NEX Isetan’s Japanese food fair Momiji Matsuri features over 30 stalls

Lovers of all things Japanese, your time has come – Isetan’s annual Momiji Matsuri has returned to NEX Atrium L1 from 5 Nov to 17 Nov 2024. This year, the event focuses on introducing new seasonal delights that reflect the traditions of the autumn harvest in Japan. 

There are over 30 vendors this round, and most of them have specially flown in from Japan to share their products with Singaporeans. Visitors can look forward to a large selection of Japanese delights, specially chosen to showcase the best of Japanese autumn.

You’ll find delights such as takoyaki and hashimaki, Japanese skewers known as kushiyaki, ramen, and even self-heating bentos. If you’re feeling particularly atas, there’s Wagyu beef bowls and sake as well.

We got the Original Takoyaki, which was covered in a cosy blanket of katsuoboshi flakes, dancing gently in the heat from the takoyaki. If you want something different, there are 3 other toppings: negi (green onion) mayo, mentaiko mayo and cheese. While the takoyaki was large and tasted good, it was very soft and almost disintegrated when we picked them up with chopsticks.

For fried items, we chose the Shishamo Kushiage (S$3.80), Chicken Cutlet with Cheese (S$6.80), and Crab Cream Croquette (S$3.80). The shishamo was unfortunately stone cold, but the croquette and chicken cutlet were nice and crispy, and oozing with cheesy, creamy goodness.

From the kushiyaki stall, we chose the following: Bacon Enoki (S$2.60 per piece), Tamago Mentai (S$2.80 per piece), Baby Octopus (S$3.20 per piece) and Chicken Leek (S$1.60 per piece). These make great accompaniments to say, a bowl of rice or even ramen. Our favourite was the tamago as the egg was well executed, even if the mentaiko was a touch fishy.

The Unagi Bento (S$17 for half size, S$25 for full size) isn’t any ordinary takeaway. Featuring a lovingly grilled slice of unagi atop a bed of Japanese rice, some pickles and a slice of tamago, this bento comes with a self-heating element that is activated by pulling a string to activate the heating pouch inside the container. Just leave it for 10 minutes to steam, and you’ll have warm food ready for you.

Of course, we can’t forget the sweets. No Japanese fair is complete without the iconic dango, which are available in different varieties. Our favourite has to be the classic Yaki Mitarashi Dango (S$4.50). Mochi balls are grilled and then coated with a thick soy-based sweet glaze that makes for a chewy, savoury bite with a gentle sweetness. 

For the more adventurous, try the Reward Dango (S$14 for 2 sticks), featuring dango served in a glass jar filled with glazes in unique flavours such as Ramune, the spicy Onikara and Matcha. Each is topped with a dusting of kinako (roasted soybeans) powder.

Apple lovers shouldn’t miss the Japanese Apple Crepe (S$12). Each delicate crepe is made on the spot before being carefully filled with custard, fresh whipped cream and chunks of sweet and crunchy Japanese apples. Truly a delight!

Is your mouth watering? Then head down to NEX for Momiji Matsuri and don’t miss out on this wonderful taste of autumn.

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