Satowa Kitchen

I was finally able to go through the Joo Chiat area en route to Geylang Serai for the Malay Ramadan festival last Friday. Ever the foodie, I planned for dinner at Satowa Kitchen, a restaurant said to be specialising in Hokkaido fare. Of course, that caught my interest since I have not had any Hokkaido food ever so it went onto my "to-try" list.

Not familiar with that area, we passed the building's car park but luck was with us as we managed to find parking adjacent to the restaurant. I was happy because my growling stomach was asking to be satisfied!

The entrance of the restaurant was simple; the typical Japanese 2-cloth entrance with restaurant's name printed on it. We had a choice of seats as there was just a couple of patrons (Japanese!) sitting by the sushi counter. I wasn't worried about the lack of crowd given the restaurant's location. In any case, fellow Singaporean foodies had already given tried and tested reviews so I was confident.

The menu was neatly organised into appetizers and ala carte mains, with an option to make it a set meal (you also get a miso soup, pickles, rice, small side dish). We made our order rather quickly; each got an appetizers and a main to share.

The omelette (S$6), chosen by J, ever the egg lover, came first. It turned out to be different from what we had thought; we expected an American-style aka pan-fried omelette but it turned out to be tamago-style. It was less sweet than the usual ones I tried but I thought it was really plain. It was served with a large mound of grated daikon and I really don't know how else to eat it and I only had a couple of obligatory bites. It was a rather large portion given it cost $6! But I wouldn't order it again; nothing wrong with it but it was really nothing spectacular.

Up next was my choice of pumpkin and french bean salad (S$7). All the vegetables were fried a.k.a tempura-style but despite the frying, there was hardly any batter and hence, not at all oily or greasy-tasting. The accompanying dressing was rather unique; I couldn't really tell what it comprised of, but it was slightly sweet and really complimented the vegetables. I thoroughly enjoyed the salad and I think J did too, as he was constantly picking up the green beans (and he is not a veggie lover at all!).

I recommended the beef sashimi; J commented that the beef was fresh so it wasn't tough to chew despite being seared only on the outer 2mm. There was an accompanying soy sauce dip to give it some seasoning.

Finally, the grilled gindara in sweet sake and soy sauce came. Overally, it turned out to be a familiar dish and was only average. I thought either the fish was either 1) overcooked because it was not "oily" tasting (aka how I always associate cod to be) or 2) it could be a different variety of cod.

If you are in the Joo Chiat/Katong area and want something different, do give Satowa a try. It is not fine cuisine but for a slightly uncommon Hokkaido fare and also satisfy your craving for homely and comforting foods, Satowa is worth a visit.

Satowa Kitchen
451 Joo Chiat Road
#01-04
Tel : 64400092