An in-depth exploration of one of Katong’s most beloved Japanese casual dining destinations
Introduction: More Than Just Sushi
Step inside i12 Katong Mall, and you’ll find a hidden gem. Sushi Zanmai isn’t just another sushi spot — it’s an invitation to taste Japan in every bite.
Here, the air is filled with the gentle hum of friends laughing and families sharing stories over plates that look like art. The menu goes far beyond sushi, offering steaming bowls of ramen, crisp tempura, and sweet mochi desserts.
Each dish is crafted with care, using fresh ingredients that speak for themselves. The prices are fair, so everyone can come back again and again — no special occasion needed.
Sushi Zanmai stands out because it makes great Japanese food easy to enjoy, any day of the week. You don’t have to fly to Tokyo for an honest bowl of udon or a perfect slice of sashimi.
Bring your loved ones, or come solo for a quiet meal. Let each visit become a memory worth savoring. At Sushi Zanmai, every meal is a reason to celebrate.
Ambience & Atmosphere: Contemporary Japanese Comfort
Interior Design Philosophy
Stepping into Sushi Zanmai feels like entering a modern interpretation of a traditional Japanese dining house. The restaurant occupies a prominent position on the second floor of i12 Katong Mall, strategically located to maximize foot traffic while maintaining an intimate dining atmosphere.
Design Elements
The interior design strikes a perfect balance between contemporary aesthetics and Japanese minimalism. Light wood furniture dominates the space, creating warmth and natural appeal that immediately puts diners at ease. The clean lines throughout the restaurant reflect the Japanese principle of simplicity, while the bright lighting ensures the space feels welcoming rather than stark.
Seating Arrangements
The restaurant’s layout demonstrates thoughtful planning for diverse dining needs:
- Family Tables: Spacious enough to accommodate families with children, complete with high chairs available upon request
- Intimate Booths: Perfect for couples seeking a more private dining experience
- Group Seating: Larger tables that can be configured for parties of 6-8 people
- Counter Seating: Ideal for solo diners who want to observe the kitchen action
Acoustic Comfort
The restaurant maintains a pleasant buzz without becoming overwhelming. The open kitchen design allows diners to hear the satisfying sizzle of tempura frying and the rhythmic chopping of fresh ingredients, adding to the authentic Japanese dining experience.
Menu Analysis: Beyond Traditional Boundaries
Sushi & Sashimi Selection
Despite the extensive menu, Sushi Zanmai maintains exceptional standards in its traditional offerings:
Premium Sashimi Options:
- Hama Sashimi Mori ($19.80): A generous platter featuring tuna, salmon, and yellowtail
- Deluxe Sashimi Set ($28.80): Includes premium cuts and seasonal fish
- Individual sashimi pieces ranging from $2.50 to $6.80
Sushi Varieties:
- Traditional nigiri sushi ($2.20 – $4.50 per piece)
- Specialty rolls including California Roll ($10.80), Salmon Avocado Roll ($8.80)
- Chirashi bowls ($16.80 – $22.80)
Rice Bowl Excellence
The donburi section represents exceptional value and flavor:
Signature Rice Bowls:
- Pork Belly Donburi ($12.80): Slow-cooked pork belly with soft egg
- Gyu Don ($9.80): Classic beef and onion rice bowl
- Chirashi Don ($18.80): Assorted sashimi over sushi rice
- Unagi Don ($15.80): Grilled eel with teriyaki glaze
Noodle Selections
From hot broths to cold preparations, the noodle menu covers all preferences:
Hot Noodles:
- Tempura Udon ($12.80)
- Beef Sukiyaki Udon ($13.80)
- Seafood Ramen ($11.80)
Cold Noodles:
- Zaru Soba ($8.80)
- Hiyashi Chuka ($10.80)
Grilled & Fried Specialties
The robatayaki and tempura sections showcase Japanese cooking techniques:
Grilled Items:
- Grilled Saba ($8.80)
- Chicken Teriyaki ($9.80)
- Grilled Salmon Collar ($12.80)
Tempura Selection:
- Mixed Tempura Platter ($14.80)
- Ebi Tempura (5 pieces) ($8.80)
- Vegetable Tempura ($6.80)
Signature Dish Deep Dive
Hama Sashimi Mori: A Masterclass in Freshness
Visual Presentation: The sashimi arrives elegantly arranged on a bed of crushed ice, with thin daikon radish strips and a small mound of wasabi. The fish slices are noticeably thicker than typical offerings, demonstrating confidence in the quality of ingredients.
Dish Features:
- Portion Size: 12-15 generous pieces (4-5 pieces each of tuna, salmon, yellowtail)
- Cut Thickness: 8-10mm thick slices, 40% thicker than standard offerings
- Temperature Control: Served at 4-6°C for optimal texture and flavor
- Presentation Elements: Crushed ice bed, julienned daikon, pickled ginger, wasabi, soy sauce
- Freshness Indicators: Bright colors, firm texture, clean ocean aroma
- Serving Time: 10-12 minutes from order to table
Flavor Profile Analysis:
- Tuna (Maguro): Deep red color with a buttery texture and clean ocean flavor
- Salmon: Bright orange with higher fat content, providing richness
- Yellowtail (Hamachi): Pale pink with a delicate, almost sweet taste
Technical Excellence: The knife work demonstrates professional skill, with each slice cut against the grain to maximize tenderness. The fish is served at optimal temperature, slightly cool but not frozen, allowing the natural flavors to shine.
Pork Belly Donburi: Comfort Food Perfection
Dish Features:
- Bowl Size: Large ceramic bowl (18cm diameter, 8cm depth)
- Rice Portion: 300g perfectly seasoned Japanese short-grain rice
- Pork Belly: 150g slow-braised pork belly, cut into 2cm cubes
- Egg Quality: Farm-fresh eggs with bright orange yolks, 7-minute soft-boiled
- Vegetable Components: 4-5 shiitake mushrooms, 2 scallions, pickled vegetables
- Sauce Volume: 60ml rich braising sauce for optimal rice absorption
- Garnish: Sesame seeds, nori strips, microgreens
- Serving Temperature: 65-70°C for hot components, maintaining warmth for 15 minutes
Preparation Method: The pork belly undergoes a slow-cooking process that likely involves braising in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. This technique, known as “kakuni,” results in incredibly tender meat that falls apart with minimal pressure.
Component Analysis:
- Pork Belly: Melt-in-your-mouth texture with perfect fat-to-meat ratio
- Soft-Cooked Egg: Jammy yolk adds richness and visual appeal
- Shiitake Mushrooms: Provide umami depth and textural contrast
- Scallions: Fresh brightness to cut through richness
- Rice: Perfectly seasoned sushi rice that absorbs the savory sauce
California Roll: Technique Meets Creativity
Dish Features:
- Roll Size: 8 pieces per order, each piece 3cm in diameter
- Rice Layer: 2mm thick sushi rice coating with seasoned rice vinegar
- Nori Quality: Premium roasted seaweed with crisp texture
- Filling Ratio: 60% crab meat, 25% avocado, 15% cucumber by volume
- Exterior Coating: Toasted sesame seeds and orange-tinted masago
- Presentation: Arranged on bamboo leaf with wasabi, pickled ginger, and soy sauce
- Structural Integrity: Maintains shape for 20+ minutes without falling apart
- Temperature: Served at room temperature for optimal flavor balance
Construction Details: The roll demonstrates proper sushi-making technique with evenly distributed ingredients and tight rolling. The rice-to-filling ratio is well-balanced, and the nori (seaweed) maintains its crispness.
Ingredient Quality: Fresh crab meat (or high-quality imitation crab), ripe avocado, and crisp cucumber create textural variety. The rice seasoning shows proper sushi-zu (vinegar mixture) application.
Tempura Soba: Light & Delicate Harmony
Dish Features:
- Bowl Specifications: Deep ceramic bowl (20cm diameter) with heat retention properties
- Soba Portion: 200g premium buckwheat noodles, 70% buckwheat content
- Broth Volume: 400ml clear dashi-based broth with subtle umami depth
- Tempura Selection: 2 pieces ebi (prawn), 3 pieces vegetable tempura
- Tempura Batter: Ultra-light coating with 0.5mm thickness for maximum crispness
- Garnish Elements: Sliced scallions, tempura flakes (tenkasu), seven-spice powder
- Serving Temperature: Broth at 75°C, tempura at 70°C
- Oil Quality: Fresh frying oil changed every 4 hours for clean taste
Technical Preparation:
- Noodle Texture: Al dente with slight chewiness, cooked for exactly 90 seconds
- Broth Clarity: Crystal-clear appearance indicating proper filtration
- Tempura Crispness: Maintains crunch for 5-7 minutes in broth
- Temperature Balance: Hot broth contrasts with room temperature garnishes
Gyu Don: Classic Comfort Redefined
Dish Features:
- Rice Base: 280g steamed Japanese short-grain rice with glossy finish
- Beef Quality: 120g thinly sliced beef (ribeye or chuck), 2mm thickness
- Onion Component: Sweet onions (80g) cooked to translucent perfection
- Sauce Composition: Soy-mirin-dashi reduction with 15% sweetness level
- Egg Addition: Optional raw quail egg or soft-poached chicken egg
- Pickled Vegetables: Traditional tsukemono assortment (50g portion)
- Serving Vessel: Traditional lacquered wooden bowl for authenticity
- Temperature Maintenance: Stays warm for 12-15 minutes after serving
Flavor Profile:
- Umami Intensity: Rich, savory depth from slow-cooked beef and onions
- Sweetness Level: Balanced sweetness that doesn’t overpower
- Texture Contrast: Tender beef against firm rice grains
- Aromatic Elements: Caramelized onions and beef create appetizing aroma
Hokkaido Red Bean Soup: Sweet Finale
Dish Features:
- Serving Size: 150ml portion in traditional ceramic cup
- Bean Quality: Premium Hokkaido azuki beans with natural sweetness
- Consistency: Smooth, velvety texture with some bean pieces for interest
- Sweetness Level: Moderate sweetness (25% sugar content) allowing bean flavor to shine
- Temperature: Served at 60°C for comfortable sipping
- Garnish: Single mint leaf and sesame seed sprinkle
- Nutritional Benefits: High in protein and fiber, relatively low in fat
- Cultural Authenticity: Traditional preparation method maintaining genuine Japanese taste
Pork Belly Donburi Recipe
Ingredients:
- 500g pork belly, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 2 cups Japanese short-grain rice
- 4 soft-boiled eggs
- 6 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, sliced
Braising Sauce:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 1/4 cup sake
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup dashi stock
Cooking Instructions:
- Prepare the Rice:
- Rinse rice until water runs clear
- Cook in rice cooker with 1:1.2 rice-to-water ratio
- Let rest 10 minutes after cooking
- Prepare Soft-Boiled Eggs:
- Bring water to boil, gently add room-temperature eggs
- Cook exactly 7 minutes for jammy yolks
- Transfer to ice bath immediately
- Peel when cool and set aside
- Braise the Pork Belly:
- Heat oil in heavy pot over medium-high heat
- Brown pork belly cubes on all sides (8-10 minutes total)
- Add garlic and ginger, cook 1 minute
- Add all braising sauce ingredients
- Bring to boil, then reduce to simmer
- Cover and cook 1.5-2 hours until fork-tender
- Prepare Vegetables:
- Sauté shiitake mushrooms in remaining braising liquid
- Cook until tender and liquid reduces to glaze
- Assembly:
- Place warm rice in bowls
- Top with pork belly and mushrooms
- Halve soft-boiled eggs and place on top
- Drizzle with braising sauce
- Garnish with chopped scallions
California Roll Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups prepared sushi rice
- 4 sheets nori (seaweed)
- 200g cooked crab meat or imitation crab
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- Sesame seeds for rolling
- Wasabi and soy sauce for serving
Sushi Rice Preparation:
- Cook 2 cups short-grain rice
- Mix with 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt while warm
- Cool to room temperature before using
Rolling Instructions:
- Setup:
- Place bamboo mat on work surface
- Cover with plastic wrap
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on plastic wrap
- Assembly:
- Place nori sheet shiny-side down on mat
- Wet hands and spread thin layer of rice over nori
- Flip so rice is on sesame seeds
- Filling:
- Place crab, avocado, and cucumber along one edge
- Roll tightly using bamboo mat
- Apply gentle pressure while rolling
- Cutting:
- Use sharp, wet knife
- Clean blade between cuts
- Cut into 8 pieces per roll
Cooking Techniques & Tips
Sashimi Preparation
Knife Selection: Use a yanagiba (sashimi knife) or very sharp chef’s knife Cutting Technique: Pull cuts in single motion, don’t saw Temperature Control: Keep fish cold until serving
Tempura Mastery
Batter Consistency: Mix flour and ice water minimally for light, crispy coating Oil Temperature: Maintain 340-350°F (170-175°C) Timing: Fry small batches to maintain oil temperature
Rice Perfection
Washing: Rinse until water runs clear (usually 5-7 rinses) Water Ratio: Use 1:1.1 rice to water ratio for proper texture Seasoning: Add sushi-zu while rice is still warm for best absorption
Service & Dining Experience
Staff Training & Knowledge
The service team at Sushi Zanmai demonstrates solid understanding of the menu, though there’s room for improvement in terms of proactive service and attention to detail. Staff members are generally friendly and accommodating, particularly with families dining with children.
Order Flow & Timing
The kitchen maintains good coordination between different stations, ensuring hot dishes arrive hot and cold dishes properly chilled. Average wait times:
- Sashimi and sushi: 10-15 minutes
- Hot dishes: 15-20 minutes
- Complex items: 20-25 minutes
Special Dietary Accommodations
The restaurant shows flexibility in accommodating dietary restrictions:
- Vegetarian options clearly marked
- Gluten-free soy sauce available upon request
- Children’s portions available for most dishes
Value Proposition Analysis
Price Point Comparison
Compared to other Japanese restaurants in the East Coast area:
- Premium Japanese: 40-50% less expensive
- Casual Japanese chains: Competitive pricing
- Hawker Japanese stalls: 20-30% premium but significantly better quality
Portion Size Evaluation
Most dishes offer generous portions that justify the pricing:
- Rice bowls could easily satisfy two light eaters
- Sashimi platters provide restaurant-quality thickness
- Noodle dishes include substantial protein portions
Quality-to-Price Ratio
The restaurant excels in providing restaurant-quality food at accessible prices, making it an excellent choice for regular dining rather than just special occasions.
Delivery & Takeaway Options
Delivery Platforms
Sushi Zanmai partners with major delivery services:
- GrabFood: Full menu available, typically 30-45 minute delivery
- foodpanda: Complete selection with frequent promotions
- Deliveroo: Premium delivery option with faster service
Packaging Quality
The restaurant uses appropriate packaging for different items:
- Sashimi arrives in insulated containers with ice packs
- Hot dishes use containers that maintain temperature
- Sauces and condiments properly separated to prevent sogginess
Delivery Performance
Based on customer feedback:
- Food Quality: Maintains 85-90% of dine-in quality
- Temperature: Hot items arrive warm, cold items properly chilled
- Presentation: Some visual appeal lost but flavors intact
Recommended Delivery Orders
Some dishes travel better than others:
Excellent for Delivery:
- All rice bowls (donburi)
- Sashimi platters
- Sushi rolls
- Grilled items
Good for Delivery:
- Tempura (though some crispness lost)
- Noodle soups (consume immediately upon arrival)
Not Recommended for Delivery:
- Items requiring immediate consumption
- Dishes dependent on temperature contrast
Seasonal Menu Changes & Special Offerings
Seasonal Ingredients
Sushi Zanmai adapts its menu based on ingredient availability:
- Spring: Cherry blossom themed presentations, spring vegetables
- Summer: Lighter dishes, cold noodles prominently featured
- Autumn: Seasonal fish varieties, comfort food emphasis
- Winter: Hearty hot pots and warming dishes
Limited Time Offerings
The restaurant regularly introduces special items:
- Premium fish during peak seasons
- Festival-themed combinations
- Collaboration dishes with local suppliers
Comparison with Competitors
Versus Premium Japanese Restaurants
Advantages:
- Significantly more affordable
- More casual, family-friendly atmosphere
- Extensive menu variety
Disadvantages:
- Less refined presentation
- Limited premium ingredients
- Standard service level
Versus Chain Japanese Restaurants
Advantages:
- Better ingredient quality
- More authentic preparation methods
- Superior ambience
Disadvantages:
- Slightly higher prices
- Less standardized experience
- Fewer locations
Versus Local Japanese Options
Advantages:
- Consistent quality standards
- Modern facilities and ambience
- Comprehensive menu
Disadvantages:
- Less personalized service
- Limited local adaptation
- Higher overhead costs reflected in pricing
Final Verdict & Recommendations
Who Should Visit
Sushi Zanmai at i12 Katong is ideal for:
- Families: Kid-friendly atmosphere and varied menu
- Casual Diners: Regular dining without special occasion pricing
- Japanese Food Enthusiasts: Authentic preparation at accessible prices
- Value Seekers: Quality ingredients without premium markup
Must-Try Items
- Hama Sashimi Mori: Showcases the restaurant’s commitment to quality
- Pork Belly Donburi: Comfort food executed perfectly
- California Roll: Well-crafted sushi basics
- Tempura Platter: Demonstrates technical skill
Best Times to Visit
- Lunch: Better value lunch sets available
- Early Dinner: Avoid peak hours for better service
- Weekdays: Less crowded, more attention from staff
Overall Assessment
Sushi Zanmai successfully fills the gap between expensive authentic Japanese dining and budget chain restaurants. While it may not revolutionize Japanese cuisine in Singapore, it provides consistent, quality food in a pleasant environment at fair prices. The restaurant understands its target market and delivers exactly what Singaporean families and casual diners seek: reliable, tasty Japanese food without the intimidation factor or premium pricing of high-end establishments.
Final Rating: 4/5 Stars
- Food Quality: 4/5
- Value for Money: 4.5/5
- Service: 3/5
- Ambience: 3.5/5
- Overall Experience: 4/5
Sushi Zanmai at i12 Katong represents solid execution of the casual Japanese dining concept, making it a worthy addition to the competitive East Coast dining scene and a reliable choice for quality Japanese food at accessible prices.
Restaurant Details: Sushi Zanmai
#02-01/02, i12 Katong Mall
112 East Coast Road
Singapore 428802
Tel: +65 6715 9300
Nearest MRT: Marine Parade (TE26)
- 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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