From The Straits Times    |
tepp

One of the things we love most about teppanyaki is the added entertainment factor. In fact, the show that you often get with your meal is sometimes itself worth the price. But we’ll admit we can’t resist the smell and taste of these Japanese dishes cooked on iron plates, as they absorb the flavours so well. Here are eight of our favourite places to sample teppanyaki.

 

Mikuni

Photo: eatigo.com

There are three live stations here – for teppanyaki, sushi and robatayaki – and each is helmed by a master chef. The aim here is to offer diners a multi-sensory experience, and with the dim lighting, premium produce and even a dash of theatrical humour, you’ll be going back for more than just the food. Executive chef Keisuke Uno gives a refreshing take on traditional Japanese cuisine. Choose a teppanyaki lunch set, or select your favourites from a wide list of teppanyaki dishes such as seabass with clam seaweed sauce, Hokkaido scallop and mushrooms truffle ponzu.

Level 3, Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Road; www.fairmont.com/singapore/dining/mikuni/

 

Tatsu

Photo: Tatsu.com

The outlet at CHIJMES started as a purely teppanyaki place but it now incorporates both teppanyaki and sushi concepts. Its signature teppanyaki dishes include flambé wagyu beef with special sauce, crayfish with yuzukosho mayo, and lobster in special sauce. The teppanyaki performance counter is definitely worth a visit, as you watch the chef in action while the theatre unfolds right before your eyes. The bold flavours in the dishes are thanks to the mixture of alcohol and sauces and are suitable for the adventurous palette. But if you prefer milder flavours, let the staff know and they’ll sort you out accordingly.

#01-08 CHIJMES & #02-16 Asia Square Tower 2; www.tatsu.com.sg  

 

Sakae Teppanyaki

If you like your teppanyaki in a casual environment, this is where you should go as it has made the usually fairly expensive dining affair affordable. It’s a favourite with Japanese food lovers and the number of branches is a testament to its popularity. There’s a whole range of teppanyaki dishes to choose from here, from beef to chicken to lobsters to oysters and bamboo clams too. Vegetarians need not feel left out, with a selection of mushroom and vegetable dishes available too.

Various locations, check website for details; www.sakaeteppanyaki.com

 

Teppan-Ya

Photo: Teppanya

A delicious meal with a gorgeous view – why would anyone say no to this? Teppan-Ya is located at the Mandarin Oriental and its minimalist setting is the first thing that will impress you when you step in. Look out the window and you’ll see our stunning skyline, or just look down for a view of the F1 racing circuit. Go for a teppan lunch set (served with salad, chawan mushi, rice and miso soup) or pick something from the teppan a la carte selection, with options including French foie gras, Japanese wagyu beef, mixed mushrooms and garlic fried rice.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 5 Raffles Avenue; www.teppanya.com.sg

 

 

Shima

Photo: Shima

This was Singapore’s first teppanyaki restaurant when it opened in 1980 and the fact that it’s still a popular dining venue today is proof of its quality. The chefs were trained in Japan under the guidance of Japanese teppanyaki master chefs, and some of them have been here since this restaurant opened. The highlight here is the teppanyaki buffet lunch (from $49.90++), with appetisers such as freshly air-flown salmon sashimi, followed by a selection of meat, seafood, vegetables and rice dishes that are cooked to perfection, the way you like it. Of course, you don’t have to go for the buffet; order some a la carte teppanyaki dishes which include a selection of seafood and beef, or get one of their teppanyaki sets.  

Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Road; http://shimarestaurant.com.sg

 

Keyaki Japanese Restaurant

You’ll feel the Japanese vibe before you even walk into this restaurant, thanks to it being surrounded by a beautifully sculpted Japanese garden and koi pond. Even though they serve more than just teppanyaki, this cuisine is one of their specialties. The food is tasty, the chefs’ skills are fascinating and everything is presented in an authentic way. Order your teppanyaki from the a la carte or set menus, the choices include Iberico pork, US beef tongue, Shimeji mushroom, and three variations of fried rice – garlic, beef and seafood.

Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard; www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-resorts/singapore/marina/stay/dining/keyaki.html

 

Teppan Bar Q

Photo: Facebook/barQ

Want to enjoy teppanyaki somewhere that isn’t too casual but won’t break the bank either? Then this is where to get your fix as it isn’t fine dining but it has a nice atmosphere. The chefs put on a performance for patrons and entertain with their antics so get a seat at the counter and you’ll be in for a lively meal. There are some very interesting dishes with a Spanish influence, such as the octopus Galician- style. It’s certainly the place for teppanyaki with a twist.

#01-21/22, Robertson Walk, 11 Unity Street; www.facebook.com/barQsg/