Teppei Japanese Restaurant is one of those places that I would like to keep a secret, but really, good things are meant to be shared. Seriously, nine-course Omakase sets going for $40, $50 or $60?
It is almost impossible to find in Singapore, where some Japanese meals can cost an arm or leg.
‘Omakase’ simply means “I’ll leave it to you”. The chef decides entirely what you eat, beginning with the lightest starters, proceeding to the richer dishes and ending with a dessert. At Teppei, you would be given some choices, for example between rice or noodles. Sashimi is also included, where the chef will slice the fish right in front of your eyes.
Located right beside the insanely popular Keisuke Tonkotsu King , you may be quick to dismiss that Teppei is not that well-liked just because there is no queue like its neighbour (during the evenings).
Wrong. Customers who want to dine in this 18-seater have to book way in advance before they can get a seat at night. Two weeks would be just about right.
During lunch, the menu is slightly different with lunch sets available. And yes, you have to queue.
This is what you get for $40 – an assortment of items from salads, chawanmushi, deep-fried chicken wings, sashimi, tempura king prawn, deep fried shiromi white fish, spicy fried rice to matcha ice cream.
If you are thinking quality is comprised because of its price, No. Some of the dishes beats those served in more respectable restaurants, especially the crisp deep fried king prawn which makes all other tempura ebi look insignificant.
Plus, my female friends always enjoy watching Chef Yamashita Teppei serious at work, and he is not that bad looking a chef to chat with.
Of the nine or ten dishes, there may be a few you may not fancy as much. Chef Yamashita Teppei always comes with something different, according to the season and his mood. That makes every visit to Teppei worthwhile and memorable. And yes, Teppei is probably my favourite new restaurant of 2012.
Teppei Japanese Restaurant
1 Tras Link #01-18 Orchid Hotel (Tanjong Pagar MRT) Tel:+65 6222 7363 (Please call to reserve seats)
Open daily: 12 noon – 2.30 pm; 6.30 pm – 10.30 pm
Other Japanese Restaurant Entries
Hifiumi (Plaza Singapura)
Japanese Dining SUN (CHIJMES)
Seki (Rendezvous Hotel)
Hoshino Coffee (Plaza Singapura)
Ootoya (Orchard Central)
