MISATO
For a true taste of Japan, head to the one-week-old Misato, which prides itself on its Japanese origins - down to importing custom-made furniture and tableware from Japan.
Its premium ingredients, such as the Kurobuta pork, are also air-flown from Japan.
However, diners do not have to worry about hefty prices as most of the dishes are priced under $20.
Highlights include okonomiyaki ($14.90), a savoury pancake made with cabbage, egg and pork belly; cha soba ($13.80); and the mixed fried set ($18.80), which comprises a batter-fried tiger prawn, chicken cutlet and cheese croquette.
To end the meal, try the selection of handmade Japanese desserts.
Its speciality is the Sanshoku Warabi Mochi ($8.80), handmade mochi that comes in three flavours.
Where: 01-33E The Centrepoint, 176 Orchard Road
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Open: Noon to 10pm daily
Info: Call 6235-2822
SAMA CURRY & CAFE
Hokkaido-based chain restaurant Sama Curry & Cafe has opened its first outlet here.
The chain, which has 10 outlets in Japan and one in Hong Kong, specialises in soup curry - a dish that is popular in Hokkaido, where the version is more watery.
At the restaurant, select the curry ingredients, then choose from three spice levels - Baby Bear, Adult Bear and Crazy Bear. Finally, pick from four soup bases - coconut, tomato, wafu and shrimp.
Curry options include Marathon Chicken ($14.90), which comes with a chicken leg and assorted vegetables; and the Oink Hamburg ($16.90), which comes with a hamburger patty and assorted vegetables.
Where: 03-26 Downtown Gallery, 6A Shenton Way
Open: 11am to 9pm daily
Info: Call 6224-0590
BOWL THAI
A new concept from the group behind Thai eatery chain Lerk Thai, Bowl Thai serves fuss-free dishes catering to busy individuals.
Most of the offerings at this casual dining joint are one-bowl Thai dishes.
Signature items include Tom Yum Talay ($9.90), tom yum noodle soup with seafood; Ba Mee Moo Dang ($7.90), the popular Bangkok-style wonton noodles; and Moo Nam Sai ($8.90), a soup noodle dish served with different pork toppings.
There are also rice bowls, such as Phad Kra Pow Gai ($7.90), which comes with stir-fried basil leaf and minced chicken; and Moo Parlaow ($8.90), a braised pork belly rice dish.
Where: B1-50 Chinatown Point, 133 New Bridge Road
Open: 11am to 10pm daily
Info: www.lerkthai.com.sg
