Two words: affordable Wagyu. Here, melt-in-your-mouth slices of A4/5 Miyazaki Wagyu fly off the shelves for only $29. Do it yourself and gently sear it over a portable binchotan grill or get the professionals to do it for you. Lay a strip over a vinegared rice ball with a lick of sweet-savoury sauce and all of a sudden, you’ve got the perfect vehicle to take you to Wagyu heaven.
Before we get carried away, this newly opened Japanese restaurant is none other than Ka-En Grill and Sushi Bar. Located at the ritzy Arcade of Capitol Kempinski Singapore, the casual joint serves up a classic range of Japanese cuisine: fresh sashimi platter, handmade sushi, and of course, grilled seafood and meats.
Besides Wagyu, the menu also showcases wallet-friendly Japanese delights such as the fortuitous Aburi Kaisen Chirashi Don ($45) with 12 kinds of fresh sashimi – most notably negitoro (bluefin fatty tuna), and a creamy indulgent Shiro Ebi Bukkake Inaniwa Udon ($22) jam-packed with tons of umami from the crispy Japanese glass shrimp. For weekday lunches, hearty sets start from as low as $14.
But if you’ve got room to splurge, the value-for-money premium Wagyu Jyu set ($35) presents grilled A4/A5 premium Miyazaki Wagyu, foie gras and shimeiji mushrooms. To complement the food, there is an extensive selection of sake showcasing different grades and prefectures. There is even an Otsumami Trio that features seasonal sakes to pair with three light bites: spear squid with eggs, lemon-marinated jellyfish and simmered herring roe with kelp and squid.
Suited for both business and casual settings, the space is versatile. The air-conditioned indoors is great for those looking to beat the afternoon heat while the rosy alfresco area is a popular respite for post-work dinner and drinks. There is also a cosy loft that seats up to 12 people comfortably, that is available for private bookings – you heard that from us first!
While casual Japanese joints are a dime-a-dozen in Singapore, it doesn’t take away from the value they provide with hearty portions that satiate us all. And Ka-En Grill and Sushi Bar is definitely one of the approachable ones that won’t break the bank.
