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2014-11-19 95 views
This was the first time I tried 'omakase' and seriously I didnt know what to expect! AppetiserUni with Egg CustardWild Vege with Bonito BrothCod Fish SpermThe fish sperm was somehow challenging to finish. Taste wise kinda plain,texture was slimy and totally resembled a mini pig brain. Definitely not my kind of delicacy and obviously we didnt finish it.Fresh Baby Eel with Mountain YamOh no, another slimy item. =(Flounder with Truffle SauceTuna BellyScallopThank goodness, after the first 2 dishes,
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This was the first time I tried 'omakase' and seriously I didnt know what to expect!
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Appetiser

Uni with Egg Custard

Wild Vege with Bonito Broth

Cod Fish Sperm
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The fish sperm was somehow challenging to finish. Taste wise kinda plain,texture was slimy and totally resembled a mini pig brain. Definitely not my kind of delicacy and obviously we didnt finish it.
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Fresh Baby Eel with Mountain Yam

Oh no, another slimy item. =(
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Flounder with Truffle Sauce

Tuna Belly

Scallop

Thank goodness, after the first 2 dishes, the rest of the items were more palatable.

I really liked this dish which combined my two favourite items, scallop and tuna belly, and my first time trying flounder. Fresh ingredients which required minimal seasoning, very satisfying indeed.
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3 pieces of Specialty Nigiri Sushi and Horse Mackerel Mini Chirasi

This was another highlight of the day! I didnt know what were the aburi fish slices, but all of them tasted so good! I will definitely revisit Hinoki for its nigiri sushi!
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Dessert

Japanese Musk Melon

Macha Mochi

Yuzu Sorbet

Finally, a delightful combination of typical japanese dessert to end the dinner. =)

We spent close to 2 hours to finish the 8 course dinner, which was priced close to $200 per pax. Although there were items that were too 'adventurous' for our liking, the overall experience was an enjoyable one.

Click http://fun-hideout.blogspot.sg/2014/10/hinoki.html to read more & view photos!
 ♥ ♥ ♥

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(The above review is the personal opinion of a user which does not represent OpenRice's point of view.)
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DETAILED RATING
Taste
Decor
Service
Hygiene
Value
Waiting Time
10 Minutes (Dine In)
Spending Per Head
$200
Celebration
Valentine's Day
Recommended Dishes
  • Nigiri Sushi
Level3
95
35
Japanese fine dining takes on a whole new meaning at Hinoki Japanese Dining- a neat little restaurant tucked away discreetly in a conservation pre-war shop house along Nankin Row in China Square. Serving up 'Kappo Ryori', a style of Omakase that is lifted to the highest degree, this creative aspect of Japanese cuisine can only be conquered by experts and masters- who in this case, is Chef Santaro Li, the culinary maestro who has been honing his skills for the past 40 years.Here at Hinoki, freshn
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Japanese fine dining takes on a whole new meaning at Hinoki Japanese Dining- a neat little restaurant tucked away discreetly in a conservation pre-war shop house along Nankin Row in China Square. Serving up 'Kappo Ryori', a style of Omakase that is lifted to the highest degree, this creative aspect of Japanese cuisine can only be conquered by experts and masters- who in this case, is Chef Santaro Li, the culinary maestro who has been honing his skills for the past 40 years.
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Here at Hinoki, freshness of produce, showmanship and presentation are all key elements that Li-san take very seriously and you can expect a gastronomical experience when your meal is left in the creative hands of Li-san's exquisite and refined palate. With the best seasonal ingredients air-flown directly from Tokyo’s renowned Tsukiji Market twice a week, premium and quality are only what you get with each course.

Every experience of 'Kappo Ryori' seeks to be different as it is an extremely fluid and customizable process, subject to your taste preferences together with Li-san's inspirations and intuition.

We started with a trio of Zensai $15 and Li-san will advice you to start from the right to the left- where the light sweetness of the Shiraou (silver fish sashimi) bathed in Shoyu sauce delights and refreshes your palate with the first bite. Move on next to the Oyster with Mentaiko rustically presented in its shell and marvel when you taste the richness of the torched roe. I especially enjoyed this because I did not taste the oyster at all! And finally, the Century Egg Tofu with Tobiko brings an exciting end to the first course with the creamy pitan sauce beautifully balanced by the simply chilled tofu.
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Indulge in the Mixed Sashimi Platter $55 which featured an immaculate selection of the finest cuts of Hamachi, Salmon, Toro Belly and Botan Ebi. Alternatively, go the other extreme with the Zakana Foie Gras $25- possibly my favorite and most heart-clogging that evening which seems almost impossible in Japanese cuisine.

Essentially a roll of grilled Hamachi cheek sandwiching a generous slab of pan-fried fatty goose liver and all wrapped snugly by an overlaying piece of seaweed sitting on a Sakura leaf and topped with truffle (refer to first photo), the plating of the Zakana Foie Gras impressed with its attention to detail especially with that carved lemon in the shape of a heart on the side. But the taste was truly the highlight and a harmonious melody of richness which enthralled.
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The unassuming Imo Manjyu $15 came next. But dont be too quick to dismiss this deep-fried crumbed ball because it actually is hiding an extremely scrumptious interior. Made up of a medley of chunky yam pieces, unagi bits, cut shrimp and topped with shredded crab meat, this was surprisingly filling despite its petite size and thoroughly satisfied.
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A dining experience here at Hinoki is one that is unrivaled and certainly memorable. The food is made to impress and delight with its artistry and interplay of flavors while the flawless showmanship of Li-san pushes against the conventional as he takes you on a interactive ride. We strongly insist you make a reservation for the highly sought-after 18 limited seats at the sushi-counter for the complete experience.
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For full review and more photos, please visit http://gninethree.com/2013/09/11/hinoki-japanese-dining-china-square-central/
(The above review is the personal opinion of a user which does not represent OpenRice's point of view.)
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Date of Visit
2013-08-29
Level4
270
0
2013-06-07 31 views
Get more reviews at http://thehungrybunnie.blogspot.comHinoki is opened by the brother of the guy behind Tatsuya, and having heard a number of rave reviews about it, I was expecting a certain standard of Japanese fare when I visited this casual Japanese diner one night for dinner with Lips. I was surprised to find myself plainly unimpressed with Hinoki's fare. Even if I'd taken into consideration the attractively low prices of Hinoki's bento sets, the food just wasn't up to par, both in executio
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Get more reviews at http://thehungrybunnie.blogspot.com

Hinoki is opened by the brother of the guy behind Tatsuya, and having heard a number of rave reviews about it, I was expecting a certain standard of Japanese fare when I visited this casual Japanese diner one night for dinner with Lips. I was surprised to find myself plainly unimpressed with Hinoki's fare. Even if I'd taken into consideration the attractively low prices of Hinoki's bento sets, the food just wasn't up to par, both in execution and quality of ingredients.

That said, the stellar service standards is a common thread between Tatsuya and Hinoki. Our cups of green tea were refilled promptly and the waitresses were attentive and sweetly accommodating. A teensy weensy gripe though, was that they shut down the air-conditioning of our area after 9pm. It got a bit stuffy and warm, which was such a mood-killer for lingering over tea and dessert.

We got the Hinoki Bento ($38++) consisting the following:

1) Buta Kakuni, pork belly simmered in soy and dressed with shredded radish and mustard, was pretty pedestrian. Not bad but not great either

2) Tempura: was poorly done, evident from its appearance. The tempura batter was thick and heavy when it should have been airy and light

3) Gindara Teriyaki: while fleshy and generous, was also another average dish

4) Chawanmushi was layered thinly with a viscous, gel-like, tasteless substance. I didn't like the texture and found no ostensible use for the addition of it

5) Sashimi Mori and Aburi Sushi: the fish was sinewy and tough, when it should have been melt-in-your-mouth and sweet

6) Salad, despite its miserably sad look, was fortunately saved by the refreshingly tangy wafu dressing
(The above review is the personal opinion of a user which does not represent OpenRice's point of view.)
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DETAILED RATING
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