Inari-ku: My Inari - Kitsune Udon

So we were at a friend's beautiful wedding yesterday evening and we spotted something on the buffet line. I'd already piled my makan onto my plate and then at then end I see these small plastic bowls all piled up and displayed for selection.

At first I though it was some sort of dessert but then I noticed something that looked like noodles so I thought maybe it's Laksa or something.... And then I saw the label.

"Well, it appears to be something Japanese in nature"... Like DUH.

Before I'd even sat down I was thinking to myself "What a great idea! And Halal some more! How come we'd never heard of this before??" And I couldn't wait to open up the little plastic bowl to what was inside.

Kitsune Udon ($4.00)

Udon! And quite a generous serving of it too!
So you get a nice serving of Udon noodles which were firm and springy to the bite. The noodles were swimming in a delicious broth and the combination of the 2 were just light and just nice for a tasty slurpy noodle experience.

The Udon was topped off with a few slices of Aburaage which is the sweet tofu slices which you normally get when you have Inari sushi. There were 3 (rather big) slices which was very generous because I feel that even just 2 slices would have been just nice. So you can see you're really getting your money's worth here.

Adam's Verdict:
Kitsune Udon 3.5/5

A quick check on their FB page shows plenty of Japanese delights ready for your enjoyment.
They've got an array of Sushi (including the awesome looking Lobster Inari), Ramen, Donburi and who knows what else they have but it looks awesome.

It's little wonder because the owner has apparently graduated from the Tokyo Sushi Academy! No wonder lah like power only!!

So glad that we stumbled upon this and looking forward to trying more from Inari-ku!!

PS a quick snippet of trivia for yous all. Did you know that 'Kitsune' actually refers to the Japanese legend of the 'fox spirits'? The dish Kitsune Udon is named after this legend because the 'fox spirits' were said to be fond of the Aburaage (sweet tofu)! Interesting right?

But we think the real question is... If the Kitsune were foxes... Then...

Inari-ku: My Inari

Pasir Ris Street 13
https://www.facebook.com/inariku.myinari

Junshin Express

So I heard about this new Halal sushi place at Bedok Mall selling sushi that costs only 50 cents.
That's right - FIFTY CENTS!! But the catch is that it's all takeaway so don't have any ideas about sitting down and picking sushi up off a conveyor belt.

The worst thing is - it's so close to my workplace!!
Normally that's a good thing right? Well, for some reason, the closer something is to my workplace or home, the more likely I'm not gonna go to that place for some time. Not on purpose or anything but I guess I just happen to pass it by because I think I can always go another time since it's so close to me.

Well, I finally managed to make my way down to Bedok Mall one morning.

So the concept is really simple - Sushi is 50 cents and it's all takeaway.
They also have stuff that costs more (between $1.80-$4.80) but that's big stuff like Temaki (Handrolls), Sashimi and even Chuka Idako.

But I'm guessing we're all gonna be like sharks going after the 50 cent Sushi.

Imagine like 7 or 8 of those displays for you to choose from!

You have your pick of familiar favourites like Sake Sushi (Salmon), Maguro (Tuna), Red or Yellow Ebiko (Capelin Roe), Kani Salad (Crabmeat), Shiromi (White Fish) and Tamago (Egg) among other things.

But there are also some other sushi which is definitely not something you come across everyday.
More on that later.

One of the things I noticed about the Sushi at Junshin Express is how neatly everything is packed. So Easy to just pick up and go. Smaller sushi like the Gunkan and Nigiri Sushi are individually packed in plastic and the bigger ones like the California Roll are packed in plastic boxes.

Besides the usual Sushi, they also introduce new items on the menu from time to time.
Specials like the Teriyaki Salmon and the Aburi Black Pepper Salmon Sushi are two of the best-sellers!! Don't worry I get to try them later.... hehehe

And even the special Sushi is 50 cents each!!!

Even the Gari (Pickled Ginger) and Wasabi are 50 cents each!!
Don't worry you get some Shoyu and Wasabi when you buy your sushi but if you're hardcore like us, you're definitely gonna want a lot of Wasabi!!

But ready-to-eat Sushi is not all that Junshin Express has to offer -

Teriyaki Sauce ($4.60)

Shoyu ($3.60)

Sushi Vinegar ($3.30)

If you're into making your own Sushi or into some Japanese masak-masak, they also have some Halal-certified ingredients for you too! No need to hunt so high and low anymore!

Anyways, enough build-up because it's time for the Sushi!!

Remember that I mentioned that they have some Sushi that we probably familiar with and then they also have some Sushi that may be new to us because they're actually pretty unique. Well, they were nice enough to let me sample some of the more unique types of Sushi they had and here I am to tell you more about it!

Junshin Express actually has a whole range of Sushi which is pretty much fruits and/or vegetables.
That's right. It's not a typo. FRUITS AND VEGETABLES SUSHI!!

But before that, I simply had to try 2 of their best-sellers...

Aburi Black Pepper Salmon Sushi ($0.50 each)

This is supposed to be #1 and the most popular Sushi they have and it's quite easy to see why.
'Aburi' basically means 'Grilled' so this salmon is cooked. The black pepper give it a nice kick but it is not too overpowering so you can still enjoy the flavour of the salmon and the sushi rice as well.

This would actually be a great start especially if you're having sushi for the first time. I think even those people who are afraid to try Sushi would have no problem with this!

Teriyaki Salmon Sushi ($0.50 each)

The salmon here is also cooked and coated with some yummy Teriyaki sauce.
A definite must-try for Teriyaki lovers (like me!!)

And then I started on the more unique ones...

Shimeji Mushroom Sushi

Burdock Sushi

Mountain Vegetables

Firstly, let me assure you, these are not as scary or unusual as you might think.

Burdock is a root and the Mountain Vegetables is made up mostly of mushrooms so there's nothing to be worried about. In fact, after you take a bite, you'll actually see they are really tasty. If you are fans of mushroom and the woody flavour you normally get with mushrooms, then you'll definitely want to try these three.

Yellow, Red and Green Bell Peppers Sushi ($0.50 each)

Bell peppers drizzled with some Teriyaki sauce. It's not as spicy or overpowering as you might think. But I guess this is more for the health conscious who wanna stick to all-veggies only!

Enough veggies how about some fruits!!

Strawberry Sushi

Kiwi Sushi

Red Apple Salad Sushi

Green Apple Sushi

Dragonfruit Sushi

Aburi Banana Sushi

I know you're probably had those fruits before but can you tell me that you've had those fruits as sushi before?? Well, here's your chance!!

The sweetness of the fruits versus the slightly-sour vinegar flavour of the Sushi rice is actually quite a good combination! And when they brulee fruits like the banana, it unlocks even more sweetness!

To be perfectly honest, I actually could not believe that they had sushi made up of fruit. I only realized how great it was when I actually tried it. It may seem like a strange idea but it's actually really good! Affordable and healthy and something new for you to try! I'm pretty sure the kids will love it! (Especially the Aburi Banana Sushi!!)

They even have other fruits like Rock Melon and Jackfruit Sushi!

But don't worry! I also bought some of the more usual (or maybe not all so usual) Sushi to being home and sample just to confirm that Junshin Sushi was the real deal!

California Maki ($0.50 each)

Chuka Idako (Baby Octopus)

Wakame Sushi

Sake Sushi ($0.50 each)

Kani Tamago

Otah Sushi

That's right. Otah Sushi!
The Otah itself actually had a bit of a spicy taste to it which was really tasty/ Definitely not something you see on Sushi everyday am I right?

The usual suspects like California Maki, Sake Sushi, Chuka Idako and Wakame (Seaweed) Sushi all make an appearance on the displays but they also mix things up a little with classic Sushi.
For example, instead of just Kani (Crabstick), they add some Tamago in and make it a 2-in-1 Kani Tamago Sushi.

And by the way, they also have 2 types of Crabstick sushi.
One is the Crab-flavoured fish sticks and the other is the real deal crab meat. So you have a choice depending on your preference.

I guess whether you are a seasoned Sushi eater or something just starting out (maybe even trying for the first time!), you definitely would not mind dropping by Junshin Express for some sushi.

It's convenient, the quality is good and of course - the price is really affordable.
You can even grab a whole boxful and bring it home for the family or even back to the office to share with colleague for lunch!

It's nice to have an alternative Sushi place where we need a quick on-the-go Sushi fix when we don't have the time to sit down and have a proper Sushi meal. Think Express... Junshin Express!

Junshin Express

Bedok Mall
311 New Upper Changi Road
#B2-20

Tel: 6844 9448
www.junshinexpress.com.sg

Operating Hours:
10am to 10pm Daily

Hei Sushi

Advertorial

Irrashaimase!!

Hei Sushi, Singapore's 1st Halal Sushi Belt Restaurant, is a firm favourite whenever we feel like having some good quality Sushi at affordable prices. And of course, it is still the #1 name when it comes to Halal sushi on a conveyor belt (we lovvveeee the conveyor belt!).

Did you know that they actually had 4 resturants?
One at Downtown East, one at Sembawang Shopping Centre, one at the Sakae Building in Tai Seng and also one at IMM. Of all the 4, we've only been to the on at Downtown Eat since we are based in the East.

But there's good news - a 5th restaurant is now open at Bedok Point!!
And on top of that, they've also refreshed their menu with lots of favourites and also some new and creative offerings to satisfy your cravings!!

 Let's start slow...

Chilled Spicy Asari ($2.38)

Are you big fans of clams like we are? Then you're gonna love this!
It's such a simple dish of clams in some flavoured dark sauce and given a bit of a spicy kick with chilli padi (which you can see there).

Definitely a good start!

Wagyu Cheese Neta ($4.38)

I dedicate this dish to my good friend Mr Firdhaus Jab who first texted me about this dish a few months ago. And it is fantastic.

So it's basically a Fried Maki on the bottom with some cheese and then topped off with some Wagyu Beef in sweet soy sauce. Sounds familiar?

They call it the Wagyu Cheese Neta but I call it the CHEESEBURGER SUSHI!!
And it's really delicious! I think I can keep wolfing these down non-stop! That Wagyu Beef is simply the bomb I tell you!

Sunshine Maki ($8.88)

A nice and crispy Fried Breaded Ebi (Prawn) wrapped up in a maki and topped-off with slices of mango! We've also tried the Dragon Roll Maki which has Avocado!

Definitely one of the more interesting bites at Hei Sushi!

Soft Shell Ebi ($4.88)

If your taste is for things a little more simple and traditional, then don't worry!
This is a soft shell prawn that they coat and deep fry to a prefect crisp! It's cooked through and the soft shell means you can pop the whole prawn in your mouth and eat it all! Head, shell and all!!

Shake Sashimi ($9.38)

And of course, there is the all-time favourite - Sashimi!

We are talking about premium slices of fresh Sashimi here! If salmon is not enough for you, then you have other choices too like Ika (squid), Kaki (oyster), Tako (octopus), Mekajiki (Swordfish), Hamachi (Yellowtail) and Maguro (Tuna)!

Hot Bean Hotate ($7.38 for 2 pieces)

Here is another must-try! Some Yakimono for you!

Scallop smothered in a hot bean paste and given a nice brulee so you have a nice charred layer on top.
The paste itself has actually got a nice spicy kick to it and kind of reminded me of Ikan Pari Bakar to a certain extent.

Unagi Yanagawa ($17.88)

Here's one for you to share.
Unagi (River eel) in a hotplate with some vegetables and egg. I'm not much of an Unagi guy but I know some people who definitely are!

Aji Shioyaki (Grilled Jack Mackerel) ($18.88)

This was probably my favourite dish of all the stuff we tried. And boy did we try a lot!
Everything was delicious but I guess sometimes I enjoy the simple things the most.

Here's an air-flown Jack Mackerel that they season simply with some salt and then grill it to sheer perfection and you just end up picking at it over and over again with your chopsticks. No fishy taste to be found here, only simple delicious grilled fish!

Just look at how perfect it is!

Spicy Shake Baked Rice ($4.88)

One of the newer sections in the menu is the Mini Baked Rice.
We tried the Spicy Shake (Salmon) Baked Rice which was delightful. There's a nice creamy cheesy layer on top but don't expect any cream mixed in with the rice okay.

And if salmon is not your thing, they also have Scallop, Eel, Soft Shell Crab and Sashimi Baked Rice for your dining pleasure!

Wagyu Ramen ($17.88)

Looking for something a little more hearty and soupy?
It's Ramen time!

The Wagyu Ramen was excellent and the beef was super tender. Tasty! And you have a choice of the flavour of soup stock for your Ramen! Choose from either Chicken, Curry or Kimchi!

Zarigani Udon ($16.88)

Another new section in the menu you'll notice is the Fusion Udon section.
They still have the traditional Udon and Soba dishes but if you're looking to try something new, then you'll definitely want to try some of these new dishes!

The Zarigani (Crayfish) Udon was actually my Brother's fave dish of the whole visit.
He literally cleaned the plate! That is how tasty it was! Black pepper crayfish with a creamy Udon so you can see how one might enjoy!

Check out the rest of their Fusion Udon dishes too!

Mango Avocado Milkshake ($4.98)

I decided to wash down my massive meal with a Mango Avocado Milkshake.
This really hit the spot and was so refreshing! And it was not too sweet so I was still able to savour the flavours of my food.

Hei Sushi's new menu has lots to choose from.
Sashimi, Salads, Sushi (Makimono, Nigiri, Gunkan, Aburi, Neta, Temaki, Inari), Tempura, Agemono, Yakimono, Ju, Ramen, Baked Rice, Soba, Udon, Nabemono, Habachi, Desserts and even Kiddy Sets!
And of course, you can always sit at the conveyor belt and take your pick of what comes along which is always a fun part of eating at a sushi restaurant.

Japanese cuisine is definitely one of our faves and we can see that it's really caught on as well. Thankfully we have Hei Sushi to bring us a wide spread of Halal Japanese food!

Visit their newest restaurant at Bedok Point today and bring your friends and family as well!
And don't forget the Wasabi!!

Hei Sushi

Bedok Point
799 New Upper Changi Road

Tel: 6441 0760
www.heisushi.com

Operating Hours:
11.30am to 10.00pm Daily

Ramadhan Special 2013: AquaMarine ft Chef Sahroni

Our original post on AquaMarine remains one of the most popular posts on The Halal Food Blog since we put it up almost a year ago. Well, we are sure they have been on the up and up since our last visit and they have something special to offer this Ramadhan.

This Ramadhan, AquaMarine has invited special guest Chef Sahroni all the way from Hotel Borobudur in Jakarta to serve up a special delectable spread for diners for Iftar this fasting month.

You can look forward to tucking-in to Indonesian favourites such as Sop Buntut (Oxtail Soup), Opor Ayam (Braised Chicken in Coconut Milk) and even a variety of Penyet Delights including Chicken, Duck, Fish and Squid.

You can still get the same favourite spread you love at AquaMarine plus some special Asian and International delights such as Chicken Tikka, Shawarma, Chawanmushi with Crab Meat and Baked Seafood Pasta with Fennel Cream sauce among other tasty regular favourites like Sushi and Sashimi.

Sop Buntut

Opor Ayam

Satay

Penyet Delights

For those with a sweet-tooth, rejoice for you can still get your fix of the delicious desserts at AquaMarine plus special desserts prepared top suit the special menu this Ramadhan.

Try the special Indonesia Kueh Lapis and puddings to end your meal on the sweetest of notes

Lapis Surabaya

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Assorted Indonesian Kuehs

Pudding

AquaMarine is also having a special lucky draw for the month of Ramadhan where diners stand a chance to win the Grand Prize of a pair of return-trip tickets to Bali on Garuda Indonesia (worth up to $680) and also other additional prizes such as Marina Mandarin Singapore's dining vouchers.

FYI, the hotel has prayer rooms (separate for gentlemen and ladies) on the 6th floor of the hotel  and kurma (dates) will be served for this special Iftar spread at AquaMarine. Best to call and make reservations especially if you'll be breaking fast with loved ones and family.

Insya Allah, hopefully The Halal Food Blog Team will get to sample the special spread at AquaMarine and spread the word to our readers on how it is! Watch this space!

Prices for the buffet are as follows;

Sunday to Thursday - $68++ per adult / $34++ per child
Friday and Sturday - $78++ per adult / $39++ per child

Aquamarine

Marina Mandarin Singapore
6 Raffles Boulevard
Marina Square

http://www.meritushotels.com/en/hotelinformation/marina-mandarin-singapore/dining-entertainment/aquamarine
Tel: 6845 1111

Operating Hours (Iftar):
Dinner: 6.30pm - 10.30pm