Tatsuya

I'll let you on a little secret of mine.

For the past year, everytime I develop a craving for Japanese sushi and sashimi, the first word which pops up in my head is Tatsuya's.

Tatusya's run by a pint sized Chinese guy called Ronnie. He's one of those local success stories who made it big through sheer sweat and grit. I like Ronnie's down to earth demeanor and unapologetically pocked marked face. It reminds me that life is not a bed of roses for everyone but success still awaits those who persevere.

Despite relocating his restaurant from the now defunct Crown Prince Hotel to Goodwood Park Hotel, Tatsuya has somehow managed to keep its prices affordable. Folks with shallow pockets can still savour a taste of Tatsuya magic during lunchtime where set meals start from a reasonable 25+++ onwards.

Sashimi tempura bento...

My favorite set lunch choice is the sashimi tempura bento which comprises of assorted tempura (shrimp, shitake mushroom, eggplant and okra), miso soup, chawanmushi, slices of sashimi and ume spiked Japanese rice dotted with seaweed and cubes of tamago. How the restaurant manages to squeeze so much value into a SGD28+++ meal is a mystery in itself.

Every item in the meal is of utmost quality and freshness. The plump slices of sashimi bear nary a hint of fishy-ness and are firm to the bite with an unmistakably sweet aftertaste.

Easily one of the best chawanmushi I have eaten....

Even the chawanmushi is perfectly steamed and dusted with lemon zest prior to serving, emitting a pleasurable bittersweet dimension to every bite. Of special mention too are the tempura prawns which are delightful to the last crumb and not overly oily.

If you have yet to try Tatsuya's set lunch, you are undoubtedly missing out on one of Singapore's best kept secrets.

Prior reservations are strongly recommended, especially during lunchtime.