Great food served in generous portions and affordable prices
Fried dishes are usually a crowd pleaser at restaurants, great for sharing. Although more often than not I like having the entire dish to myself. Which is why I was pretty pleased to know that I would be getting to eat authentic Japanese Tendon, or tempura rice bowl at Tendon Ginza Itsuki.
This restaurant is a result of collaboration between the popular chain Ramen Keisuke and the Ginza Itsuki Sushi restaurant in Tokyo, Japan. Having heard of the popularity of Ramen Keisuke and the acclaim of Ginza Itsuki, I stepped into the place with high expectations.
We first had the Special Tendon ($13.90), which consisted of rice, tendon sauce, and the fried components: prawns, chicken, egg and assorted vegetables. The first thing I noticed was how huge the portion was. Piled high above the rim of the bowl were all the fried food and at below it in the deep bowl was a huge amount of rice.
It was the same for the vegetarian option, the Vegetable Tendon ($12.90). Both are to be ordered as sets, inclusive of miso soup and Chawanmushi. Yes, and at only less than $15 for each one! I was quite surprised because the portion was already huge but it came with even more food. By then I was quite positive that even big eaters would get their fill from a single set or bowl here (well, unless you eat unimaginable amounts).
Food-wise, you get more than just the typical, satisfactory comfort you get from eating fried stuff. The ingredients are only fried when you order, so you get it hot and fresh. Also they the frying process is quick, which makes it a lot less greasy and oily.
The thickness of the batter was just nice with that crunch, and inside the tempura were fresh and succulent. The chicken pieces were not too dry either, and the vegetables still retained their sweetness.
The meat and vegetables are actually cooked in different oil temperatures for that to happen. The meat is fried at 170 to 175 degree Celsius while for the vegetables to keep their taste and nutrients, the temperature hovers at 160 to 165 degree Celsius.
Bonus: we got to try what will be the first ever, local ramen flavour by Ramen Keisuke, the Laksa Ramen Special ($15.00). This will be available only at the Suntec outlet from 1st to 31st August in celebration of SG50.
The thick soup, which was more like gravy, tasted similar to curry laksa types, with the taste of curry but also incorporating laksa elements like coriander in it. Mix in the spicy minced pork they give separately for some extra spice and flavour!
During its sales in August, this flavour is only limited to 50 bowls a day so get them while they are still available!
Located at Tanjong Pagar, this cosy, 24-seater restaurant offers only two main dishes – Special Tendon and Vegetable Tendon. While it may not sound like much, I do expect the place to be packed very soon due to its affordability and value. Tendon serves generous portions at reasonable prices, and the dishes are skilfully done and tasty with great ingredients.
Expected Damage: $15 per pax
Tendon Ginza Itsuki: 101 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088522 | Tel: 6221 6678 | Website
