Kanda Wadatsumi: An Authentic Taste of Japan at Refreshingly Delicious Prices

Craving sushi, mama? Head to Kanda Wadatsumi in Singapore’s “Little Japan” for a truly unique and authentic experience (and great set lunches!)

If you love sushi, mama, it’s time to head to Singapore’s burgeoning “Little Japan” district at Tanjong Pagar to check out Kanda Wadatsumi, a refreshingly authentic (and unassuming) spot with the some of the freshest, most innovative seafood in Singapore.

The restaurant offers a tantalizing range of set lunches and dinners at a variety of budgets; whether you want to splash out on the 8-course Omakase ($120++ per person) or opt for Wagyu or Tempura set meals ($40++), rest assured you’ll be receiving the freshest, most seasonable ingredients available, mama.

Kanda Wadatsumi actually works closely with the Zengyoren Japan Fisheries Association to bring in a range of fish and seafood directly from fishermen in prefectures all over the country (in fact it prides itself on its monthly “Prefecture Fairs” that highlight and celebrate ingredients from a different region each month).

The day I visited we dined on perfectly seared Yellowtail from Nagasaki Prefecture – beautifully dressed and bright in flavor – followed by melt-on-your-tongue Fatty Tuna Sashimi from Nagasaki as well.

Next up was Mackerel from Yamagata Prefecture, grilled with a simple yet invent combination of ginger and mango. The fish was soft and flaky, and warm, buttery flavours shone through.

Later on we tasted Wagyu Beef Sukiyaki from Kagoshima Prefecture (deliciously aromatic, rich, warm, and comforting), and sampled beautiful fresh fruits from Kouchi Prefecture.

Fish is flown in twice a week from Japan (on Tuesdays and Fridays), and in fact on the first Saturday of every month you can get free tasting portions at the sushi bar from 12-3pm (check the restaurant’s Facebook page for more details).

While I could go on and on about the sushi and seafood, the restaurant serves up much more. In addition to the aforementioned wagyu, I particularly enjoyed Homemade Sesame Tofu topped with sea urchin and house made wasabi (other key ingredients, like dashi and bonito, are also made in-house). The tofu was so smooth, it almost had the consistency of peanut butter. Brightened by housemade bonito jelly, I actually found it quite refreshing!

Yet another highlight (and a signature item) was the Sweet Shrimp Hot Pot Rice, a slightly crunchy dish almost reminiscent of paella, except for the silky, moreish texture of the Japanese sushi rice. I’m usually not a shrimp person, but is the kind of dish that we’d say in America “sticks to your ribs”: hearty, filling, and oh-so tasty. Before you know it you’ve dug your way down to the bottom of the bowl and are wishing you had room for more.

Kanda Wadatsumi’s set lunches start from $26++ and include sushi rice, miso soup, salad, and Japanese pickles. The sushi “Counter Set” Omakase starts from $50++, while the decadent 8-course Omakase makes for a special treat at $120++; compared to meals I’ve had at other topnotch Japanese restaurants around town, it’s excellent value, mama.

Opening Hours: Mon to Sat, 12pm-3pm and 6pm-11pm. Closed Sundays and public holidays.

Kanda Wadatsumi, 50 Tras Street, Singapore 078989, Tel: (+65) 6221 6264, www.kanda-wadatsumi.sg/en