Japanese Robatayaki cuisine has a certain charm to it. Part if it is from the display of fresh seasonal ingredients at the counter where one can just choose any from the selection to be grilled and then served on a fisherman's paddle to the patron. As someone who appreciates quality groceries, it does feel gratifying to have all these quality produces decked out in front of me, in the comforts of a restaurant. In addition, well-grilled food tastes so good due to the extra sweetness and the aroma of char. And Robatayaki, at its core, requires to have huge variety in its food offerings, so patrons are really spoilt for choices. I know I am.
But there is not a lot of Robatayaki restaurants in Singapore, and Akanoya is one of the few. Actually, this restaurant has always been on my radar since years ago, but I never got around to come here due to personal reasons. Well, personal matters brought me to Orchard Rendezvous Hotel, and passing by the impressive entrance of Akanoya reminded me that this is one of the restaurants I wanted to patronise last time. So here I am in the restaurant, all ready to have a sumptuous feast.
Made with fresh ingredients, the food here definitely meets my expectations, having the great texture and simulating taste. I really enjoy savouring the food here.
The ingredients display counter is the main star here, with the red wooden table counter, oak wooden walls, paper lamps, Japanese calligraphy wooden tags to accentuate the traditional Japanese vibe. It does have that upmarket Izakaya feel, with a touch of posh.
Service staffs are friendly and knowledgeable, giving some really good recommendations on food and sake.
Crab Croquette looks so pretty and its taste matches the look. A coat of crispy breadcrumbs wrapped around a umami laden, creamy filling, topped with the oceanic sweetness of caviar and the zest of the dollop of specialty sauce, this appetiser is a luxurious treat.
Brussel Spouts, which is what I picked from the awesome array of seasonal Japanese vegetables, is so delicious! It is so crunchy, and each leave is flavourful, being packed with the essence of the sauce and the crispy freshness taste of veggies. Good eaten on its own, or dip in one of the trio of sauces served.
Kurobuta Butabara is interestingly served on the fisherman paddle. The meat is tender, flavourful and goes very well with the accompanying sauce.
In the background is the trio of sauces: tangy ponzu for seafood, teriyaki for meat and goma for vegetables. I like all three.
Hotate Kara is another one of my favourites. The scallops are so fresh and juicy. Its briny sweetness highlighted by the slight of char on the surface and the tanginess of the sauce they are soaked. An awesome treat.
Kara Hokkigai, which is surf clam, features taste that is similar to abalone: nuanced taste of the ocean and buttery. This clam is more tender and smoother in terms of texture. And the accompanying creamy sauce makes it even better.
Feeling that I still have capacity to savour more food plus a dessert, I add on the Kuruma Ebi since it looks so big and fleshy on the display right in front of me, I can't resist ordering it. Going light on sauces, the grilled prawn meat is fresh, sweet, firm yet tender. I dip some pieces in the trio of sauces for the variety in flavours. Also taste great eaten this way. The glutinous rice stuffed into the prawn's head is a nice addition to fulfil my craving for carbs. Love this dish very much too.
Warabi Mochi seals the sweet deal. The black sesame ice-cream is rich, creamy and full of earthy flavours of black sesame. The star is the warabi mochi. Soaked with the caramel goodness of Japanese black sugar, these soft pillowy jelly cubes are intense yet also refreshing in taste
Clear, sweet sake that goes very well with my choices of seafood, plus a pork dish and some vegetables.
Dining here is quite an unique experience where I have the fun of choosing the food I want from the spread in front of me. I also love the variety here. Though I must say that one needs to come here all ready spend some good money to enjoy the feel of choosing whatever you want. I come here with that mindset, thus totally enjoying myself.
Though I do wish the timing for seating can be more flexible since 5:30pm is too early for lots of people (this is very fine with me though) and 8:00pm is a bit too late (though perfect for night owls).
All in all, coming here really brings back the good memories of enjoying Robatayaki, and I look forward to coming here again.
Thoughts: I love Robatayaki!
1 Tanglin Road, Orchard Rendezvous Hotel, #01-01
Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard, Orchard
