R-eely Good: 8 Places to get your unagi fix in Singapore

huibing 01 Aug 2017

1/8
Bonta Bonta
Part of the Japanese Food Town in Wisma Atria, drop by Bonta Bonta for a taste of delicious Japanese cuisine like no other. Their rice bowls are their speciality here: with high quality grains that will serve as an equal complement to their amazing toppings. While we are big fans of the Bonita Special Donmaru Set that mixes the fresh seafood well, but our hearts are with the unagi don. The moist texture of the rice adds an additional level of flavour to the incredibly soft eel, making this a truly delectable dish.

435 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238877

Photo: Bonta Bonta
2/8
Man Man Japanese Unagi Restaurant
As Singapore’s first speciality unagi shop, Man Man Japanese Unagi Restaurant clearly deserves a spot in this list. The founder is no small name in the Singaporean food scene. Chef Yamashita Teppei has founded a chain of popular Japanese eateries in Singapore, and doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. With freshly imported eels straight from Japan, it is clear that providing high-quality meals is a priority for this restaurant. Whatever you choose to order, be prepared to be wowed.

1 Keong Saik Road, #01-01 The Working Capitol, 089109

Photo: @kalynishere
3/8
Mikuni
Mikuni is here to elevate your Japanese dining experience to the next level. Known for having an amazing teppanyaki and robatayaki stations, is it any wonder that they are amazing at grilling eels as well? While their summer menu is certainly intriguing, you can’t go wrong with their eel options. Choose their unagi don for barbecued eel (a classic way to consume unagi), or go for unagi kabayaki where it is slowly marinated and grilled.

80 Bras Basah Road, Level 3 Fairmont Singapore, Singapore 189560

Photo: @fundamentally_flawed
4/8
Tomi Sushi
With its origins in Japan, Tomi Sushi has established themselves rather solidly in Singapore. With four outlets found around the island, get a taste of that sweet, sauce-coated unagi at a location nearest to you. Bringing to you the best food from the Niigata prefecture, come in to have an authentic meal that will always please. With its close proximity to the sea, it is a given that their seafood is excellent and fresh, making their unagi don one you definitely should not miss.

9 Raffles Boulevard, #02-12/13 Millenia Walk, Singapore 039596

Photo: @doctoredesigno
5/8
Chikuyotei Japanese Restaurant
Having started their operations in Singapore since 1992, Chikuyotei has become a legacy for those seeking fine Japanese dining that is truly worth every cent. It has started out as an unagi restaurant, but has since developed an array of wonderful dishes that makes dining here a comprehensive experience. Their experience and knowledge with handling the freshwater eels have made them formidable in creating amazing dishes. Their unagi in an omelette is a sweet and savoury side dish that will delight, but stick with their unagi rice bowls for a more filling choice.

80 Middle Road, Singapore 188966

Photo: Chikuyotei Japanese Restaurant Facebook
6/8
Keyaki Japanese Restaurant
Keyaki is a go-to spot if you’re seeking great teppanyaki, but did you know that the rest of the menu is incredibly delicious as well? Located in Pan Pacific hotel, this restaurant is surrounded by beautiful greenery and an amazing view of the Singapore skyline. This creates the perfect backdrop for you to enjoy your mouthwatering dishes, much like their unagi kabayaki. Grilled eel, served with a generous portion of the sauce may seem simple, but Keyaki have managed to truly impress with a focus on technique and attention to detail.

7 Raffles Blvd, Level 4 Pan Pacific Hotel, 039595

Photo: Keyaki Facebook
7/8
Izakaya Nijumaru
Cuppage Plaza is home to great Japanese food, vetted and approved by visitors from Japan and Singapore alike, so it makes sense that it would have amazing unagi as well. Izakaya Nijumaru is one of the more popular options within the mall, known for providing a homely ambience that characterises many izakayas in Japan. Not only that, it is also well-frequented by Japanese, providing it a stamp of authenticity as well. Many flock over for their unajyu set, and you definitely should too.

5 Koek Rd, Singapore 228796

Photo: @incurab1e
8/8
Akasaka Yukun Steamed Unagi
There has been a rise of Japanese food centres and towns within Singapore, and Shaw Centre’s Japan Foods Garden has proved itself capable of standing up against the rest. The two highly raved-about options in Japan Foods Garden is their soba and unagi, and it stands to reason that there is something absolutely special about these two dishes in particular. Akasaka Yukun Steamed Unagi is the Japanese chain’s first venture outside of their home country, and they are here to make their mark, with a recipe that has been kept within the family for over 60 years.

1 Scotts Road, #B1-01 Shaw Centre, Singapore 228208

Photo: @geekyelephant

Still hesitant on trying this freshwater eel? Well, these 8 places might just change your mind.

For those who aren’t quite familiar with the concept of consuming freshwater eel, unagi might be an intimidating dish to order. After all, they don’t look very appetising and can look downright scary. Still, unagi has become a favourite for many. Often served in a Japanese rice bowl, the flavour of unagi is usually complemented with a tare sauce. The sauce is thick and sweet, adding another dimension to the soft meat of the eel. The contrast in taste creates an interesting mix, making this a savoury dish that has managed to capture many hearts.

And, okay, while there’s nothing much like getting your unagi fix in one of the speciality shops found around Japan, but flying down to satisfy your cravings can be a tad bit hard. But, if you are seeking for some amazing local places that serve up a delicious plate (or bowl) of unagi, you have come to the right place. Scroll back up and check out our gallery of the 8 best places you have to try for a good meal that is sure to impress.

Lee Hui Bing

Photo: Getty Images

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