Monzen@Gardens Review: Chirashi and Wagyu Beef Don That Can Rival Tanuki Raw

Adding on to the list of restaurants worth checking out is Monzen@Gardens . This newly began trading joint is tucked in the corner of myVillage@Serangoon Gardens and serves up Japanese-inspired rice bowls.

Swapping the ice-cream scoop for a chef’s knife might sound surprising, but the 32-year-old was heavily inspired to serve up Japanese rice bowls after a visit to Japan. Together with his brother, he enrolled in the prestigious Tokyo Sushi Academy in Tokyo to learn more about Japanese food. Food at Monzen@Gardens Alfred takes pride in sourcing the freshest elements, insisting that his sashimi be delivered fresh daily.

Bara Chirashi Don ($15.80+) features a generous serving of chopped salmon, tuna, swordfish sashimi, tamago, and tobiko that’s heaped over sushi rice. I in addition appreciated how there were fatty pieces of salmon inside the chirashi bowl, giving everything a pleasant burst of rich savour.

Koji Sushi Bar and Manzoku are a few notable players in my list of quality chirashi don at affordable rates, and Monzen looks set to join them. The restaurant as well serves up a limited selection of cooked food, which includes the Wagyu Beef Don ($18.80+) .

Wagyu beef is seared and served on a bed of white rice, then drizzled with a special truffle shoyu. The beef bowl is then garnished with garlic chips, green onions, and an onsen egg.

The beef was cooked to a nice medium and had an attractive sear to it. There is also a variety of bar bites that you can enjoy with the restaurant’s permanent happy hour promotion.

Their Kronenbourg Blanc and Asahi pints are going for $10 nett at any time of the day. Kaki Fry ($10+ for four pieces) are Japanese oysters that are breaded with panko crumbs and deep-fried to a golden-brown crisp.

Alfred is always changing his recipes per to feedback, and I’m sure that the oysters will turn out great next time. If you have the time, be sure to have a chat with Alfred after your meal.

He’s a chatty individual and will be more than happy to share more about Monzen and his time in Tokyo with you. Serving up tasty food with generous portions, Monzen@Gardens is a welcomed addition to Serangoon Gardens.

While there’s room for improvement, Monzen looks set to be a name for fans of Japanese food to remember in time to come.