frequently your favourite yakitori may not be available every day.
4. Fish Mart Sakuraya
Parkway Parade, 80 Marine Parade Road #B1-84D, Singapore 449269
Photo by Hungry Island
The concept of Fish Mart Sakuraya is an interesting one. You basically handpick your food (be it sashimi or fish) from the open chiller and the staff slices and prepares it all for you before serving it straight to your table. The price you pay is what you see on the label of the food package. No fuss, no muss! Besides fresh sashimi and fish, you can also find other Japanese classics here such as Chirashi Don ($14) and Tempura Bento ($22).
After indulging yourself, burn off some calories by talking a walk around the mini supermarket, which features a range of Japanese products, from snacks to sake.
5. Nagomi
Cuppage Plaza, 5 Koek Road #02-22, Singapore 228796
Photo by My Food Sirens II
Wanna impress that hot date of yours? Then head to Nagomi. This cosy restaurant is hidden in one of Cuppage Plaza’s little corners and serves few patrons at a time. It also has this “traditional Japanese” thing going on and no shoes are allowed; you have to leave them on the shoe rack at the entrance.
There is no fixed menu so all diners pay Nagomi a visit for one thing, and that’s the omakase course. Based on what’s available and what’s in season, you get your multi-course feast – a good mix of appetisers, platters, mains, sides, desserts and so on.
The price? Steep. Above $100 per person. Definitely worth it though!
6. Shinjuku Japanese Restaurant
Cuppage Plaza, 5 Koek Road #01-01/02, Singapore 228796
Photo by Samantha David
Once again, we have another hidden gem that can be found in Cuppage Plaza. Just like Izakaya Nijumaru Restaurant, Shinjuku is usually packed with Japanese expats and has this traditional Japanese atmosphere to it. It also has several seating areas within the restaurant, including a large room for bigger parties, as well as Japanese comics and magazines for your reading pleasure while waiting for the food to be served.
Shinjuku is all about home-cooked cuisine, but don’t expect low prices. A serving of salmon belly sashimi for example, costs $28 for just four slices of fatty, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Also, their chawanmushi costs around $10.
See Also:
Discover the best Japanese food in town
Find the best restaurants in Singapore