Like many quality Japanese restaurants, Hana is discreetly located in one of the quieter shopping malls in Orchard. With elegant dark tones and classy background music, you will first notice the open bar in this modern Japanese restaurant. Hana is particularly popular with guests looking for an indulging but affordable omakase experience. This time, we were introduced to a few of Hana's famous items, the truffle Sōmen with Sakura Ebi and Santen Chirashi before unveiling their latest tempura omakase set.
Truffle Sōmen with Sakura Ebi ($15++)
This modern creation by Hana is truffle-infused cold noodles, an instant crowd pleaser. The truffle flavour is strong yet not overpowering, as we agreed that it was very delicious, especially with the crunchy Sakura ebi bits and large juicy crab roe.
Santen Chirashi ($28+)
The moment this was set upon the table, all eyes were set on it. This well-executed three-item chirashi is scrumptious and should be enjoyed from the least flavourful to the most, starting from Truffle Kanpachi to Kaisen Bara Chirashi and then to Aburi Salmon Cheese. Unable to resist this tasty dish from its pink rice, to the fresh juicy sashimi, we scoffed it down immediately. The seafood soup is served from a pretty ceramic teapot and warmed our stomachs nicely.
Due to limited stomach space, we didn't get to try the Lobster Fried Rice which is highly raved by the other foodies present during this gathering.
And of course, sake!
Onto the highlight of our tasting: the brand new, value-for-money
Tempura omakase menu ($38++) - available on Sunday dinners only
Sakura Ebi Salad
Two of three sashimi slice selections
Don with onsen tamago and furikake
Tempura jumbo prawn and shiitake mushrooms
Tempura Mekajiki (swordfish) and sweet potato chips
Tempura scallop skewers with truffle oil & pumpkin fries
Tempura snow crab leg with specially made seaweed flakes & eggplant
Umeboshi soup
Yuzu sorbet (or other dessert of the day)
We began with the Sakura Ebi Salad drizzled with generous amount of Goma dressing. I polished this delicious salad off quickly, and continued onto the three selections of fresh, tender and thick slices of sashimi. We then moved onto the tempura items which were served omakase-style, one course after another to ensure that guests enjoy it at its freshest and crispiest state!
This menu includes a don atop with a perfect onsen tamago and furikake.
The dippings for the tempura Omakase are all made in-house:
Teriyaki mayo, matcha salt and Japanese chilli salt
Each guest will have their own dipping selection.
Kicking off the tempura section with the jumbo prawn infused with truffle oil, we were instantly impressed by these huge prawns. These retained its hot juiciness inside with a crispy batter on the outside. This first tempura course comes with shiitake mushrooms too!
More of the amazing tempura feast: tempura Mekajiki (swordfish) with specially made seaweed flakes and fat sweet potato slices.
We were also served a bowl of umeboshi soup. The intensity of the umeboshi might be overwhelming for some, but it was after all, meant to cleanse the palate and improve appetites (which it did, for me). Just in time to clear some of the oiliness before continuing the feast!
Just as we were done, they laid the freshly fried tempura scallop skewers with truffle oil, pumpkin fries before us! It is simply such an indulging dining feast! Dig into the tempura snow crab leg with specially made seaweed flakes and eggplant next, a good mix of seafood and vegetable selections.
Finish up with the dessert of the day - the yuzu sorbet or grape sorbet! The yuzu sorbet is such a lovely end to the omakase set! It had a very strong yuzu taste, with citrus bits inside. The grape sorbet is the lady boss's favourite. It reminded me of Yakult with grape flavour, equally refreshing as well.
Hana Japanese Restaurant
583 Orchard Road #01-17
Singapore 238884
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