Japan continues to be the most popular travel destination for Singaporeans, with its rich culture, breathtaking scenery, and, of course, amazing food. While nothing beats dining in Japan itself, the good news is that you don’t have to wait for your next trip to enjoy authentic Japanese food!
Singapore’s vibrant Japanese food scene offers plenty of options to relive the experience right here at home. From hearty bowls of ramen to comforting kamameshi, sizzling yakiniku and fresh sushi, here are four restaurants to satisfy your cravings. These are made even better with exclusive perks from Citi Gourmet Pleasures.
Go straight to the featured restaurant:
🍜 Kageyama (Pasir Ris Mall) – Comforting ramen with an umami-rich broth.
🍱 Hanare by Takayama (Takashimaya) – A taste of refined, home-style Japanese cuisine.
🥩 Tajimaya Yakiniku (VivoCity) – A premium Japanese BBQ experience with quality meats.
🍣 Douraku Sushi (Gardens by the Bay) – Fresh, expertly crafted sushi in a beautiful setting.
Kageyama – Popular Ramen from Tokyo with Comforting Collagenous Chicken Soup
Bottom: Nankotsu Tori Paitan, Crispy Pork Ramen, hard boiled eggs and Karashi Takana
Our first stop is Kageyama, an award-winning ramen chain from Tokyo that stands out for its tori-paitan ramen. While most ramen spots serve a tonkotsu (pork-based) broth, Kageyama’s paitan is a chicken based broth. It is made by simmering chicken wings and bones for hours to create a deeply flavourful, collagen-rich soup that’s both comforting and satisfying.
You can choose between shoyu (soy-based) or shio (salt-based) broth, depending on your preference. They also have Spicy Kageyama Ramen for those who like it a little more spicy!
What makes Kageyama even more interesting is its variety of meat options. Instead of the usual chashu, they also offer crispy Hakka-style pork belly and tender braised pork soft bones. Both of these were excellent.
Kageyama has an impressive track record, making it onto Tokyo’s Ramen of the Year list for three consecutive years (2021-2023). Their prices are also very reasonable, with their shredded chicken ramen starting at S$10.80. It’s also a great spot for those with bigger appetites. Thanks to their free-flow noodles, karashi takana (spicy mustard greens), and hard-boiled eggs—you’ll definitely leave with a full belly.
Citi Gourmet Pleasures Special:
Receive S$5 return voucher with any spend on your Citi Card at all participating restaurant outlets under Japan Foods Holding (redeem with a min. S$50 spend)
Valid till: 31 Dec 2025
Click for more here.
Kageyama
Pasir Ris Central, #B1-39 Pasir Ris Mall S(519612)
Hanare By Takayama: Speciality Kamameshi Restaurant
Bottom: Dashimaki, Takoyaki, Chicken Karaage
Located in Ngee Ann City, Hanare by Takayama is one of the few Japanese restaurants specializing in Kamameshi.
Kamameshi is a slow-cooked rice mixed dish made in a traditional “kama” or iron pot. Hanare uses high-quality Koshihikari rice from Niigata, which has a lovely texture and absorbs the flavours of the ingredients beautifully. The dashi, made from kombu and katsuobushi, infuses the rice with deep umami, creating a comforting and flavourful dish.
Of the three flavours we tried, my favourite was the Miyazaki Wagyu Kamameshi, while Lisa preferred the Salmon & Ikura. We like that it is served with some condiments (like seaweed with the Unagi Kamameshi) that you can mix into your rice.
We did wish there was a bit more of the rice crust at the bottom of the pot, but the fuel cell is usually spent before it has the chance to develop the crust. Here’s our tip if you enjoy the rice crust. Simply request for an additional fuel cell and allow the rice to cook for a bit longer! Just make sure you don’t overdo it or you might end up with burnt rice instead!
Helming the restaurant is Chef Taro Takayama, who also runs his eponymous omakase restaurant, Takayama at OUE Downtown Gallery. He created Hanare to bring his version of comfort food to a wider audience.
“Hanare,” meaning an extension of a building or home in Japanese, is perfectly captured in the communal feel of the restaurant. The Japan-inspired decor, with its calming black, white, and brown tones, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
If you are looking to drop by for dinner, they also offer a Dinner Set Menu for Two at S$150++ that features their signature Kamameshi.
Citi Gourmet Pleasures Special:
3 Kamameshi for the price of 2 with Citi Cards.
Valid Till: 31 Aug 2025 (Daily from 3pm onwards)
Click for more here.
10% off with minimum spend of S$120 with Citi Cards
Valid till: 31 Dec 2026
Click for more here.
Note: offers are not stackable.
Hanare By Takayama
391 Orchard Road, #03-07, Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Ngee Ann City
Singapore 238872
Tajimaya Yakiniku at VivoCity
Bottom left: Sundabu Wagyu Soup (complimentary with min. spend with Citi Cards)
If you’re craving smoky grilled wagyu beef but want to avoid the lingering smell of smoke in your hair, Tajimaya is a perfect choice. With a high-performance exhaust system that handles the smoke efficiently, you can enjoy your meal in comfort without smelling like smoked bacon after the meal!
Their extensive menu features a variety of grilled meats. This includes Japanese Wagyu, Hokkaido Pork and Australian Wagyu, all served in a cozy, air-conditioned setting.
We tried their Japanese A5 Yakiniku Platter Set for Two. The meat platter includes seven different cuts of Japanese Wagyu and two cuts of Hokkaido Pork. The quality of the beef was outstanding, as you’d expect from Japanese A5-grade wagyu. However, for big meat eaters, the 360g serving of beef may not be quite enough. So you might want to consider ordering portions of meat in order to fully satisfy the need for meat.
For most, the rich meats should be sufficient. Moreover, the set also comes with 2 portions of Garlic Rice, Miso Soup and Chawanmushi, plus Tempura, Sashimi and Salad to share. If the meats don’t fill you, perhaps the sides will.
Citi Gourmet Pleasures Special:
Complimentary Sundubu Wagyu Beef Soup with min spend with Citi Cards
- Mon – Thur: S$100 min. spend
- Fri – Sun: S$120 min. spend
Valid till: 30 Dec 2025
Click for more here.
Tajimaya Yakiniku
1 Harbourfront Walk, Vivo City, #01-102/103
Singapore 098585
Douraku Sushi at Gardens by the Bay
Bottom: Highlights of Douraku Signature Maki Platter S$38++
If you’re craving sushi after strolling through Gardens by the Bay, Douraku Sushi offers a convenient and authentic dining experience. Located opposite the Cloud Forest entrance, this sushi bar shares its space with TungLok Seafood. That makes it a unique destination where children can enjoy maki rolls while grandparents savour steamed seafood.
The menu features both classic favourites like Uni Chawanmushi, Kaisen Don, and the Douraku Sashimi Platter. The Douraku Signature Maki Platter features 5 types of maki on a platter, which included an innovative Chilli Soft-Shell Crab Maki.
To elevate the dining experience, the restaurant also offers a selection of hand-picked sakes that pair beautifully with the dishes.
Signature offerings include:
- Douraku Sashimi Platter (S$138++): Chef’s selection of the day featuring four types of fish (three pieces each), oysters (four pieces), botan ebi (three pieces), and Hokkaido scallop (one piece).
- Douraku Signature Maki Platter (S$38++): A selection of five assorted seasonal maki rolls, handpicked by the chef (two pieces each).
- Hotate Ikura Don (S$32++): Sliced Hokkaido scallop topped with spicy mayonnaise and ikura, served over sushi rice with miso soup.
It may not be a destination solely for sushi, but if you’re undecided between Chinese and Japanese cuisine, this is one of the rare spots.
Citi Gourmet Pleasures Promo:
S$6 off every S$60 spend (discount capped at S$60) with Citi Cards
Valid till: 30 Dec 2025
Click for more here.
Douraku Sushi
Gardens By The Bay (Opposite Cloud Forest Entrance)
18 Marina Gardens Drive. Singapore 018953
Tel: 6022 0188
d’Arena Jurong (Opposite SAFTI)
511 Upper Jurong Road, Singapore 638366
Tel: 6262 6996
Conclusion
We hope to have tantalized your taste buds for Japanese cuisine ahead of your next trip to Japan!
Remember to check out all the other dining deals with Citi Gourmet Pleasures! If you are a Citi Cash Back Cardmember, you can enjoy 6% cash back* on all your dining too.
Savour even more savings with an exclusive welcome gift of S$300 cash back* when you successfully apply for a Citi Card. Sign up now. (*Terms and conditions apply. Valid for new Citi Cardmembers only.)
Happy Eating!
This post is written in partnership with Citi Gourmet Pleasures.
