ISETAN Sakura Matsuri returns to NEX until 24 Mar, bringing Japanese specialties to SG

We all dream of Japan during cherry blossom season, don’t we? Still, with ticket prices during this coveted season so exorbitant, we don’t all have the luxury of boarding the next flight out. However, what you can do is head down to NEX, where ISETAN‘s Sakura Matsuri fair will ring in Spring from 12 to 24 Mar 2024.

ISETAN’s Sakura Matsuri is an annual affair in collaboration with NEX. Adorned with pretty pink Sakura flowers, the fair sprawls the whole atrium. It houses a wide array of seasonal Japanese delights from over 31 renowned Japanese brands.

With a variety of comfort foods, delectable desserts and premium fresh produce for you to peruse and relish, you’ll feel like you’re right in the streets of Asakusa, not a mall in Singapore.

To whet your appetite a little, why not start with some giant Seafood Senbei from Meijuya? You might recognise this super-sized street snack from your social media feed. It was made popular by visitors to Tsukiji Fish Market.

The large-sized senbei from Meijuya comes with either Tako (S$8) or Shrimp (S$7). Soy sauce-seasoned batter is poured onto a hot iron plate and then pressed with either octopus or shrimp. The product is a giant cracker with a pleasant crisp that nicely contrasts the chewy, aromatic seafood.

While we’re still on the topic of seafood-centric appetisers, Ishikawa-hailing Shibazushi has a variety of high-quality sushi. These include an irresistible Salmon Sushi (S$20 for 8 pieces) and their signature Red Snow Crab Sushi (S$25 for 8 pieces).

These meticulously crafted morsels are fresh and sweet, and are best paired with a premium 12-year Umeshu (S$13.90 for 1 cup, S$160 for bottle).

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Once your palate is warmed up, you’re gonna want to look out for deep fried chicken specialist Marunoya. As printed on an unassuming poster on the corner of their stall front, they’re a four-time champion of a Japanese fried chicken championship.

While the brand isn’t a newbie to the Sakura Matsuri, they’ve introduced something new this year: their award-winning Champion Chicken Burger (S$11). This karaage burger features a hefty, ultra-crispy chicken patty topped with cheese and tartar sauce, sandwiched within a crispy bun.

If you’re just feeling peckish, you can opt for a portion of their classic Fried Chicken (S$7.80 for 100g) or saucy YangNyeom Fried Chicken (S$7.80 for 100g).

Meat lovers, head straight for Hakusuino Kara. Here, you can indulge in a variety of Wagyu Beef Bentos such as the Wagyu Hamburger Steak & Wagyu Steak Bento (S$30) and the Wagyu Hamburger Steak & Fried Egg Bento (S$22) or some Wagyu Steak Skewers (1 for S$18, 3 for S$50).

Albeit on the pricier side, the wagyu beef is worth every cent – it’s incredibly tender and tasty. You’ll also be delighted to know that they’re grilled fresh on the spot.

Round off your meal with some Earl Grey Apple Pie (S$7.50) from Feal. These hot flaky pies are immensely fragrant, with the floral scent of Earl Grey black tea complementing the sweet cream cheese and tangy Japanese apples. Having been recognised as one of the Top 100 dishes by Japanese magazine Cuisine Kingdom, it’s truly a must-try.

You can also choose from Feal’s range of savoury pies, with the likes of a delicious Salmon Cream Pie (S$7.50) and Four Cheese Pie (S$7.50).

No Japanese food fair is complete without some taiyaki, right? Amane‘s Taiyaki (S$5 per piece) comes in 3 flavours: Sweet Red Bean, Custard and Chocolate. These fish-shaped pancakes are delightfully crispy and fluffy, and most importantly are chock-full of filling.

Among the fair’s many dessert choices, the Warabi Mochi (S$12 per box) from Bashodo also stood out to me. The mochi pieces are delightfully soft and sweet, and come in 4 flavours: Kinako, Green Tea, Sesame and Cocoa.

Boundless options await you at ISETAN’s Sakura Matsuri; I neither have the luxury of time nor stomach space to cover them all. Oh well, I guess that means you’ll have to check the fair out yourself!

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