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Features Restaurants Reviews Singapore Singapore

Rizu Modern Japanese Cuisine: Omakase Done Right

Just when we thought that we’ve tried all the Japanese spots in Singapore, more seem to pop up every month! If Telok Ayer is your usual haunt, it’s time to add another sushiya to your list. Cue Rizu Modern Japanese Cuisine, the latest addition to the slew of hangouts at Duxton Hill that is sure to give the other eateries a run for their money.

A Cosy Japanese Respite

If you’re looking for a quiet space to enjoy an exquisite Japanese spread, look no further than this quaint sushiya. The ambience is rather dim, which may not be ideal if you’re trying to take snapshots of the gorgeous interiors and dishes. However, rest assured that the experience here will make up for it! Choose a seat al fresco to soak in the ambiance along Duxton Hill, or take a table indoors and delight in the deep blue interiors of the restaurant.

The service is attentive but not ostentatious, and the waiting staff is always ready to answer any queries about the menu items. Attention to detail is impeccable here; from the food down to the tableware, small meaningful details are added to give Rizu that extra personal touch!

Simple Yet Impressive Japanese Creations

The best way to have a taste of Chef Noboru Shimohigashi’s culinary ingenuity is through Rizu’s Special Omakase, comprised of 11 specially-prepared dishes using the freshest ingredients of the day. Bringing diners through a journey of flavours, Chef Noboru brings diners on an experience to remember.

Some of our favourites include:

Live Lobster, Abalone, and Sashimi

When this massive platter hits the table, you’ll be mesmerised by the assortment of fresh sashimi on display. This spread features a worldly catch from some of the best fishing sites across the globe, from the cool waters of Boston and Norway to the Eastern seas of Japan and Korea. Need a testament to its freshness? Pay close attention to the ‘decorative’ lobster head – if you’re lucky enough, you’ll catch it moving from time to time!

Lobster Bisque

Unlike the creamy European version, the seafood bique at Rizu is a lighter version that’s pleasing to the palate and heartwarming at the same time. Packed with flavours of the ocean, the lobster bisque is extremely satisfying and the chunks of lobster meat add texture to the smooth, delicious broth.

Foie Gras Sauté with Plum Sauce

Chef Noboru’s ingenious way of pairing the buttery foie gras with the figs, plum sauce, and ume flesh makes this seemingly simple dish stand out on its own. The refreshing tartness of the fruits cut through the savoury foie gras – it’s undeniably a match made in heaven.

Wagyu Steak with Special Wasabi Sauce

Indulgence seems to be a recurring theme in Rizu’s omakase but we’re not complaining! One good example is Chef Noboru’s Wagyu Steak with Special Wasabi Sauce. Tender and beautifully marbled steak slices are seared to perfection, served with a side of seasonal vegetables. For those weary of wasabi, you can take comfort in knowing that the sauce tastes more like earthy sesame sauce dressing.

Sukiyaki Rice Bowl with Miso Soup

Fans of sukiyaki will adore this dish. Savoury and slightly sweet, the beef slices are cooked extremely tender with a melt-in-your-mouth consistency. The flavours lean towards the stronger side, but with the light miso soup, it comes together beautifully. The golden, runny onsen egg gives the rice extra depth that amps up the lux factor.

Crumble, Pear Gelee and Pear with Vanilla Ice Cream

To cleanse the palate, treat yourself to the Crumble, Pear Gelee and Pear with Vanilla Ice Cream. For those watching your waistlines, this light dessert is the perfect way to round up a meal. It’s not extremely sweet, which makes it a perfect dishes for those who aren’t too fond sweetness.

Find it at 39 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089617
Earn an additional 100 Chope-Dollars with TASTYBLOG

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Featured Singapore Singapore

6 Dishes at Jun Omakase that We Can’t Get Enough of

With thousands of Japanese restaurants currently operating in Singapore, enjoying Japanese cuisine has become an unofficial national pastime. While people are busy debating which restaurants are better, beat the crowd to experience Jun Omakase, a quaint Japanese hideout along Church Street that serves stellar Japanese creations worth every dollar.

 

A Space of Comfort

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Situated in the Central Business District (CBD), Jun Omakase sees a steady stream of returning Japanese customers as well as international patrons. With its simple furnishings that exude minimalist chic, entering Jun Omakase is like stepping into comfort itself.

The menu reflects the same minimalist principles that the Japanese are known for. Besides the usual appetisers and sushi rolls, they offer three types of omakase: “Natsu 夏”, “Ume 梅”, and the premium “Jun 纯”. We recommend getting a seat at the sushi counter where the executive chef brings you through the experience, from infusing your dipping sauce with shiso flowers to the best sequence in which to enjoy your sashimi.

 

Stunning Starters

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The appetisers here start easy and light. We thoroughly enjoyed the Aburi Tuna with ginger flower that cleanses the palate. Don’t be alarmed by the plate of raw white corn served alongside it, either. These delicate morsels come bursting with chilled sweetness at every bite. Trust us – you won’t be forgetting them anytime soon!

 

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Jun Omakase prides themselves as one of the few sushiya that sources fresh fish directly from Tsukiji Market. Thick slices of gleaming otoro (fatty tuna) and fresh tai (sea bream) sashimi are some of Jun Omakase’s highlights. Here, they serve them with a side of freshly ground wasabi and fragrant Japanese herbs to complement the cuts of fish.

 

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A testament of true skill lies within a bowl of chawanmushi, and Jun Omakase takes it to a whole new level. Their Snow Crab Chawanmushi is smooth and delicate, balancing a savoury broth with the sweet shredded snow crab meat. Each mouthful is rounded off with a hint of yuzu, which refreshes the palate and leaves you feeling invigorated for the next dish.

 

Show-stopping Mains

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Don’t let the simplicity of the Grilled Prawns with Homemade Mayonnaise fool you! This little number packs a punch with the sweet prawn meat blending harmoniously with the tangy homemade mayonnaise. Consequently, the grill lends a depth of robust flavours to the prawn.

 

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The dish that surprised us all, however, is the Grilled Eggplant with Miso Paste. Who would’ve thought that a simple vegetable such as the humble eggplant would leave us speechless with its subtle, elegant sweetness? The fermented miso adds another level of flavour, while the seared scallops and prawns give each mouthful a pleasant bite.

 

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Round things off on a lavish note with Jun Omakase’s Grilled Wagyu and Foie Gras. The beef has that melt-in-your-mouth quality that never fails to delight. Additionally, the foie gras is plump and buttery, taking on a hint of soft char.

If you find yourself around the Central Business District or if you’re just looking to avoid huge crowds on the weekends, head down to Jun Omakase for a meal worth indulging in.

Find it at 3 Church Street, #01-01, Singapore 049483
Earn additional 100 Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG
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Lifestyle Restaurants Singapore Singapore

Uncle Kiisu takes Omakase to a whole new level

Many of us are know what Omakase is, but Uncle Kiisu brings it to a whole new level, offering Japanese dishes infused with Peranakan flavours. Oh my god, say what? Uncle Kiisu is offering a 1-for-1 special on their #OhMyGutsSay 8-course omakase menu this month. Every course is an element of surprise, yet evokes a sense of familiarity with its local twist. This Chope Exclusives special is only available in August, so start booking away with the promo code CE8UK!

Chicken Rice Musubi & Nasi Lemak Musubi

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Just when you think you know sushi, think again: embrace your inner Singaporean with the Chicken Rice Musubi and Nasi Lemak Musubi, where Japanese favourites come grain-to-grain with locally-inspired flavours. They may look like your usual sushi but one bite is enough to convince you that these babies are local, through and through. The flavours of the chicken rice with chilli sauce and the taste of sambal, otah, and Nasi Lemak are unmistakable and, dare we say it, endearing.

Mentaiko Cheese Bruschetta

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If you’re familiar with bruschetta, you’ll know to expect a slice of grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with freshly chopped tomatoes and olive oil. At Uncle Kiisu, however, you’re treated to a localised take on the Italian favourite: their Mentaiko Cheese Bruschetta is served as a crispy you tiao or dough fritter that’s doused over with sharp mentaiko cheese and a dollop of gleaming ikura roe. Salty with a whole lotta crunch, this quirky creation is definitely worth a try.

Mythical Chawanmushi

Mythical Chawanmushi

Uncle Kiisu’s chawanmushi will have you forgetting the traditional ones in no time! Their version of the steamed egg custard is filled with hotate (scallop) chunks, and a truffle-infused jelly shaped like a magical unicorn sits atop an overflowing pile of ikura roe. Talk about indulgence! It’s almost too beautiful to dig into but trust us: the best way to enjoy this thing is to mix everything together and have it one bite at a time.

Sambal Kuro Ribs

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Love something with a kick? You can’t go wrong with the Sambal Kuro Ribs. Making this bad boy goes a little something like this: take a slab of Iberico pork ribs and steam-bake it overnight in a sambal marinade. Right before serving, buah keluak is lathered all over and torched to give it that nice, aburi char. Juicy and robust, this massive platter is enough to satisfy your fiery cravings, that’s for sure!

MTK by Aunty M

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Wok hei, wok hei, and more wok hei! We can’t praise Uncle Kiisu enough for the MTK by Aunty M, a plate of mousetail noodles that’s wok-fried to perfection in their secret concoction of spices. Every mouthful gives you an explosion of flavours – the savoury century egg chunks, fresh minced prawn bits, and tender pork slices – and they tempt you to dive in for more.

Kiisu Muah Chee

Kiisu Muah Chee

Expect to be served with local-realness as their dessert on the menu hits a little closer to home. The Kiisu Muah Chee is given a Japanese treatment, flavoured with matcha powder, black sesame, and peanut powder. We were lucky enough to try the yuzu-flavoured one and it’s definitely something we’ve not had anywhere else! Pillowy and simple, this dish is just what you need to end a flavour-packed meal.

Just a heads-up, the menu varies each day according to the chef’s preference. However, we can assure you that the dishes will not disappoint you! Located at Square2 Novena, it is within walkable distance from Novena MRT station, so no excuse to go and visit Uncle Kiisu! Remember the deal is only valid throughout August.

Find it at 10 Sinaran Drive, #02-65/66/67, Square 2, Singapore 307506
Enjoy an exclusive 1-for-1 8-course omakase menu with the code CE8UK
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*Terms & Conditions apply:

    • Valid only for the 8-course #OhMyGutsSay (omakase) set of the day.
    • Valid daily (including PH) for dinner from 5pm to 9:30pm. Last seating is at 8:30pm.
    • #OhMyGutsSay sets changes daily and is at the Chef’s discretion.
    • For dine-in only.
    • Dietary requirements should be stated in the ‘Special Requests’ section.
    • This offer is not valid in conjunction with ongoing promotions, offers, discounts and vouchers.

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