Author: Sandra Koh
Though the Japanese food enclave may be nicely tucked away at Shaw Centre’s Food Republic, yet it is definitely no less of a gem. Not to be mistaken as part of Food Republic, Japan Foods Garden (JFG) is actually a cluster of authentic Japanese concept stalls that offers all foodies the opportunity to relish an array of yummy and affordable dishes at a go!
This November, for the first time ever, JFG is introducing Japanese Sizzling Hot Stone Bowls. Being Don-lovers, we totally couldn’t our excitement, that’s why we ordered both the Curry ($7.80) and Oyako Don ($8.80) versions to share. Be prepared to squeal in delight like us when you see the generous amount of gooey cheese and runny egg yolks.
Between the 2, we definitely prefer the curry one for it provided a well balance between savouriness, sweetness and mild spiciness. Unfortunately, the Oyako Don was marred by it bland flavour, even dripping the teriyaki sauce over it did not seem to enhance the flavours at all. Moreover, the rice was a little too mushy for our liking. Perhaps the only saving grace was the chicken bits, which were cooked to tender perfection.
Despite that, do not let what we say deter you from trying the Sizzling Hot Stone Bowls, for taste is subjective. Do try out the other flavours such as Beef Curry ($11.80), Mentai Chaduke ($9.80), Salmon Egg ($10.80), Mabo Tofu ($9.80), Cream Sauce Dora ($10.80) and Gyu Don ($9.80) and let us know how they fare (:
Other than the Hot Stone Bowls, we also tried the signature Lemon Steak ($18.80) from the teppan range. Made from US Angus Beef, the thin slices of beef is doused in a delectable citrus sauce and carefully sizzled on a hotplate. We were really satisfied with the steak, for they were not only juicy and tender, but exuded an interesting smoky flavour with subtle hints of lemon, that lingered in the mouth with every bite. Do get the seats right in front of the counter to witness the mouth-watering show as the chef cook the meat on the flat iron griddle.
One word of advice: Be quick to capture the perfect foodfie and sink your teeth into the beef right away to savour the meat at its optimal tender state.
Since we were still feeling hungry after the teppan, we went ahead to try the Oyster Trio ($16.80), which consisted of oysters topped with mentaiko, butter seaweed, and garlic chips. The butter seaweed one was our favourtie, for it provided a sweet caramelised flavour with hints of seaweed that did not overwhelm the taste of the oyster like the other 2 flavours.
We completed our dinner with a plate of lip-smacking Pork Tonperi-yaki ($7.80). The omelette was filled with generous portion of beansprouts, cabbage and duo miao that not were not only crunchy but juicy to bite on. We especially love how well the sweet-savoury tonkatsu sauce blended with the mayonnaise, to provide a tangy flavour that did not overshadow the flavours of other ingredients. It was really a satisfying way to end our night.
Running out of dinner ideas? Why not visit Japan Foods Garden then?
1 Scotts Road, Shaw Centre, #B1-01
228208 Singapore
Telephone: 6493 7300
Operating Hours: 11 am -11 pm (Daily)
The First Japanese Sizzling Steak Hot Stone Bowls by Japan Foods Garden Arrives in Singapore!
