Japanese by the Riverside

Located in a revamped neighborhood, Shunjuu is a restaurant that serves a good Japanese meal. The restaurant was a random choice from a growing list of Japanese restaurant located at Robertson Quay, The Pier. This neighborhood embodies chic and has a large Japanese expatriate base. The atmosphere is decidedly relaxed, with wine bars and al fresco dining peppering the area.

   

A departure from the traditional Japanese cuisine Singaporeans are familiar with, Shunjuu does not serve any sushi or sashimi. Instead, it serves Izakaya with sumiyaki (charcoal grill) morsels and the widest range of sake in Singapore (all of them available by the glass).  With awards from Singapore Tatler and Wine & Dine, this restaurant maintains a standard that has impressed me time and time again (I have dined there at least 5 times in the past 6 months).

 

A must try, if you appreciate century egg, is their Tofu with Century Egg Sauce. A seemingly simple appetizer, this dish packs a myriad of flavors that will whet your appetite for more. The tofu is served chilled but topped with a warm sauce made of century egg.    

 

The great thing about this restaurant is that it is best for people who like variety, on a low carb diet or enjoy little dishes to pair with sake or wine. The Wagyu Beef was done properly and with every bite, the beef seems to melt in your mouth. A favorite of mine is the Foie Gras. Seriously, the foie gras was wonderful and I think about them every time I am in that area. The Stuffed Mushroom was decent and a typical dish that seems to be a favorite. Another must try dish is the Grilled Squid. You can have it grilled with a terikyaki sauce or just plain with salt. I suggest both, if you are a lover of squid. Every time I have it, it surprises me with its freshness. It is succulent and tasty, a great complement to sake.

 

 With the food and sake comes a great view of the river. It is simply a great al fresco dining destination for lovers of delicious Japanese grill. What it lacks, however, is a more attentive wait staff. The service was average at best and indifferent at worst. Service was slow and response from the wait staff could have been much much better.

 

Overall, Shunjuu is a great little Japanese restaurant which serves good quality Izakayu. The only drawback with this is perhaps the service. Yet, the food more than makes up for the lack in service.

 

A little suggestion: If you are searching for a night of chilling and relaxation, order a bottle of wine at the nearby Tasting Notes and ask the waiter to bring the food over. It is definitely a more pleasant experience than just sitting at Shunjuu itself.