Mikuni: Japanese Food Restaurant @ Fairmont Hotel

Amongst all the cuisine in the world, the one that I personally love the most would probably be Japanese.  I like the simplicity and freshness in a Japanese cuisine and; in a high end Japanese restaurant; there is great showmanship in how your dish is presented to you.  That’s what you get at Mikuni, a Japanese restaurant that is tucked away at the third floor of Fairmont Hotel, adjoining to Raffles City Shopping Centre.  I was treated to Mikuni Grand Tasting Tour Course, a delightful sampling of 7 course Japanese dinner priced at $220 which my friend and I continue to adore till this day.

Once we ordered, we were being treated to some really crispy crackers that probably is made with spring roll skin deep fried to a perfection and spiced with seaweed and chilli.  The service was impeccable at Mikuni and I was particularly happy to be served by good looking staff who pays attention to the diners and are knowledgeable with the dishes they served.  Well, at least they can articulate what’s going on in the plate.

Kyoto Pumpkin, Egg Custard and Caviar
Kumamoto Oyster, Hokkaido Uni with Shiso Ponzu

My friend and I started with Kyoto Pumpkin, egg custard and caviar, a very elegant way to start the grand course.  Oysters are from Kumamoto, a prefecture in Japan that is famous for castle and this is paired with sea urchin roe and shiso ponzu sauce.  I like the oyster which is served warm and combined with uni give a great sensation to the palate.  Start off with the pumpkin and egg custard which is milder in taste.

Toro, Hirame with Monk Fish Liver, Yellow Tail

Next, we were served Sashimi in a 2-tier container which really give an exquisite touch.  Beneath is Toro and Yellow Tail.  While the Yellow Tail is typically my favourite sashimi at Japanese restaurant, but I was blown away by Toro, even though I am not particularly a fan of tuna.  But this underbelly cut of tuna flesh is simply divine with its smooth buttery sensation that makes it melt in your mouth.

Sake

My friend and I decided that since we should have some sake to compliment the dinner after all the delicate sashimi.  We ordered the less dry, and sweeter variety of sake – The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky.

Nodoguro Shioyaki, Japanese Yam with Red Miso, Chestnuts, Sweet Potato, Myoga

From the Grill section, we have the salt-grilled Blackthroat Seaperch (Nodoguro); a high grade fish caught along the coast of Sea of Japan.  They are actually very expensive and high quality fish common in western Japan.  This salt-grilled fish is accompanied with Japanese yam with Red Miso and sweet chestnut which I enjoyed much.  I also like the sweet and mild ginger taste of Myoga that compliments the fish very well.

Wrapped Tensai Prawn, Hokkaido Uni, Shiso with Grilled Salmon Roe

For the tempura, we have a combination of Tensai Prawns and Hokkaido Sea-Urchin cut into half after deep frying and decorated with these huge grilled salmon roe that explodes in your mouth. This is quite an unusual tempura I have had and a memorable one.

Kurobuta Pork
Hoba Miso Yaki with Mushroom, Leek

Kagoshima Wagyu
Hoba Miso Yaki with Mushroom, Leek

 In the tasting menu, the meat they serve is the Wagyu from Kagoshima.  To this point of the tasting, I was very impressed with the sourcing of ingredients from all parts of Japan to ensure that they are freshest and highest quality.  My friend who don’t eat beef have it replaced by Kurobota Pork.  Both the beef and pork were very tender and decadent.  The marbled wagyu almost melt in your mouth with each bite.  The presentation of this meat is also very elaborate over a “grill” on dried magnolia leaf.

Green Tea Buckwheat Noodle.
Slow Cooked Duck Breast with Hot Bonito Broth

When it comes to time for carbs, we have the Green Tea Buckwheat noodle that taste refreshing with the Hot Bonito Broth.  The Slow Cooked Duck Breast is also quite delightful.  Love the simplicity of how the dish is served.

Japanese Traditional Anmitsu,
Black Bean, Vanilla Ice-Cream with Fruits Espuma

 For dessert, we were served the Japanese Traditional Anmitsu, which is white transculent jelly that is made with red algae or seaweed.  This is served with sweetened black beans, vanilla ice-cream and a dash of fruits espuma, a gelatinous foamy dessert that is sweet and sourish.  I finished the entire dessert and was in sugar heaven!

With a price tag of $220 for this Mikuni Grand Tasting Course, it appears hefty but with the great ambience, attentive service and fresh, quality produce and ingredients, it does warrant that price tag.  One way to “cheat” is to use The Far Card which gives you 50% (with 2 diners).  Currently AMEX Card offers complimentary The Far Card Classic membership and Palate Card membership with the sign-up of AMEX Platinum Credit Card. Annual fees is waived for the first year.  This is really good news for Foodie like me.

Subscribe to my blog and await for more of my food adventure using The Far Card and Palate.

Mikuni Japanese Restaurant
80 Bras Basah Road
Level 3, Fairmont Hotel
Singapore 0189560
Tel: 6431 6156
Opening Hours:
Open Daily:
Lunch: 12 noon to 2.30pm
Dinner: 6.30pm to 10.30pm

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