Watami offers a choice of about eight set meals before 5pm that are priced from $9.80++. These are great value as the rice sets are served with a simple soy-dressed salad, miso soup and yourchoice of hot or iced beverage. We tried the Hire Katsu Rice Set $11.80++ which came with a choice of chicken katsu or pork katsu served with rice. A portable stove is brought to the table with a small wrought iron pan containing the katsu. A raw egg is supplied and the diner adds this to the pan when it is sizzling hot so one gets a scrambled egg gravy drenching the sliced katsu. We picked the yuzu soda which was refreshing with a heaped tbsp of yuzu marmalade added to the sparkling soda.A heart and satisfying meal. For those with small appetites two set meals suffice for three persons.

There is a place for tea on the cheap at the posh MBS Shoppes - at the TCC Cafe at B2 (Canal Level) at the far end near the bumboat disembarkation point. Sofa seating, free wifi, glossy magazines to thumb through, powerful aircon and soft piped in music are part of the deal. Perfect for killing time on Sunday afternoon without shelling out the $100 casino levy.

Tea set (see photo) comprises two crumbly scones, canapes and two chocolatey petit fours, with a cup of the house brewed coffee or English Breakfast tea for just $13.90++. The canapes are tasty and morerish, but I found the frosted chocolate cake too sweet. TCC should consider replacing one of the two scones with a savoury finger sandwich or a light choux pastry or macaron.

Service was polite and unobtrusive, making this a conducive place for a tete-a-tete between friends. The only gripe is spending here does not earn one any Sands Lifestyle Reward Points.

Iced Cafe Latte is being offered at the promotional price of $1.95 this month. Similar drink at the Coffee Bean outlet just next door costs at least $6. At BK, the iced latte is great value as they use ground coffee beans from Seattle's Best Coffee and Farm House brand fresh milk imported from Australia. A 600ml cup delivered the caffeine fix to keep me alert all day into the wee hours, along with the day's calcium quotient. Thumbs up!

Ichiban Sushi has just introduced a new off peak menu with a hot stone rice bowl set meal at only $5++. Each set comes with miso soup and free flow of hot or iced green tea. Pick one from five toppings for your rice - wafu salmon, sliced kurobata pork, tsukune curry, yakiniku squid rings or isari clams. The salmon donburi set that I had was tasty but just a little short of gravy for the rice. Better quality, value and dining environment than Yoshinoya. Will return to try other sets.

Okonomiyaki - Japanese savory griddle cake is a satisfying comfort food. Pretty sauce art with a contrast of textures & flavors below - fresh springy squid, fragrant egg & slightly crunchy chopped onion. Best shared among dining companions so one can savour other dishes too. Good value at $10.90++ with prompt service from the friendly crew.