The Place Located in Mandarin Oriental Singapore, I checked out Zuicho (which means auspicious omen), a Japanese Kappo omakase restaurant with a splendid view of Singapore’s skyline from the main dining room and private dining rooms. Kappo literally means ‘to cut and to cook,’ and it is a multi-course experience curated by the chef, emphasizing the freshness of ingredients and the closeness between the chef and his guests. 

The restaurant’s interior is intimate where the main dining room is an open counter concept, helmed by Chef Kenji Takahashi. Previously the head chef at the Hong Kong Michelin-starred Zuicho, Chef Takahashi’s culinary journey also includes the ownership and operation of Yoshifuku, his restaurant located in Ginza, Tokyo, which has earned Michelin stars for nine consecutive years. 

The Food Only omakase menus are served where lunch starts from S$150++ while dinner starts from S$350++.

I had the lunch Irodori menu (S$250++) and here is what to expect: 

Starter – White Asparagus Puree, Shrimp, Hotaru Ika, Soramame beans, Uni 
A light course to start the meal where the sea urchin takes the spotlight here, like a beacon of ray amidst the field. 

Sashimi – Chef Selection 
I had a combination of Kinmedai and Sumi-ika where the smokiness of the Kinmedai is lovely as it is smoked over charcoal. 

Grill – Amadai Crispy Fish Tail, Bainiku (Plum sauce) 
One of my favourite courses on this menu is this crispy amadai which is fried perfectly.   

Hotpot – Grouper, Mountain Veg, Bambu Shoot, Somen 
Served in a mini hotpot, this is a lovely combination of fresh grouper fish with delicious somen. 

Takikomi Rice – Spanish Jack, Salmon Roe (Ikura) 
A light and aromatic rice course as the last savoury dish, I first had the rice in tis dry version, before some dashi broth is poured over it which makes it even more comforting to have for me. 

Dessert – Homemade Dessert 
To end the meal, I had the homemade milk pudding with red bean, jelly and fruits. 

Rants Overall, the 6-course Irodori menu is quite light and might not be sufficient if you have a huge appetite. I was only slightly full after having a few servings of the rice course which is served in a small bowl. 

Will I Return Again? An elegant space for an omakase meal, especially if you enjoy omakase done kappo style. Prices are on the steep end, though you can also expect the dishes to be served with finesse no less. 

TheRantingPanda says:
Taste bud: 4/5
Hole in the pocket: 4.5/5
Ambience: 4/5
Overall Experience: 4/5 

Zuicho 
Mandarin Oriental 
5 Raffles Avenue, Level 3 
Singapore 039797 
Tel: +65 6885 3595  

Opening Hours 
Monday to Saturday: 12pm to 2pm; 6pm to 10:30pm 
Closed on Sunday 

Ranted by The Ranter