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Sumo Bar Happy
Japanese styled Sake and sashimi bars are extremely popular in modern day Tokyo, a common after work quick chill for the fast paced city dwellers. over here, the culture usually ties after work chill out celebrations to certain occasions, and usually with it comes a more laid-back mood. Inspired by the very successful Tanuki Raw and Standing Sushi Bar, the owners have decided to open another similar joint, focusing on Ramen and Tachinomi Sake.
tucked in a corner under one of the pioneering public housing blocks along Waterloo Street, Sumo Bar Happy is essentially a bar-top dining concept with few table seats. everyone crowds around the square bar to enjoy alternative interpretations of Ramen, Sushi and drinks - with the benefit of watching the bartenders in action. while we think the target crowds should be PMETs, we did spot a few Japanese families even bringing their kids along. i guess back home, these concepts are mainstream culture already. 
the highlights of this place are their beef bowl Ramen as well as unique interpretations such as this Sashimi Mazemen, replacing a typical Chirashi Don by using dry Ramen over rice to go with the fresh seafood. there's Shoyu on the side to either dip the Ramen like how you'd eat Soba, or some people will blend it into the dish which also comes with a very watery Onsen egg and Ikura (fish roe). 
because it is also a Japanese tapas bar concept, there are many interesting sides to choose from as well. These Lobster Taiyaki Sliders will give any lobster sandwich a run for their money. with chunky lobster filling stuffed into a Japanese fish-shaped pancake with some greens. the outer pastry is soft which complimented the crunchiness of the lobsters. do also look out for Happy Hour bar bites that the staff will gladly introduce to you. we went for a couple of unique sushi combinations such as the spicy Miso Char Siew sushi and the spicy salmon sushi, all good pairings for Sake and cocktails. 
Drinks are also a highlight of Sumo Bar Happy, with the bartender mixing the drinks in front of you - show kitchen style. we tried this Passionfruit Sake that comes with a very attractive outlook. the drink is smooth, sweet and easy on the throat, which can be potent since its technically Sake. for the less adventurous, there's still typical warm Matcha and normal Sake as well. In all, a very different Japanese experience, we enjoyed the food tremendously and would certainly feel like coming back again soon. 
Sumo Bar Happy 261 Waterloo Street 01-24 Waterloo Centre Singapore 180261 Opening Hours Mondays to Thursdays: 12 pm to 11 pm Fridays & Saturdays: 12 pm to 12 am Sundays: 12 pm to 10 pm (closed on public holidays) a focus on one-cup sake and tonkotsu ramen with beef toppings.. Labels: #japanesefood, #japanesesashimibar, #japanesetapas, #ramenandsakebar, #sakebar, #sumobarhappy, #waterloostreet En Sakaba (Capital Tower)
this Japanese tapas bar has been drawing the crowds at its first outlet at Orchard Central. focusing on its sashimi, small japanese bites and its sakae, the restaurant fuses the Izakaya concept (Japanese bar-top concept) with that of a full-fledged sashimi joint. A couple of other outlets at JEM and Clarke Quay later, En Sakaba opened its Singapore flagship at Capital Tower in Tanjong Pagar recently. being located near the office, we went to check out this increasingly popular concept by the EN Group.
the fit-out of this outlet is in chic gold, a very attractive proposition from the outside and since its opening, always bustling with activity from the CBD faithful. the offerings range from the conventional Donburi and sashimi sets, to the recommended pairings of tapas and their wide selection of sakae. we had a big group on the day and managed to try several of their popular dishes. 
The litmus test of all sashimi-grade seafood would probably be the salmon sashimi. We tried the Sokyu Salmon Don where the fish was proven to be fresh and sweet. served with ikura and on vinegared rice, it would be no question that this ought to be a safe and regular choice for most patrons. we tried other interpretations such as the Buri Sashimi Don (yellowtail sashimi rice bowl) and enjoyed the same quality of freshness. 
for those who preferred cooked rice sets, the Wakatori Teriyaki Don stood out for its generous portions, well-marinated chicken thighs and poached tamago egg. all rice sets came with salad and a bowl of miso soup to complete the dish, making each set a pretty hearty offering. also with grilled freshwater eel being all the rage these days, En Sakaba has their own Tororo Unagi Kinsi Tamago Don or grilled eel with shredded egg and grated yam rice bowl, which was very good as well. 
there are several Japanese tapas dishes available that would make good wine and beer pairings, particularly popular at their Clarke Quay outlet. the more popular one includes this deep fried camembert or breaded cheese bits. other well-received dishes include chicken wings, scallops and the Okinawa pork belly skewers. these options bring about good variety for patrons who would like to enjoy their sakae with different Japanese small bites and against the backdrop of En Sakaba's setting, makes it a very pleasurable experience indeed. 
En Sakaba (Capital Tower) 168 Robinson Road #01-10 Capital Tower Singapore 068912 Opening Hours Mondays to Saturdays: 11 am to 11 pm (closed on Sundays) offering a variety of Japanese influenced tapas that are best paired with sake and beer.. Labels: #capitaltower, #donburi, #ensakaba, #ensakaba.sg, #japanesefood, #japanesetapas, #sashimi |
..ThE lEgEnD..
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