The Art of Perfection in Japanese Casual Dining

The WATAMI brand of dining in Singapore has become nigh synonymous with sophisticated Japanese cuisine in an environment that's home away from home. After a month of renovations, WATAMI ION has returned as the poster boy for the Ishokuya concept dining experience that we have all come to know and love from WATAMI. Besides the sleek, chic facelift unique to the entire WATAMI franchise, the ION Orchard outlet boasts also of an all-exclusive menu befitting its status as the flagship store. The special a la carte menu offers fresh sashimi, sushi, as well as tasty notes of beef – probably the only missing jigsaw pieces from their extensive range Japanese dishes. If you are looking to satisfy that craving for sashimi/sushi The special seafood menu at WATAMI ION has that in spades. Nothing says sashimi or sushi like seafood fresh out of the sea and the restaurant is adamant that their customers get served only the freshest of ingredients. All seafood is frozen upon capture, flown in directly from Tokyo, and then defrosted within the walls of their kitchen before being worked into stunning creations of assorted sashimi and nigiri sushi.

Sashimi Moriawase (6 pieces)

Tokusen Sushi Moriawase

Left: Indo Maguro Chutoro Sushi, Right: Anago Sushi (top) and Aburi Hotate (bottom)

OpenRice Pick: Sashimi Moriawase Dazzling as the array of seafood is, our vote went out the the Sashimi Moriawase, with generous slabs of Sweet Tiger Prawn, Clams, Hotate and more. For scrumptious bites of sushi, you can work your way into the Tokusen Sushi Moriawase – an entire assortment of 12, which include Clam, Salmon, Ebi, AburiHotate, Indo MaguroChutoro, as well as a Salmon with a dollop of mayo and bursts of flying fish roe. Two additional types: Anago and Akaebi are available as well for those who prefer a touch of the exotic. Beef Lovers Delight! As WATAMI ION offers not one, but two ways to experience gorgeous cuts of beef: 1) in hot soup (shabu shabu) 2) on a hot iron plate.

Teppan Sirloin Steak

Tokusen Gyu Roast ShabuShabu

The Tokusen Gyu Roast ShabuShabu consists of vegetables and thinly sliced beef (2 cuts available) cooked briefly in a simmering broth - shabu-shabu style. Served with goma (sesame) or ponzu dipping sauces on the side.

Guide to Eating Your Tokusen Gyu Roast Shabu Shabu 1. Bring the water to a boil. 2. Add as much vegetables and udon as you’d like. 3. Pick your beef slices and run them swish-swash through the simmering broth for 15-20secs and you’re done.
*We loved the ribeye with the savoury flavours imparted by the beautiful marbled texture.

If you like steak, you'd definitely go gaga over the Teppan Sirloin Steak - it is a must-try. 200 grams of thick juicy sirloin served on a hotplate on cuts of onions, pre-cooked at a medium done-ness. Absolutely divine with a touch of the Okinawa Sea Salt. A hot stone served along with the dish allows for diners to cook their steak to the exact temperature of their desire. Otherwise, it does a perfectly fine job of reheating that fabulous sirloin after a protracted food-photo session. #nomnom!

If that's got you all hot and bothered, don't wait. Hurry down now to WATAMI ION for the works on Japanese cuisine. Do note that there are no reservations allowed, and customers will be seated on a first come first served basis.

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See Also: More eateries at Orchard Craving for Japanese food? Check out these other options