From The Straits Times    |

Photo of striploin

Nestled within multi-label store NomadX is Bizen Okayama Wagyu Steakhouse. NomadX may be a tech-enabled testbed for the first physical outlets for Alibaba’s Taobao, womenswear rental service Style Theory and tea marketplace Teapasar, but at Bizen, it’s strictly no-frills.  

A sun-lit space with an overview of Orchard Road, Bizen is parent group Aston F&B’s steakhouse dedicated to Japanese wagyu beef. Slabs of meat are available at affordable prices – thanks to Bizen’s exclusive partnership with the cattle farmer in Okayama prefecture in Japan. The restaurant is named after the city of Bizen, which is better known for its pottery.

 

The restaurant’s Japan-trained butchers make use of each and every part of the carcass (imported once a month). Instead of a grass-led diet, these cows are fed grains to increase the fat content in the cow’s muscles. You can tell by observing the marbling before it’s cooked. The result? Melt-in-the-mouth steak that’s decadently fatty.

We tried the striploin. Juicy and tender, it was flavourful enough that all you really need to do is to season the meat with a bit of salt. But it’s also served with a creamy mushroom dip. For the side dish, choose between steamed broccoli and fries.

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via GIPHY

Given the intensity of the marbling in the Wagyu cattle, even the chuck steak has a richer, softer taste to it. But in comparison to the striploin, it had more bite.

Besides steak that’s ‘caramelised’ on high-intense charcoal grill imported from Japan, Bizen’s menu also features American classics such as burgers ($14.90), chicken chop ($10.90) and bacon and cheese ($2.50 side dish).

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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In true Asian fashion, Bizen has a range of rice dishes. The staple – Koshihikari rice, comes from Niigata prefecture. From wagyu sushi ($12 for four pieces) and wagyu beef stew ($10.90) to the beef rice bowl ($14.90) and mildly spicy beef curry ($10.90), let’s just say you won’t have to worry about living without carbs. The menu’s Japanese influence can also be found in the silky smooth chawanmushi ($2.80) and miso soup ($2.50).

The latest F&B outlet at Plaza Singapura is where you’ll get a bang for your buck. It might not be the best wagyu steak but neither will it burn a hole in your pocket. No reservations required.

 

Bizen Okayama Wagyu Steakhouse, #N3-10 Plaza Singapura (within NomadX), 68 Orchard Rd; Tel: 6219-3463; Open daily 11.30am-10pm

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