Ms Skinnyfat

If you are in the East Coast/ Siglap area and searching for reasonably priced and good tasting Japanese food, you musn't miss Megumi. This unpretentious joint may look plain to the unknowing; simple rattan chairs and tabletops covered by a plain red tablecloth. The distraction caused by its more commercialized neighbors, Pasta Fresca (Italian) and Udders ice cream, also contributes to its hidden gem quality. But of course, no good food will escape these sharp peepers. You can't call yourself an Eastie if you don't know of this joint. Can't believe S missed this. Tsk.

Like any good Japanese joint, the interior is very clean and functional. A little opening showcases the sashimi counter and part of the kitchen. Service is efficient and the food is served shortly after the seat is warmed. You're really meant to just eat and then go off. Be considerate, don't let the hungry folks outside wait too long. 

There is a good selection of dishes: sushi, sashimi, yakimono, nabe, shabu shabu, sukiyaki, don, teppan and the list goes on. If you have no idea what to order, start with their signatures (they have a good selection of that as well). UFO Maki (S$12) is a crunchy salmon, crabstick and deepfried seaweed roll coated with roe. The savory Hotate Miso Yaki (S$15.80) is guaranteed to explode in flavors and the Teppanyaki styled Saikoro Steak (S$16.80) will satisfy any meat craving.

I was drooling over the Scallop and Bacon skewers. The succulent and bouncy shellfish flesh is complemented by the smokiness of the fatty bacon. The grilled leeks lifted the dish with its freshness and left us craving for more. 2 sticks were definitely not enough.

While the Salmon Aburi was chunky and generous in its serving, the blow-torch technique has been executed rather amateurishly. There wasn't any charred appearance on the surface and the fish was mostly raw. What i didn't like about it was how the texture felt like biting into human flesh due to the coarseness of the surface and the thickness of the meat. None of that melt-in-your-mouth texture. I would advise you to stick to the sashimi. 

The sets are worth every buck you pay and they are extremely easy on your wallet (S$18-25). S and i shared the above dishes and we were stuffed at the end of the meal. I was extremely satisfied with my Tenzaru Soba Set. The cold soba was nicely chilled and has a nice bite to it. Tempura was light and crunchy and the buttery smooth sashimi was the icing on the cake. Will definitely be having this one again. There is also another sushi set for all of you who loves having variety in your meal.

There is also another outlet at Sunset Way.

Megumi
77 Upper East Coast Road #01-03
Singapore 455218
Tel: 6243 0700/ 6243 0700