Singapore Authentic Japanese Restaurants For The Japanese Foodie

Sink your teeth into crispy golden-brown pork loin cutlets from Imakatsu at The Star Vista and be amazed at how juicy and tender the meat is. Originating from Roppongi, Tokyo, the Michelin Guide-featured tonkatsu speciality restaurant prepares its signature dish by breading high quality meat with panko before deep frying it at varying oil temperatures to achieve the perfect tonkatsu.

Tonkatsu Bistro by Ma Maison at Westgate also serves excellent tonkatsu dishes in an intimate setting. Select from an assortment of mouth-watering katsu such as pork loin, pork fillet, prawns and fish for some deep-fried goodness, and trust us when we say it’s worth every calorie.

Each katsu set comes with rice, shredded cabbage and miso soup that are all refillable so you get a complete Japanese meal that gives you great value for money!

Nabe

Did you know… In the past, nabe was only prepared with fish and vegetables because Japan came under the Buddhist rule, which prohibited the consumption of beef. However, beef and other ingredients were introduced during the Edo period as a result of Western influences.

If a wholesome meal is what you desire, Tsukada Nojo at Plaza Singapura will check all the right boxes! Dig into the Japanese restaurant’s specialty, the Bijin Nabe or Collagen Soup Beauty Pot, and fall in love with the rich, flavourful broth consisting of the nutritious Golden Collagen Chicken Stock that is simmered for over eight hours. Served with chicken, prawns and assorted vegetables, this healthy hot pot is not only fulfilling, it's great for your skin too!

Yakiniku

Korean dishes such as bulgogi and galbi served as inspiration for the Japanese yakiniku and the current style of yakiniku restaurants is derived from Korean grilling restaurants as well. 

Feast on a glorious all-you-can-eat meat buffet, also known as tabehoudai, at The Star Vista’s Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Restaurant.

Be spoilt for choice with the wide selection of quality meats, ranging from premium wagyu beef to chicken, pork and even seafood, and grill them to your heart’s content.

Don’t forget to load up on the free-flow of rice, noodles and appetisers that will leave you happily stuffed. 

Yōshoku

Did you know… Yōshoku, or Japanese-style Western cuisine, is believed to have originated from Japan’s Meiji Restoration, when Japan opened its doors to Western culture and food. The Japanese, who were much smaller than their Western counterparts, believed that consuming Western food would help them grow in size. Hence, localised versions of Western cuisine were developed, which we now recognise as the yōshoku of today.

When you’re torn between Japanese and Western, why not get the best of both worlds with Yomenya Goemon at The Star Vista, which offers Western dishes with a Japanese twist? 

This Japanese restaurant serves spaghetti dishes such as the Japanese Mentaiko Spaghetti or the Wasabi Salmon Spaghetti that have incorporated both Italian and Japanese ingredients for an interesting combination of flavours you’ll be sure to love.

The Hokkaido Soup Pasta (pictured) is also a rich medley of flavours that you will love for its unique, wholesome taste.

Enjoy your spaghetti with chopsticks for a truly fusion dining experience!

Okashi

(Japanese confectionery)

Did you know... In Japan, Japanese confectionery is categorised as either Wagashi (Japanese-style confectionery), or Yogashi (Western-style confectionery). When Japan opened itself to the world in the 19th century after a period of isolation, Western cultural elements along with Western ingredients such as milk and butter came in, contributing to the creation of many Western-style, Japanese desserts that we enjoy today.

There’s always room for dessert! Hoshino Coffee at Plaza Singapura is the perfect choice for Western-inspired Japanese treats when you’re craving for something sweet!

Indulge in an array of delectable desserts such as French toast topped with juicy chunks of fruits and cream, or thick soufflé-style pancakes accompanied with butter, sweet syrup and other toppings of your choice.

Alternatively, Eggs ‘n Things at Plaza Singapura is an ideal option for those with a sweet tooth! Known to attract long queues at its Harajuku branch in Tokyo, the Waikiki eatery popular among both locals and tourists is best known for its fluffy pancakes that come with a tower of lightly whipped cream and fresh fruit toppings.