Even though Japan and Korea have been kicked out from World Cup Group 16, that doesn't mean we can't have some decent Japanese and Korean food to celebrate Asian countries for advancing cum improving at international level for football. Plus Xmas month, everyone must be feasting with family and friends now already and so am I. Let's do it the Asian way.
Seldom choose to go back West to meet friends but shall be an exception because of IMM Factory Outlet Mall (my favourite place). Enjoy the last bits of 2022 (7%) before ushering in 2023 (8%). IYKYK.
Let me go through these places which I haven't tried and that I'm quite satisfied with the food.
1. 👍TONKATSU BY MA MAISON @ WESTGATE
Settled for brunch here. Located at Level 4 of Westgate, this restaurant looked so cozy and warmth when we stepped in. Vintage clocks hanging on the wall, super infused with Japanese vibes. And as their restaurant name said, you could find different sets of Tonkatsu (mostly the different parts like loin, fillet and etc).
My girlfriends and I ordered the following sets that comes with free refill of rice (white or brown), cabbage and miso soup with pork plus hot tea too.
My set would be Weekend Special - Big Katsu Set, which I chose Dory Fish and brown rice (never finish the rice too). Not in the mood for Pork though. The fish was good, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. And fresh too.
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| Big Katsu Set - Dory Fish |
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| Big Katsu Set - Dory Fish |
One of my girlfriend ordered Deep-fried Pork Loin with Miso Sauce. They gave so much scallions on top. Wow... exchanged a piece of meat with my fish and wasn't too hard nor dry but lacked the flavour. But at least the texture was right. Oh their pickles were nice and crunchy. Now I love pickles even more.
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| Deep-fried Pork Loin with Miso Sauce |
Another set by another girlfriend would be Mameton Set which was a mix of deep-fried prawn, pork loin and pork fillet. Tried the prawn and it was just so crispy and fresh with a hint of sweetness. And it came with a small bowl of soba if I'm not wrong.
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| Mameton Set |
Lastly, we were served with dessert which was Osmanthus jelly that taste light (not too sweet). Quite refreshing. Overall, the food here were yummy yummy and price was worthy.
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| Osmanthus jelly |
2. 👌MATCHAYA @ JEMS
After shopping for hours at IMM, we walked back to JEMS with our shopping hauls for tea break. Loved the fact that the malls were inter-linked to one another without worrying about the weather especially now when you would get a surprise downpour. So my girlfriend brought us to Matchaya located at Level 1 of JEMS, in front of the drop off point, opposite Maxx Coffee.
Here we have Matcha Koffee, Hazelnut Latte, Hojicha Koffee and a slice of Hojicha Chocolate cake. So in love with my Hazelnut Latte. By the way you can choose sugar level for Koffee which both my girlfriends opt it out. And I loved the latte art as usual. Hope to find one café where they can do a swan instead of the usual. They have a variety of cakes and pastries, also soft serves to try out. The Hojicha Chocolate cake we had was kind of sweet but manageable. Overall, great place to hang out with friends.
3. 👌HANOK BY MASIZZIM WESTGATE
Now for some Korean vibes for dinner. Located at Level 1 of Westgate, this restaurant was Halal-Certified and that explained a fair share of Muslim customers. If you didn't know, Hanok means Korea's traditional house.
How to miss having Pancakes in Korean restaurant? We had Squid and Leek Pancakes with dipping sauce and honestly, it could be a little more crispier but it was soft. Still, it wasn't too bad. You could try adding kimchi and pickles to have with for some crunch.
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| Squid and Leek Pancakes |
And also a DIY Tuna Rice Balls which you have to mix and make your own Rice balls. Gloves were provides for hygiene purpose. This was rather fun than just mix with a spoon and eat. Got the youngest to do the rice balls to serve the oldest (me included). Taste was okay but kind of mushy so not to my liking.
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| Tuna Rice Balls |
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| Finished product |
So how do you find these 3 places we went? They were definitely new to me though there were many other Japanese and Korean restaurants in Singapore. Finding a good one isn't hard, depending on your expectation. Anyway, enjoy the last bits of 2022 before we reset again to a brand new year. Cheers!!!
Disclaimer: All the above were paid by writer and her friends. Not sponsored post.