In a country where ‘blur’ is practically a universal trademark, En Japanese distinguishes itself with its alarmingly cheerful and attentive service. And the food is of an equally high standard. There are lots of Okinawan favourites, including succulent pork belly stewed in thick soy sauce with daikon, and bitter gourd sweetly hit with plum. The unagi fried rice – oiled and savoury – is perfectly done, as is the grilled fish head (which has been butterfly-cut, so, reassuringly, doesn’t look like a head). For rainy evenings, sit outside with a huge bowl of shabu-shabu and enjoy the fresh smell of rain.

River Valley branch: 6pm-12am Sun-Thurs; 6pm-3am (Fri, Sat & Eve of PH)
Bukit Timah branch: 6pm-12am Mon-Thurs; 12pm-3pm, 6pm-10.30pm (Fri, Sat, Sun & PH)