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2013-10-08
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While I was spoilt for choices at the "new wing" in Plaza Singapura with all the affordable lunch deals from neighbouring restaurants, I was drawn to Hifumi for two reasons: 1. I love Japanese food, 2. Free flow of appetisers at a relatively affordable price. I've previously dined at places with free flow of drinks or desserts, but appetisers was a first and I was intrigued to try it out.All set meals come with access to the appetisers bar and it does offer a range of delicious and interesting J
While I was spoilt for choices at the "new wing" in Plaza Singapura with all the affordable lunch deals from neighbouring restaurants, I was drawn to Hifumi for two reasons: 1. I love Japanese food, 2. Free flow of appetisers at a relatively affordable price. I've previously dined at places with free flow of drinks or desserts, but appetisers was a first and I was intrigued to try it out.
All set meals come with access to the appetisers bar and it does offer a range of delicious and interesting Japanese snacks. In contrast to most other restaurants, you can try small portions of every appetizer available and fill up your plates with those that you love. According to a friend who dined here previously, the appetisers are on rotational basis and are not always available. Nonetheless, I would recommend the Chawanmushi, which is soft, silky and piping hot and contains mushrooms, crabmeat and the occasional prawn. The Fried Sweet Potatoes are a must-try and we just couldn't stop after taking the first bite. They are coated with a sugary surface that make them all the more sinful (but awesome). The vegetable bar (that comes with spicy miso sauce or cheese sauce) is rather decent. I also enjoyed the cocktail fruits after my meal, in which the canned fruits (I presume) were complemented with fresh watermelon and dragonfruit. The downside is that the appetisers were quite cold when I ate them (except the Chawanmushi, which was kept hot by a machine) as they have been left out for some time, but the staff do refill the bar quickly when it is finished. To maximise your experience at the appetisers bar, try and look out for when the food items are refilled with hotter versions!
Overall, I loved the concept of the free flow appetisers and their offerings are actually good. The main courses were also pretty good.
I tried the Paper Baked Chicken ($11.99+), which is supposedly the Healthier Choice. I mean, it was definitely the healthier choice since the pepper sauce was not very salty. The chicken was tender, but it was not marinated enough as the insides of the chicken meat felt quite tasteless and I had to roll it in the pepper sauce a couple of times before it tasted good.
On the other hand, the Garden Vegetables in Claypot Hayashi Stew Set ($12.99++) we ordered came with amazing sauce. This dish is on the monthly promotional menu. We didn't know what Hayashi was (apparently it's stewed beef cooked with onions), but the sauce was just so tangy, flavourful and thick. It even served well as dipping sauce for some of the appetisers, such as the deep fried tofu which came with too little meat sauce.
There is also an option to purchase free flow of drinks for $1.99++ only and they have a drink pantry of soft drinks, coffee and tea. I was overall satisfied with my Hifumi experience and the spread and quality of food justified the price tag (which is not really that steep). I would come again to see the other appetisers they have to offer.
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