Review: Kyoto-style Restaurant, Hazuki Unveils New À la carte Menu Offering Exquisite And Innovative Dishes
Nestled within the iconic Takashimaya Shopping Centre in Ngee Ann City, Hazuki (晴月) is a Kyoto-style fine dining Japanese restaurant helmed by classically-trained Kyoto chef Kenta Yamauchi, formerly of Michelin-starred Gion Fukushi in Kyoto. This season, Hazuki introduces its new à la carte menu, reinventing classics through their unique and innovative renditions.
Read on to discover the top-quality culinary expressions of Hazuki, set in a aesthetic lounge adorned with luxurious Gucci homeware, exquisite Kagami crystalware and 1,000 year-old yakusugi (cedar wood) place settings.
Source: Hazuki
Meticulously Sourced Premium Seafood
At Hazuki, each ingredient is meticulously sourced from Japan, particularly wild-caught fish selections used in sashimi, sushi, tempura, or donburi.
To begin, we had the Kegani with Dashi Jelly & Oscietra Caviar $88 which presented half a horseshoe crab paired with a savoury dashi jelly and topped with a copious amount of oscietra caviar. Did you know that this dish preparation involves great time and effort in separating the crab’s flesh from shell in a dark room under a blue light?
*Kindly note that a pre-order of minimum 1 day in advance is required.
To enjoy the best of seasonal sashimi, order the Assorted Sashimi (3 types) $58 or Assorted Sashimi (5 types) $88. On top of regular wasabi and soy sauce, spot the special housemade plum sauce which was sweet, tangy and refreshing. We relished the crisp and natural flavours of the freshly sliced sashimi
For sushi, we had the Sujiko Uni Handroll $68 (seasonal). You may not be new to ikura but have you tried sujiko? Sujiko refers to salmon roe which are brined with the roe intact in the sac, hence its skein shape and dark red colour. We loved the rich and sweet flavour of sujiko which complemented the buttery umami flavour of uni very well.
Fret not, if the seasonal sujiko is not available, you can always sastisfy your uni craving with the regular Uni Handroll $58.
Other sushi highlights include Fresh Chutoro $28++ (medium fatty tuna) and Kegani $18++ (horsehair crab).
Tempura
Hazuki’s exquisite Kyoto-style tempura is made with fresh seafood and vegetables, superbly fried in crisp batter. Our dish of Assorted Tempura (6 pieces) $68 featured Satsumaimo, Managatsuo, Kuruma Ebi and Hotate. The delightful surprise here was the innovative tempura dip- which was a blend of salt from Hiroshima and rice flour from Hokkaido. This unique dipping blend packed a balanced flavour profile and accentuated the natural flavours of the tempura ingredients.
Next, we had the Oba Leaf with Uni (Sea Urchin) $25, a generous dollop of uni served on a oba tempura. Oba (green perilla) is known as one of the Japanese aromatic vegetables with an elegant aroma which goes perfectly with sashimi and sushi. It also doubles as an fragrant tempura ingredient. We loved how the fresh and aromatic fried oba leaf complemented the salty and sweet uni.
Rice
Bara Chirashi Donburi $48 is one classic donburi which you should not miss. A galore of freshly diced sashimi such as tuna, uni, unagi and ikura, atop a serving of seasoned sushi rice. This made our day with its very healthy ingredient composition- full of vitamins, minerals and protein, luxurious and addictive at the same time.
Another stellar donburi is the Nodoguro Donburi $48. Although the nodoguro (black seaperch) is fairly bland taste, it is also characterised by a savoury umami flavour. its amazingly soft and buttery meat simply melted in our mouths.
The Ambience
Source: Hazuki
We dined in Hazuki’s designer lounge, renowned for their luxurious Gucci homeware and exquisite Kagami crystalware. Indeed, it was an exceptional dining experience, complete with friendly and attentive staff who ensured our comfort throughout the meal.
If you wish to hold a private gathering, you can reserve their private dining room which seats up to 6 guests.
Wish to see the chefs in live action? Omakase lunch and dinner service (from $280++) are available at the main counter, which seats up to 12 guests.
Impressive Collection Of Sake, International Wines & Liquors
Sake enthusiasts, rejoice! Get a trio of sake samples, available at $48++, an excellent opportunity to explore new sake varieties that harmonise seamlessly with Hazuki’s delectable menu. There are also exclusive sake labels which are only found in Hazuki and selected few restaurants in Singapore. On top of sake, Hazuki also offers an extensive selection of international wines and liquors for wine connoiiseurs out there. Cheers!
Final Thoughts
Hazuki Lounge is cosy and luxurious, perfect for an intimate lunch and dinner with your special someone. Besides, their new à la carte offers the best of seasonal produce in Japan, satisfy your sashimi cravings and be in for a surprise or two!
Hazuki
Location: 391 Orchard Road, Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Ngee Ann City, #04-18A, Singapore 238872
Opening Hours: Tue - Sun Lunch: 12:30pm to 3:00pm, Dinner: 6:30pm to 11:00pm
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