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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 ($2.80) crowned with mentaiko sauce, or savour prized otoro ($24), 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 ($6.80), uni ($7.80), and negitoro ($11.80).
Or choose to play sushi chef with the DIY Hokkaido uni ($58). 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 ($6.80), brimming with brine and sweetness from the addition of scallops, prawns, and clams. And from the grill counter, snack on smoke-kissed beef tenderloin ($28), glazed with yakiniki sauce; or bite on tender chicken thigh ($7.80) with charcoal-infused sauce. Save room for the kaisen soy nabe ($32), 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 come under $30, and offer a decadent selection of ingredients including the special bento ($29.50) of nine different dishes, wagyu sukiyaki ($27), aburi sushi with udon ($18.80), and more.