Calling lovers of all things Japanese, we’ve just paid a visit to Emporium Shokuhin and I’ve found your Japanese foodie mecca. Located in Marina Square’s new retail wing, this exciting addition to the F&B scene houses no fewer than 8 eateries, a Japanese gourmet grocer and a live seafood market. It’s a unique concept and one that we couldn’t wait to explore further.
The first thing you’ll notice upon entering Emporium Shokuhin is it’s size, covering 34,000 sq ft this place is huge and super spacious. The interior is glossy and sleek causing me immediately to assume the worst, this place looks as though it would be selling high quality products at extortionate price points. How refreshing then to discover a key vision of Emporium Shokuhin is to deliver quality produce at seriously competitive prices. Hoorah to that, what a breath of fresh air. Cold Storage – take note.
With so much to do here I could easily lose several hours wandering around and sampling everything on offer. Which is precisely what I did do last week, here’s a run down of some of the awesome things you can do at Emporium Shokuhin.
1. Shop for seafood
The live seafood market at Emporium Shokuhin is a must visit. With fresh, live produce flown in three times a week from various global locations, you’ll be hard pressed to find quality seafood fresher than this. The frozen section also features a vast array of Japanese fish if you can’t bear to see your dinner swimming before your very eyes.
The Alaskan king crabs have to be seen to be believed, some of these bad boys weigh in at a whopping 5 kilos. Dip your hand in the tank at your own peril. We also spotted Scottish brown crabs, Boston lobsters, and amazing displays of live oysters.
2. Grab a beefy bargain
If you love beef, you will be impressed by the customised in-house facilities of Emporium Shokuhin’s market that allow the butchers to dry age impressive cuts on site. Featuring three types of beef from Australia, the USA and Japan, including Miyazaki A5 graded Wagyu beef, you really will be spoiled for choice.
Given just how prized some of this meat is, the pricing is competitive at about 10 – 20% cheaper than competitors. For the aspiring home cook, sourcing your beef from here really will impress your dinner guests.
3. Splurge on oysters and champagne at Umi+Vin0
Eating freshly shucked oysters whilst sipping sparkling wine is really as good as it gets. To indulge in this most luxurious of rituals, head on over to Umi & Vino, a contemporary European/Japanese seafood and wine bar.
We loved the relaxed atmosphere, great service, and delicious food on offer. As well as the oysters, we’d also recommend trying the lobster and king crab, both served warm. Both dishes were executed very well, the meat was plentiful, sweet and uber fresh.
You won’t find any fussy sauces or needless additions to your plate here. This is clever, simple cooking that allows the produce to speak for itself. Delicious. If you have room we’d also recommend finishing up with a Tiramisu, one of the best we’ve had in a long time. It’s boozy, suitably creamy, and not overly sweet.
4. Eat sushi at Senmi
Any self respecting Japanese emporium wouldn’t be complete without a casual sushi joint, and Senmi Sushi ticks that box here at Emporium Shokuhin.
In particular we were fans of the deliciously fatty bluefin tuna, the beautiful bowls of chirashi and the unique ‘Dynamite Maki’ that featured a slice of wagyu atop the prawn filled roll.
The Bluefin is delivered every Monday and Friday fresh straight from Nagasaki, it’s worth a visit to sample this alone. It’s rich, fatty and melts in the mouth like butter.
5. Check out the wine, whisky and sake collection at Takujo
Providing the high end fine dining experience at the Emporium is Takujo. Here you’ll find modern Japanese cooking in an intimate setting.
Foodwise, there’s a live seafood trolley where you can pick the catch de jour to be served up at your table. We were also impressed by the extensive wine, whisky and sake collection – with over 800 bottles stocked here you will not be disappointed.
6. Get a seriously good bowl of customised ramen at Borusu Honten
Ramen is taken seriously at Burosu Honten, the seafood and tonkotsu broths take no fewer than 11 hours to make. You can really taste the time it’s taken in the depth of flavour, the broths are rich, savoury and viscous.
There is no set menu here, it is down to you to decide exactly how you like your ramen. You can customise your broth type, spice levels, noodle texture and savoury strength, as well as adding in extras such as chashu, egg, additional vegetables or noodles.
Service is speedy and conveniently gets delivered through a hatch at the end of your table booth. Genius!
7. Pick up your favourite Japanese treats
The gourmet grocer at Emporium Shokuhin is a real treasure trove stocking a plethora of Japanese imported products. Featuring everything from seasonal fruits and vegetables to condiments and sweet treats, if you are craving anything Japanese no doubt you’ll find it here.
Take the time to browse the Ehime region section in particular, famed for it’s citrus fruits the marmalades and miso dips on offer from this Japanese prefecture are worth splurging on.
8. Get breakfast or lunch on the go
Check out the cafe and bakery at Kohi-Koji for your morning coffee and Japanese inspired pastries. With beans flown in from Panama and Brazil, you’re guaranteed a decent caffeine hit.
If you don’t have time to dine in at lunchtime, why not grab a sushi box, sashimi or a salad from the ready to eat section to take out. It’s good value, fresh and the perfect
9. Chill out with an ice-cream
Slap bang in the middle of the emporium you’ll find the ice cream station. Featuring a good selection of flavours ranging from plain vanilla to lavender, it’s a delicious way to cool down and the perfect snack as you peruse the aisles of the grocery section.
10. Attend seasonal fairs and live cooking demonstrations
Whilst any such events are yet to take place, keep an eye on their Facebook page and website to find out more. Given the standard of the rest of the Emporium, we’d place a bet on the fact these are going to be pretty awesome once launched.
Emporium Shokuhin is a unique concept and we absolutely loved it. Next time you’re in need of a Japanese fix you’ll probably find it somewhere under the roof of this epic foodie destination.
Emporium Shokuhin: 6 Raffles Boulevard, #01-18 Marina Square, Singapore 039594 | Tel: 6224 3433 | Website
Opening Hours: Live Seafood market – daily 8.30am – 9.00pm / Gourmet Grocer – daily 11.30am – 9.00pm / Senmi Sushi – daily 11.30am – 10.00pm / Umi & Vino – daily 11.30am – 3.00pm and 6.00pm – 10.00pm / Takujo – daily 11.30am – 3.00pm and 6.00pm – 10.00pm / Burosu Honten – daily 11.30am – 10.00pm / Kohi Koji – daily 8.30am – 8.30pm
