Fried food for Fri-Yay! So we headed down to Tempura Kohaku 天ぷら 琥珀!
Recently opened in early-July, Tempura Kohaku joins neighboring Tokyo Sundubu and Menya Takeichi as one of the casual eateries at Eat At Seven, a gastronomic hall that houses multi-flavors of Japan under one roof.
Its specialization is in tendon, a Japanese perennial donburi favorite which brings tempura prawns and other deep-fried delights together with rice into one bowl.
And we all agreed that Kohaku does know what it takes to serve up an utterly delicious bowl!
Menu options are pretty straightforward, namely the signature Kohaku Tendon ($15) and Vegetables Tendon ($14) available in both original and spicy flavors.
Add $4 to make it a set with udon and tsukemono or $1 for rice upsize.
It was nothing but all goodness from the moment our order is served to us. Two gorgeous bowls of original and spicy Kohaku tendon towering generously with vegetables, chicken, prawn and seafood.
And that wonderful aroma which suggested that the oil used for deep-frying is fresh and none at all rancid. A bite into the thin and crispy tempura batter affirmed this.
We love everything that were in each bowl!
The firm succulent prawns, squid that was of ideal doneness, crunchy long beans and baby corn, juicy mushrooms, sweet and soft pumpkin, even the generic "crabstick" was satisfying.
But the big surprise was the chicken fillet. Though I do not enjoy breast meat in general, the rendition at Kohaku came with a moist tenderness that was so agreeable in each bite.
For once, I also did not consider the carbs intake and gobbled down the rice because it has such lovely fluffiness and fragrance.
The ultimate winning point of the tendon has to be the sauce which tied all the components together so beautifully. Though the original pleased with its sweet savoriness, it was the spicy sauce that provided a compelling kick. I would definitely come back for the spicy version again.
Before I forget, even the accompanying pickled radish with yuzu and subtle hints of ginger was superb!
Finished. It. All.
It is inevitable for tempura donburi lovers to compare Tempura Kohaku with the other tendon specialty shop, Keisuke's Tendon Ginza Itsuki at Tanjong Pagar.
Which one do we love more? Such a difficult question to answer, as Ginza Itsuki's version has that molten-centered egg which gratifies with a creamier edge, while Kohaku's addictive spicy sauce is a notch above. Both tendons have its own merits.
But I might go back to Kohaku more often, as ventilation was slightly better. At least we did not walked out smelling like tempura ourselves or feel any greasy discomfort. Still can go shopping after the meal lol.
I don't mind having Kohaku's tendon everyday, not just for Fri-Yay. Unless the queue gets too long :p
Tempura Kohaku 天ぷら 琥珀
Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard, #03-310/311 Suntec City Mall, Singapore 038983
Contact: +65 6333 4386
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kohaku.tempura/
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 11.30am-10pm
Prices are (1) Stated in Singapore dollars (2) Subject to 10% service charge & 7% GST (3) Correct at point of published date.
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