Friday, 4 April 2014

Mitsuba by Yurine Japanese Restaurant

This is not the cheapest of lunch options in the area and we only come around to Mitsuba occasionally when we feel the urge to splurge. Or perhaps when we need really nice food to cheer ourselves up. This was probably the fifth time I visited Mitsuba before I decided to do a review.

Mitsuba is opened by the same chef behind Chikuwa Tei and Wasabi Tei. I am fond of both Japanese restaurants and it seems normal to expect a similar high standard at Mitsuba as well. Thankfully, Mitsuba did not disappoint. Mitusba is decorated in the traditional Japanese style with wooden tables lining the glass wall, overlooking the Singapore river. If you need more privacy, you can request to be seated in the small partitioned areas which are separated with large wooden frames. It is dark and cozy, with faint Japanese music drifting out from the speakers.




I love their Salmon Sashimi Don ($18). The sashimi slices are just so thick, juicy, sweet, and fresh. I order this every time I visit Mitsuba and each time is just as good as the last. This is definitely my all-time favourite.


I decided to try something new during my most recent visit to Mitsuba so I ordered the Hotate Zosui instead ($15). The Hotate Zosui essentially means scallop porridge and I was excited to try Japanese porridge. The Hotate Zosui was served in a claypot with the soft rice grains immersed in a thick clear stew. There was an egg on top of the porridge which I stirred into the stew. The stew was light and refreshing with slices of scallop and prawns within. This was a very interesting find and I was so satisfied after this homely meal. 


My experience at Mitsuba with respect to the service has always been somewhat odd though. I was told sternly that I could not take any photographs inside the restaurant the first time I visited Mitsuba. This included photographs of the interior design of the restaurant and the food I was eating. Someone would appear at my elbow to chide me each time I was poised to capture a shot so I lowered my camera phone obediently. The next few visits were more regular and mundane, nothing out of the ordinary happened. There has been some technological improvements during this period of time as well and there are Ipads resting on each table for us to key in our orders electronically. 

My recent visit was just weird. The waiter was abrasive and rude, making all sorts of inappropriate comments. We were a group of 5 girls with 1 guy. When the bill came, the waiter tossed the bill at my male colleague and demanded that he settle the bill. It was so odd that all of us were stunned into silence.

#03-88 The Central
6 Eu Tong Sen Street
62270388
Opening hours: 
11:30 - 15:00
18:00 - 22:00

1 comment :