The best of Nihon-ryori in Singapore

There's no satiating the Singapore appetite for Japanese cuisine. We now have restaurants specializing in particular aspects of Japanese food, which is closer to the way most eateries are in Japan.

Kushiyaki -- Kazu Sumiyaki

Kazu Sumiyaki draws full crowds almost every night with their expertly grilled skewer delicacies. Try the foie gras, U.S. short rib, and the bacon-wrapped prawn and scallop. They do have a small menu of other items (including basashi, or horse sashimi). Other charcoal grill places include Kushigin, and Wahiro's Kushiyaki.

5 Koek Rd #04-05 Cuppage Plaza Singapore
tel +65 6734 2492
Opens Mon-Sun: 6-10pm

Ramen -- Miharu

This eatery is one of the first ramen specialists in Singapore and remains a firm favorite. Choose from miso, shoyu or shio based broths with Sapporo Nishiyama ramen (curly and springy). The soup is authentic, robust and salty, with that requisite layer of oil on top. Try the tsukemen too -- cold noodles that you dip into hot soup. Wash it all down with some Sapporo beer. Ramen seems to have struck a chord with Singaporeans -- many brands have set up here like Marutama, Ramen Santouka, Baikohken, Bishamon, Menya Shinchan, Aoba and Yoshimaru.

The Gallery Hotel
1 Nanson Road, Singapore
tel +65 6733 8464
Opens 12noon - 3pm, 6pm - 9pm (Closed on Wednesdays) 

Tempura -- Tenshin

This is the only tempura bar in town and serves exquisitely prepared fritters that are light as air. Produce is flown in from Tsukiji Market in Japan several times a week. Sit at the counter and watch the chefs in precision-frying action. You'll get served each item as it's prepared too. If you like uni, spring for the uni tempura (S$25 each) - it's a little pillow of sea urchin heaven. Note that Tenshin is formidably pricey but they do have more affordable lunch sets.

Level 3, The Regent Singapore
1 Cuscaden Road Singapore
Tel: 6735-4588 Open Daily: 12pm - 2:30pm, 6pm - 10:30pm

Curry udon -- Wakashachiya

Wakashachiya is cheery, casual and its curries are top shelf. Have your curry udon with toppings like jumbo ebi shrimp, or cheese and katsu (deep-fried pork cutlet). The smooth, full-bodied Japanese curry is a wonderful complement for the chewy udon. Get the renkon salad while you're there -- it's absolutely refreshing.

6 Eu Tong Sen Street #03-92/97, The Central,  Singapore
tel +65 6534 9984 Open daily:  Mon - Fri: 11am - 3pm; 5pm - 10:30pm Sat & Sun: 11am - 10pm 

Yakiniku -- Gyu-kaku

Gyu-kaku may be a casual dining chain in Japan, but here it's an upscale brand. Fortunately that high end quality translates to the food as well. Go for the wagyu cuts, and add on delicious foil pockets of cod or butter mushrooms. If you're not sure what to order, the set meals give you a little bit of everything. If you prefer something more traditional, try Aburiya which also serves exceptionally good yakiniku. Other restaurants include Tajimaya Yakininu and Yakiniku Daidomon. There are also other branches at UE Square and Holland Village

30 Victoria Street, #01-01/03 CHIJMES, Singapore
tel +65 6333 4001
Open daily mainly for dinner
Lunch (weekends only): 12 noon to 3pm (Fri-Sun)
Dinner: 5.30pm to 11.30pm (Mon-Sat); to 11pm (Sun)

Shabu-shabu -- Ohsumi

This restaurant was set up nine years ago in Singapore and hasn't changed much. Some may argue that its run-down decor is part of the charm. But most come here for a decent hotpot. They specialize in Kurobuta (the famed Black Berkshire breed) pork slices, but also offer wagyu (Australian and Japanese) beef. Enjoy them with ponzu, peanut-ginger and sesame seed sauces. You'll also get vegetables, sticky rice cake and tofu to balance the meal. Toss in the udon (or ramen) at the end to close off the meal. If you prefer a better ambiance, try Shabuhana, Shabuya or Akashabu.

5 Koek Road #03-24/28 Cuppage Plaza, Singapore
tel +65 6235 6178
Open daily 11.30am-2.30pm & 6pm-10.30pm