Reviewing a place is not easy at times. Caught between affecting a company’s reputation vs being true to yourself. Moreover on a personal note, I never like to put down a small business trying their best. As such it is with a heavy heart I have to give 2 stars. I hope that if I ever get to try this place again I would change the ratings. Note that this review is done in the best intention possible and that I fervently hope it would actually help this sincere business improve. They are having a 1 for 1 now which helps give people a chance to try the food without feeling too badly burnt. And I am now going to explain why this is definitely not a “Taste of Japan” Food quality: First off, cooked food does not do too badly on its own. Save for those with very sensitive taste bud, I think most people in general are quite easy going. However it’s when you have a culmination of collateral mistakes that sometimes food just go beyond taste. I tried 2 dishes, the Hamburg Steak curry rice and the Omurice Tuna. I cannot for the life of me recommend any of the two for the idea of getting “A Taste of Japan.” The Hamburg Steak Curry Rice did not use any form of Japanese curry. What I tasted was more akin to washed down Indian Vegetable curry. Japanese curry is sweeter and carries a thicker texture. The one I tasted had a hint of cardamon and star anise, flavours that belongs to a vegetarian Indian shop then a Japanese one. The potato was of the wrong texture. The Hamburg itself was a disappointment. Hamburg meat itself usually doesn’t go wrong but how did this one manage to taste overly salty? I was still scrubbing my tongue 15 mins after leaving the restaurant. The Omurice with tuna was another one that left me sorely lacking. First off, Japanese Omurice are usually fluffier and more “Fuwa”. This one was thin and hard. I won’t deny it’s a texture that Indonesians like but then don’t call it Omurice. The rice inside was saturated with tomato with little hint of Tuna taste. While I am not begrudging tomato being used in Omurice dishes, they tend to be done on the egg’s exterior and not cooked with the rice, destroying any other ingredient’s taste. The dish should be named Omu tomato rice instead, which then I wouldn’t be so upset at. The tuna’s meat was abit hard and not too much but it had the texture more akin to canned sardine. Sorry but those two dishes left my tastebud insensitive to anything else. PS: the only hint of a taste of Japan is the day green tea they served. That is standard genmaicha so it’s quite okay. Ambience: Quite okay. It’s a simple restaurant and I think it serves its purpose. They have a nice feature wall and have both indoor and outdoor dining options. I will give abit of bonus points for japanese anime songs being played (but that’s personal). Staff quality: Will have to say it’s good. The staff opened and closed the door for me (when he is available) and generally there are waiters serving people. Not too bad in that respect. Hygiene: I am typically easy going and don’t care too much about that (cos strong stomach). But this restaurant has to tighten up on cleaning their tables abit more. Did a simple tissue wipe and it was very dirty. Conclusion: If you want to try for yourself a different type of cuisine, now is the time while it’s having a 1 for 1 (until 23 August 2020). However if food quality does not improve, I will not recommend at all.

19 Aug 2020