In this month's edition of Hot New Tables: Shoukouwa, Curate, Mo’mor Izakaya, Redpan and more
Korean Japanese fusion? Local renditions of international classics? European-inspired izakaya? We’ve definitely got quite a few intriguing new gourmet digs for you to check out in this month’s edition of Hot New Tables, as well as some swish new fine dining options for when you’re after the finer things in life. Plates at the ready!
Shoukouwa
It’s a risky move for a brand new Japanese fine dining establishment to offer diners a singular chef’s omakase set menu that costs a whoppin’ $380. But our confidence for Shoukouwa is bolstered by its ties to Ernie Singer of Hong Kong’s Sushi Shikon and the Emmanuel Stroobant restaurant group. Shoukouwa promises to treat diners to an intimate sushi counter experience in its tiny eight-seat confines. The focal point of the omakase menu is, without a doubt, the selection of assorted sashimi and nigiri sushi dishes that owe its incredible freshness to daily deliveries from Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji Market. The sushi offerings are spaced out with chef’s signatures like steamed abalone, soy sauce marinated tuna, and sea eel. But don’t get too familiar with the menu offerings; Shoukouwa’s omakase menu is reflective of seasonal ingredients and availability of seafood, so expect it to change frequently.
Shoukouwa Singapore, 1 Fullerton Road, #02-02A One Fullerton, Singapore 049213. p. 6423 9939. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-11pm. Closed on Mon.
Redpan
Design and food go hand in hand at DP Architects and The Food Explorer Group’s new concept, Redpan. The restaurant’s design focus is immediately apparent in its modern interior, designer furniture and its hand drawn menu illustrations. But of course, what is style without substance? Redpan offers diners quirky renditions of popular dishes with a fun local twist. Crowd-pleasing favourites here are definitely the prawn and hae bi hiam pasta tossed in a spicy shrimp paste, and the lup cheong (Chinese sausage) mac & cheese. The menu offerings here are as fun as the décor, so let your hair down and revisit these nostalgic local flavours.
Redpan, 6 Raffles Boulevard #02-03/04 Marina Square Singapore 039594. p. 6255 5850. Open weekdays 9am-10pm, weekends 11am-10pm.
Curate
Asia’s first Michelin Star chef showcase restaurant will play host to a revolving line-up of some of the world’s greatest culinary superstars. Promising only the most extraordinary in dining experiences, Series 1 of the showcase will treat diners to a curated tasting menu featuring executive chef Massimiliano Alajmo’s classics from his flagship La Calandre in Italy. Chef Alajmo is known for his multi-sensory approach to cooking and his passion for bringing out the true essence of his ingredients. And it’s also divine in décor – Curate’s luxurious marble and wood interior invokes a rather unique garden experience, while an open kitchen serves as a focal point of the dining area.
Curate, Resorts World Sentosa. By booking only.
Mo’Mor Izakaya
Experience a contemporary, European-infused take on Japanese izakaya dining at Wmartin’s Mo’Mor Izakaya. Led by award-winning chef Martin Woo, this new izakaya concept aims to serve up tasty tapas and grills at prices that won’t break the bank. Mo’Mor boasts both indoor and outdoor seating areas perfect for gatherings with friends and family, or more intimate tête-à-têtes with its congenial, peaceful vibe. If izakaya style dishes conjure bad memories of oily, greasy fried meats, put those thoughts to bed and tuck into skewers of seared Australian wagyu with goma dressing or Hokkaido scallop tartare. If you’re eager for something a little more adventurous, the apple-cured salmon sashimi offers a medley of harmonious flavours with its mix of yuzu gel, pickled cucumber and olive oil caviar. But for the height of decadence, try the fresh rock lobster topped with creamy mentaiko hollandaise.
Mo’Mor Izakaya, 56 Tanglin Road, #B1-01, Tanglin Post Office. p. 6463 8080. Open Mon-Wed 11am-11pm, Thu-Sat 11am-1am, Sun 11am-11pm.
PUNCH
Want a proper wholesome meal and a robust cuppa coffee too? Equal parts café and restaurant, this new concept helmed by the folks behind Ronin and The Plain serves up fresh brews as well as hearty meals. Its urban chic-inspired design, naturally lit courtyard and convenient CBD location make PUNCH the perfect spot for a quick afternoon lunch with your colleagues. Sit down to a massive portion of fried chicken with homemade sauces, or the grilled seabass with mango salsa and greens. If it’s a late afternoon pick-me-up you’re feeling, opt for lighter more traditional café bites like the fluffy jam, nutella, and custard doughnuts or the American porridge; a dish of oatmeal topped with rich caramelised bananas and cold milk.
PUNCH, 32 North Canal Road, Singapore 059288. Open Tue-Fri 11am-3pm 6pm-11pm, Sat-Sun 8am-6pm.
Waa Cow!
Feeling the pinch in the world’s most expensive city? Don’t worry, Waa Cow! has got your back. Tucked away in NUS’ Kent Ridge campus, this laid-back Japanese cafe will hook you up with fuss-free lunch bites like the signature wagyu beef bowl, chirashi bowl and a selection of udon bowls. Make sure you supplement your main with sides like double fried chicken wings with garlic soy sauce, or the shrimp karaage with mentaiko mayo.
Waa Cow!, 11 Kent Ridge Drive, Singapore 119244. p. 8168 8777. Open weekdays 11.30am-3pm.
Tokyo Sundubu, Eat at Seven
Eat at Seven is shaping up to be quite the Japanese powerhouse with its sixth addition: Tokyo Sundubu. This new concept puts a Japanese spin on sundubu, a tofu-based Korean stew cooked with vegetables, meat and seafood. Whether it’s a rich beef and pork stew you’re craving, or a lighter seafood and vegetable mix, Tokyo Sundubu’s offerings are put together with health and beauty in mind. An odd aspiration for a restaurant certainly, but ingredients like the low calorie tofu, collagen rich broth and metabolism boosting capsaicin will take the guilt out of this satisfying fusion feed.
Eat at Seven Dining, #03-314, p. 6654 5054. Mon-Fri 11.30am-3pm 5.30pm-10.30pm, Sat-Sun 11am-11.30pm.
Aryaa Kitchen
History meets dining at this new culinary concept by the collective behind Beirut Grill. Inspired by Alexander The Great’s conquest of Eurasia, Aryaa aims to expose diners to cuisines following the Macedonian king’s path through Asia, featuring cuisines from Europe to the Middle East and Northern India. Its Greek influences are most apparent in its selection of starters like tzatziki with herb laminated bread as well as mains like the moussaka. If your tastes sway more towards the spicy side of the spectrum, Indian-influenced dishes like the chilli chicken and the sikandari raan (spicy tandoor cooked mutton) are sure to tantalise. Aryaa’s bar isn’t a mere afterthought either; the bar and lounge area plays host to invited DJs and features bespoke cocktails by an in-house mixologist.
Aryaa Kitchen, 7500E Beach Road, #01-201, Diners Building, Singapore 199595. p. 6291 6009. Open Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm, 6pm-11pm, Sat 6pm-11pm. Closed on Sun.