When I first saw this wooden door, which looks to be made from Japanese Cedar, in the relatively quiet International Building, it got me to stop in my tracks. The simplicity, with only the Japanese Kanji word "都" on the door, and pronounced Zen vibe of the exterior of the restaurant does pique my interest.
So when the chance comes where I am looking for a nice place to dine while hanging around the quieter part of Orchard.
Since this quaint little restaurant has been around for quite a while, I sort of assumed that the dishes are old-school Japanese type. Well, I’m in for a nice surprise when I find out that the dishes are unique, creative and delicious.
The interior of the restaurant is filled with Zen and Muji elements, filling one with a sense of calm. The service is very good too. This restaurant is definitely one of my surprise good finds.
Onsen Egg with chopped Tuna is one of my favourite dishes in this restaurant. Rich in taste due to the tuna and onsen egg, the pine nuts introduce crunchiness and nutty flavour for dimension in taste and texture.
Clams with Japanese Vegetables is so refreshing in taste and features the light milky briny sweetness of clams.
Yam and Anglerfish Liver is more earthy in taste, with hints of refreshing elements from the leek, really pleases the palates.
I absolutely love the slippery texture of the special Wakame paired with succulent bouncy Baby Scallops. And the nuanced essence of the ocean in this dish, such an enjoyment to savour this.
Flounder with Truffle features the clean taste of flounder and the intense earthy aroma of truffle, which works wonderfully.
The Sashimi trio of Amberjack, Maguro from Kyoto, Scallop is very good. And I also like the iceberg vegetable that goes with the Scallop and the sea grapes perching on top of the Amberjack.
Spanish Mackerel is moist and delicious. The crisp refreshing vegetal taste of Daikon sauce perks up the flavour of the fish. The Turnip, Yam and Pepper are nice accompaniments to the fish.
Uni with Anglerfish, Codfish Roe, soaked in Snow Crab + Scallop Sauce is so luxurious, packed to the brim with creamy sweet umami of uni and subtle, delicate flavours of the ocean from the Snow Crab and Scallop. Definitely an awesome surprise to have uni presented in this way.
Claypot rice with Amberjack, Nuts and Sakura Ebi is lovingly cooked with a piece of charcoal popped inside the pot.
Very flavourful rice with a nice smokiness from being cooked the claypot. The intense umami of Sakura Ebi makes it even better.
I love the homemade fishball in the miso soup because of it’s bouncy texture.
Nice dessert platter of Japanese fruits, chocolate macaron and Monaka with Matcha Ice-cream.
Thoughts: Good choice for a unique Omakase at Orchard
360 Orchard Road
#01-90/10 International Building
Nearest MRT: Orchard
