KEYAKI

Pan Pacific Singapore,

Level 4, 7 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square, S(039595) TEL: 6826 8240

The entrance to Keyaki is beautifully strategic, taking diners through a serene Japanese garden replete with a koi pond, flowing stream and willow trees. More importantly, the quality of food served is high and the dining experience pleasurable. There’s no lack of set menus or à la carte dishes to choose from, but there’s good reason why many opt for its signature experiences. These include a seasonal omakase menu, as well as a 10-course teppanyaki meal. If you come for dinner, the latter presents an array of rich flavours with minimal garnishing. The menu typically starts off with an amuse bouche and a house salad, followed by fresh sashimi or assorted tempura, and then the teppanyaki dishes—namely, Wagyu beef sirloin, lobster, sautéed vegetables and fried rice—that don’t disappoint. The the topnotch quality of the ingredients and produce is unmistakable.

Sake is always a good match with Japanese food, especially the teppanyaki items, as the crisp freshness of the beverage helps to cut through the powerful grilled flavours.