Izakaya Yoppi - Very Good Japanese Food

There is a new hidden gem right in the middle of the shopping complex Wilkie Edge. which is the shiner neighbour of the good old Peace Centre. I wouldn't have known about this cool new find if I didn't pass by the perimeter of Wilkie Edge to go to a nearby cafe. The upmarket, clean and zen furnishings instantly caught my attention and I changed my plans right on spot to dine at Izakaya Yoppi instead.

I actually go into the restaurant via the backdoor since I was walking along outside of the shopping complex. The main entrance is accessible through the interior of Wilkie Edge. Anyway, due to how I got in, I got to walk through the entire length of restaurant to get to the main dining area. So I got to see the several impressive partitioned-off areas furnished in traditional Japanese style, where patrons sit on the floor to dine at the low table, with a nice hollow-out space beneath the table to stretch the legs.

Decor wise, I really love the strong zen influences of light wood, wooden fences and Japanese rectangular lamps here. The food here is surprisingly very affordable, with set lunches going from eighteen plus to under thirty. And to add it on, it's very good.

I got Tempura and California Roll set lunch, and the California roll is very tasty.

The salad is also very refreshing and tasty, with every part of the veggies slathered with the Japanese Wafu dressing.

The Pitan Tofu here is the star of the meal. I never have something like this before, and it is so surprisingly awesome. The light-tasting sauce of century egg renders the silky soft tofu to be so flavourful. And the tempura bits added introduces a delightful crunchiness to the dish that contrasts nicely with the tofu. This is the must-try of the restaurant.

The salmon sashimi here is nice, fresh and well-cut. I like it that the salmon here is of a nice deep orange hue, which is that of what upmarket Japanese restaurants typically serve.

The Tempura is of that nice crispy texture, and I love it that the prawns are very succulent and full of briny sweetness.

I decide to add on a side of Pork Belly Skewer, aka Buta Shio, since the set meal really satisfies me. This meat is juicy and has a lovely smoky aroma with light hints of salt and pepper. Now I want to try more of their skewers lol

This restaurant is most probably one of my best random, purely accidental finds of the year. And the food is suitable for most Singaporean palates (meaning you can bring your parents here too). The service is pretty good too. This is one of the places I can afford to go often to with family or friends due to the good combination of good food, good ambience and good price.

Thoughts: Very Nice Japanese Restaurant!

8 Wilkie Road, Wilkie Edge #01-22

Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut, Bencoolen or Rocher

Catkin by Huishan - Best Contemporary True Blue Singaporean Desserts

This place is no longer in operation 

Dessert Omasake!!! Definitely first of its kind in Singapore, so of course I'm totally excited about it. Omakase is all about trusting the chef to curate several seasonal dishes for the patrons. As I had mentioned before in previous posts, more often than not, I enjoy almost the dishes of omakase. And I'm happy to say I'm absolutely love all the dishes of the dessert omakase at Catkin by Huishan.

This is a must-visit for dessert lovers. In fact, the desserts here are like no others. Presentation wise, they are of contemporary style. Taste wise, they are uniquely Singaporean and complex.

First dessert of the day is so amazing. While I don't have much love for banana desserts, I absolutely this banana dessert. This is the first time I actually fell in love with a banana dessert. Made up of special kind of banana ice-cream with banana cubes, flowers and crispy tempera bits, this is so complex in taste and texture. The banana used for this is absolutely the best for desserts: have hints of vanilla, honey and rum notes while having none of the acidic taste. This really sets the golden standard for banana desserts.

Milky Oolong is designed as tea pairing for the cakes. The sweet aroma of milk is so soothing and goes perfectly well with the desserts. Amazingly, the taste, by contrast, is fresh, bright and clear to refresh the palates.

Next is desiccated coconut, topped with kueh bangkit jelly and coconut foam. This is oh-so-wonderfully rich in flavours due the lovely milky, nutty taste of coconut and kueh bangkit. Being a fan of coconut, this is like my dream dessert come true in luxurious, contemporary fashion.

Last dessert of the omakase takes the taste profile in a totally different direction by featuring, sliced and cubed jambu fruit, calamansi and plum. This is a topical delight that is refreshing and full of nuanced tastes. The balance between the tart taste and sweetness is done just right for a sweet journey with hints of excitement.

Housed within Twenty Eight Cafe, the place is bright and airy in contemporary setting. The omakase table in the centre of this cafe is specially for Catkin's patrons. It sure feels exclusive. Huishan is very friendly, and it is quite a sight to watch her meticulously prepare the desserts and tea.

Not only the desserts here are some of the best desserts in Singapore, they are very also special in featuring the tastes of Singapore. It is a place I love to come again and again,

Thoughts: Local dessert tastes reinterpreted in refined, contemporary style is so awesome and simply the best!

28 Wilkie Road #01-06

Nearest MRT: Little India or Bencoolen or Dhoby Ghaut