Review: Singapore's First Gyutan Specialty Restaurant, Gyutan-Tan, Offers Affordable Lunch Sets, Shabu-Shabu, and More
Calling all fans of beef lovers, you may have tried gyutan (also known as ox tongue) from Japanese Yakiniku joints or Sandaime Bunji, but here's a new restaurant you can get your gyutan fix! Gyutan-Tan, Singapore's first-ever gyutan specialty restaurant, recently opened its door along Tras Street, serving an array of gyutan dishes prepared by Head Chef Yoshiyuki Kuroshima and his team, allowing you to indulge without breaking the bank.
As I set foot in the restaurant, I was welcomed by a warm and friendly vibe. This 82-seater space is decked out in a lovely modern Japanese-Scandinavian interior, featuring Japanese cartoon wallpaper portraying whimsical reimaginings of Sendai and Japanese food. They also have a bar counter which gives the space a chic look!
Here at Gyutan-Tan, you can find delectable gyutan dishes served in appetisers, chargrilled mains, donburi (rice bowl), and teishoku (set meal). And of course, they also offer a range of mouth-watering pork and chicken delights for non-beef lovers.
Cold Roasted Gyutan Carpaccio
We started with the Cold Roasted Gyutan Carpaccio ($15, available during dinner only), served with thin slices of cold-roasted gyutan, arugula, crunchy pickled white radish, parmesan, and a drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze. I always had the impression that it would have a gamey taste, but to my surprise, it does not have a distinctly beefy flavor, and it has a delicate texture.
Sumiyaki Gyutan Combo Set
On to the Lunch Set, we had the Sumiyaki Gyutan Combo Set ($25), which comes with two types of cuts of gyutan- thin and thick. The meat is perfectly charcoal-grilled and well-seasoned with salt and pepper. Not forgetting to mention, it is so tender and chewy. We can complement the meat with 5 homemade sauces- from spicy to savoury! It includes the Original homemade soy sauce, zesty Ponzu Oroshi, sweet-and-spicy Korean yangnyeom sauce, salted Negi Shio, and Lemon Pepper.
Served alongside are a bowl of rice, fluffy and natto-textured mugimeshi (a mix of rice and barley), two kinds of Japanese pickles, salad paired with a lemon olive oil dressing, tororo (grated Japanese mountain yam), and a hearty oxtail soup.
Gyutan Demi-glace Stew Set
Next up was the comforting Gyutan Demi-glace Stew Set ($24), prepared using a classic French cooking technique. It includes chunks of 4-hour braised gyutan, potato, carrot, and asparagus. I have to say, the demi-glace was so rich and flavorful, and it goes perfectly well with the 4-hour braised gyutan that is soft and tender.
Pork Kakuni Set
Then, we had the Pork Kakuni Set ($22), served with succulent 4-hour braised pork belly covered in a flavoursome soy-based sauce, a perfectly-boiled egg, and a generous amount of onions. The meat is soft, and the layers of fat could almost melt in my mouth. What a succulent dish!
Premium Gyutan Shabu-Shabu
We also tried their Premium Gyutan Shabu-Shabu ($28, dinner only) from their à la carte menu. It comes with a buttery-fleshed gyutan in a hearty kombu dashi broth, assorted vegetables, kuzukiri noodles, and namafu (wheat gluten).
The meat is succulent, and the sauces (Momiji Oroshi Ponzu, Goma Dressing, and Lemon Pepper) give it an extra flavouring!
Home-made Egg Pudding
We ended the meal with some desserts, and the first one we had was this delicious Home-made Egg Pudding ($4) that has a silky smooth and soft texture that just melts in my mouth.
Japanese Tiramisu Parfait
There's also this absolutely decadent rum-infused Japanese Tiramisu Parfait ($11.50) that comes with fluffy whipped mascarpone and coffee jelly under a layer of nutty kinako, dango, and vanilla ice cream. If you are a fan of alcohol, don't give this a miss!
Matcha Afo-Guard
Last but not least is this delightful Matcha Afo-Guard ($10.50)! Served with vanilla ice cream, white chocolate, warabimochi, and a bittersweet matcha sauce!
Drinks
Don't forget to order some drinks to go along with your meal! They offer thirst-quenching beverages like House Green Tea ($2.90), Sapporo Draft (from $8.90), and mocktails featuring Sunset Spritz ($7.90), Yuzu Awakening ($7.90).
Final Thoughts
Despite being not a huge fan of beef, I can proudly say Gyutan has completely changed my love for beef! I was impressed by the tenderness and chewiness of the meat, but most importantly, it does not have a gamey taste which I am afraid of. This is definitely one of the places we would recommend if you are a beef lover, or have been wanting to try Gyutan. Besides, it is worth the money!
Gyutan-Tan
Location: 41 Tras Street, Singapore 078980
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11.30am to 3.30pm | 5.30pm to 10pm
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