From The Straits Times    |
120Enmaru_SASHIMORI

Located at the Laguna National Golf & Country Club, Japanese restaurants Enmaru and Yakiniku TEN are surrounded by an expanse of green, quiet environs that feel miles away from busy Singapore streets.

Situated in the vicinity of the Singapore Expo, most Singaporeans may find the location rather inconvenient. So why travel the distance, if you’re not one for golf or country club activities?


(L-R): The interiors of Enmaru and Yakiniku TEN

As an izakaya, Enmaru is essentially a casual Japanese drinking establishment that serves food along with its sake, beer and other beverages. It’s simple food but it’s just gratifying when the produce is fresh and the dishes are well-prepared.

Situated right next to Enmaru, Yakiniku TEN, opened in July at Laguna Golf Green; just a month after the izakaya. 


(L-R): Enmaru’s dashimaki ($9.80), gobokara ($6.80) and ikura chawanmushi ($9.80)

When it comes to the menu at Enmaru, think group-sized portions; larger than a typical plate of tapas but small enough to keep a group of friends hankering for more.

For instance, a plate of moriawase ($5.80) consists of five sticks of assorted yakitori (chicken skewers). Enmaru serves popular izakaya dishes like mentai dashimaki (Japanese omelette with grilled eel), ikura chawanmushi (steamed egg custard with salmon roe) and the gobokara (deep fried burdock) as well.

Watch the chefs at work at the open counter and have your sushi and sashimi served swiftly in front of you, or take your time and carry on with your group banter at the tables.


The Enmaru roll ($21.80) and the sashimori ($38.80)

The sashimori is an assortment of five different types of sashimi that includes tuna, prawn and salmon. Delicately arranged on top of crushed ice, this sashimi platter is fresh and aesthetically appealing.

Arranged in a line, the Enmaru roll is the perfect option for the diner who wants to try it all or for a gregarious group of friends fighting over the first dibs on a shared sushi meal.


Oumi moriawase ($120.80) and Jyo tongue with negi ($27.80)

If you’ve had your fill of seafood, go for the hot-off-the-grill beef slices at Yakiniku TEN, the grilled meat restaurant adjacent to Enmaru. This restaurant uses grade A5 wagyu from Oumu, the highest grade of Wagyu beef, specially flown in from Japan.

A look at the marbling — the streaks of white fat on the beef — and you know you’re in for a treat. Decide how you would like your beef done with this hands-on approach; diners cook the meats on smoke-less electrical grills to their preferred doneness.

Looking for non-beef options for your yakiniku? The restaurant also serves Ei-hire (stingray fin, $8.80), ebi (prawn, $8.80), pork kalbi ($7.80) and tori (chicken thigh, $8.80)

The beef tongue is really far more delectable than it sounds. Resist any initial feelings of squeamishness and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the juicy and flavourful taste of the Jyo tongue with negi ($27.80).

Already a steadfast fan of Enmaru? Singapore diners will be pleased to know that another branch will be opening a new branch at ION Orchard; the perfect location for a casual, comfortable dinner in town.

Either ways, you now know of two more Japanese restaurants to visit — especially after braving the Expo clearance sale crowds.

Enmaru and Yakiniku TEN are located at Laguna National Golf & Country Club, 11 Laguna Golf Green, Singapore 488047, tel: 6248-1722. Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays from 12 to 3pm (last order at 2.30pm) and from 5.30pm to 10pm (last order at 9.30pm). The two restaurants are closed on Mondays.