Whenever people mention Japanese food, one of the first names that would come to mind would be Tatsuya. I have been meaning to try their food but their booking for Restaurant Week is always snatched up (even for pre booking!). Of course, i'm not one who would simply wait for a cheap deal to visit the restaurant of my choice. Why do we need an excuse to have good food? Good thing Ben suggested Tatsuya for lunch and we managed to score a last minute reservation at the 23-seater sushi bar for 3, albeit the 1h time limit imposed on us.
Helmed by Chef Ronnie Chia, 2 time Award winner for the World Gourmet Summit's Asian Ethnic Chef of the year in 2007 and 2008, Tatsuya serves one of the most exquisite sushi meals in Singapore. Is it any wonder that they fly in fresh and exotic offerings direct from the renown Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo? No worries people, the fish is safe. Though I honestly don't care if radiation kills me as long as i get the yummiest sashimi!
We decided to go with the Lunch Bento sets which were reasonably priced at $26 to 30++. Actually i would say that it's darn cheap. Somehow i had this idea that a meal at Tatsuya would cost a bomb (though we have paid a lot more for Japanese before).
Ben and Sue decided to go ahead with the Sushi Bento ($30.90). Given my lousy recognition skills of sashimi, i believe that it's salmon, tuna, swordfish and hamachi (i think?) sushi. Along with california roll and tamago, as well as tempura prawns and pumpkin. YUMS! That together with the silky smooth chawanmushi which had a refreshing taste to it- they added some orange peel! Interesting touch indeed.
I love the Iwate sushi rice which was springy and bouncy with the right amount of stickiness. The balance of vinegar and saltiness as well as the sweetness that comes after chewing was perfect.The fish to rice ratio was obviously faultless as well. I hate it when i'm served with a huge bolus of rice with a small piece of meat and worse when it is clumpy! No such issue at Tatsuya of course. :)) The fish was nothing but the freshest as well.
A little while into the meal, Ben's bento was taken away from him! We were a little bewildered. Then the chef explained that he's rearranging the position of the sushi so that it's easier for him to handle (as Ben is a leftie). How thoughtful and observant! Thumbs up for good service!
As for me, i went with the Ladies Lunch ($26.80) which consisted of a Japanese potato salad, Chawanmushi, Prawn and Veg Karaage, assorted sushi and tamago with a chilled udon.
I love chilled udon, especially if it's Inaniwa udon! Yums. Very cold and chewy texture that is oh so refreshing. The slender and translucent noodles when dipped in the soba sauce is absolutely appetizing. I would choose chilled udon over hot ones in a heartbeat.
I'm not a big fan of vegetable karaage. I think there's usually too much flour and hence the dish isn't as crispy as the tempura version. Tatsuya's version is surprisingly light with a slight moisture. Juicy chunks of prawn coupled with thinly shredded carrots and onions fried to a light golden brown.
Needless to say, we left with happy tummies. I am pretty sure i'd be coming back soon and the next time i wanna try the Kaiseki ($165) and Omakase ($200+) course! Now off to my Sunday lunch and all these talking about Jap food is making me crave for it again. I could eat this everyday for the rest of my life. :))
Food: 5/5 I was very happy. 'Nuff said.
Service: 5/5 Pleasant, efficient and extremely thoughtful even though they were very busy.
Ambience: 4/5 Authentic and fuss free Japanese restaurant setting.
Tatsuya
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Tel: + 65 6737 1160 (Reservations required)
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6.30pm - 11pm
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