The Place Located at Shaw Centre, I tried the newly opened Michelin Selected Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa from Nagoya which just made its debut in Singapore. With roots tracing back to Nakasho Shoten, a heritage family business and renowned unagi wholesaler since 1932, the brand brings over 90 years of expertise. Expanding rapidly across Japan and beyond, Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa has opened 35 restaurants worldwide to date and has its presence in areas like Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Korea, and now Singapore, in partnership with Les Amis Group.  

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The interior of Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa spots a warm tone and natural wood with an open-concept kitchen where you can watch the team on their unagi grillign action. There are also two private rooms, each seating four guests, which can be combined into a larger space for eight.  

The Food The restaurant uses live unagi, where it is seared over binchotan charcoal a la minute. After grilling, the unagi is immediately immersed in the house tare sauce, a closely guarded recipe honed over generations.

There are various unagi sets to go for, as well as side dishes.  

I had the Kabayaki Ippon Jyu Set (S$48) which comes with an entire eel served over Japanese rice. For me, the main umami stems from the crisp and aromatic unagi skin. That said, the unagi meat itself is fatty, tender and flavourful as well.  

I also tried the Ippon Hitsumabushi Set (S$50) which is a Nagoya specialty, to be enjoyed in a few ways. 

Savour the unagi as it is first, then add it with accompaniments such as freshly grated wasabi, nori, and spring onions. You can then end it off with adding the dashi broth as ochazuke-style. 

I personally prefer the Kabayaki Ippon Jyu Set which is the most basic way to enjoy the unagi meat as is, without any frills. The Hitsumabushi set is fancier, but I do not think it values add much to the taste of the unagi itself.

Rants The ventilation can be better, and the seats nearer to the kitchen can be warmer than other tables too.  

Will I Return Again? Just on the unagi alone, it is excellent, one of the best unagis I have had in Singapore for a long time. I love the char and crisp texture of the eel, and this is worth returning for.

Make your reservation instantly at Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa here.

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

Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa 
Shaw Centre, #01-12 
1 Scotts Road 
Singapore 228208 
Tel: +65 8031 5200 

Opening Hours 
Monday to Sunday: 12pm to 3pm; 6pm to 10pm 

Ranted by The Ranter