Haru Yoshi

As the head of the marketing portfolio for his family’s marine business, the Associate Brand Ambassador of watch brand Avantist and Strategic Partnership Consultant for entertainment agency Lumenere Group, Johannes Christian See has a packed schedule. Yet, he did not appear at all harried as he sat down with us for an eight-course omakase lunch at the newly opened Haru Yoshi Japanese restaurant. “My favourite cuisine is Japanese,” he shared. “I like how versatile it is, in the sense that it has something for everyone, no matter what one is looking for — something healthy, decadent or even classy. When I was in school in Melbourne, my meals alternated between nigiri sushi, ramen and rice bowls.”

Located within a residential enclave in Upper Bukit Timah, Haru Yoshi is helmed by chef Chikara Yoshikawa, who has more than 50 years of experience. He ran his two fine-dining Japanese restaurants in Hanoi for 10 years prior to this recent opening.

The restaurant’s extensive menu include the freshest sashimi, impeccably made sushi and omakase sets that feature seasonal ingredients, all lovingly prepared and exquisitely presented. A beef dish, for instance, is perfectly flavoured with shavings off a block of white Himalayan rock salt. There is also an interesting selection of premium sakes, rare whiskies, fine wines and organic prosecco.

Johannes’s appraisal of the meal, which was paired with the smooth and velvety Dassai 23 Junmai Daiginjo sake: “I liked the generous portions and beautiful plating. The bowl of beef and uni (sea urchin) with gold flakes was certainly a highlight. I also appreciated the short introduction the staff offered before each dish was served.”

Read Johannes’s fuller review of Haru Yoshi at prestigeonline.com.