I used to be one of those kids who never thought Chirashi (or Kaisen Don, in this case) was THAT worth the craze. I mean, it's really just a big ass sushi, let's face it.

Though I have to admit that I have relented, yielding to the fact that this 'big ass sushi' I picture in my head actually does offer more than what a piece of sushi does.

And so, I have fallen for the magic that the chirashi bowl brings -- a combination of chunky, fresh sashimi and roe, on a bed of fragrant japanese-style rice, both tasty on their own and together. You really can't yield such an effect from simply a big sushi, that is what I've come to consensus with.

The Teppei empire has birthed Teppei Syokudo, the DIY and extra convenient little outlet at the basement of Ion, ready for all. It's easy to miss since there are so many stalls downstairs, so look out!

Order form! Just pass this to the friendly chef behind the counter.

 Teppei Syokudo

2 Orchard Turn
#B4-57 ION Orchard
Singapore 238801

Tel: +65 65099882

Marinated Beef Bulgogi Fried Rice, $14.90 (pax***)

On a placid afternoon last Thursday, my Aunt and I were starving, walking fast paced from Bugis Mrt into Bugis Junction, undecided about what we were going to feast on. "Korean food!" was what I half-screamed and almost instantly, my aunt said we should go to the one above the food court where there was always a crowd of young people and also, a long queue. Yoogane it was!

When we arrived at approximately 11.20am (not quite an 'afternoon' after all, haha), the place was not officially opened yet but the kind waitress let us in anyway. The famous Chef's Speciality' Seafood and Chicken Galbi' ($48.90 for 2-3pax) was so, very tempting but we decided that we will save this big pan for when there's more of us the next time. After we ordered the Marinated Beef Bulgogi Fried Rice and Royal Court Dokboki, the waitress showed us to the free flow side dishes Yoogane offered! It wasn't much of a spread, even less then the expected from a typical korean restaurant I have to say, but it was better than none at all! The four side dishes included shredded radish with kiwi and strawberry sauce which I honestly feel you can pass. It also included pickles, tossed capsicums and kimchi!

Free flow side dishes

Now, for the Marinated Beef Bulgogi Fried Rice. I don't know about you but the word 'Beef Bulgogi' beckons me feverishly with its fingers of sweet, caramelised onions, slowly cooked into tender slices of beef with native korean seasoning. Who can resist such a dish? I wasn't expecting much from this fried rice initially, but the lady said something about ordering 2 portions (mind you, that'll be $14.90 X 2, which adds up to pretty a lot of money for fried rice) so that they can fry it up on the big pan in front of us, and that they did. The rice was a little mountain on its own and they definitely did not go sparingly on the cheese. No complaints though, more cheese only satisfies! The lady fried it up for us on the big heated pan and it was quite a show I must say. They stir then flatten the fried rice completely (as seen on the pan in the first picture), probably to make sure everything was well cooked. This came up to a surprisingly tasty dish, hitting expectations for a well-seasoned beef bulgogi fried rice. Scooping spoonfuls of the rice up from the pan made me feel like an excited pre-schooler honestly, tantalised by cheese which streaked from pan to spoon.

Before

After

We also couldn't resist ordering the Royal Court Dokboki, a side dish that was listed on the menu. It was a sizable plateful, which mades me very happy because I truly appreciate generous servings. Fried with marinated chicken and vegetables, the Dokboki also sat in a savory sauce which brings out the flavour of the chicken slices very well. Since Dokboki evidently does not taste like much besides its fun, chewy texture, the sauce was a good touch which brought more dimension to the dish.

Royal Court Dokboki $12.90

The overall experience was a pleasant one and I'm glad to say that Yoogane's mad popularity (have you seen the queue on weekends?!) isn't overrated. I wished the waitress said more explicitly that we were going to have 2 portions of the rice, which was 2 times the price, instead of somewhat assuming we'd get it though!

Drawing some links to my previous post, I remember saying that I appreciate a good restaurant which puts up its menu and prices online. Unfortunately, Yoogane only has its menu excluding prices. Fortunately, Yoogane is very conveniently located in a mall so do check out its menu when you pass it by the next time!


Yoogane
Bugis Junction
200 Victoria Street #02-47/48 (Near the food court)
Singapore 188021
Tel: 6337 7337

West Gate
3 Gateway Drive #03-08
Singapore 608532
Tel: 6710 7821

Operating Hours:
11.30am to 10pm daily, No reservations

Beef Burger (The name's probably wrong but its new!)

How can anyone resist a burger slouch like this?

The thing is, you've probably passed this place a couple hundred times walking in and out of 313 Somerset. Oriole sits with the few restaurants outside (the exit at Marche) beside Bedrock, with a row of wooden tables for outdoor seats that can't be missed.

I've been to Oriole twice now, once in October 2015 and more recently 2 weeks ago.

The first experience was a great one because 1) Their cold brew signature won us over 2) Their portions were definitely value for money 3) Food's good!

Taisho M.A.D Milk $8

Let's talk about coffee and me (I wasn't planning on rhyming). I was never a coffee person, partly because I grew up hating my Mum's instant coffee and the cups they serve at coffee shops just never appealed to me. This was until I was old and conscious enough (wow this was probably not until last year *awkward laugh*) to realise that the Americano my dad ordered during our first time at Artistry was pretty great. Bam, I don't mind ordering coffee now.
Now more about their cold brew signature, Taisho M.A.D Milk. "Subtle and delicate cold coffee" is how they describe it and I can't think of any phrase more apt. It enters your mouth luscious and milky, easing you into a tinge of acidity you get from coffee and a nutty aftertaste from its cold pressed ingredients. A sweeter version of this can be found at The Laneway Market. Oriole's wins though, honest. For people like me who don't usually order coffee, this is great for a start! Oh and fun fact, Oriole is the first cafe in Singapore to incorporate nut milk into coffee successfully!

Beef Cheek Tagliatelle $22

 The first thing on the menu that caught my eye was the Beef Cheek Tagliatelle *Beef lover alert*. As you can see, they were generous with the cheek chunks and pasta as well, making a pretty wholesome plate. The beef was slow braised in red wine and citrus and the pasta was served drizzled with shallot oil and mushrooms. It was good beef, I must commend, with the right taste and texture, falling apart easily. The tagliatelle was slightly hard in my opinion but overall this was a decent plate!

Fish and Chips $22

Fish and chips are definitely not what I would usually order but I'm glad my pal made the bolder decision. The battered fresh snapper fillets had a crisp and flavorful shell and by the way, don't let the picture fool you because damn those were two huge wraps. The fries were alright but the "salsa" was a refreshing good touch to the plate, balancing the heavy flavours. This was definitely good and I might even come back for more! (I'm the kind of person who wouldn't typically go to places twice by the way).

The second time we went, we decided to try different things. Also, we went on a cosy weekday and they had their Set Lunch promotion: $19 for mains on the Classics menu + coffee/tea. Add $6 for a Sticky date pudding! (I've never tried this so you can try your luck!)