NANI?! なに - Singapore's Japanese Food & Lifestyle Guide

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5 Fusion And Non-Japanese Restaurants with Japanese Elements

Japanese food and its cooking techniques are increasingly popular and trendy in recent years. It is no surprise that some restaurants are hence breaking the mould by incorporating or pairing Japanese ingredients and/or their culinary skills. NANI is where we share the same appreciation and love for all things Japanese. In this read, we are bringing you 5 restaurants that are local or fusion eateries with Japanese elements and contexts, for those who love the best of both worlds.

1. Bistro Du Le Pin

Source: Miss Tam Chiak

You may share the same sentiments - when we first hear the name of this place, we would think that it is an Italian restaurant, but on the contrary, this is actually a hidden gem serving affordable Omakase and authentic Japanese food at a cozy, casual, and hole-in-the-wall setting.

Source: Laurence Foo

In 2015, the restaurant and its menu were being revamped by the Head Chef, Shigeru Shiraishi, with the name of the restaurant being retained. Chef Shigeru is extremely amicable and friendly - everyone who had visited this place would love both the food and the atmosphere. He is constantly interacting (and drinking) with all the customers around him since it is a rather small space!

If you are looking for an authentic and affordable Omakase course meal (ala-carte menu items such as Bara Chirashi Don are also available), then Bistro Du Le Pin might be it for you because this place will leave such a lasting impression for its coziness and unpretentious setting.

Bistro Du Le Pin

Address: 150 Orchard Road #01-34 and #02-25 Orchard Plaza, 238841

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 5 pm - 1030pm. Closed on Sundays.

Contact Number: 6734 5530

2. Kura Patisserie Singapore

Kura is a small but intimate homely cafe tucked in the River Valley area, where the founders share with you affordable, pretty, and high-caliber French pastry with a Japanese twist.

Kura also serves all-day savory breakfast items, offering you a great spot for your weekend brunch date with your friends and loved ones. My personal recommendations: Teriyaki Chicken Croissant ($7), Mushroom Soup ($7), and Earl Grey Tart ($8.50 for a slice, $50 for the whole tart)!

Kura Patisserie Singapore

Address: 46 Kim Yam Rd, #01-07 The Herencia, Singapore 239351

Opening Hours: Every day from 11 am to 6 pm.

Note: Kura also offers delivery at certain charges and they do not accept reservations at the moment. Seats are based on a walk-in, and a first come first serve basis only.

3. Reiwa Soba

Source: Today Online

At Reiwa Soba, you won’t find the ordinary soba in its usual dipping sauce, but instead, in its signature dipping sauce - homemade dashi spiked with chili oil, and with the recommended option of cracking in a gooey soft-boiled egg.

Prior to Reiwa Soba's takeover, their first outlet used to be a Thai Eatery. With their new second outlet launch and collaboration, Reiwa Soba now offers the choice o their soba with or without some of their Thai influences such as Mango Salad or Green Curry.

Source: Today Online

Their soba are 100% buckwheat noodles and made from scratch, every day by the team. Additionally, there will always be different soup-of-the-day prepared, which many loyal customers will check their Instagram stories frequently for updates!

I personally quite like this soba - it tastes somewhat like a healthy version of a less-spicy mala noodle, something very distinctive and unique unlike the ordinary Japanese soba we would always have.

Reiwa Soba

Address:

28 Kelantan Rd, #01-121, Singapore 200028

740 Bedok Reservoir Rd, #01-3177, S470740

Opening Hours:

Kelantan - Open every day (except Wednesday) from 11.30 am to 8.30 pm. Closed on Wednesdays.

Bedok - Open every day from 11.30am to 3.30pm, 5.30pm to 10.30pm.

Social Media:

Instagram, Facebook.

4. The Burning Oak

Source: Tidbits Mag

A fusion of Japanese and American food at a Hawker Centre setting - this is for those who are lazy to dress up or put on your makeup; you can now enjoy Wagyu and Foie Gras Dons in a comfortable laidback Singaporean atmosphere.

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The Burning Oak is my turn-to when I need my Wagyu beef fix without breaking the bank. A bowl of soft and melt-in-the-mouth Wagyu beef slices cooked medium rare, on a warm bed of soft rice for just less than $20 bucks?! What a steal honestly!

The Burning Oak

Address: Bedok Shopping Complex, 348 Bedok Rd, #02-16, Singapore 469560

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 11.30 am to 2 pm, 5.30 pm to 9 pm. Closed on Monday.

5. béni Singapore

Source: Daniel Food Diary

Located in the heart of Singapore, Mandarin Gallery, béni offers a Chef’s Table Experience with Japanese reinterpretation of authentic French cuisine. A Chef’s Table simply boasts an area where guests can observe the preparation of a preplanned meal before tasting it.

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The exclusive fine-dining establishment integrates French fine dining cuisine and Japanese produce including the Ozaki A5 Wagyu Beef from Miyazaki prefecture. If you are looking for a top-notch Chef’s Table experience (with 5 to 7 courses choice available), rest assured that béni is bound to bring you an intimate and indulgent experience.

béni Singapore

Address: 333A Orchard Road, #02-37 Mandarin Gallery, 238897

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 12 pm to 3 pm, 7 pm to 10 pm. Closed on Sunday.

Contact Number: 9159 3177


These are our round-up of places that we think are worth a try, let us know if you would like us to try your recommendations! You know we would love to.

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