In Singapore, you'll find the locals preference for food walking the thin line between brunch-fare and Japanese food. Or perhaps that's just me vouching for my own demeanour. More often than not, we see the soothing technicolour spread of donburi bowls permeating our instagram feeds; the notion of been satiated by a one-bowl meal so obliquely wholesome in a way.
Shifting our focus to the beloved Chirashi Don; "chirashi" which means scattered in Japanese by enlarge would get you a bowl of seasoned rice topped with scattered slices of raw fish, fish roe and the occasional tamago, if you're lucky. Sounding seemingly simple, the mark of a good chirashi bowl is balance. Quality sushi rice should be evenly seasoned with slicks of tangy, alkaline sweetness from the rice vinegar. Different types of fresh fish layered on top - bonus points granted for textural diversity and attention to colour variation. It's deviously simple constitution paving the way for huge success on some parts and epic failures for others. Read on for 5 of our favorite most affordable chirashi bowls in Singapore.
1. DSTLLRY (21 Media Circle, #01-01, Infinite Studios, 138562)
DSTLLRY needs no introduction, especially among the die-hard chirashi loving fans. Though highly inaccessible, this placidly shaded den is a multi-level temple to the glorious bowl that is their infamous Bara-Chirashi Don ($16.90) - hipster Asian eateries don't come much cooler. Super bang-for-buck, the sublime bara-charashi don is jammed pack with salmon, maguro and hamachi tossed in their secret sauce of mirin, dashi and soy sauce over a comforting bowl of rice.
2. Teppei Japanese Restaurant (Orchid Hotel, #01-18, 1 Tras Link, 078867)
Source: Jody Chen
Mention cheap chirashi and the light bulb encasing Teppei in a speech bubble would light up instantly. Tucked away in the tiniest of space in Orchid Hotel, the counter barely fits 20 diners at once, all positioned facing into the hustle and bustle of the open kitchen. Perhaps the proximity gets a little too close for comfort, but with so little time at hand during lunch, there really isn't much time to embrace the discomfort from invasion of personal space. Instead, settle down for their Bara-chirashi ($17.60); heavily seasoned, your taste buds don't ever get the chance to get bored. While the sashimi is the main attraction, its easy to get distracted by the delightful shoyu mirin mix that has seeped into the sticky rice bed.
3. The Sushi Bar (Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Road, #05-34/35, 238873)
Popular sushi bar in Far East Plaza has opened up a second outlet at nearby Takashimaya. Sowing the seeds of its zeal for premium yet affordable sushi further and wider. Order the Aburi Kaisen Chirashi Don ($26.90) without reservations, you'll be greeted by unadulterated freshness splayed out like a technicolour dream in a single bowl; salmon, tuna, swordfish, yellowtail, scallop and aburi salmon belly extending the textural foreplay. Definitely worth the trip and the long waits in line.
4. Sumiya (181 Orchard Rd, #12-02, Orchard Central, 238896)
Source: Shawn Loh
$18.80 - is the price tag pinned to this Bara-Chirashi Set. Best part, you don't even have to travel so far out to get your hands on it - situated high up on the 12th floor of Orchard Central, Sumiya is a true gem.
Crowds are common in the shopping district and if you're lucky enough to snag a seat, you'll be treated to a delicate Mix Bara Kaisen Don ($18.80) featuring a spread of assorted seafood sashimi chunks of rice; expertly seasoned, slightly tangy and perfectly portioned. Plus points for the free flow green tea , accompanying chanwanmushi, miso soup and mochi dessert.
5. Manzoku (18 Purvis Street, 188597)
Sure, Purvis Street is home to some of the best chicken rice in town (YET CON for the win!), but should you feel the cravings for Japanese creeping in, it might be a good idea to traipse into Manzoku for their splendid Chirashi Don ($25) - a truly exceptional hodgepodge of ingredients, sashimi in slightly thicker cuts than the norm. Bliss.
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Hop on over to download the Anymap application for my full list of Chirashi Dons on our local shores that won't break the bank. And if I might ask you a teensie favour, that would be to give your recommendations for more chirashi bowl options and pin them to my map on the Anymap app and I'll be delighted to give it a go!
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