Chabuton @ 313 Somerset

A ramen shop by "King of Ramen" and Michelin-starred Chef Yasuji Morizumi. Chabuton has been much blogged about and was excited that it was scheduled as our stop #2 of the 313 Somerset Food Trail 2015.  The place was quiet but I think that's because no one really eats ramen at 1130am, or do they? Well, at least this group of foodies, did!

interior

menu

Was served with their bestseller ramen, the Chabuton Tonkotsu Ramen. Besides that, also tried Kara Kara Miso Ramen and Shoyu Zaru Ramen. Glad to report that all ramen (soups) here are not too strongly flavoured and that really meant, it was not too salty for local tastebuds. Pleasant and should be able to satiate when that craving for ramen strikes.

Chabuton Tonkotsu Ramen @$11.90++

Kara Kara Miso Ramen @$13.40++

As usual, one could opt to add a lava egg to the ramen.

additional order of beautiful lava egg

But the one that stood out? Was the simple Shoyu Zaru Ramen. The noodle didn't look exciting but it was so good to eat. It was pleasantly chewy and springy and tasted wonderful with the sauce. Add some hot tonkotsu broth to the sauce at the end (after all the non-stop dip and slurp) to enjoy a drinkable soup.

Shoyu Zaru Ramen @$11.90++

Also sampled some of its fried items. The Hitokuchi Gyoza was really a flat looking one-bite gyoza. The Aka Ebi Mentai was tasty and ika karaage was good as a snack, with beer. But beer in the morning? Unlikely. Will settle for green tea.

hitokuchi gyoza

ika karaage

Aka Ebi Mentai @$4.90++ for 2 pieces (limited time promo)

Chabuton 

Location: #B2-01, 313 @ Somerset, 313 Orchard Road, 238895
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chabutonsg


Read about the experience at Soup Stock Tokyo , O'my Spoon

Soup Stock Tokyo @ 313 Somerset

It was really early in the morning, and Soup Stock Tokyo might have just started its service for that day. Part of the Tring 313 Food Trail and our first pit stop, we were going to have soups and rice for breakfast.

おはいよ！

It is a self-serve styled place known for its selection of soups. And by that, there are plenty of options to choose from. Have asked the manager, and as of current, its bestseller is the Hokkaido Crab Bisque. Liked that it has three soup sizes for customers to choose from; small, medium and large. The large size is about 350ml, while the small size is about 180ml.

For those that must have rice, good news as Soup Stock Tokyo had introduced two types of curry rice; The Onion Chicken Curry and the Tomato Chicken Curry rice. Better still, they have a "Buddy Curry & Soup Set" combo. Usually, a Curry Soup Set where one gets a curry rice and a small soup for $16.80. Now, with the "Buddy Curry & Soup Set", one gets two sets of curry rice and two small soups plus one drink for just $30.80. That's akin to getting a small discount and a free drink. Now, where's my buddy...

おいし！

Buddy Curry & Soup Set @$30.80

Frankly speaking, am liking the curry rice, especially the Tomato Chicken Curry. That tangy flavour with sweetish undertone from the tomatoes, very likeable tender chicken pieces and plenty of sauce ontop the Japanese rice. In Japan, it is usually served bare, without the parsley garnish. I agree. Can do without. Had thought that I wouldn't want to eat rice early in the morning, but can't help but take in scoops after scoops of rice and curry. Yums.

Tomato Chicken Curry, Soup of your choice (small) and a drink

Onion Chicken Curry and Hokkaido Crab Bisque Soup

The brown rice was enjoyable and the onion chicken curry was really mild but fragrant. Comforting flavours.

As for the soups, the Hokkaido Crab Bisque has a smokey flavour to it but was not quite how I'd imagined it to be. The Chicken Vegetable Soup tasted like something that I might choose if am feeling under the weather. It was rather mild and tasted homely. Pork and Tomato Stroganoff might be considered if I want tangy flavours in slurpable form. Personal favourite of mine, would be the Tokyo Beef Borsch. Really flavourful, and has that essence of beef.

Tokyo Beef Borsch (front) and Pork and Tomato Stroganoff (back)

Currently, the beef used in the beef borsch soup has some fats. Word has it that it will be changed to a leaner cut sometime soon. But, I must confess that I actually liked it the way it is/was now.

SG50 Challenge before 9th August, hurry!

Soup Stock Tokyo

Location: 313 Orchard Road, #B-14 & B2-53/53A, 313@Somerset, Singapore 238895　
Website: http://www.soup-stock-tokyo.sg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Soup-Stock-Tokyo-Singapore/396889403787913
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sstsingapore/


Read about the experience at Chabuton,O'my Spoon

Tring313 Food Trail 2015 @ 313 Somerset

Once more, had the opportunity to take part in a food trail. This time round, the location was at 313 Somerset. Coincidentally, all the stops in the trail were shops that I have yet to try. WoOOhoo! If you'd like to read more about previous food trails' experience, simply click on these: Waterfront @ Riverside Point, Bugis+, Bugis Junction, and Liang Court. The most hectic one would be 11 stations within 6 hours with about 15 bloggers. For the Somerset 313 food trail, there was about 11 of us with 7 food stops.

Tring313 Food Trail (version) 2015, at 313 Somerset started from morning 11am and lasted till about 4pm. Slurped and ate our way through Soup Stock Tokyo, Chabuton, O'ma Spoon, Pie Face, Chir Chir Chicken, Dinata and Hvala Waffle Bar. Yup, ended up with a super full stomach and probably thousands of calories combined!

Tring313 Food Trail 2015 at 313 Somerset #wealwaysshare

If you would like to enjoy great offers while at 313 Somerset, why not try the Tring313 app? It's free to download from App Store and Play Store.

Tring313 app

What is in store for you? Well, it offers latest exclusive promotions from 313 Somerset retailers like clothing brands and of course, food! What kind of promotion? Here's a glimpse:

that's like 40% off from Chir Chir Chicken!

oh no, just missed the offer from O'ma Spoon.. needa wait for next round

cool, that's like buy a pie and get a free drink

yummy singleton waffles for half price? That's insane

Watch out for the upcoming reviews on the above mentioned places. Till then, take care and enjoy the weekend!

Special thanks to 313 Somerset and all respective shops for hosting us. Thank you Alvin for the invitation and Gel for accompanying us throughout.

Read about the experience at Soup Stock Tokyo , Chabuton, O'ma Spoon Korean Dessert Cafe, Pie Face, Chir Chir Chicken, Dinata and Hvala Waffle Bar.

Haru Haru Japanese Restaurant @ Jubilee Square Ang Mo Kio

Haru Haru Japanese Restaurant is located at Level 2 of Jubilee Square, which is about 12 minutes walk from Ang Mo Kio MRT Station. A Japanese restaurant in the heartlands with omakase option? Nice. Was invited to try some of the items from its menu. The restaurant itself is compact and cosy. If you would like to make a reservation for a private room, they do have one as well.

menu

counter seats

private room

Fresh seafood is flown in from Tsukiji Market every Tuesdays and Fridays. Chef/Owner will determine if the shipment requires adjustment and the delivery will be as frequent as 3 times a week, depending on demand.

fresh fish on display

For starters, we had the Kagoshima wagyu tataki. Gorgeous marbling of beef, nicely laid out on a plate. It tasted good on its own. The dipping sauce gave it a light tanginess. Overall, good fatty mouthfeel that does not overwhelm.

wagyu tataki @$26.80++

Next appetiser, was in a liquid form. Negima mushi. Even without knowing what was inside the clear broth, the essence of fish was rather apparent. Steamed in a ceramic container akin to chawanmushi, the tuna belly and slightly scorched leek were able to retain its taste. Enjoyable for fish lovers. Negima mushi is currently available with the $100 omakase set. Do request from the service staff if you would like to try it ala-carte.

Negima mushi @$15++

Next up, was the Wagyu Sukiyaki. Hotpot seemed to be popular amongst the ladies! Plenty of vegetables, mushrooms and tofu in the sweet soy based broth.

Wagyu Sukiyaki @$25.80++

closer view

let's get started

Also tried the Yuzu Tebasaki, which are basically yuzu flavoured salt grilled chicken mid-wings. Well seasoned and great with beer or sake. Or, green tea if you must. Chef managed to churn out still juicy wings with golden brown skins with some charred bits. Charming.

Yuzu Tebasaki @$6.80++ per stick

Next, was a dish that was the centerpiece of our table. The very beautiful sashimi platter with an additional order of itoyori fish (golden thread) @$38++. Itoyori is a kind of threadfin bream with firm flesh.

Sashimi platter with Itoyori (Golden Thread) @$158++

premium fresh ingredients

Liked the freshness of everything on that platter. Uni was so sweet and fresh. Hotate and hamachi used to be my favourite, but there was a snapper-like flesh with specks of silver on its skin that was so good. Firm texture similar to mekajiki but not as dense. Slightly sweet too. Yums.

For mains, one could try the wagyu don. The bowl came without much sauce though but this allowed the natural flavours of the beef to be more apparent. I could even taste the lightly caramelized fragrance of the onions. The soft boiled egg is served in a side dish.

Wagyu Don @$24.80++

Wagyu don is a substantial dish that will fill up the belly. Would be perfect if they have a less rice option for the small eaters. The wagyu don is value-for-money as its price point is similar to wagyu tataki but with rice and an egg.

mix in the egg for a silky smooth coating

If you really feel like splurging (and don't want to share your sashimi), there is the Premium Chirashi Don to order. Beautifully laid out with premium seafood such as a huge botan ebi, uni, toro and so much more.

Premium Chirashi Don @$31.80++

look at that gorgeousness

If rice is not your thing, then how about ramen? A simple bowl of comforting ramen with pork and onsen egg. While the soup may look reddish, it was actually not that spicy. Wonder why it is called Zaku Ramen though. Maybe related to Gundam?

Zaku Ramen @$14.80++

Sometimes, I like to order sushis for dinner. Nowadays, I will usually opt for aburi sushis as it gives more flavour. The aburi sushi at Haru Haru comes in a set of 6 sushi. Salmon mentaiyaki, mekajiki, maguro, ika, ebi and hotate.

Aburi Sushi @$23.80++

If you prefer maki, then Haru Sushi Roll might appeal to you. A colourful roll with of bright orange and beautifully plated. Good sized, tasty and has lots of things going on in there. For salmon and mayo fans too.

Haru Roll @$14.80++

Haru Roll

Special thanks to Haru Haru Japanese Restaurant for hosting the dinner, and Alvin for the invitation. To the earnest staff in the restaurant, thank you for your service. To new friends that night, see you again!

Haru Haru Japanese Restaurant

Location: 61 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8 #02-03, Jubilee Square
Contact: 6451 3201
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HaruHaruJapaneseRestaurant

D'Zerts Cafe @ 30 Jalan Pari Burong

Where on earth is Jalan Pari Burong? Somewhere near Tanah Merah, it seems. So journey to the East, it was for that weekend. D'Zerts Cafe signage can be seen clearly from the main road. As I was travelling from the western part, the vehicle will then be at the opposite side of this stretch of shophouses. D'Zerts Cafe is next to a restaurant called Big Eater.
 

sounds yummy

plushies crowding the desserts counter

one of the more unique shaped cake

Not sure who is Bert, but apparently he makes/sells waffles here. Here's a shot of waffles menu:

gelato toppings for waffles

For drinks, they have a variety of flavoured tea bags available, usually drunk hot. Requested for iced/cold tea since the weather was so hot!

iced flavoured tea @$4

freshly squeezed orange juice @$3.50

Tried the waffles and cakes. Waffles was nicely crisp on the outside and fluffy on its inside.

salted caramel with waffles (without sauce) @$9.90

One could get one type of sauce to drizzle ontop of the gelato when having the waffles. For example, salted caramel sauce, maple syrup, earl grey etc.

cookie & cream (back) and sesame (front) with earl grey sauce @$13.70

Of all the gelatos that we tried, the mango one was the best. Best in taste, best in retaining its shape. Salted caramel melted too quickly and flavour was rather thin. The earl grey sauce was good. The matcha gelato was enjoyable with thick green tea flavour.

added matcha gelato and salted caramel sauce

The cakes were pretty good too. Enjoyed the cheesecake and matcha latte. Sweetness level, just nice.

matcha latte (@$5) and cheesecake with salted caramel sauce (@$6)

If you're nearby that area, then D'Zerts Cafe is a place that you can consider to drop by for a slice of cake with coffee, or to enjoy a very simple waffle with gelato.