Singapore’s Japanese dining scene has evolved dramatically over the years, transforming from basic sushi chains to a sophisticated landscape of specialty restaurants offering authentic regional cuisine. This comprehensive review explores 15 standout establishments that represent the best of what Japanese food in Singapore has to offer, from wallet-friendly comfort food to premium omakase experiences.
The Noodle Houses: Ramen, Soba & Tsukemen
Sanpoutei: A Niigata Specialty Worth Discovering
With locations at Shaw House and Holland Avenue, Sanpoutei brings something refreshingly different to Singapore’s ramen scene. Rather than the typical chicken or pork-based broths, this Niigata import centers its flavors around dried sardine, creating a uniquely umami-rich experience.
What Makes It Special: Sanpoutei is one of the rare places in Singapore serving authentic tsukemen, where thick soup broth is served separately for dipping your noodles. This technique allows each strand to be coated in concentrated flavor without becoming oversaturated.
Standout Dishes: The rich dried sardine tsukemen features house-made noodles with a perfectly springy, chewy texture. The soup stock combines dried sardine and fried bonito for layers of savory depth. For traditionalists, the Niigata shoyu ramen undergoes seven hours of preparation, resulting in a salty-savory broth that’s notably lighter than pork-based alternatives. The maze soba aburi chashu offers a sauceless option tossed in dried sardine oil and shoyu.
The Verdict: This is destination dining for those seeking something beyond standard ramen offerings. The seafood-forward broths provide a lighter yet deeply satisfying alternative.
Bari Uma: Where Simplicity Meets Perfection
Operating since 2003 in Hiroshima, Bari Uma has refined its ramen recipe to the point where the soup base is made in Japan and shipped directly to preserve authenticity. The Novena Gardens location offers consistently excellent bowls in a no-frills setting.
What Makes It Special: The dedication to consistency is remarkable. Fresh noodles are made for each serving, and the proprietary soup base ensures every bowl tastes exactly as intended.
Standout Dishes: The signature bari-uma features thick-cut grilled chashu in a pork-flavored shoyu soup that manages to be rich without overwhelming. The broth is thicker than typical shoyu ramen, with pronounced umami that never crosses into heaviness. The ajitama-uma adds a perfectly seasoned egg that’s well worth the upgrade.
The Verdict: When you want reliable, deeply satisfying ramen without pretension, Bari Uma delivers every time.
Tokyo Soba: Fresh Buckwheat Excellence
This Icon Village establishment focuses on what matters most: fresh, daily-made soba noodles that showcase the nutty flavor and ideal texture this Japanese staple deserves. Since opening in 2018, it’s become a go-to for healthy, light Japanese meals.
What Makes It Special: The attention to freshness means you’re getting optimal texture and flavor from your buckwheat noodles, whether served warm or cold.
Standout Dishes: The kamo nanban soba features smoked duck breast, an uncommon protein choice that adds welcome richness to the delicate broth. The 5 mushrooms soba creates a complex flavor profile that’s simultaneously umami, earthy, and subtly sweet. Both dishes demonstrate how quality ingredients can shine in simple preparations.
The Verdict: Perfect for when you want something satisfying yet light, with the comfort of knowing everything is made fresh that day.
The Specialty Houses: Focused Excellence
Tonkichi: Tonkatsu Mastery Since the 1990s
With prime locations at Shaw House and Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Tonkichi has been perfecting the art of tonkatsu for decades. The meats are carefully selected and trimmed to achieve the ideal balance of flavor and richness.
What Makes It Special: The interactive element of grinding your own sesame seeds adds a tactile dimension to the meal, while the house-made tonkatsu sauce provides the perfect finishing touch.
Standout Dishes: Choose between rosu katsu (pork loin with a strip of fat for richness) or hire katsu (leaner pork fillet) depending on your preference. Each set comes with a generous mountain of cabbage dressed in sesame sauce, miso soup, pickles, and rice. The chicken katsu offers an equally satisfying poultry option. The breading achieves that crucial golden crispness while the meat remains juicy.
The Verdict: This is textbook tonkatsu executed at a high level, perfect for both casual lunches and more deliberate dining.
Maji Curry: Award-Winning Japanese Comfort
Hidden in Square 2, this unassuming stall has won the title of best curry in Japan twice (2018 and 2022). Despite the cramped interior, the quality of the curry speaks volumes.
What Makes It Special: The ability to customize spice levels makes this accessible to everyone, while the twice-crowned “best in Japan” pedigree ensures authenticity.
Standout Dishes: The tonkatsu omelette curry combines Japan’s signature fluffy omelette with crispy pork cutlet and rich curry sauce. For those sensitive to heat, the cheese curry series uses creaminess to mellow any spiciness while adding indulgent depth. The set meal upgrade (just $4 more) adds salad and a drink for excellent value.
The Verdict: This is comfort food at its finest, with accolades to back up the bold flavors.
Tempura Udon by Mizuya: Generous Value
Located at Orchid Hotel Singapore in Tanjong Pagar, this spot is gaining recognition for accessibility and substantial portions. Unlike many tempura restaurants focused on shellfish, there’s variety including salmon and chicken options.
What Makes It Special: The portions are genuinely generous, with three pieces of protein and four pieces of vegetable tempura accompanying a hearty serving of carbs.
Standout Dishes: The udon noodles deserve special mention for their distinctive thin, slightly flat shape that’s firm yet wonderfully chewy. Pair them with the shake tempura for three large salmon pieces perfectly fried. The aburi bara shake chirashi don surprises as a non-udon option, featuring mushroom truffle rice topped with thick salmon slices and flame-seared cod roe.
The Verdict: Excellent value for money with portions that actually satisfy, making it ideal for hearty appetites.
The Sushi Specialists: From Casual to Curated
Tomi Sushi: Niigata Tradition Meets Accessibility
This successful chain, established in 1954, brings Niigata’s sushi heritage to multiple Singapore locations. The extensive menu and various seating options make it suitable for solo dining at the sushi bar or group gatherings.
What Makes It Special: The obsessive attention to ingredient selection extends from seafood flown fresh from Japan down to the specific brands of rice and salt used. This commitment to quality ingredients elevates every dish.
Standout Dishes: The osusume lunch set offers exceptional value with chawanmushi, various sides, and an assortment of nigirizushi and maki including premium cuts like maguro chutoro and otoro. The tochioage, a unique deep-fried tofu dish from Niigata prefecture, provides a taste of regional Japanese cuisine rarely found in Singapore.
The Verdict: Reliable quality with extensive options makes this ideal for introducing Japanese cuisine to newcomers or satisfying experienced enthusiasts.
Sushi Zanmai: Affordable Abundance
The Holland Village location of this 2007-established chain offers a nostalgic experience for those who grew up with major sushi chains, but with genuinely impressive value. Sushi pieces start at just 80 cents.
What Makes It Special: The sheer variety is staggering, with hundreds of menu options spanning classic and creative preparations. The welcoming staff help navigate the extensive offerings.
Standout Dishes: The thick-sliced sashimi and creative maki options like natto maki and hotate tobikko maki showcase variety, while favorites like salmon mentai deliver consistent satisfaction. The salmon zanmai set provides eight different salmon nigiri plus a salmon maki for exceptional value. Don’t skip the addictively crispy fried salmon skin.
The Verdict: This is budget-friendly Japanese dining done right, with quality that exceeds the low prices.
Sushi Airways: Where Theme Meets Substance
Located in bohemian Haji Lane, this aircraft-themed restaurant could easily rely on gimmickry, but the food quality justifies the visit. Sashimi arrives four times weekly from Japan, ensuring freshness in omakase and à la carte options.
What Makes It Special: The commitment to fresh ingredients flown in regularly means the aviation theme enhances rather than distracts from a genuine dining experience.
Standout Dishes: The flying set lunch offers incredible flexibility, allowing you to choose any four items from over 30 dishes. Strategic selection is key due to smaller portions. The soft shell crab hand roll achieves perfect crispiness and seasoning, while the beef yakiniku balances sweet and salty notes beautifully.
The Verdict: Fun atmosphere backed by quality ingredients, though careful ordering is needed to ensure satisfaction.
Kuro Maguro: Bluefin Tuna Specialists
This Guoco Tower concept by maguro wholesaler Misaki Megumi Suisan focuses specifically on bluefin tuna, a fish that’s notoriously unforgiving when not perfectly fresh. Special freezing and direct transport from trawlers ensure quality while maintaining affordability.
What Makes It Special: The direct-from-source supply chain and tuna specialization mean you’re getting exceptional quality at reasonable prices. The central Tanjong Pagar location also makes delivery convenient.
Standout Dishes: The negitoro meshi, available only at lunch, features minced tuna belly with green onion and pickles over rice. The richness of the fatty tuna belly creates a luxurious bowl. The creative tuna-based rolls, including premium o-toro roll, aburi toro roll with truffle sauce, and maguro mentai roll, showcase this underutilized ingredient in maki form.
The Verdict: A must-visit for tuna enthusiasts seeking quality and value.
Katachi Sushi Bar: Approachable Omakase
This intimate Orchard Plaza spot offers affordable omakase without the intimidation factor common at high-end establishments. The flexible seating policy makes the experience more relaxed.
What Makes It Special: Unlike rigid omakase venues requiring precise arrival times, Katachi Sushi Bar accommodates early arrivals and creates a welcoming atmosphere that makes omakase accessible to newcomers.
Standout Dishes: The takumi-gindara tier features the exceptional gindara saikyo yaki (miso black cod) as part of an extensive course including appetizer, seasonal sashimi, tamago, 12 sushi pieces, maki, and fish bone soup. The mid-tier options provide substantial value. The after-9pm shime sushi set offers eight quality pieces for just $38.
The Verdict: Perfect introduction to omakase dining with genuine quality at approachable prices in a cozy setting.
The Izakaya Experience: Casual Drinking & Dining
Public Izakaya: Authentic Atmosphere, Extensive Offerings
With locations at 100 AM and Icon Village, both branches stay packed thanks to an authentic Japanese izakaya experience combining classic dishes with innovative fusion creations.
What Makes It Special: The extensive menu ensures everyone finds something appealing, while the consistently large crowds testify to the quality and atmosphere.
Standout Dishes: The omakase oden set brings this comforting dish (difficult to find in Singapore) in six or ten-piece options. The jaga mentaiko transforms shredded potato into addictive, mentaiko-baked deliciousness. The tori chazuke offers simple comfort with chicken stock broth poured over rice and grilled chicken.
The Verdict: When you want the full izakaya experience with variety and reliability, Public Izakaya delivers consistently.
The Specialists: Unique Approaches
Waku Waku Yakiniku: Halal Premium Wagyu
Singapore’s first halal yakiniku restaurant on Bali Lane specializes in A5 wagyu while using real charcoal grilling for authentic flavor. The giant golden fortune cat at the entrance is impossible to miss.
What Makes It Special: The halal certification opens premium yakiniku to a wider audience, while the charcoal grilling adds complexity that gas cannot match. The space accommodates large groups with advance notice.
Standout Dishes: The beef platter showcases different cuts, allowing newcomers to discover preferences. The sagari (hanging tender) stands out for exceptional tenderness. The homemade yakiniku sauce complements without overwhelming the quality meat. The takoyaki mentaiko offers a creative break from meat-heavy ordering.
The Verdict: Exceptional for halal diners seeking premium Japanese BBQ, with quality that satisfies all diners regardless of dietary requirements.
Tora San: Colorful & Comforting
The Centrepoint’s third floor hides this vibrant restaurant that breaks from minimalist Japanese aesthetics with colorful murals and abundant paper lanterns. A tiger mascot at the entrance adds playful photo opportunities.
What Makes It Special: The lively interior creates energy unusual in Japanese restaurants, while the relatively quiet location makes it ideal for relaxed conversations.
Standout Dishes: The Mount Fuji kaisen don lives up to its name with seafood piled high on rice and crowned with shredded crab meat. The truffle seafood chawanmushi elevates the classic egg custard with earthy truffle notes for decadent richness.
The Verdict: When you want satisfying Japanese comfort food in a cheerful atmosphere rather than austere minimalism.
Paaru: Aesthetic Innovation
Hidden in Pearl’s Hill Terrace, this wabi-sabi styled cafe recently revamped from shokupan toast specialist to feature donabe dinner service while maintaining afternoon light meals and beverages. The tranquil space attracts queues despite remote location.
What Makes It Special: The aesthetic commitment to Japanese design principles creates an immersive experience, though space constraints can make it feel cramped.
Standout Dishes: The udon carbonara sounds potentially overwhelming with egg yolk, parmesan, mentaiko, and shiso leaves, yet the shiso’s mild astringency cuts through richness to create surprising balance. The financier represents the beloved sweets from the cafe’s earlier iteration.
The Verdict: For those seeking Instagram-worthy aesthetics paired with creative Japanese-Italian fusion, worth braving the queues.
Practical Considerations
Location Accessibility: Most establishments reviewed are centrally located or easily accessible via public transport. Orchard Road alone hosts Tonkichi, Katachi Sushi Bar, and Tora San. The Tanjong Pagar area concentrates several options including Kuro Maguro, Public Izakaya, and Tempura Udon by Mizuya.
Price Ranges:
- Budget-friendly: Sushi Zanmai, Tokyo Soba, Maji Curry (under $20 per person)
- Mid-range: Most establishments ($20-40 per person)
- Premium: Waku Waku Yakiniku, Katachi Sushi Bar omakase ($40-100+ per person)
Delivery Options: Most restaurants except Bari Uma, Sushi Airways, Katachi Sushi Bar, and Paaru are available on GrabFood with potential savings through GrabUnlimited.
Special Dietary Considerations: Waku Waku Yakiniku provides halal options, while several establishments like Maji Curry and Tokyo Soba offer vegetarian-friendly choices.
Final Thoughts
Singapore’s Japanese dining scene offers remarkable depth, from specialized regional cuisines to innovative fusion approaches. What stands out across these 15 establishments is the genuine commitment to quality ingredients and authentic preparation methods, whether that means flying in sashimi multiple times weekly, making noodles fresh daily, or importing proprietary soup bases from Japan.
For newcomers to Japanese cuisine, start with accessible options like Tomi Sushi or Sushi Zanmai to build familiarity before exploring specialized offerings like Sanpoutei’s tsukemen or Kuro Maguro’s bluefin tuna focus. Those seeking value will find exceptional quality-to-price ratios at Katachi Sushi Bar’s omakase, Tempura Udon by Mizuya’s generous sets, and Maji Curry’s award-winning comfort food.
The beauty of this guide is the diversity: whether you’re craving soul-warming ramen, perfectly crispy tonkatsu, delicate soba, or premium omakase, Singapore’s Japanese dining scene delivers authentic experiences without requiring a flight to Tokyo. The challenge isn’t finding good Japanese food in Singapore—it’s deciding which excellent option to try first.