Fortune Centre is known for some of the best hidden Japanese food haunts in town and this new-in-town secret requires you to keep your eyes peeled. Behind a seemingly listless row of Japanese vending machines hides a secret entrance to a Japanese izakaya that specializes in anything and everything umeshu. Boasting Singapore’s largest umeshu collection, the quirky 32-seater space even offers umeshu from Wakayama (near Osaka), widely known as the birthplace of the Japanese plum liquor.
Journey your tastebuds to 30-over variations of umeshu from the classic sweet and tart to something bold and spicy, all made available to enjoy on the rocks or as highballs. Otherwise, flip through the umeshu bible for crafted plum-liquor-based cocktails designed to feed your cameras. Definitely check out the multi-coloured Sea Garden ($18), a refreshingly floral tipple inspired by open-water diving in Wakayama.
While Umesan 100 only shakes up cocktails in the PM, its daytime alter-ego is a dry ramen bar dishing out Japanese-inspired nosh such as the signature Nagoya dry prawn ramen, the spicy angry asari soup ramen and some bar bites. Think crispy garlic chicken karaage ($16), spicy tuna avocado dip ($16), uni croquettes ($14), and Wagyu beef fried rice ($22). There is also an Umesan Nachi Pagoda ($20) platter that comes with freshly made assortments like soy-marinated wasabi, lobster salad and marinated clams.
But before you get too excited, doors only open to the public on May 30 so for now, it’d be wise to save this tab.
