The Place Located in Pan Pacific Singapore, one of my favourite Japanese restaurant Keyaki has recently introduced alcoholic beverages to its Okonomi Weekend Brunch. It always feels good to return to Keyaki, especially when I am having post-Japan withdrawal symptoms. The short walk from the entrance through the Japanese garden compound always feels welcoming, which is like a nice prelude to the meal.

The Food Okonomi, or “as you like it”, in Japanese, allows diners to select one of five options per course for the eight-course weekend brunch. At $135++ per adult, we also get to choose from a curated list of five sparkling beverages to enhance each dish – the G.H. Mumm Blanc de Blancs Champagne, Sparkling Akazaru Shochu from Kagoshima, Mio Sparkling Sake from Kyoto, Manzairaku Kaga Umeshu Soda from Ishikawa and Tiger Beer, with unlimited servings.

Drink to your hearts’ content!


Some of the new items on the menu created by Chef Ishiiincludes the Grilled Salmon Belly, Grilled Scallop with Spicy Cod Roe, Japanese Crab Dumplings, Battered Soft Shell Crab and Oyster Teppanyaki.

Kobachi

For the first course to kickoff the palate, my personal picks fall on the Seared Beef with Ponzu Dressing and the Grilled Salmon Belly.

The Beef Tataki is lightly seared and sliced thinly akin to sashimi, typically served with a citrus sauce. I think this is one of the best ways of eating beef to affirm its quality.

The Grilled Salmon Belly is as good as the beef tataki, if not better. My personal liking for salmon belly can potentially be a bias standpoint sometimes.

Other options for Kobachi include the Deep-fried Zenmai (Mountain Vegetables) wrapped in Soy Milk Skin, Grilled Dried File Fish and Unagi Omelette.

Sashimi

I chose the Assorted Sashimi (Shake, Amaebi, Hotate), which consists of freshly sliced Salmon, Sweet Brawn and Scallop.

Other options for Sashimi include the Shake (Salmon), Hotate (Scallop), Amaebi (Sweet Prawn) and Hamachi (Yellowtail).

Yakimono

Being a Cod Fish lover, there was not much decision struggle for me to go for the Cod Teriyaki. Cooked and seared over high heat, the tender texture of the cod makes this dish a very pleasant one to have, with my favourite part being the crispy and gelatinous skin.

Other options for Yakimono include the Chicken Teriyaki, Grilled Mackerel, Grilled Prawn Skewer with Bacon and Grilled Scallop with Spicy Cod Roe Sauce.

Nimono

For the mid menu dish, I opted for the Japanese Crab Dumpling, which is quite similar in taste and texture to the dim sum rendition.

Other options for Nimono include the Agedashi Tofu, Chawanmushi and Steamed Sea Bass with Turnip.

Agemono

My love for Tempura helps to suss out the other options here, which is a good mix of prawns, fish and eggplant. The golden crisp batter reminds me of the good ones I had in Tokyo, which I think is a pre-requisite for any good Tempura.

Other options for Agemono include the Battered Capelin, Deep Fried Pork with Cheese, Battered Soft Shell Crab and Deep Fried Sweet Corn.

Teppanyaki

The Beef Teppanyaki is done succulently, though I would have preferred if the beef was done less well.

Other options for Teppanyaki include the Oyster, Prawn, Salmon and Chicken.

Shokuji

For the last savory course, I wanted to try the sushi so I naturally picked the Futomaki and Inari, which is probably one of the lightest option in this course.

Other options for Shokuji include the California Roll, Yakionigiri, Garlic Fried Rice and Cold Soba Noodles.

Mizumono

For a sweet end to the meal, the Tofu Cheesecake is a delectable choice with its smooth, creamy texture yet it does not taste like it’s sugar overloaded.

Other options for Mizumono include the Seasonal Fruit, Green Tea Ice Cream, Red Bean Ice Cream and Abekawa Mochi.

Rants If you are not a heavy drinker, this unlimited alcoholic beverages weekend brunch may not be worthwhile. But if you are, then make this a priority!

Will I Return Again? Indeed, Keyaki remains one of my favourite Japanese restaurant with the good service and food. Truth is that it does not come cheap, but I guess sometimes it is worthwhile to save up just for a good meal once in a while. Keyaki is one such restaurant on my list.

Make your reservation instantly at Keyaki here.

TheRantingPanda says:
Taste bud: 3.5/5
Hole in the pocket: 4/5
Ambience: 4/5
Overall Experience: 3.5/5

Keyaki Japanese Restaurant
Pan Pacific Singapore, Keyaki (Level 4)
7 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square
Singapore 039595
Tel: +65 6826 8240

Opening Hours:
Daily 11.30am to 2.30pm

Ranted by the Ranter