Sushi Shiki Hanamaru – The Latest Sushi Joint in Town

Singaporeans can look forward to a new sushi bar in town! Sushi Shiki Hanamaru has come a long way since its humble beginnings in Nemuro, Sapparo. This concept restaurant is an offshoot from the reputed conveyor belt sushi restaurant Kaiten Sushi Nemuro Hanamaru , which owns over 10 stores all over Hokkaido and Tokyo. Situated in the basement of Orchard Central, Sushi Shiki Hanamaru curates a premium sushi experience you will not forget. Patrons will get to enjoy some of the finest seafood that is imported from the seafood capital of Japan, Nemuro.

The restaurant boasts an extensive menu and we were given a walkthrough by the very amiable staff. We ended ordering 5 Pieces of Sushi with Burnt Soy Sauce ($15.50++), which comprised of nigiri like Bozu Ginpo (Silver Treasure Fish), Aburagarei (Arrow Toothed Halibut), Torched Salmon, Engawa (Fluke Fin of the Flounder fish) and Chutoro (Medium Fatty Tuna). A pearl of freshly grated wasabi can be found in each nigiri as well.

The nigiri platter was a show-stopper. Lightly seared, the engawa (on the left) delivered a buttery and melt-in-your-mouth texture that really left an impression. The mild-tasting aburagarei (on the right) too boasted a marvellously rich and fatty mouthfeel. 

Both salmon and chutoro nigiri are equally spectacular in terms of quality. The highly prized chutoro (last picture) resembled a slice of beautifully marbled steak. Its buttery, rich and fatty flavours brought me to nigiri heaven. I’d highly recommend this nigiri platter!

Sushi aficionados can choose from a wide selection of ala carte nigiri too! As its name suggests, the Thick Sliced Unagi ($10) was hearty and appetising. Each unagi slice is first lightly torched, then brushed with a delectable tare before being served. This crucial step added a lovely smoky and sweet flavour to the eel. However, beyond its firm and sweet flesh, diners need to also watch out for those prickly bones!

One of Nemuro’s specialty dish, as recommended by the staff, was the Fresh King Crab Miso Soup ($8.50). As impressive as it sounded, it didn’t fare well in its execution because while a whole king crab leg was served, the overall taste was one-dimensional.  

The process of preparing tempura might sound simple, but Sushi Shiki Hanamaru has perfected its execution. For $11++, every platter comprises two prawns, chicken, enoki mushrooms, cucumbers as well as onions that are all battered and deep fried to golden–brown perfection. The ratio of batter–to–ingredient was incredible. Each bite rewards you with an addictive, paper–thin crisp that retains the natural flavours of the seafood and vegetables. This is one tempura dish that I enjoyed even without the dipping sauce.

Sushi Shiki Hanamaru offers top–notch sushi that is definitely worth checking out. With that said, the prices here are mid–range so do expect to pay at least above $100 when you dine in with a group of friends.

MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stall featured here.

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