Tendon Ginza Itsuki is a collaboration of Ramen Keisuke and acclaimed Ginza Itsuki Sushi (mainly selling sushi) restaurant in Japan. It was 8th concept outlet under the Ramen Keisuke brand and was started in 2015.
I was quite doubtful if the name lives up to the hype. However, every time we walked past this place, there is always a long queue for it, so like all Kiasu Singaporeans we wanted to try for ourselves and see if its really that tasty.
While you are in the queue, the usher will pass you the menu and also take down your order even before you step foot in the premises.
There is only 2 options from the menu though: Special Tendon or Vegetable Tendon.
Special tendon comprise of prawns 2 pieces, chicken 2 pieces, half boiled egg, vegetables 4 prices ($13.90). Vegetable tendon is served as pumpkin, shitake mushroom, lotus root, eggplant, 4 other vegetable ($12.90). The price indicated is really very attractive.
Once inside the restaurant, it totally reminds me of dining in japan. The light coloured cabinetry, long bar table and stools where you can see what the chef is doing. Space here is also very tight with a seating of 24 pax (explains the queue).
We ordered the special tendon set and while waiting, helped ourselves to the pickled vegetables on the table.
At first glance, i thought that this pickled vegetable is going to be very spicy but after eating i realized its not spicy at all. In fact, it was very crunchy and refreshing.
First up is the steamed chawanmushi. I like the taste very much as it is glazed on top with pickled seaweed. There are also mushroom, gingko, naruto and chicken slice within the steamed egg. I always have the pickled seaweed with porridge when i was young. So this dish brings back fond memories of the taste. Thumbs up for this!
I was literally wowing when the tendon is served. It was nicely topped up with various tempura and drizzled with a homemade sauce. For the vegetable tempura, we are given tempura mushroom, pumpkin, 2 long beans. The chicken breast is so tender and juicy after frying that i wonder if its really chicken. I wonder how they manage to get the chicken so soft and nice. All the tempura is well fried to thin crispiness. The flavours of the tempura mixed with the saurce is both salty and sweet and yet very delicious. The onsen egg with its runny yolk also brings additional flavour and texture to the dish.
This would one of the most satisfying meals i had for a while and what pleases me the most is the price is gentle on the pocket. I will rate this place a high 8/10 for all the positives i listed above.
Currently payment at the restaurant is only by cash so make sure your wallet is full of cash. Ka-ching$$$ As all the frying is done in the dining area, beware that the air is smoky, floors are a tad oily and you smell of the restaurant after leaving the restaurant.
I tried another Ramen Keisuke restaurant at Orchard Cineleisure which serves Ramen Crab broth but it wasn't a very pleasant experience but that's a story for another day.
Food tasted: 19 March 2016
Tendon Ginza Itsuki
101 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088522
Tel: 6221 6678
Opening Hours:
Monday - Sundays: 11.30 am to 2.30 pm, 5.30 pm - 10.00 pm
