A holiday trip to Japan is principally about tasting the local food, as it is about local sights and culture. And with the September school holidays approaching, I believe that if not for the pandemic, many would be excited about their upcoming vacation in Japan.
Happiness seems elusive in a time like this, but what do I know? Eating good food brings us happiness too!
Who can deny the beauty of Kaisen-don (rice bowl dish with seafood), or slurping on piping hot sukiyaki (Japanese hot pot dish) in winter? Japan keeps us enamoured with their culinary experience.
Since it’s not possible to go on a food tour in Japan now, how about taking a trip to this particular spot in Singapore? Seasoned seafood lovers are no strangers to this best-kept secret in Holland Village — enter Sens Sushi & Grill (SENS) a hole in the wall haven which serves fresh and quality Japanese food at a reasonable price.
Sens Sushi & Grill is tucked away at the basement of Raffles Holland V Mall, within a gourmet supermarket (TASTE Singapore), the hole-in-the-wall restaurant offers everything from katsu curry to sushi. One can expect thick cuts of sashimi and other fresh imports from Japan too. My eyes are beaming with happiness whenever sashimi is involved. It is scientifically proven that getting doses of Omega 3 Fatty Acids from fishes and seafood can keep our mind and body happy!
I had a mini getaway-like experience with the Hokkaido Treasure Don (S$39.50, UP: S$76.50), a SENS signature dish, brimming with the freshest seafood imported from Japan consisting of uni, ikura, ama abi, hamachi, scallop and salmon, all delicately arranged in a bowl.
For those, who are not a fan of sea urchin and sashimi, I highly recommend the Kurobuta Rosu Katsu (S$17.50), similar to Tonkatsu cutlet, one of the many popular yoshoku, or ‘western-style’ foods originally introduced to Japan by the European. Kurobuta Rosu Katsu is made with black pork loin, coated with Japanese breadcrumbs and then deep-fried to perfection. It’s crunchy, tender and surprisingly, not oily at all.
Anyone else loves stir-fry clams? The Asari Butter Yaki ($12) will be right up your alley, the medley of Asari clams and lightly flavoured butter makes a good partner with a bottle of Sake.
I spotted something uncommon in Sens Sushi & Grill menu – the Pan-fried Foie Gras with Teriyaki and Sansho Pepper (S$16.80). Isn’t Foie Gras a French delicacy? It sure is, but foie gras can be beautifully seared and prepared with Japanese ingredients too. The outcome: tasty.
I also had the Karei Karaage (S$22.50) made using flounder fish. I thought this would be a perfect dish made for those who are not a fan of sashimi (like my parents) and for those who enjoy the crispy texture of deep-fried fish skin. The flounder fish is skilfully deboned and then coated with tempura breadcrumbs before it is deep-fried.
And of course, nobody says no to the Oishi Maki ($17.50), featuring fried ebi rolled with avocado topped with tobiko and drizzled with a piquant mentaiko sauce and special sweet apple sauce.
A Top Celebrity Pick
Sens Sushi & Grill has won the plaudit of our local celebrities, turning them into regulars. Don’t be surprised if you happen to see some of your favourite celebs tucking into their favourite dishes across your tables too!
If you’re yearning to be whisk away to Japan, it’s time to check into Sens Sushi & Grill.
Sens Sushi & Grill (SENS)
118 Holland Avenue Raffles Holland Village
#B1-12/13 Singapore 278997
Operating Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 11:00am to 3:00pm, 5:00 pm to 10:00pm
Friday to Sunday and Public Holiday: 11:00am to 10:00pm
*Last order at 9:30 pm
