Tampopo Grand Takashimaya represents the premium tier of the TAMPOPO Group’s family restaurant chain in Singapore. Located on the bustling 4th floor of Takashimaya Shopping Centre at Ngee Ann City, this establishment distinguishes itself from its sister location (the regular Tampopo in Basement 2 of the same building) through its elevated positioning and refined dining experience.
Location: 391A Orchard Road #04-28, Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Singapore 238872
Phone: +65 6735 2959
Category: Casual Japanese Family Restaurant
Ambience & Atmosphere
Seating Arrangements
Tampopo Grand offers versatile seating options to accommodate different dining preferences:
- Counter Seating: Ideal for solo diners or those who enjoy watching the kitchen action
- Booth Seating: Perfect for couples or small groups seeking semi-privacy
- Regular Tables: Standard dining setup for families and larger groups
- Private Rooms: Two private dining spaces available for intimate gatherings or business meals
Atmosphere Rating: 3/5
The restaurant maintains a casual, family-friendly environment typical of Japanese dining establishments in Singapore shopping malls. The well-worn menu edges suggest this is a popular destination, indicating consistent foot traffic and a bustling atmosphere during peak hours. The 4th-floor location places it within a cluster of restaurants, creating a vibrant food court-like energy while maintaining individual restaurant identity.
The ambience strikes a balance between accessibility and comfort—not overly formal, making it suitable for shopping breaks, casual lunches, or relaxed dinners with family and friends.
Menu Analysis
Menu Scope & Variety
Tampopo Grand features an extensive menu that showcases the breadth of popular Japanese cuisine:
Main Categories:
- Sushi & Sashimi: Fresh raw fish preparations
- Tempura: Battered and deep-fried dishes
- Ramen: Japanese noodle soups in various broths
- Udon: Thick wheat noodles in soup or stir-fried
- Sukiyaki: Hot pot dishes
- Donburi (Rice Bowls): Various toppings over steamed rice
- Set Meals: Complete meal combinations with sides
Price Range
Based on the reviewed items:
- Udon Sets: Starting from $23++
- Donburi Sets: From $26++
- Green Tea: $3 per person
- Beverages: Japanese beer promotion at 5 cans for $48
The “++” notation indicates prices are subject to service charge (typically 10%) and GST (8% at time of review, now 9% in 2025).
Sample Meal Cost: Two set meals with green tea totaled $65.35 after all charges—approximately $32-33 per person for a complete lunch.
Dishes Reviewed
1. Ebi Tempura Udon Set ($23++)
Dish Components
- Fresh udon noodles in hot broth
- Ebi (prawn) tempura
- Standard accompaniments
Dish Analysis
Appearance: Classic presentation with golden-brown tempura prawns positioned atop or alongside a bowl of steaming udon in clear or slightly cloudy broth.
Portion Size: Substantial udon portions noted—this is a filling meal suitable for those with hearty appetites.
Taste Profile: Standard execution of a Japanese classic. The dish delivers expected flavors without particular innovation—comfort food that satisfies rather than surprises.
Texture:
- Udon noodles should provide a chewy, bouncy texture (characteristic of properly prepared wheat noodles)
- Tempura coating offers crispy contrast, though this diminishes when submerged in broth
- Prawns provide firm, succulent bite
Temperature: Served hot, with the broth maintaining warmth throughout the meal.
Dish Traits
- Simplicity: One of the simplest set menus available
- Reliability: Standard preparation ensures consistent results
- Convenience: Quick service makes it ideal for time-pressed shoppers
- Filling: Large noodle portion provides substantial satiation
Best For
- Quick lunches during shopping trips
- Diners with large appetites
- Those seeking familiar, comforting Japanese flavors
- Cold or rainy days when hot soup appeals
2. Tempura Don Set ($26++) ⭐ Reviewer’s Preferred Choice
Dish Components
- Steamed Japanese rice (donburi style)
- Tempura prawns and vegetables
- Tempura sauce (tentsuyu)
- Miso soup
- Watermelon slices (dessert)
Dish Analysis
Appearance: Colorful presentation with golden tempura arranged over pristine white rice, drizzled with glossy brown tentsuyu sauce. The contrast between crispy tempura batter and fluffy rice creates visual appeal.
Quality Differentiation: The reviewer noted superior prawn quality compared to the udon dish:
- Larger prawn size
- Better texture (likely firmer, sweeter, more succulent)
- Enhanced overall taste
Sauce Enhancement: The tempura sauce (tentsuyu—typically a mixture of dashi, mirin, and soy sauce) adds significant flavor dimension:
- Umami depth from dashi
- Sweet-savory balance from mirin and soy
- Moisture that prevents the rice from being too dry
- Binding element that unifies the dish components
Set Meal Value: Includes complementary items that round out the meal:
- Miso Soup: Provides warmth, probiotics, and umami richness
- Watermelon Dessert: Light, refreshing finish that cleanses the palate after fried food
Dish Traits
- Textural Complexity: Crispy tempura, fluffy rice, tender prawns
- Flavor Layering: Multiple taste components working in harmony
- Completeness: Full meal experience with soup and dessert
- Better Value: More components for only $3 additional cost
Culinary Techniques Involved
Tempura Preparation:
- Batter Composition: Light mixture of wheat flour, egg, and ice-cold water
- Temperature Control: Oil maintained at 170-180°C (338-356°F)
- Coating Method: Prawns dipped in batter immediately before frying
- Timing: Quick fry (2-3 minutes) to achieve golden color without overcooking seafood
- Draining: Excess oil removed on wire rack or absorbent paper
Rice Preparation:
- Short-grain Japanese rice washed and cooked to proper moisture content
- Slight shine and individual grain definition
- Warm temperature to complement hot tempura
Sauce Application:
- Tentsuyu drizzled strategically to season without oversaturating
- Balance maintained so rice doesn’t become soggy
Best For
- Those seeking better value and variety
- Diners who prefer rice over noodles
- Anyone wanting a complete meal experience
- Repeat visitors (reviewer’s stated future preference)
Recipe & Cooking Instructions: Tempura Don
Ingredients (Serves 2)
For Tempura:
- 6-8 large prawns, peeled and deveined (tail-on)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 cup ice-cold water (with ice cubes added)
- Vegetable oil for deep frying
- Assorted vegetables (sweet potato, eggplant, bell pepper, shiitake mushrooms)
For Tentsuyu Sauce:
- 1 cup dashi stock
- 3 tablespoons mirin
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Grated daikon radish (optional, for serving)
- Grated ginger (optional, for serving)
For Assembly:
- 4 cups cooked Japanese short-grain rice (warm)
- 2 cups miso soup
- Fresh fruit for dessert
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients (20 minutes before cooking)
- Prawn Preparation:
- Make small incisions on the underside of prawns to prevent curling
- Pat completely dry with paper towels (moisture is tempura’s enemy)
- Keep refrigerated until ready to fry
- Vegetable Preparation:
- Slice sweet potato into 1/4-inch rounds
- Cut eggplant and bell pepper into strips
- Leave shiitake mushrooms whole or halved
- Ensure all vegetables are completely dry
- Make Tentsuyu Sauce:
- Combine dashi, mirin, soy sauce, and sugar in small saucepan
- Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes
- Remove from heat and keep warm
Step 2: Prepare Tempura Batter (Just Before Frying)
- Critical Temperature: Keep all ingredients ice-cold
- In a large bowl, lightly beat egg yolk with ice water
- Add flour all at once
- Mix with chopsticks in quick, rough strokes (10-12 strokes maximum)
- Important: Batter should remain lumpy—overmixing develops gluten and creates heavy coating
- Keep bowl over ice during frying process
Step 3: Heat Oil
- Pour oil into deep pot or wok to 3-inch depth
- Heat to 170-180°C (338-356°F)
- Temperature Test: Drop small amount of batter—it should sink slightly then immediately rise
- Maintain consistent temperature throughout cooking
Step 4: Fry Tempura
- Dusting: Lightly dust prawns and vegetables with dry flour, shake off excess
- Battering: Hold ingredient by end, dip in batter, allow excess to drip off
- Frying Prawns:
- Gently slide into oil away from you
- Fry 2-3 minutes until light golden (not brown)
- Remove when coating is crispy and prawn is just cooked
- Drain on wire rack
- Frying Vegetables:
- Dense vegetables (sweet potato): 3-4 minutes
- Softer vegetables: 2-3 minutes
- Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature
- Technique Tips:
- Don’t overcrowd the pot
- Turn pieces once during cooking
- Skim oil between batches to remove debris
Step 5: Assembly
- Rice Bowl: Fill donburi bowls with warm rice
- Tempura Arrangement: Arrange prawns and vegetables attractively on rice
- Sauce Application: Drizzle tentsuyu sauce over tempura and rice
- Garnish: Add grated daikon and ginger if desired
- Serve Immediately: Tempura is best enjoyed within minutes of frying
Step 6: Complete the Set
- Serve with hot miso soup on the side
- Provide fresh fruit for dessert
- Include green tea
Pro Tips for Restaurant-Quality Results
- The Secret to Crispy Tempura: Temperature control and batter consistency are everything
- Ice-Cold Ingredients: This slows gluten development, keeping coating light
- Lumpy Batter: Smooth batter = heavy, doughy coating
- Fresh Oil: Clean oil produces cleaner-tasting tempura
- Timing: Serve immediately—tempura doesn’t hold well
- Oil Recovery: Allow oil to return to proper temperature between batches
Comparative Dish Analysis
Ebi Tempura Udon vs. Tempura Don Set
| Comparative Dish Analysis | ||
| Ebi Tempura Udon vs. Tempura Don Set | ||
| Aspect | Tempura Udon | Tempura Don Set |
| Price | $23++ | $26++ |
| Base | Udon noodles in broth | Steamed rice |
| Prawn Quality | Standard | Superior (larger, better texture) |
| Sauce | Noodle broth | Tentsuyu sauce (more flavor impact) |
| Accompaniments | Broth only | Miso soup + dessert |
| Texture | Soft (tempura coating softens) | Crispy (coating stays crunchier) |
| Filling Factor | Very filling (large noodle portion) | Filling with variety |
| Best Season | Cold weather | Year-round |
| Value Rating | Good | Better |
Reviewer’s Verdict
The Tempura Don Set emerged as the preferred choice due to:
- Superior ingredient quality (prawns)
- Enhanced flavor from sauce
- Better textural preservation
- Complete meal experience
- Only slightly higher price point
Service Quality
Rating: 4/5
The service rating of 4 out of 5 suggests reliable, attentive service that exceeds baseline expectations. In the context of a casual Japanese family restaurant, this likely indicates:
Positive Service Aspects:
- Prompt seating and order taking
- Attentive staff checking on diners
- Timely food delivery
- Clean table maintenance
- Friendly, approachable demeanor
Why Not Perfect 5/5?: Without specific complaints mentioned, the 4/5 rating suggests solid, professional service that doesn’t quite reach exceptional or memorable levels—perfectly adequate for the restaurant’s casual positioning.
Value Assessment
Rating: 3/5
The value rating of 3/5 indicates fair pricing for what’s received. Analysis:
Cost Breakdown:
- Two set meals: ~$49 base price
- Green tea (2 persons): $6
- Service charge (~10%): ~$5.50
- GST (8%): ~$4.85
- Total: $65.35
Per Person Cost: Approximately $32-33 for lunch
Value Considerations:
Positive:
- Generous portions (especially udon)
- Complete set meals with accompaniments
- Prime location (Orchard Road shopping district)
- Consistent quality
Neutral/Negative:
- Pricing includes mandatory service charge and GST
- Green tea charged separately ($3 per person is notable)
- Location premium (Orchard Road pricing)
- Standard execution without exceptional standout elements
Market Context: For Japanese food in Singapore’s prime shopping district, this pricing is competitive but not bargain-level. Hawker centers offer cheaper alternatives, but without air-conditioning, service, or ambience.
Overall Rating & Recommendations
Overall: 3 TOPs (out of 5)
The 3 TOPs rating indicates a solid, reliable dining option that satisfies without particularly impressing. This restaurant serves its purpose well as a convenient, accessible Japanese meal option within a major shopping complex.
Who Should Visit
Ideal For:
- Shoppers at Takashimaya/Orchard Road seeking convenient Japanese food
- Families wanting reliable, familiar cuisine everyone will enjoy
- Business lunches needing private rooms
- Tourists exploring Orchard Road dining options
- Those with hearty appetites (large portions)
Less Ideal For:
- Diners seeking innovative or exceptional Japanese cuisine
- Budget-conscious eaters (hawker centers offer better value)
- Those wanting intimate, quiet atmosphere
- Adventurous eaters seeking unique dishes
Recommended Dishes
Based on the review:
- Tempura Don Set (Reviewer’s top choice)
- Ebi Tempura Udon (for noodle lovers)
- Consider exploring other menu items on return visits
When to Visit
Best Times:
- Weekday lunches (11am-3pm): Likely less crowded than weekends
- Weekend early hours (when 11am opening begins): Beat the rush
- Avoid: Peak weekend meal times (1-2pm, 7-8pm)
Delivery Options
Current Status
The review document does not mention delivery services. To provide current information about delivery options:
Likely Availability (Standard for Singapore restaurants):
- Third-Party Delivery Platforms:
- GrabFood
- foodpanda
- Deliveroo
- Shopee Food
- Considerations for Tempura Delivery:
- Quality Degradation: Tempura is notorious for losing crispness during transport
- Best Delivery Items: Rice bowls, ramen, and other dishes that travel better
- Timing: Order during off-peak hours for faster delivery
- Packaging: Quality restaurants use ventilated containers to minimize sogginess
- Recommendation:
- For tempura dishes, dine-in is strongly preferred to enjoy proper texture
- If ordering delivery, choose dishes less affected by transport time (donburi without tempura, ramen)
- Consider requesting sauce on the side to add just before eating
To Confirm Current Delivery Options:
- Visit Tampopo Grand’s website
- Check delivery app listings
- Call restaurant directly: +65 6735 2959
Practical Information
Location & Accessibility
- Address: 391A Orchard Road #04-28, Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Singapore 238872
- Nearest MRT: Orchard Station (North-South Line, Thomson-East Coast Line)
- Accessibility: Elevator access to 4th floor, wheelchair accessible
- Parking: Takashimaya parking available (charges apply)
Operating Hours
- Monday to Friday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM (Split session)
- Saturday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM (Continuous service)
Note: Weekend continuous service eliminates the afternoon closure, making it more convenient for all-day shoppers.
Reservations
- Phone: +65 6735 2959
- Recommended for: Private rooms, large groups, weekend peak hours
- Walk-ins: Generally accepted but may face waits during peak times
Payment Methods
- Likely accepts: Cash, credit/debit cards, contactless payments (standard for Singapore shopping mall restaurants)
Final Verdict
Tampopo Grand Takashimaya serves as a reliable, convenient Japanese dining option in one of Singapore’s premier shopping destinations. While it may not deliver extraordinary culinary experiences or exceptional value, it consistently provides satisfying, familiar Japanese comfort food in a comfortable environment.
The restaurant excels at what it sets out to do: offer accessible, family-friendly Japanese cuisine to shoppers and diners seeking a quick, pleasant meal without surprises. The extensive menu ensures something for everyone, while the various seating options accommodate different group sizes and privacy needs.
Bottom Line: A safe, satisfactory choice for Japanese food at Takashimaya, particularly recommended for the Tempura Don Set. Perfect for refueling during shopping trips rather than destination dining.
Additional Notes
Related TAMPOPO Locations
- Tampopo @ Takashimaya (Basement 2): “Regular” brand in same building
- Other TAMPOPO Group branches: Available throughout Singapore
Promotions Noted
- Japanese beer promotion: 5 cans for $48 (verify current availability)
Review Date
- Original review: January 31, 2023
- Menu and pricing subject to change
- GST increased to 9% in 2024
Always verify current information directly with the restaurant before visiting.
- Limited Information: Most establishments appear to be dine-in focused
- Takeaway Available: Several hawker stalls and coffee shops
- No Delivery Mentioned: For most locations
Tourist Accessibility:
- Highest Value: Maxwell Food Centre, Tong Ah Eating House, Original Katong Laksa, Atlas Bar
- Moderate Accessibility: Most hawker centres and established restaurants
- Advance Planning Required: The Ampang Kitchen, Burnt Ends reservations
Cultural Significance:
- Historical: Tong Ah (1939), Singapore Zam Zam (1908), Song Fa (1969)
- Heritage Preservation : Kim Choo Kueh Chang, Tan’s Tu Tu Coconut Cake
- Modern Innovation: Burnt Ends, Cloudstreet, % Arabica
Cooking Techniques Highlighted:
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