[Media Food Tasting] Machida Shoten - No 1 Lekei Ramen Restaurant in Japan

It's not easy to search for authentic Japanese quality food in Singapore.

And when I do, I share on my blog with my readers to share the joy!

With thanks to Alvin from DessertingBeauty for inviting me to the media tasting, I have one more To-Go Japanese restaurant added to my list.

Located conveniently at Wisma Atria, which is just a stone's throw away from Orchard MRT station - It is not difficult to locate Machida Shoten, especially with its prominent Japanese-style decorations. 

(I was amazed to know that the brand has already opened 45 outlets in Japan!)

They offer a wide variety of appetisers and small bites as well.

Cha-Shu Croquette ($6)

Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, the Cha-Shu Croquette is made with seasoned minced pork that will tease your taste buds into yearning for more. If you were to ask me, I would say it is definitely a good appetiser before the main dishes. Don't worry as the sizes are considered small so the portion will not be taking much of your stomach storage space! Hahaha.

Here's a close-up of the minced pork fillings: - They tasted really fresh and soft! The exterior is really crunchy to a T so do have it while its hot to do justice to it!

Disclaimer: Tempting photos ahead. Not recommended to be seen if you have an empty stomach.

Homemade Shrimp Gyoza ($9.80 / 5 pieces)

The Homemade Shrimp Gyoza features the whole tiger prawn as well as shrimp encased in a crunchy exterior.

When I flipped the gyozas over, their base appeared to look burned or overcooked - but they are actually not because that is where the crispiness was derived from! 

Yes, I really the taste - No complaints about it. The encased tiger prawns were as fresh as they could possibly be, and had a "bouncy" texture to them. Soft and crunchy at the same time, I felt that I could finish all 5 pieces by myself. (But of course I couldn't as I can't be selfish lah)

Garden Salad ($9)

And for people who love salads, Machida Shoten has it too! Temper the meat indulgence with their Garden Salad, it is drenched with homemade curry dressing as well as non-oily ova leave vinegar for a flavourful finish.

Initially, I did not think that curry dressing would even be compatible for any salad (LIKE COME ON, CURRY?!?!)

But it was an unexpected twist for me as I somehow find the taste appealing after tasting one bite of it.

Seasoned Iberico Squareribs ($14)

The Seasoned Iberico Squareribs is an indulgent offering that are first boiled till they are tender, and then seasoned with Machida Shoten's very own original sweet soya sauce. I am one who is quite picky when it comes to pork ribs, but I will give it a A grade its tenderness!

I could literally taste the sweet sauce - The pork ribs are very well-marinated and the sweetness is penetrative to the taste buds.

Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice ($10)

Note: Yes this is quite spicy (Spicy level: 3/5) but spicy enough for my liking!

The portion appears small, but actually it can be VERY filling! Each mouthful exploded with the fragrance of shrimps (Trust me, you will LOVE it if you like the taste of shrimps)

However, do note that it will not be recommended for people who are allergic to prawns/shrimps. 

Shoyu Tonkotsu Ramen ($14)



One of the must-try dishes at Machida Shoten is the chef's recommendation, Shou Tonkotsu. This is the signature Yokohama-style irked ramen, and it serves the perfect combination of soya sauce and pork bone broth. You can enjoy noodles cooked to your desired softness or hardness and even choose from 3 levels of doneness for your noodles! The noodles are then immersed in a tonkotsu and soya sauce broth. There are various add-on ingredients, from seasoned egg to cha-su just by topping up a small amount.

I would say this fares better than many other typical ramen I've eaten at other places. The noodles did not taste "too overly cooked"but in fact, it was just right. It's no wonder this is classified as a chef's recommendation! I will give it a TWO thumbs up. 

Garden Veggie Ramen ($15) *Exclusive to Singapore outlet*

When it was first served to the table, I almost thought it was another plate of salad - but look closely, it's actually ramen! It looks so colourful, right?!

It comprises of 12 different fresh vegetables in a bowl an the broth is made with 7 types of vegetables too. Fried garlic oil is added to enliven the flavour. 

Honestly, I wouldn't say this is my favourite of the lot as the taste was more to the bland side - and I would suggest you to have this first before trying other ramens of stronger flavour. 

Miso Tonkotsu Ramen ($14) *Exclusive to Singapore outlet*

Don't be fooled by the photo - THIS BOWL OF RAMEN HAS AN OVERPOWERING TASTE.

This Miso Tonkotsu Ramen fuses the goodness of miso and tonkotsu soup base, and the miso that the restaurant uses is a blend of red and white miso. The dish is then topped with sweet corn, cabbage and butter for an extra kick.

If you were to have this before the Garden Veggie Ramen, I am sure you would not be able to taste any flavour from the Garden Veggie Ramen at all.

Personally, I feel that this is too strong for me (and I am not a fan of corn); so I wouldn't exactly classify it as a favourite.

One thing that I noticed though - The portion of their ramen seems to be huge; I would recommend sharing with a friend unless you are a big eater. 

Something random -I find this sign kinda cute - it is a guide of different ways to eat your ramen!

My favourite of the lot? I would still pick the Shoyu Tonkotsu Ramen.

And here's the chef behind the scenes - Many were actually going gaga over him as he looks quite cute! A young hunk who can whip up good Japanese dishes... I am not surprised everyone finds him attractive!

I feel like such a stalker. HAHAHA.

Address:

MACHIDA SHOTEN

Wisma Atria Level 4

435 Orchard Rd

Singapore 238877

Opening Hours: Daily 11AM – 11PM

Directions: Alight at Orchard MRT Station (NS22) and exit at Exit D towards Wisma Atria B1 (do not exit to Ion Orchard). 

Take the escalator (after OCBC bank) up until level 4, where the Food Court is located. Walk past it and you will see Japan Food Town. 

At the main entrance, walk further in and Machida Shoten is the second restaurant to your left.

[Review] The Sushi Bar - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

So I posted about this really AWESOME meal I had several days back on my Facebook and many of you have been waiting for the revelation. 

As promised, here's the answer: -

THE SUSHI BAR

Ok so I am not earning anything from this BUT I JUST HAVE TO post about this because the food was SO UNBELIEVABLY GOOD that I could not believe my mouth. 

So good that I invented a new word immediately known as "Mouthgasm".

The Salmon sashimi was so freaking FRESH and THICK (I repeat, THICK!!) that I literally FROZE in my seat when the first piece reached my taste buds. 

(Can you believe that this whole set cost only $11+++?!)

Other than exclaiming "OH MY GOD" over and over again, I was speechless. Wah!! The taste of full blast freshness and soft, tender salmon just sat comfortably in my mouth and every bite was SIMPLY pure bliss. No doubt about it.

I was reluctant to even swallow it down because I was really enjoying every single minute, second and millisecond of it. Where can you find such high quality shashimi in Singapore, you tell me?! I felt that I could just eat this FOREVER. 

 When I tried their other signature dishes (Miso soup, scallop, etc) as well, I soon developed goosebumps all over my body because the taste was SO awesome that I felt my spirit shot up to the sky in an instant and came back to my body. 

The super duper big bowl of generous serving.
This picture was taken before my spirit shot up to the sky:-

 The miso soup came in large bowl and every slurp made me jealous of myself because it's THAT good. I had to blink a few times to remind myself that I was NOT dreaming. Was this even real? Had I already entered heaven? God, every SINGLE dish I tried was mouth-watering and made me question the fact that such high quality of food indeed exist. I felt dizzy. Dizzy from being overwhelmed by the goodness in my mouth. I JUST CAN'T. What did I do to deserve this high feeling before 2016 ends?

 That's like the BEST food I have ever eaten in my living years. If you are thinking I am exaggerating, then TRY at least once to believe. Their food is superbly of out-of-the-world quality with GENEROUS quantity (can you imagine...THICK sashimi..) and the price is almost half of what other standard Japanese restaurants have to offer. They have got to be kidding but its just true. Do note that if you are eating their food, its NOT just food.  

YOU ARE EATING A PIECE OF FOOD THAT SEEMS TO BE FROM HEAVEN.

 This is one of their signature dishes, Wafu Spaghetti.
 

 Even if tomorrow is the end of the world, you will feel like the happiest person alive. 

 I am so happy now because the food was very rewarding after a hectic schedule, and all thanks to my dear friend Marie Lim who recommended me this place of a gem! I think I may burp from the filling food and I will love the smell of my burp. So GOOOOOOOOOOD. Mouthgasm mouthgasm.

Total damage: $81+ for 2 pax (inclusive of GST and service charge)



**I heard that advance booking is recommended, especially if you are planning to head down during peak hours (such as dinner time, etc).  They have two outlets in Singapore, 1 at Far East Plaza (which was the one that I went to for this review), and another at Ngee Ann City.

As below is the address of The Sushi Bar:-

FAR EAST PLAZA OUTLET:

14 Scotts Road ,Far East Plaza #04-28

Singapore

 NGEE ANN CITY OUTLET:

 391B Orchard Road, #05-34/35, 

Ngee Ann City, Ngee Ann City, 238874

 For reservation please SMS to 88183535 for Ngee Ann City outlet and 96536464 for Far East Plaza outlet. They DO NOT take reservation on weekends, public holiday and eve of public holiday.

Opens at 11:30am 11:30AM - 3:30PM, 5:00PM - 9:45PM

 **Okay, I repeat that this post is completely of my own opinion. Different individual may have different experiences as the taste of food is VERY subjective. I am just recommending what I think that are worth trying!

Exploring Singapore like never before!

Some people may find this crazy, but I've finally fulfilled a little wish of mine today - To bring my mum in exploring Singapore like we've never been!

If you are thinking that Singapore is a boring place, hopefully I can change your perception after this because I had such an amazing experience today that I just can't wait to share with all of you here! (If you are a foreigner reading this entry, then I hope that this blog entry can benefit you in your itinerary in one way or another, too.)

Having lived in Singapore ever since I was born (Sorry, but I am not gonna' reveal my age here *chuckles*), I have never experienced Singapore with such depth.

BELIEVE ME, being a tourist in your own country can be a really mind-blowing experience in a special way - and it made me burst with pride that such a beautiful place is where I call my homeland.

Before planning on an 1-day itinerary, I did quite a thorough research on the places AND most IMPORTANTLY, the PRICES that would cost to visit them.

Honestly, the prices can be sky high if bought over the counter (Sorry to say that things are not cheap in Singapore though). I took to the internet for better prices and managed to source for cheaper deals.

As below is my itinerary for the 1-day tour:

LUNCH @ My Dining Room -> DUCK TOUR -> SINGAPORE FLYER -> DINE-IN @ The Food Trail that' located below the flyer -> SINGAPORE RIVER CRUISE.

I managed to accomplish them within a day and without the irritation of crowd as I took a day off from work to enjoy the off-peak hours. Trust me, it was the best decision I've ever made. No squeezing with crowds, and we even had the luxury to enjoy a full-journey boat ride to ourselves during the trip (You shall read more about this in the later part of this entry)

We started off our one-day tour by having a sumptuous 6-course lunch at My Dining Room (located at Suntec City Mall) - I purchased the deal from Groupon and I would recommend it!

Here's the Groupon deal: -$69.60 for 6-course meal for 2 people (worth $170)

A real-life pic I took: (Haha)

Despite the fact that I purchased the deal through Groupon, the staff were very friendly to us throughout. Good customer service. Checked.

Our 6-course meal includes:

• Fish slices stewed with beer in hot stone pot
• Pan-fried Japanese king scallop
• Pan-fried Kurobuta pork
• Poached vegetables in Superior soup
• Whole abalone stirred in stone pot with noodles
• Chilled mango sago with pomelo

Sounds Gooooood?? We were served the menu in sequence!

Fish slices stewed with beer in hot stone pot. The soup was very tasteful and I enjoyed it.

Pan-fried Japanese king scallop. Not my big favorite as the texture appeared to be a bit too "dry" for my taste. Nonetheless, I still think it tasted good in general!

Here's a closer look at the scallop, purposely to make you salivate before your computer/mobile screens *feeling evil*

Pan-fried Kurobuta pork. Very soft and tender meat of premium quality! The after-taste would make you yearn for more.

Poached vegetables in Superior soup

Whole abalone stirred in stone pot with noodles. This is... SEDAAAAP! Look at that abalone!! I love the thick gravy as well.

Chilled mango sago with pomelo. Beautifully presented.

After satisfying our tummies, we proceeded to our first destination - which was the DUCW (Pronounced as "Duck") Tour!

In case you are wondering how it looks like, here's a picture I snapped just in time when one of the DUCW vehicles drove past us! It's just way too cool because ... Not only can this vehicle travel on land, but ON SEA as well. 

SO YES, this is actually an 1-hour guided tour in which you can experience being on LAND and on SEA on the same vehicle! It felt just like any bus when on the road, but it will "transform" into a boat when nearing the waters - and it plunged into the sea as we squealed in excitement.

(The interesting vehicle is an amphibious Vietnam era war craft during the WWII!)

CityTours - Captain Explorer DUKW Tour

The tickets that I purchased online and collected from a travel agency: (More details below)

Tickets have to be exchanged over at the counter for this sticker which is to be pasted on our shirts.

It was a real shame that we did not get to enjoy the ultimate experience due to the bad weather. It started to rain cats and dogs during the journey, which was somehow a spoiler... But I still managed to capture some nice photos to share!

And here we were - onboard!!

These were pictures taken when we were still on land:

It would pass by different iconic places of interest, such as historical buildings, etc.

Pardon some blurry photographs as I snapped them while the vehicle was moving.

The Fullerton Hotel looks beautiful!

The dark sky that would signal a rain... very soon.

Our tour guide during the 1-hour journey. She would introduce the history of certain buildings as we passed by.

I was waiting patiently for it to reach the waters (I have seen YouTube videos of the land-water transition and couldn't wait to experience it myself!!)

When the moment finally arrived...

The tour guide began to countdown, building our excitement even further.

"3...2...1..."

AND *SPLASH*!!!

My mum was laughing so wildly as we entered the sea. I wish I could've recorded that moment.

 The feeling was just... amazing. I swore I had an adrenaline rush.

Unfortunately, we were accompanied by rain throughout our journey on sea. We had to pull down the transparent plastic "curtains" so that we wouldn't be affected by the rain.

Urgh... Of all times... WHY, RAIN, WHY?!?!

I wanted to post this photo because this was a strange one. My camera did not have any color filter function and the result startled me. How did it turn out to be in this color?!?! It looks like an old age photo.

Ok, this doesn't seem that bad... Looks like an artistic photo, huh? It somehow makes the Singapore Flyer seem deserted.

So what happens to your photographs when there's a heavy rain?

We can play "Guess what it is" game.

 I know, I know. I was shaking my head in pity too. Can you image how awesome it would have been if there's a good weather??

NEVER MIND THOUGH. I can always come back next time again. 

*The perks of being a tourist in my own country *

Cost of a DUKW tour: 

$29.90 per pax (if bought over at their counter)

I paid: Lesser than $24.80 per pax (From Qoo10) . I've used Qoo10 coupons to gain even further discounts.

Some Important tips to remember BEFORE taking the DUKW tour:

-Reservation is highly recommended (Hotline: 6738 3338) . I made a booking almost one week in advance to secure the seats as they are limited.

-Reach 10 minutes earlier than appointed time. (We were actually late for our appointed time and was scolded by the counter staff as the vehicle was almost leaving)

-Do not sit in the first 2 rows of the DUKW craft as you are likely to get wet (The tour guide will most likely inform you on this before boarding)

Our 2nd destination: - The SINGAPORE FLYER!

It was easy to get to the Singapore Flyer after alighting from the DUKW Tour as they are basically within the same location.

However, we had to wait for the rain to stop before purchasing our tickets to board the Singapore Flyer. 

(Unfortunately, we did not purchase Singapore Flyer tickets online which would be cheaper. On-site prices are quite expensive, priced at $33 per ticket. Senior citizens would be $24 per ticket)

AND I've found online prices at only $22 per ticket!!! Urgh. As it would be my mum's first time to the flyer, we decided to go ahead with it despite the heart-pinching prices.

We sat down for tea-time just below the flyer while waiting for the rain (There was an announcement that the rides were temporarily suspended due to the weather so we had no choice but to wait)

I find this funny & interesting, and decided to snap a picture. 

(In case you do not understand what it means, this infographic is teaching their customers how to order their tea or coffee like a Singaporean! Hahaha)

Tickets finally purchased after tea-time. Very expensive, leh...

There was a walk-through known as "Journey of Dreams" before we reach the capsules to board the Flyer. It was quite interesting as it was like walking down memory lane with various historical photographs, completed with captions and stories of Singapore in its Yesteryear.

Bear in mind though, that there was a security bag check as well.

  A random photograph of a model of the Singapore Flyer.  I would love to own one!

Ok, let's just cut to the chase... I shall let the pictures do the talking!

Up, up and away... I tried to capture as many photos as possible so that I wouldn't waste the $33! *grits teeth*

The ride was a slow and steady one. It took around 30 minutes.

(Most importantly, my mum enjoyed her first ride on the Flyer!)

When we stepped down from the Singapore Flyer, we headed for some good food at the Food Trail that I've been looking forward to. I've mentioned it to my mum before as this place sells food that are nostalgic, mostly from her era.

 (Ok, I admit it is not my first time here so I know they have some really good food here)

I love the ambience!

Fried Oysters - $6 per plate.

VERY TASTY.

I'm sorry if it makes you salivate. Can't help it.

Main highlight: STINGRAYS.

A close-up, again. LOL

After our dinner, it was time for River Cruise!!!

(I purchased the River Cruise tickets beforehand online from the same seller as our DUKW tour.)

Initially, we had wanted to take the River Cruise from Boat Quay which we thought was the only jetty to board. Fortunately, we found a jetty near the Singapore Flyer by random chance and we were told that we could board the cruise there!

However, waiting time was inevitable. We waited around 20 minutes for a boat to arrive. 

BUT IT WAS OMG WELL WORTH THE WAIT.

BECAUSE IT APPEARS THAT THE BOAT WAS SPECIALLY CALLED FOR US! They let us have the WHOLE boat to ourselves. DAMN COOL OR WHAT.

Not only that, the staff had specially directed them to send us to Marina Bay Sands area just so we would be able to get to the nearest MRT, instead of the original standard route plan to return to where we came from. 

Thank you so much for the kind gesture!! Really appreciate it. :)

 There was a slight drizzle so I couldn't step out further to take more pictures.

No words can describe my emotions during the boat trip. I JUST WENT LITERALLY SPEECHLESS by the night view. Seriously, my photos can't do even 50% justice to the real deal.

Here's The Fullerton Hotel - The night view version!

Inside the boat:

The TV was turned on and there were commentaries on the history of Singapore. 

But I couldn't focus on it as I was too busy admiring the scenery!

At this point of time, I almost wanted to scream out loud at the top of my lungs..

"I LOVE SINGAPORE!!!!!"

Beautiful lights that added to the lively atmosphere:

Looking at the water felt so serene...

 All the photographs are uploaded raw here - which means they are not edited in any way.

And I think they look so beautiful already!!

MERLION!!

I ALMOST CRIED WHILE WATCHING THE NIGHT SCENERY. I couldn't stop mouthing "It's so beautiful. Oh my God, oh my God"

 And we were nearing our final destination... 

Cost of a River Cruise boat ride: 

$25 per pax (if bought over at their counter)

I paid: Lesser than $20.50 per pax (From Qoo10) . I've used Qoo10 coupons to gain even further discounts.

So that marked the end of our fruitful 1-day trip! 

Admittedly, it is not cheap to tour around Singapore - But I have no regrets because my main objective is to create wonderful memories for my mum. Memories and experiences are priceless - and most importantly, we enjoyed the bonding time we had together. Those, ARE priceless.

I would definitely highly recommend a Singapore tour for anyone. Never underestimate the amount of activities you can do in Singapore! 

If you are interested to purchase the tickets online, here are the links (I am NOT affiliated or being paid to advertise for them at all, but purely sharing the good finds!) 

They are definitely cheaper than over-the-counter tickets. AND They are trustworthy because you can collect the tickets from them physically at their shophouse, unlike some other sellers that offer only e-tickets. (I don't really trust e-tickets)

Link to cheaper DUKW Tour tickets

Link to cheaper River Cruise tickets

I hope you enjoyed reading my Singapore tour as much as I did writing it.

I would love to plan another tour in Singapore again - Probably to Sentosa area next!