The third floor of Ion Orchard is home to luxury boutiques, upscale ateliers, and now, an affordable Japanese restaurant. Wallet-friendly finds aren’t typically associated with the upper stories of the swanky mall, but yet, Sen-ryo prides itself in providing exactly that: quality Japanese plates that won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
The brand hails from Tochigi, Tokyo, and has since expanded to open multiple outlets in Hong Kong. Its biggest claim to fame: premium seafood served at inexpensive prices. Fresh catch from Toyosu Fish Market, and around the world, is flown in twice a week to prep its extensive a la carte menu of sashimi, sushi, and more.
Choose to settle down at one of Sen-ryo’s many rooms. The sleek sake bar stocks a wide range of tipples, while the sushi counter offers prime views of catching the chefs in action. Cosy dining enclaves, with dim lighting and dark wood fixtures, provide a sexy, elegant setting to enjoy a meal.
Start with the tamagoyaki crowned with mentaiko sauce, or savour prized otoro, served in satisfyingly thick cuts. The menu also spotlights a line-up of Shokunin Sushi; rice from the Migaya Prefecture comes dressed with traditionally fermented vinegar from the Gifu Prefecture, then topped with abalone, uni, and negitoro.
Or choose to play sushi chef with the DIY Hokkaido uni. Construct a creamy handroll with all the fix-ins: fresh, creamy sea urchin, seaweed, ikura, and shredded cucumber.
Then warm the belly with a series of cooked dishes. Sip on soup from a teapot, brimming with brine and sweetness from the addition of scallops, prawns, and clams. And from the grill counter, snack on smoke-kissed beef tenderloin, glazed with yakiniki sauce; or bite on tender chicken thigh with charcoal-infused sauce. Save room for the kaisen soy nabe, where seafood and sweet potato noodles are stewed in a soy milk broth.
For those with time to spare, swing by during lunchtime on weekdays to enjoy the set menu at Sen-ryo. Most options offer a decadent selection of ingredients including the special bento of nine different dishes, wagyu sukiyaki, aburi sushi with udon, and more.
