For those uninitiated with the TAO Group, they are one of the largest hospitality businesses, owning clubs and restaurants famously located in Las Vegas. They’re also responsible for bringing us the likes of LAVO and Marquee, and now, KOMA.
Fitting for Marina Bay Sands, what awaits you is an opulent and glitzy dining hall which sits back-to-back with its equally impressive lounge. Sashay your way in through its looming torii gate and you’ll first arrive in the darkened, intimate lounge, before being ushered to your seat.
What struck me most was the unmissable, dramatic 2.5-metre tall Japanese bell that presides over both dining space and lounge.
Be sure to take your time to walk over to your table, and if possible, walk over the traditional Japanese footbridge to soak in the buzzing atmosphere of KOMA.
From the footbridge, glance across and take a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy as they hobnob in the glass private room that looks down on the floor (cue a flashback to that iconic casino scene in ‘Rush Hour 2’, with Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan).
It’s hard not to look up to their high ceiling and appreciate the fan-like structures that shelter the expansive dining space once I was shown my table.
Attention is given, down to the tiniest detail, as I observed hand-folded origami cranes being used as chopstick holders.
The Wagyu Beef Tataki (S$45) was unlike any beef dish I’d tasted. It was zesty and bright, yet earthy.
The thin strips were delicate to pick up, but I wanted to ensure every piece was dripping in ponzu and Tokyo Negi, complete with a pinch of wasabi to awaken my palate. It was dainty and extravagant at the same time—hands-down, one of the best beef dishes I’ve had the privilege of enjoying.
The cocktail menu is just as impressive as their food menu, with Lake Of Tokyo (S$22) being a surprisingly punchy concoction. It uses Plantation Dark Rum, Kodakara La France, pear purée, and lemon—great for intermittent sips in between each bite to cleanse your palate.
There was a subtle creamy mouthfeel, and a balanced sweetness that made this drink a great accompaniment for my evening.
Alternatively, the Mirabella (S$22)—which was made with a recipe of Plantation White Rum, mirabelle purée, and Kodakara Apple—is a cocktail that had a subtle tang that still left an impression on me, but didn’t dim the light on the true star of the show, which is the food.
Between the two, the former was a fruitier, sweeter drink, while the latter had a bolder, heavier flavour profile.
I was exceptionally excited to take a bite out of the Ahi Tuna Pizza (S$24). Notoriously known for its hefty price, I was delightfully surprised to see the entire pizza blanketed in ahi tuna (yellowfin tuna). It lay atop thin and crisp bread, along with a heap of cilantro, tomatoes, and charred jalapeños.
There was a nice kick of heat, a gratifying fattiness and the contrasting crispiness, all in a single bite. It was a good dish; too good to scarf down mindlessly. I still have food daydreams about this.
Speaking of food daydreams, another dish that remains vividly in my gastronomic memory is the Surf & Turf (S$58) maki. At a whopping close to S$60 price tag, it’s an extremely lavish creation. Fragile to the touch, Wagyu beef, Hokkaido uni, caviar, and truffle make up this exquisite maki dish.
It’s advisable to eat it in one bite to get the full experience (and to not waste any of the precious ingredients!). Instantly, my nose was met head-on with a perfume of truffle, followed by beautiful salty notes of the ocean from the uni and caviar.
The euphoria I experienced with this dish was pretty indescribable. When I peered at the menu to check the price, my heart skipped a beat and my stomach fell—only because I knew my return to KOMA would only be made possible if I was bestowed a sudden windfall of money.
Simply named Crispy Barbecued Chicken (S$29), one would not think much of this dish. After all, what could be so outstanding about poultry? It isn’t the fuss and complexity that a chef applies to a dish that makes it a memorable one; at times, the less embellished it is, the better.
Case in point, the barbecued chicken is simply complemented with cilantro lime dip, and crispy chilli garlic. I’m not sure what’s crispy about a sauce, but I saw past that and revelled in the lightly charred chicken skin and its thick, succulent meat.
There wasn’t a dry component in this serving, and I was duly pleased.
Let’s not forget the importance of vegetables with the Spicy Tofu Hot Pot (S$25). It arrived piping hot and looked deceptively spicy. I say ‘deceptively’ because even those with no tolerance for spiciness will be able to hold up against this dish.
The only thing hot about this was its temperature; remember to blow on it numerous times, unless you wish to burn your tongue as I did. There wasn’t any pizzazz to this dish, although I could appreciate the slight tang and sourness after each spoonful.
I deliberately ordered the Lemon Yuzu (S$16) instead of something chocolatey, simply because I felt like purification of my senses was necessary. Served in the form of a whole lemon, it was nice that I had the opportunity to play with my food.
Breaking through the bright yellow shell revealed lemon mousse and yuzu jam, perched atop cacao crumble.
I regretted my decision on selecting this dessert a little, only because I’m sensitive to extreme sourness, and this made me candidly scrunch my face. It was still revitalising, no less, and the sweetness of the lemon mousse helped in adding some much-needed respite from the sharpness of the yuzu jam.
The cacao crumble was an excellent touch, providing a mellow finish as well as crunchy gratification.
KOMA is in its essence, ostentatious. However, that doesn’t minimise nor devaluate its emphasis on stellar food. It made me wish I was swimming in an endless pool of disposable income and wondered if dining there again would be an attainable reality.
Should you have the means to set aside a handsome sum for a celebratory night out at KOMA, I assure you, you will be rewarded for your resolve.
Expected Damage: S$80 – S$150 per pax
Price: $ $ $
Our Rating: 5 / 5
KOMA
2 Bayfront Avenue, Marina Bay Sands Shoppes, #B1-67, Singapore 018972
KOMA
2 Bayfront Avenue, Marina Bay Sands Shoppes, #B1-67, Singapore 018972