Wahiro - New Year Osechi Lunch Set

I have reviewed this restaurant before, and surely I will do it again in the future. I regularly patronise this restaurant (the Katong Mall branch) as it remains one of my favourites for authenticity and value for money. Once again they delivered a gem of authentic Japanese cuisine for a very reasonable price. This is not the kind of thing any Japanese restaurant in Singapore would be able to put together, as it requires what I call passion for food culture.
This year Wahiro served a special Osechi Lunch and Dinner set. The lunch set was priced $35.00++.

After being served a wide and shallow red cup of cold home flavoured sake, the lunch started with a classic portion of sashimi: Tai, Maguro and Salmon. Tai and Salmon were extremely fresh.

Following the sashimi, the new year classic. It is a japanese tradition to have Mochi (rice cakes) for the new year. The clear yuzu flavoured soup included a selection of wonderful gems of Japanese cuisine such as yam balls and grilled mochi. This is the kind of Japanese soup that really makes me ecstatic for its sharp and clear flavour. Due to its simplicity, there's no room for mistake when making this soup and Wahiro serves one of the best. For those who never had a chance to try it, mochi in soup is a real delicacy, Crispy on the outside, and soft and chewy once you bite into it. Just take it easy and don't choke on it!

The main dish was a melange of Japanese ingredients prepared at their purest, Kaiseki style. Takenoko with katsuo bushi (bamboo shoots with dried bonito flakes), Gobo with vinegar (lotus root), Japanese omelette, Red beans, Ikura (salmon roe), Niboshi (dried fish), Salmon Kombu roll and more... The combination of delicate flavours gives you the opportunity to savour the intact aroma and texture of these seasonal ingredients like only Japanese cuisine can deliver. Out of all, the salmon kombu roll was definitely the highlight, together wih the Takenoko, which can also be tasted on its own on regular days as it's a resident dish at Wahiro.

The seasonal feast was followed by Tori Karaage (deep fried chicken), Miso Soup and Japanese rice. The karaage was not the regular one that's served in most restaurant. the picture should give you the idea of its crispiness, while the inside was moist and tender.

The meal ended with a slice of melon and one of orange.

For $35 per head, there is only one conclusion I can draw. I am looking forward to next year's celebration, hoping for another great deal such as this. Thanks again to Wahiro for bringing real flavours of Japan at really affordable prices.

Wahiro - Katong Mall branch
Website: www.wahiro.com